SHōTA LōDI

theaussieword.com catches up with US artist Shota for a special interview.

Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music?

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Honestly I think I’d have to thank my father on that one. From an early age he had me listening to The Beatles, Stevie Wonder Dylan etc.. I remember driving to school in like 2nd grade in LA traffic for 2 hours and he’d be blasting Brandenburg Concertos by Bach. Then once I got a little older he really pushed me to learn piano and clarinet. He gave roots that will that will keep me grounded forever.

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?

My motivation is usually love or truth. I’m always chasing something… whether it’s a girl, or my next song, or a chance to hang out with my family… there’s always a longing for something in my life and thats what motivates me. But with truth, if I do become really successful in music, I believe that it is my responsibility to spread the word and tell the world, tell the kids, tell the uneducated what’s really going on behind the curtains, because it’s a scary place out there and most people don’t even know the half of it. I think John Lennon taught me that one (:

What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?

To move people. That is my goal. Music has been my savior, my meditation, my form of healing. Anytime I have been sad, feeling alone, or just anything.. music has been my one constant. I was that kid in high school who walked around campus with earphones on singing while walking to class. So, I really want to move people the way music has moved me. I want people to know that they are not alone.

Success, what is the secret to it?

The secret to success is hard work, dedication, perseverance… whatever you want to call it. I know people talk about it a lot but they’re just words. I rarely meet people who are really committed.. when it comes to my friends at least. My friends always thought this music thing was just a hobby.. they would al be in college studying business and finance and economics, while they thought i was just at home fucking around with a guitar trying to figure out an F chord. So I believe the secret to success is 98% hard work & 2% luck.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

The highlight of my career so far has been moving to LA. I’ve finally met people who understand me that won’t let me sacrifice my artistry for a sell out move. I mean yes, at first they wanted me to try things I didn’t want to do… but they could see that my heart wasn’t in it. Here’s the thing.. the chances of making it are so small anyways, so why not do what you want to do. Be different. Be you. And I won’t allow anyone to change me. - THEAUSSIEWORD.COM

After his live streamed session on the WorldArts Stage, SHōTA sat down with us to share his story behind his new EP Out of Blur.

At a very young age, he was an accomplished classically trained musician on piano and clarinet. His life took an interesting turn, as he dropped out of school and moved to Japan. Read more about his story, debut EP, and advice for emerging artists below!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you get started in music?

I had always played music all my life. I grew up playing piano and clarinet pretty seriously, so it was classical music until high school. Then senior year when I was going to audition for these conservatories like Juilliard, and someone stole my instrument. So I lost all motivation, dropped out of school, and moved to Japan. Then it was there that I decided to buy a guitar and start songwriting. So music has always been in my blood but it wasn’t always songwriting. It was good that I started classical because it gave me good roots.

What was your experience like in Japan? How did that change your view on things?

It was really wonderful. When I got to Japan I was kind of like a lost dog, I had dropped out of school, I didn’t know what I was doing. But I just kind of found my guitar and my songwriting so I really found myself there and got my head on straight. So honestly, the guy who stole my clarinet, thank you! That was a blessing.

Tell us about your EP Out of the Blur. Why is it called Out of the Blur?

I just don’t like rules, I don’t like to conform. That’s why I didn’t make it in school, and I never wanted to be the same. I don’t really want to contribute to all this social media (although my career requires that). But I chose Out of the Blur because I don’t care about any of this media, music is my main focus.

Who are some of your musical influences?

The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and James Bay. But my roots are definitely back in the 60’s and 70’s!

What advice do you have for other emerging artists out there?

If it makes you happy just keep doing it! It never felt like work for me, it just felt something I was supposed to do. If it feels like that for you then just keep going.

What’s coming up next for you?

I’ll be on the road for a month, starting in California, through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and ending in New Mexico. All promoting this new EP, which I’m excited to share with you guys.

See all of SHōTA’s tour dates here.

