Ahead of the release of their second EP, "Yobigoe," singer-songwriter Tei discusses their music, recording theme songs for anime series such as "Unnamed Memory," and what's coming next.
A singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, Tei has a clear, yet mysterious
voice. They began music activities in 2021, attracting attention particularly for videos posted on social media featuring them singing while playing a mini harp. They released their first EP Uka in December 2022, and have since been tasked with recording theme songs
for a number of anime series.
Tei's song Hitominaka was used as the ending theme of the anime series "Tsurune - Tsunagari no Issha," and they made their major debut with an EP with the same title in February 2023.
On July 24th, Tei will release a new EP called Yobigoe, the majestic title track of which is the opening theme for the anime series "Unnamed Memory." Shortly before the release, JaME had the opportunity to ask Tei a few
questions about the lead songs from the EP, anime, and their next steps.
For any readers who are not familiar with your work, how would you describe the music you make?
Tei: It’s Tei’s music. I’d like to convey it in one word.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Tei: I never set out to be a musician; it just sort of happened at some point. Life is interesting in that the more you chase after something you want or aspire to be, the more it often seems to slip away. So, I try not to chase after too much.
I always remind myself to just let things happen as they will.
Your song because is the ending theme for “The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash." What do you want to convey to listeners with this song?
Tei: This song is cheering on the protagonist of the anime. “Life’s journey may have its ups and downs, but you are strong, you are loved. Because you are here, the world is beautiful. If anything happens, we will be your light.” That’s the message
conveyed in this song.
Yobigoe is the opening theme for the anime series “Unnamed Memory." What was the process of writing and recording this song like? Is there anything about it you would like listeners to pay attention to?
Tei: On social media, I’m usually known as “the mini harp singer-songwriter,” but Yobigoe is a song that I can’t play on the mini harp at all. This was my first experience with collaborative arrangement, working with someone else to create
a song. Initially, in the demo I created, I used harp sounds that I could play. However, in the enhanced arrangement by Raku-san, he made modifications to the harp sounds. When recording the modified version, I had to change the tuning
for each chord. But then, I realized that this song was no longer just a Tei song or the song of a mini harp singer-songwriter; it was simply a song. It felt like a reincarnation story where I quit playing the mini harp!
In this song, the mini harp is treated entirely as a synthesizer. What I’d like you to pay attention to is the part where different lyrics can be heard from the right and left channels in the latter half. These lyrics express the feelings of
the two protagonists. This song embodies the concept of “Tei + ite,” a magical unit that exists only on my social media, where I split into two personas: the silver-haired Tei and the black-haired Ite.
You’ve performed quite a few anime themes. Are you a fan of anime yourself? If so, Is there any particular character or series you like or relate to?
Tei: Of course I’m an anime fan. I’ve seen quite a lot of anime works. There are so many that I can’t choose, but I generally like characters with silver hair. Regardless of whether they are well-cast roles or not.
What else can fans look forward to from Tei this year?
Tei: In the first half of 2024, there will be plenty happening with anime tie-ins and EP releases. As for the latter half, I’m preparing visual content, so please stay tuned for updates on my social media.
If you could perform anywhere in the world – in any city or at any event – where would you choose and why?
Tei: I’d prefer a venue with large speakers where the sound can fully fill the space, allowing everyone to enjoy my music together. My music includes a lot of lo-fi elements, and I want everyone to feel the resonance of these sounds together.
JaME would like to thank Tei and qdopp, Inc. for making this interview possible.
Links to download and stream the preceding digital singles from Yobigoe on various music platforms are available here. Physical copies of the EP are available for purchase here.
Footage of Tei performing Whispering Lights at the event Anime no Uta in 2023 can be viewed below.
