Known for her husky and expressive voice, renowned Japanese singer Aimer has been captivating listeners for over a decade. In addition to iconic theme songs like "Zankyosanka" for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and "I beg you" for Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. lost butterfly, you may have recently heard "Deep down," the powerful ending theme song that debuted recently with the ninth episode of Chainsaw Man.
Thanks to the folks at SACRA MUSIC, we were able to ask her about creating "Deep down," her general songwriting process, and more!
Tokyo Otaku Mode: You recently provided the anime Chainsaw Man - which is huge outside Japan too - with an ending theme song titled “Deep down.” What kind of scenes were in your head while you were making it? And what kind of meaning or feelings did you want to put into it?
Aimer: Based on the script I was given, I created it while thinking of scenes like in episode 9, where Makima displays her cruelty for the first time, and Himeno and many other of Denji’s comrades lose their lives. What I wanted to do was make a song that traces with both hands the very depths of the depths of one’s heart.
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TOM: Chainsaw Man has many characters who each have a different kind of impact, but if you could make a song themed around just one, who would you pick?
A: I like a lot of characters, but it would be Makima. Indeed, her image was the foundation of “Deep down.”
TOM: Is there a difference in the lyric writing process when they’re Japanese as opposed to English? For example, do you think of Japanese lyrics first and then translate them into English?
A: When I want to use the groove of the melody, I often think of the Japanese then translate into English. However, the amount of times that English phrases naturally come up while I’m singing to myself is about the same.
TOM: Many reading this interview are from English-speaking countries, so could you tell us any English words or phrases that you’re especially fond of or want to use in a future song?
A: When I’m writing, I think of words that will fit the particular work I’m doing it for and the tone of each song. There happens to be something that I’d like to use someday, but it’s highly possible that I actually will, so I’m keeping it a secret (laughs).
TOM: Could you tell us about the differences between performing in Japan versus overseas?
A: Compared to Japan, overseas audiences tell me more openly that they like something with every way they can, including cheering and singing together, so every time I perform that surprises me (in a good way) and makes me extremely happy.
TOM: Finally, please leave your overseas fans with a message!
A: We may be far away from each other, but I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart for being able to connect with you through music. I’m always so happy to see people from many countries commenting on my YouTube videos as well. Thank you for supporting me. I hope to keep going to even more places to bring you my singing, so please look forward to it!
If you happen to be in Japan next spring, consider experiencing Aimer's voice live at her 2023 concert tour, which will be held in Nagoya, Kanagawa and Osaka from March to May. Check out the details at her official website!
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