Keep up with SHōTA on his month long tour and download his EP on thisisshota.com & find him at @thisisshota on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! - World Arts News

Shota, which should actually be written SHōTA, Japanese style, could be Los Angeles next pop sensation. He did a showcase on Saturday night at Molly Malone’s in front of a very enthusiastic crowd and if I thought I had figured out his style after the first song, I soon realized it wasn’t that simple. His songs were melodic and poppy, but I heard bluesy accents on a tune, and the rhythms were almost those of rap songs, whereas the choruses were very catchy.

SHōTA has an interesting voice, it’s bright and forceful although he doesn’t shout, and he went very strong with some R&B accents, while keeping a real sensuality all the time. He played a few songs accompanied by two musicians, an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar, and a simple drum box, but the sound was very confident and powerful, bringing a real energy and sometimes several-voice harmonies. It was as if he wanted to bring up genres together, mixing a sort of rootsy Southern rock with hints of R&B and a hip hop delivery, and if his music has been compared to Ed Sheeran’s or James Bay’s, he covered John Mayer’s ‘I Don’t Trust Myself’.

SHōTA was an accomplished classically trained musician on piano and clarinet at a very young age, but he finally picked a guitar to compose his own songs when he moved to Japan. He originally focused on hip hop before expanding his sound into more diverse territories, and, back in Los Angeles, he has just released a new EP, ‘Out of the Blur’. However he only played 2 songs off this new work on Saturday night, preferring to cover a few artists’ songs, like the playful Jason Mraz’s ‘I’m Yours’, and even Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby’, may be to better expose his various influences and his agility through styles. He was also presenting the songs as if they were a continuous story: this song is about making mistakes, he said before ‘Press Rewind’, this song is about taking the girl home, he told us before the next one, this song is about the day after, trying to get the girl in bed, he added before another one… He made all these covers his, with often a rap-like delivery, a pop feel, lots of emotion, sophisticated chord arrangements, and a sort of bluesy vibe for some of them, he even triggered a few sing alongs. All the lyrics of the songs seemed to be about love, how to get the girl, but also unrequited love and longing for someone… but why else does music exist?

Confidence, intensity, energy and seduction seemed to characterize his set at Molly Malone’s, and if he didn’t play for very long, he made a big impression, and he looked like someone who has found his voice as he said in an interview: ‘I just want people to feel the way other artists make me feel, that powerful connection. When I was playing classical music, I was covering Bach and Mozart. Now that I write my own music, everyone can see who I am, and that is so much more rewarding.’ From Bach to Britney Spears, this is a very original journey, the very personal path of someone who follows the music which moves him.

SHōTA is currently on tour through out the West Coast and you can check the dates here.

Setlist
Fast or Slow
Press Rewind
I Don’t Trust Myself
Down
So Good
I’m Yours
Hit Me Baby
Love Me - rock nyc

After taking home $400 in gambling winnings at a pachinko parlour in Tokyo, SHōTA Lodi picked up his first guitar and got his music career well and truly rolling.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, the 23-year old got to work on his first project, Out Of The Blur, wrapped his first tour, and is currently in the process of polishing his debut EP Don’t Press Rewind. Lifted from the long-awaited debut and produced by close friend and fellow artist, Abhi the Nomad, “So Good” comes loaded with snappy hooks, silver-toned vocals and an important underlying message.



Directed by Derrick Janniere (Justin Timberlake and Pitbull) and starring the the singer himself, the video sees SHōTA Lodi rescuing leading lady Lauren Blake from the clutches of a vain former lover, before drifting arm-in-arm through the streets of Sunset Blvd. Talking about the video, SHōTA has said “It’s about inner beauty: there are these constant social pressure to look perfect. This video says ‘I don’t care about the facade’. I see through all of that and am attracted to the real you. And if people don’t like the real you, why bother trying to convince them? No gimmicks, just you, exactly the way you are”.

Don’t Press Rewind arrives early next year.

