Riko Sasaki's Journey: A Path of Passion
Riko Sasaki's new album RI PATHOS is a collection of songs that reflect her journey as a singer and voice actor, with themes of passion and perseverance. The album includes 10 new songs, each with a unique theme and style.
--First of all, what theme did you want to make an album about?
It's been 10 years since I started my career as a singer and voice actor, and I've started to face myself more and more. Therefore, I once again wanted to preserve the ``Riko Sasaki path'' that makes up who I am, and I wanted to create an album that brings together all of my worries, conflicts, and passions.
The Inspiration Behind the New Arc
I wanted to make an album that would allow people who have recently gotten to know me to recognize Riko Sasaki from just this one album. There were some tough times like handing out flyers back then, but I believe that it is because of those times that I am where I am today, so I put my heart and soul into creating this song about those twists and turns and turning points in my life.
――The key point is that you try a different genre of rock for each song.
I agree. I wanted to make an album centered around rock music, but each one had a different message that they wanted to sing, so I chose a style of rock that matched that.
--Which song is the most challenging for you?
It's "soul hot spring". Although it has a playful theme, it is a song that focuses on the coolness and heat of rock music, and above all, it is the first time that I have expressed my love for Malayu to this extent (lol). I had fun recording the lyrics, which are like lines to an up-tempo song that I've always wanted to sing, and the phrases I use to talk to my "master," and I felt like I could play them.
--Please tell us about each song. From the lead song "Tori Seikei".
From the beginning of production, it was decided that the lead song would be ``Sumomo',' which comes from ``Lee',' which is also in my name, and I wanted it to be a song that would show Riko Sasaki's core. I have lived a life that has not always been easy, and there were times when I felt like I was going to wither and branches off, but I am expressing the image of someone who persevered through those times, finally found their own color, and was able to bloom.
--What thoughts did you put into the album title "RI PATHOS"?
The title is a play on the words "PATHOS," which means passion or the stirring of the soul, and "Path," which means a path. The small roads, back roads, and detours I've walked up until now have all led me to where I am today...the title reflects this feeling.
――You have also decided to hold one-man live shows in Osaka in July and Tokyo in August.
This is my first solo live in Osaka, so I want to expand Riko Sasaki's world from here. I would like to deliver a song to each audience individually, and make the songs blossom into fruit, making them want to walk with me on Riko Sasaki's path.
