SONY ARTIST INTERVIEWS
Chiyomaru Shikura
Music producer of classic games including "Fire Pro Wrestling" and "Clock Tower"; producer for the popular group "Akihabara"; and composer of animated songs.
The Future of the Music Industry
Chiyomaru is a multi-talented figure in the music world, acting as a video game music producer, pop group producer, CEO, and even songwriter. We talk with him about how High-Resolution Audio will affect the future of the music industry.
Interview by blueprint / Photography by Yohei Takeuchi
Q: You’re very familiar with all aspects of audio technology and even lecture professionally on digital compression. What do you think of High-Resolution Audio as a source?
A: Well, I remember hearing High-res audio when it first started appearing. At the time, you couldn’t hear it easily on a Walkman and I thought maybe it was fine for listening on special occasions. But now I feel it should be much more widely used, especially for composing. It’s a completely different sound than what you get on a CD.
Q: Why is listening in High-Resolution so fascinating?
A: What’s amazing is that you can actually feel the singer breathing; it’s like being right there with them in the studio.
Q: You’re currently working with voice actors and the “Stand Up! Project” label. Is voice a new focus for you?
A: Absolutely. Our company is making CDs for young girls. We use head-shaped microphones and play all the sound from them; you quickly learn to recognize who is talking to you, and from which direction. The rich sound of high resolution really makes it sound great.
Q: What are people’s expectations of music in this new high-resolution age?
A: What listeners really want—and will buy—is music that evokes the desire to possess it. When you hear music on a nice high-res player, it’s so much better; you simply want to have it, to own it for yourself.
Q: How do you think High-Resolution Audio might affect your many musical activities?
A: Well, if high-resolution audio goes mainstream then “craftsman”, so to speak, who can create authentic new sound will be required. I can also see maybe using High-Resolution Audio to reinterpret classic masterpieces.
Marty Friedman
From lead guitarist for the heavy-metal band "Megadeath" to devoted JPOP fan, hear Marty’s story and thoughts on High-Resolution Audio.
Marty Friedman
From lead guitarist for the heavy-metal band "Megadeath" to devoted JPOP fan, hear Marty’s story and thoughts on High-Resolution Audio.
The Way The Artists Truly Intended
Enjoy the subtlest nuances of studio-quality sound with High-Resolution Audio. Passion for music unites every component from signal to speaker, while advanced technologies such as digital upscaling help to create the ultimate listening experience.