Watch “So Good” below. - Famous

Åh mysigt och drömliknande.
Time was on our side är inspirerad efter att SHōTA LōDI träffade en flicka när han var i Thailand. Låten släpptes första gång med The Golden Pony men här har Grey Beanie lagt sina fingrar på produktionen och skapat en drömliknande och sjukt mysig version av låten. Ja, det är lite som solnedgångs-pop skulle jag säga.
Behaglig och somrig poplåt med en viss nypa 80-tals-känsla över sig. -Dags att bli kära säger jag. - Popmuzik

SHōTA LōDI releases a new Pop song just to chill with. While the title is a bit long, “Time Was On Our Side (Grey Beanie Original Mix)”, there’s a rational explanation for it. Taking inspiration from his last trip to Thailand, the 23-year-old singer felt a strong attraction to a mysterious lady and her grey beanie at a nightclub. Consequently, he wrote the story-telling lyrics that transport us to live those special memories. In particular, what I like best is listening to the perfect match of his soothing vocals along with the relaxing vibe present in most of his melodies. - electro wow

*Groovy workshop.のParty Girl feat. SHōTA LōDIがオフィシャルMVを公開。直後から各SNSで話題沸騰中！
リリースツアーでは約10,000名を動員した、今話題の「*Groovy workshop. - Party Girl feat. SHōTA LōDI」のオフィシャルMVが公開。

メインキャストはSHōTA LōDIに加え、新垣結衣、二階堂ふみ、水原希子らがモデルを務める国内でも有数の人気ファッション情報誌「NYLON」の公式ブロガー、リード真珠(shinjyu reid)。

公開後間も無く各SNSなどでファンからのコメントが集まっており、様々なジャンルの著名人も賞賛している。

「Party Girl」はSHōTA LōDIの甘くメロディアスな歌声と、*Groovy workshop. の奏でる最新ダンスミュージックが見事に融合。日米で活躍する2組のアーティストコラボレーションが実現し、世界中の女性の心を掴むキャッチーなキラーチューン。

iTunes Storeダンスチャートでは堂々の1位を獲得し、全国のクラブでもパワープレイされている。 - iFlyers Japan

Hello! Welcome to the first Good Sounds Playlist of April! I will be away in Amsterdam come the end of the week so here’s a selection of tracks that will surely get you feeling that Amsterdam high (heh) too. As always, if you’re into new music then this is the playlist for you, so SUBSCRIBE TO IT. Or you know, don’t. - Sounds Good

SHōTA LōDI shared the deluxe single suite for “Party Girl” that delivers a plethora of celebratory sensations to start your weekend off proper. Spanning sounds for late night club dwelling dalliances to subdued acoustic renditions; LōDI makes a bright pop noise suited for both extensive evening avenues to early morning coffee-break interludes alike. - Impose Magazine

Artist: SHōTA LōDI

Song: Time Was On Our Side (Grey Beanie Original Mix)

Based: Los Angeles

Stands out: Soft falsetto vocals

If you like: Beautiful male ballads

SHōTA LōDI (pronounced “Show-Ta”) is a singer-songwriter who’s influenced by 60’s era rootsy rock with an undeniable Southern California style blended with a decidedly more hypnotic sensual intensity.

This guy has made music his whole life. It was his escape when he was a kid. A longing to connect and an absolute disdain for convention led to him dropping out of school at 16 to pursue his passion. Making music is and has always been about “flying towards the future,”.

After moving to Japan, Shota bought a guitar, taught himself how to play and started writing. He started off with hip-hop but his sound evolved into something multifaceted including songs about unrequited love, infatuation, bliss, and heartbreak.

