By: Staff
We had the chance to hear the latest release “Unfolded” by Yamazaki, and we were so impressed we wanted to know more about it.
Music is at its most powerful when it tells a story, when it reaches deep into the soul and pulls us into a world beyond our own. An artist known for defying genres and seamlessly blending cultures is about to unveil a track that does just that. With hypnotic beats, raw emotion, and an energy that refuses to be contained, this new release is more than just a song, it’s an experience.
At the heart of it lies a message of self-discovery and transformation, layered with intricate instrumentation and multilingual storytelling that sets it apart from anything else out there. With a lineup of exceptionally talented collaborators, this project brings together voices and sounds that push the boundaries of creativity.
We had the chance to sit down with the visionary behind this track to dive into the inspiration, the challenges, and the electrifying journey that led to its creation. Read on as we explore the mind of an artist who refuses to be boxed in, one whose music is as bold and limitless as the message it carries.
Now, let’s dive into our exclusive interview.
Hello Yamazaki, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. For the fans meeting you for the first time, Is Yamazaki your name or a stage name?
What inspired you to choose that for your artist persona?
A. Yamazaki is my stage name and it’s also the name of my character. It carries deep personal and cultural meaning for me. It was inspired by my love for Japanese culture and language, which I’ve studied and been fascinated by since high school. Yamazaki reflects the journey of self-discovery and resilience that I aim to express through my music - it’s more than just a name; it’s an identity I’ve grown into.
Q. This single "Unfolded" speaks about self-discovery and breaking free from limitations. Can you share a personal moment or turning point that inspired this song?
A. Growing up, I felt like the odd one out, the kid in the last row who was never chosen, never understood. I hid my true self, trying to conform to what others expected of me. It was a suffocating experience. The turning point came when I realized I couldn’t keep living as a shadow of who I truly was. I decided to let go of the expectations, the doubts, and the fear, and step into my authentic self. Writing "Unfolded" was like promising that younger version of me that it’s okay to embrace who I am and that I would be there to support him. This song is a celebration of that promise and a milestone in my journey to self-acceptance.
Q. Your visuals and costuming are next-level. What inspires your aesthetic choices, and how do you want your fans to interpret them?
A.The wolf character I embody has been a part of me since I was 15 - it’s really a piece of my soul that has stayed with me for two decades now. It represents resilience and self-expression, and through my costume, I invite others to embrace their own unique personas. My aesthetic draws heavily from Japanese culture, particularly the futuristic, introspective style of Ghost in the Shell, as well as the 80s city pop music scene, which exudes nostalgia and innovation. Musically, Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak also played a significant role in shaping my approach to both sound and visuals. Through these choices, I hope fans see not just a costume, but a deeper narrative of individuality and artistic fusion.
Q. Your music beautifully blends multiple languages. Tell us about your life experiences that led you to become multilingual, and how this fusion influences your artistry.
A. Growing up in Hungary, I always felt drawn to cultures and languages beyond my immediate surroundings. I immersed myself in English through cartoons and music during my childhood, finding solace in its rhythm and stories. Later, I developed a deep fascination with Japanese culture, especially its music and philosophy, which inspired me to learn the language. Singing and creating in multiple languages allows me to explore different emotions and storytelling techniques. Each language brings its own texture to my artistry. Hungarian grounds me emotionally, English connects me globally, and Japanese adds a layer of elegance, spirituality and depth that resonates with my inspirations. This fusion lets me communicate with audiences across cultures, offering something unique and deeply personal.
Q. You’ve furnished the lyrics in multiple languages. Have you encountered challenges in translating phrasing while maintaining the original emotional depth of the song?
A. Absolutely. Writing lyrics in multiple languages always presents the challenge of preserving emotional depth while making them culturally resonant. With "Unfolded," I wanted the lyrics to feel authentic and relatable, no matter the listener's background. To achieve this, I sought advice and input from multiple collaborators, including Mamoru Satoh, who has an incredible understanding of Japanese city-pop history and cultural nuances. His insights, alongside feedback from others, helped ensure the lyrics flowed naturally and were perfectly understandable in each language.
