Q: “Excuses” is a really amazing song; not only for the catchy tune and melody, but the message as well. Many can relate to the feeling of staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons. What do you hope listeners take from “Excuses”?
SEIICHI: Thank you for the kind words. I think a lot of people feel shame over experiences or circumstances that they feel they don’t have the willpower to change. If only I was stronger, or more brave. I hope that listeners experiencing something similar feel consoled or at least understood. Weakness is an important part of our human experience.
Q: What was your favorite part in creating “Excuses”? Can you walk me a little through the writing and creative process?
SEIICHI: The chorus is what came to me first. I was just driving in the car and it kinda popped in my head. Then I started to craft the verses. Something one might not pick up is that the chorus is a dialogue, within a monologue (verses). So, in the chorus, the speaker is talking to themselves.
Q: How’s the music scene in Seattle? Do you have any favorite venues?
SEIICHI: The music scene out here is ripe with talent and honestly pretty welcoming, so I’ve found. I’ve played at Barboza a few times, and will be performing on the Barboza stage at the 2022 Capitol Hill Block Party. Their live sound is just amazing.
Q: Do you remember what first made you fall in love with music? Did you have a musical family growing up?
SEIICHI: I did have a musical family. We all took piano lessons growing up. I think it was when I started playing drums in 7th grade that music started to make me really feel something. I was a bit of a recluse in school and when I’d get home I’d often go straight to the garage where we had a cheap used drum set, and just let go. It was such catharsis. Then I took that catharsis back to piano and started to write songs and compositions. And now here we are 🙂
Q: Your vocals are so effortlessly beautiful! Who are your biggest musical influences?
SEIICHI: Ahaha thank you very much. Some artists that really influenced this EP are Daniel Caesar, UMI, and Dijon. I was listening to them all a ton while writing these songs.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
SEIICHI: I write songs in tons of genres. At my current stage, it’s actually more of an obstacle than a gift. This EP was the first set of songs I wrote that actually fit together into one cohesive package. I plan to deviate from the indie/neo-soul vibes a little bit in the next set of songs, but we’re focusing on the EP right now, so you’ll have to follow my social accounts to see what happens!
Q: “Excuses” is the first single off your debut EP “Felix Culpa”; what can fans expect from this EP?
SEIICHI: Honesty. This EP is a raw reflection of my experiences in the last few years. I debate publicly acknowledging that the songs are all real narratives, but I have to be honest with myself and my listeners. What you hear is what I feel, and I hope that creates a connection between us.
Q: Anything you want to say to your fans/listeners out there?
SEIICHI: I’d like to say, thank you for your support! <3 Stream Excuses on your favorite listening platform, and stay tuned for the EP and more. We’re just getting started 🙂
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
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