“I just want people to feel the way other artists make me feel, that powerful connection. When I was playing classical music, I was covering Bach and Mozart. Now that I write my own music, everyone can see who I am, and that is so much more rewarding.” - Audiotox

Hi SHōTA, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
I’ve been really good. Just working on my EP, doing live shows, writing a lot, and just trying to find myself again. For every album and every stage in my life I tend to grow/change a lot and just trying to make an EP that can illustrate who I am right now and what I’m going through now. Just going through a process of rebirth of myself.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Time Was On Our Side (Grey Beanie Original Mix)”? Did any event in particular inspired you to write this song?
TWOOS was I went on vacation last year with my producer to make an album, just to find some inspiration. I met a girl and the first time I met her she was wearing a grey beanie. We really clicked and had a strong connection, everything was supposed to work out, except that I didn’t live in that country and had to go back home soon. So we had everything that love could’ve asked for at that time, although the song is called “Time Was On Our Side” if you listen to the whole chorus I’m really saying “I wish, Time Was On Our Side”.
Any plans to release a video for the single?
I just released the lyric video for the song. I really love this video because it has a dark, mysterious, ethereal vibe to it. It doesn’t really illustrate the scenery I was in, but the darkness, colors, and slight neonist of it does express what I was going through showing my feelings. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmxcX-eRpc0)
How was the recording and writing process?
Recording and writing process was awesome. It was very natural and organic. I met the girl and with my producer in Thailand, I just kept on looking at the picture. I wasn’t really planning to write a song about the girl or moment, but the picture of her with the grey beanie came very naturally. Me and my producer sat by the pool and I played some chords and the next day we recorded that straight into the programs.
How has the 60s shape your music? What is it about this decade that you find so fascinating?
60’s are the main source of me. I grew up on that and it shaped everything that I am. The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul & Mary those were my heroes. The Beatles has been my number one all-time favorite band forever and that will never change. Though I was a classical musician, The Beatles are the reason I wanted to play guitar, sing, and write my own songs. They defied laws, broke the rules, they made everyone notice that its ok to be different. They talked about love and truth and nothing else. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am and making music
What role does Japan play in your music?
After High School, when I was 17, I moved to Japan. I used to be a classical musician, but I gave up on my dream. With my first paycheck from my part time job there I bought a guitar and a mic and started recording myself. Japan was the birth of the new singer-songwriter SHōTA LōDI that was not a cover artist of Bach or Mozart, where it led me as an original artist. From there it led me to move to L.A., meeting a manager, and getting signed to Amuse (my management) which is a huge company in Japan, so Japan has played a big life changing role in my heart and life.
Do you tend to take a different approach when you are collaborating with someone else rather than in your own?
I guess when it comes to writing yes. When I write by myself, I tend to just loop a beat or loop a thing and free style. I love collaborating because it gets me out of my own head and puts me in a new perspective. Although it does probably put me in a new approach, but I really enjoy that by being able to get out of my own head and seeing how other people handle things.
Does the new single mean we can expect a new material – How’s that coming along?
The new material coming out does not sound anything like Grey Beanie (Time Was On Our Side) so it doesn’t quite reflect it. Grey Beanie reflects one moment in my life, so that sound and production will be only for that song. The new project will be a whole new me and a whole different sound.
Any tentative release date or title in mind?
All that I can say now is that a new EP is coming out very soon. I am really looking forward to this and I hope everyone reading this would be excited as well.
Any plans to hit the road?
Definitely. We’re working on that now, just waiting for a new EP to drop and I am ready to hit the road soon. See you all very soon!
What else is happening next in SHōTA LōDI’s world?
Honestly other than a new EP and hitting the road, getting settled more in L.A., I am finding myself even more, being confident, and knowing my worth. Every year I think I know everything, which that’s just me being a young and a punk, but every year I grow and realize that actually I don’t know anything. I’m just realizing that I’m becoming less of a punk though every year ha ha. - Vents Magazine

SHōTA LōDI comes alive in his latest lyric video for the single “Time Was On Our Side.” The buzzworthy musician is becoming more established by the minute as he brings his eclectic brand of music to life. The lyric video is filled with eye-catching illustration that brings the heart and soul of the piece to life. The blissful piece takes us away as it offers up a little dose of heaven, and insight into the artist’s world. Take a peek below and fall in love with your new musical obsession, SHōTA LōDI.


