Interview with NANO

Known for both her original music and her covers of popular songs from other artists, rock singer NANO celebrated the 10th anniversary of her major debut with the release of her album NOIXE this February. Since then, she has been busy performing around the world, with more overseas dates to come. She is set to perform at Brazilian convention Anime Friends 2023 and Germany's Anime Messe Babelsberg in July, as well as American convention Matsuricon in August.

Just before these shows, JaME's Brazilian team had the chance to interview NANO about her career so far, and her hopes and expectations for her upcoming trips overseas.

Could you please introduce yourself, for those who may not know you yet?

NANO: Hello, I am a bilingual singer-songwriter born and raised in the US, who made a debut in the Japanese music field in 2012. Since then, I have had the opportunity to sing anime, game and movie theme songs, and have had many other wonderful experiences including going around the world to perform. It is a such joy to be finally coming to Brazil for the first time in my career.

You started your career posting covers on YouTube. Now, you are celebrating your 10th anniversary. How do you feel about this journey?

NANO: It feels almost surreal that so many years have gone by, but at the same time, it feels like it has been a very long and winding journey as well. I have experienced and learned so many things about music, and about life that I could not have experienced otherwise. Above all, it feels like a miracle that I am still running on this path towards my dreams.


You are a Japanese-American artist and you moved to Japan in your teens. What made you choose to be a singer?

NANO: Ever since I can remember, I have always loved entertaining the people around me. And I had a particular passion for the stage. I just loved the feeling of doing something live, and seeing the emotional reactions of the people watching. It is like a once-in-a-lifetime bond. Music was something that was always very near to me growing up, and so naturally, I came to discover that singing was one of the strongest ways I could connect with people emotionally.

How does your ability to speak multiple languages help you with song writing?

NANO: Of course English is a universal language, and is my main source of communication, but knowing Japanese as a native helps to deepen and widen my senses of imagination and expression. I grew up in a very culturally hybrid environment, so naturally, I am very open and curious about differences and uniqueness in the world. Japanese is also a very poetically beautiful language, which helps me to express things in ways difficult in the English language alone.

How did the experience of living in both America and Japan influence your music and style?

NANO: I grew up listening to a wide variety of music, from classical to western folk, rock, to Japanese pop, anime music, etc. So I feel like that has influenced my sound quite a bit. Even though I like to sing “rock”, I feel that my sound is not just categorized in one genre, and I like to mix and experiment with many different sounds. It also influences my personality as well. I never really feel that I am “Japanese” or “American”, and in a way, have always felt “different” no matter where I go. Sometimes it is very lonely, but that loneliness has helped me write the music that I have and so it is a price that I am grateful to pay.

Can you tell us about the artists from Japan and other countries who inspire you?

NANO: I love artists that have a lot of power, not just in their singing, but in their persona. Artists that are not just “good” singers, but have something they want to give to the world, like power and excitement, and have faith in their diversity. And artists who are not afraid to do something beyond the normal. I don’t really have one favorite artist, but I definitely have a lot of respect for artists like MIYAVI, YOSHIKI, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, LINKIN PARK, LiSA, MAN WITH A MISSION, and many more.

Which three songs would you recommend to people who want to start listening to your music and why?

NANO: Definitely songs that are more well-known and that I like to sing live, because it brings everyone together. Like SAVIOR OF SONG, No pain, No game, and DREAMCATCHER.


What anime genre do you prefer? Is there a particular franchise or genre you want to compose a theme song for?

NANO: My favorite genre is shounen, or action-adventure themed animes. I feel like I can relate to the main character in those types of animes. I would absolutely love to sing for shounen series, like JUMP, but the reality is, getting tie-ups is very difficult for such huge franchises. But I will keep fighting, and keep rocking on towards that dream.

When going overseas, is there anything you absolutely want to do or try?

NANO: I always find huge joy in seeing the different reactions of the crowds in different countries. I think every country has its own uniqueness and you can only really experience that when you actually go there to perform. Some countries may be more shy or outgoing then others, but in the end we can all connect and there is nothing more precious than hearing the crowd’s voices directly.

You are going to Germany to perform at Anime Messe Babelsberg very soon. What do you expect, and what are you especially looking forward to?

NANO: Germany was the first country I went to overseas, and so it is a very memorable place to me, so being able to go again is very special. I hope that I can not only re-connect, but also give a new and exciting experience to the people there.

Since you were announced as one of the guests for Anime Friends 2023, you have been interacting a lot with Brazilian fans on Twitter. Did you imagine that you had so many fans in Brazil, and that some of them have been following you for a long time?

NANO:Interestingly, I have always been aware of my Latino fans but I never really imagined there were so many people who know of me even now. It is like a dream-come-true to finally be able to go to South America. I am so excited to rock out with everyone there. It is going to be amazing.

During your career, touring in many countries, what were the main cultural shocks you experienced? What are your expectations for Brazil?

NANO: There aren't many huge “shocks” but food and everyday culture is always very interesting! I love knowing about what life is like in each culture. I’ve heard many great things about Brazil, and can’t wait to experience that first hand and make new discoveries.


What milestone do you want to achieve next?

NANO: To venture to more and more new places, to connect with more and more people through my music. It is a never-ending journey.

Could you please leave a message to the Brazilian and German fans who are waiting to see you?

NANO: First and foremost, thank you so much for this opportunity to go and perform for you. It is such an honor and joy to finally be able to meet you. I know it will be a special experience for all of us and cannot wait. So come rock on with me, with everything you’ve got. Let’s go!

JaME would like to thank NANO and her team for making this interview possible.

The music video for Evolution, a song featured on NANO's latest album NOIXE, can be viewed below. Download or stream NOIXE here.