For this track, I aimed for a more mainstream sound while staying true to my roots, even breaking taboos by spitting out raw, personal thoughts that people don’t typically share when reflecting on their past. Balancing the emotional intensity with accessibility was crucial, and I’m proud of how it turned out - it’s honest, vulnerable, and, above all, real.
Q. "Unfolded" has a unique blend of hip-hop grooves, ambient synths, and rich bass tones. How did you approach crafting its sonic landscape, and what emotions did you want to evoke?
A.Crafting the sonic landscape of "Unfolded" was a deeply intentional process. I wanted to create a sound that feels introspective yet dynamic, reflecting the emotional journey of self-discovery and reinvention. The hip-hop grooves and rich bass tones ground the track with a sense of raw energy, while the ambient synths and ethereal layers open it up to a more reflective and futuristic space. This balance mirrors the internal push-and-pull between who I was and who I’m becoming. The goal was to evoke a sense of empowerment and hope while maintaining a raw authenticity - giving listeners a track they can connect with emotionally and groove to at the same time.
Q. Your music combines Japanese influences with a mix of genres, from synth-pop to hardcore hip-hop. What draws you to these particular styles, and how do they reflect your identity as an artist?
A. Growing up as someone who often felt like an outsider, I gravitated towards music that wasn’t confined by boundaries. Hip-hop and rap were my stepping stones into music. They gave me the confidence to get on stage, to express myself fully, and to channel my raw energy into something powerful and limitless. It’s a genre that allows me to transform - to be bold, introspective, and free. Over time, I’ve gravitated toward melodic rap as my main singing style, Bang Yongguk was a great inspiration for me on this. On the other hand, growing up listening to artists like Depeche Mode and their atmospheric soundscapes, I couldn’t help but infuse some of that nostalgia into my work.
Q. Your album ‘Katsu’ is named after a Zen Buddhist term for enlightenment. We think your lyric inspirations are very exciting! How does spirituality or philosophy shape your music and creative process?
A. The title of the album holds a profound significance for me. In Zen Buddhism, “Katsu” is a sharp, powerful shout meant to jolt a practitioner into sudden awareness or enlightenment. It’s not just a sound but an intentional, transformative moment. This idea resonated deeply with my personal journey and became the foundation for the album. Through my music, I aim to create moments that challenge listeners to reflect, awaken, and connect with their inner selves.
Spirituality plays a subtle yet integral role in my creative process. My wolf persona, which has stayed with me for nearly two decades, is heavily influenced by Japanese Shinto culture. Wolves, or “Ookami,” in Shinto mythology, are seen as protectors and divine messengers, often connected to deities like Amaterasu. This symbolism of guidance and connection to the natural and spiritual worlds mirrors the role my wolf character plays in my artistry - it’s a guardian of my creative expression and a bridge between the earthly and the ethereal.
Q. You’ve transitioned from creating VRChat videos and K-Pop covers to making original music. What was that evolution like for you as an artist?
A. I started by making music videos in VRChat, but I didn’t enjoy lip syncing, so I began using my own voice. This gave me the confidence to revive my songwriting skills, which I had set aside during university. At first, I focused on singing covers, but I soon realized I wanted to tell my own stories with original songs. I understood that the best person to tell those stories authentically is me. This journey has been one of rediscovering my voice and embracing my creativity to connect with others in a meaningful way.
Q. Your music explores themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and overcoming struggles. How do you hope your songs impact listeners who might be facing their own challenges?
A. I hope my songs serve as a source of comfort and strength for listeners. Life is unpredictable, and we all face battles, but music has the power to remind us that we’re not alone. If "Unfolded" or any of my tracks can inspire someone to keep going or see themselves in a new light, then I’ve accomplished my goal.
Q. "Unfolded" features a collaboration with Ashley Alisha and other talented musicians. What was it like working together, and how did their contributions shape the final track?
A. Working with Ashley Alisha and the other incredibly talented musicians on "Unfolded" was both inspiring and challenging in the best way possible. Ashley’s ethereal and emotive vocals truly elevated the track, and her artistry pushed me to deliver the best vocal performance I could.