Connect with SHōTA LODI on:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shotalodi/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SHOTALODI
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/shotalodi
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Bsyq…
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/shotalodi
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.shotalodi.com/ - INDEPENDENT ARTIST BUZZ

SHōTA LōDI is a name that you need to remember. Coming off a high from his recent single “Party Girl,” the musician is at it again with his noteworthy track “Time Was On Our Side.” Coinciding with the song, he shares an illustrated video of the lyrical persuasion that is as captivating as the song itself. Throughout the drawings float across the sea of lyrics, as it makes the song burst from the screen. With the Grey Beanie remix of the song used as the version in tow, it’s no wonder why he’s becoming one of the most notable names in the indie realm. With fresh instrumentation and down-to-earth lyricism, he enchants with a vibrant nature that is very much his own. Dive in below to a little, SHōTA LōDI. , as he does not disappoint. - Modern Mystery

SHōTA LōDI just dropped a new track “Party Girl” and you need to listen! This song gives us some neo-soul, pop, and hip-hop vibes that can’t help but make us dance. Garnering critical acclaim, he has collaborated with a number of DJs, and his featured song “Party Girl” with Groovy Workshop landed him at #1 on the iTunes Japan EP Chart. If that wasn’t enough to make you want to listen, there’s more!



“Party Girl” delivers pop sensations, perfect to get in the mood for the weekend. This track sets a perfect tone for any situation that can range from extensive evening avenues to early morning coffee-break interludes. SHōTA LōDI’s song reminds us of the pleasures of being young and all of the excitement that comes with it. - Music Existence

最高のエンターテイメントを提供し初めての方も楽しめるラグジュアリーな空間。 - Block.FM Japan

Pop singer-songwriter SHōTA LōDI has taken a winding route to his current musical career. He grew up studying the clarinet and piano, with plans to study at Julliard until his instrument was stolen the week of auditions. He dropped out of school and moved to Japan at the age of 16 to pursue music. Now 23, he’s back in the US pursuing his art in Los Angeles.

First Sofar as a guest or performer:
First time was as a guest, second time as a performer in LA!

Favorite Sofar artist he’s seen:
Willie Jones

If he could play a Sofar anywhere in the world, it’d be:
I’d love to do a show in London!

Artists he’s loving right now:
Hooked on John Mayer since I was young. I’m really loving his new music. I also can’t stop listening to Shawn Mendes’ new album.

Why he’s pursuing a career in the US instead of in Japan:
I don’t sing in Japanese. I grew up listening to The Beatles and Stevie Wonder, and I really don’t think I can convey the same emotion in Japanese as I do in English. Plus, I want to be an international act. I think if I break in America, then the whole world will hear me. If I was a star in Japan, it would be exclusive to that country.

On being an Asian-American in entertainment:
I think Asians in entertainment have had a bad rep for a while. Not just in music – even in Hollywood, they were always portrayed as either martial artists or nerds. I feel like it’s such a good time for Asian males especially in entertainment right now, and I think I’ll be able to break that mold!

Why his classical training isn’t all that useful these days:
The only thing classical training gave me was a good ear and a sense of discipline. I was never a good student; I’ve always been self-taught. But I do love listening to classical music and jazz, and I feel a lot of singer-songwriters might not be so influenced by that. I am happy to have good piano technique though... it sometimes irks me to see producers play piano with wrong fingerings, but that’s just me being petty .

On seizing his moment in 2018:
I feel like this is finally my year, and there’s such a time and place for everything. If Bob Dylan came out now, it wouldn’t work. All those years where I thought I was ready and was frustrated that nothing was happening... I now realized I wasn’t ready. This is my time. 2018 and onwards. I’m ready for ya!

On stripping down with Sofar:
Playing with Sofar has given me a chance to get back to my roots and perform acoustically in front of people who really appreciate that type of sound. I love the reaction I get from the Sofar crowd. I decided to play because when I saw the whole acoustic, almost campfire vibe, I wanted to be a part of that.

SHōTA LōDI’s EP will be dropping this summer, so keep an ear open and follow him on Spotify!

