Here is a mail interview I was able to do with the super talented Ichika Nito (YouTube channel).
Introduction
What was your very first guitar?
Ichika: It was Ibanez 7 strings guitar.
What was the inspiration to pick up the instrument?
Ichika: My father's hobby was playing a guitar and bass, and it was through his influence that I was exposed to guitars and started playing guitar.
What were your training and influences?
Ichika: I learned what I needed to practice from the book by Jean Fassina called "Lettre à un Jeune Pianiste".
"Colours" with The Toys
How did you work on this song?
Ichika: We worked online and created a rough track based on the guitar loop, then I went to Thailand where The Toys was in to brush up the song in the studio with him.
How was it recorded?
Ichika: In the studio in Thailand, The Toys and I were recording a guitar solo while saying to each other, "That's great playing!".
The recording session was very inspiring.
"Colours" with The Toys video clip
Album "Awakening" in 2022 and "Nito " in 2020
How do you usually work on an album ?
Ichika: Since I normally make songs by myself with a single guitar, so it's like confronting with myself. Playing in a room in solitude, thinking about what a beautiful melody is and the appropriate length of notes, make me spiritually worn out so I try to go for a walk in the nature to recover myself.
How do you compose a piece of music?
Ichika: I am normally examining rhythm, sound, style, and every detail of the pieces such as phrasing, accompaniment, rhythm, intensity, etc., to build up and create the piece little by little.
What do you usually use to record?
Ichika: The LINE6 Helix effects are very useful. I also recommend it as an interface for guitar.
Next projects for 2023
Ichika: In 2023 I hope to play my music in more countries than ever before! France, of course!
The Guitar Channel: Thank you very much for you answers! I hope to do an interview face to face in the future in Paris if you come or next time I am in Japan.
Pierre Journel.
For more info:
Reports & Interviews in Japan
Guitar in Hand Interviews