Collaborating with such a skilled team, including Simone Leardini and Giacomo Pasquali on guitars and Anthony Kilhoffer on mixing, brought a depth and richness to the song that I couldn’t have achieved alone. Each of their contributions added a unique layer, making "Unfolded" a cohesive yet multi-dimensional piece of music. It was a humbling and rewarding experience to work with individuals who share a passion for creating something meaningful.
Q. You mix electronic sounds with classical orchestral elements, representing both the natural and artificial world. How do you strike a balance between these two contrasting influences?
A. When I was a kid, I wrote world and orchestral music, heavily inspired by composers like Yoko Kanno and Kenji Kawai. Their ability to create emotional depth while integrating modern elements left a lasting impression on me.
One of my pivotal moments was covering B.A.P’s "One Shot," a K-Pop track with an orchestral foundation. It was a big hit at the time and perfectly demonstrated how different styles could coexist in a cohesive, impactful way.
Balancing these elements is like finding harmony between the past and the present, tradition and innovation, and that’s what drives me creatively.
Q. How do you feel you grow as your music career gains traction? If you could go back and give the version of yourself who made your last release a piece of advice, what would it be?
A. As my career gains momentum, I see it as a mission to leave a small, positive mark on the world—to expand the vision, spark imagination, and inspire people to see life differently.
Looking forward, I plan to explore more diverse vocal styles and a generally more upbeat sound, reflecting my evolution as an artist. Ultimately, though, I think of this journey as a series of seasons - they pass for a reason, teaching us along the way. There’s no need for a time machine, just the belief that staying true to yourself and your vision is what makes the journey worthwhile.
Q. You’ve built a growing global audience. How do you feel about your fans' support, and what’s something they’ve done that has truly touched you?
A. I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by the support of my fans, especially knowing that my unique style has resonated with such a broad and diverse audience, even in my home country.
One of the most touching experiences is receiving long, heartfelt letters from fans. These messages often come at moments when I need them most, inspiring me to push forward and reminding me of the impact my music has on others. Knowing that my journey and music have helped someone else in their own struggles gives me the energy to keep going and strive for more.
Q. With such an impressive list of musicians on "Unfolded"—including Ashley Alisha, Maiku Tachibana, Simone Leardini, Giacomo Pasquali, Wiley West, Andrii Brynzak, and The Lambchopper—can you tell us how you made these connections and how collaborating with them has influenced your career?
A. Over the past 2-3 years, I’ve worked with session musicians for my cover songs while also developing my own music. This process introduced me to sound experts, mentors, A&R professionals, and many incredible artists. Through these connections and shared experiences, I gradually built a team that I now refer to as Yamazaki Music.
I feel incredibly lucky and humbled to have found such talented collaborators, including musicians who’ve worked with some of the artists that inspired me as a kid. Their contributions have allowed me to achieve a consistent, commercial, radio-ready quality right from the start. This collaboration not only elevates the music but also keeps me inspired and sharp.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is collaborating with these brilliant minds - sharing ideas, refining arrangements, and shaping sparks of creativity into a cohesive, final piece of art. It’s a fascinating journey that constantly fuels my passion for music.
Q. We feel like we have learned so much about you from this one song, and that’s such a great way to connect with fans. But what’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not know?
A. One surprising fact about me is that my very first live performance in front of an audience wasn’t in the physical world but in virtual reality. It was a concert at one of the biggest events in VR, with around 15 000 attendees. That leap from zero to such a large audience was nerve-wracking but also life-changing - it gave me the confidence to embrace my voice and artistry. From that moment, I realized that my stories are best told through my own songs, not just as covers but as authentic pieces of who I am.
Q. What’s next for Yamazaki after "Unfolded"? Are there any upcoming projects or creative directions you’re excited to explore?
A. I’ll be releasing a few more singles leading up to the release of my full album, Katsu. The album’s title track - which is my personal favorite - will be one of these singles, and it’s a deeply meaningful piece that ties together the themes of enlightenment and self-reflection that run throughout the album.
I’m also working on a more upbeat, happy, yet still emotional pop song that will surprise my listeners. It’s a vibrant shift in tone, expressing the joy of truly becoming "unfolded" and flourishing. This next chapter in my music is all about exploring diverse emotions and creating something fresh yet heartfelt for my audience.
Yamazaki, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Yamazaki’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
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