Connect with SHōTA LōDI: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook - Sofar Sounds

誰もが持っている思い出の一曲についてインタビューする『Music Episode』。5回目はポップシンガーソングライターとして活躍するSHōTA LōDIさん。彼の思い出の曲「John Mayer ／Stop This Train」についてお話を伺いました。 - Digle Tokyo / Spotify Japan

SHōTA LōDI is a name to get familiar with. The 25-year-old artist is on the rise and making some serious waves both here and internationally, winning over listeners with his unique voice and emotional tracks. He’s charted on both iTunes and Spotify, a testament to his many years of musical experience; his track “Party Girl” with *Groovy workshop. made #1 on the iTunes Japan EP chart while “Time Was On Our Side” ft. The Golden Pony was ranked 3rd on Spotify Norway Viral Chart TOP50 and found itself in 9th Place on the Spotify Taiwan Viral Chart TOP50. It was also recently picked up and shared by The Chainsmokers on their official SoundCloud page, showing SHōTA LōDI’s voice off to their over-1-million followers.

A few days ago, SHōTA dropped a new single titled “18” that really showcases this young artist’s raw talent. SHōTA lays down soulful vocals that expertly establish an emotional atmosphere of pure nostalgia, singing about those days when we were 18 and on top of the world. His airy vocals are put on full display atop a clean and crisp beat. Light drum work combines with simple yet extremely effective guitar lines to create a fresh atmosphere void of any unnecessary embellishments. The production is truly spotless, delivering an emotionally dynamic sound in a neatly arranged package. All of this blends and weaves together flawlessly, creating and maintaining a solid and engaging groove throughout. “18” features rapper Eighty8, whose bright and upbeat flow adds the perfect amount of hype and energy to the mix. Overall, “18” is a very promising release from SHōTA LōDI that fully demonstrates his potential for success in such a competitive industry.

Stream the track below and be sure to check out more from SHōTA LōDI through the links at the bottom of the page! - Greg Gatsby

October 30th, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA – SHōTA LōDI is a name to get familiar with. The 25-year-old artist is on the rise and is making some serious waves both here and internationally in Japan, winning over listeners with his unique voice and emotional tracks. He’s charted on both iTunes and Spotify, a testament to his many years of musical experience.

Today, he released a new single that really showcases his top-tier levels of talent and professionalism. Titled “18,” SHōTA’s latest track is soulful and original, prominently displaying his airy vocals atop a clean and crisp beat. Light drum work combines with simple yet extremely effective guitar lines to create a fresh atmosphere. The track’s production is spotless, delivering an emotionally dynamic sound in a neatly arranged package. “18” features rapper Eighty8, whose bright flow adds the perfect amount of hype and energy to the mix. Overall, “18” is a very promising release from SHōTA LōDI that fully demonstrates his potential for success in such a competitive industry.



“As of the lyrics. Everybody will know this feeling. Whether we had just graduated school, fell in love…no matter the experience, the feeling of being on top of the world is shared.” – SHōTA LōDI

SHōTA LōDI had collaborated with electronic DJ’s and his featured song “Party Girl” with *Groovy workshop. made #1 on the iTunes Japan EP chart. “Time Was On Our Side” ft. The Golden Pony came in at 3rd on Spotify Norway Viral Chart TOP50 and found itself at 9th Place on the Spotify Taiwan Viral Chart TOP50. The song was also recently picked up and shared by The Chainsmokers on their official SoundCloud page. - Vintage MG

18’ contains a relatable storyline, melodic vocals, and a chill laid-back instrumentation flavored with hip-hop, R&B, and trap elements. Also, the song is a bona fide smoke anthem, produced by Tavior Mowry.

SHōTA LōDI is a multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, piano, guitar) who is influenced by ‘60s era roots rock, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Dylan. Also, he is a 25-year-old lifelong vegan who would love to collaborate with J. Cole, John Mayer, and Ed Sheeran.

We recommend adding SHōTA LōDI’s “18” single to your personal playlist. - Bong Mines Entertainment