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- E N T F E AT U R E A R T I C L E & I N T E R V I E W

alan
J!-ENT
I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F A V E X E N T E R TA I N M E N T, I N C .

T R A N S L AT I O N S B Y M I C H E L L E T Y M O N

BY DENNIS A. AMITH

J!-ENT interviews ALAN

ne of the rising stars of Japan right now is avex trax music artist and Tibetan singer alan (Alan Dawa Dolma). Literally, every CD single that she has released has been quite captivating as she has displayed nothing but beautiful vocals, especially how she utilizes her Tibetan wail and incorporates it into her Japanese songs. Alan is a native of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China. Her surname is Alan and her given name Dawa Dolma means Moon Goddess in Tibetan. Raised at an early age to play the Chinese instrument, Erhu, she attended the PLA Art Academy in Beijing where she double majored in vocal music and erhu. In 2005, she released her first Chinese album Sheng Sheng Zui Ru Lan but her big break came in 2006 when Alan took part in an audition for Japanese label avex trax in China. She beat out 40,000 people who auditioned and upon graduating from school, alan became the first artist from China signed to the label. She moved to Tokyo and in 2007, alan released her first CD single Ashita e no Sanka. In 2007, she released her third CD single Natsukashii Mirai which would become part of her 5-single elements release beginning in 2007. Most notable from the elements single releases was her single Red Cliff (Shin-Sen) which became the theme for the John Woo film Red Cliff (Part 1). In May 2008, after the major Sichuan earthquake hit her home province, alan released the digital single Shiawase no Kane/Ai Jiu Shi Shou in which all profits from the songs were donated to the Red Cross to help the victims of the earthquake. Her eighth single Gunjo no Tani featured a collaboration with Japanese music artist Cocco and features a song written for the earthquake victims. Also, the music video for the song was shot in Sichuan.

alan. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.

But it was her ninth CD single release Kuon no Kawa which was the theme song for Red Cliff (Part II) which would gain her recognition. The song was alans first single in the Oricon Top 10 Weekly Charts and on the sixth day, the song jumped from #10 to #1 on the Oricon Singles Charts giving her first major #1 daily chart single and also the distinction of becoming the first Chinese singer to reach #1 on the Oricon Charts. As of May 2010, alan has released 12 CD singles in Japan, two albums and one DVD. J!-ENT recently interviewed alan to talk about her latest album and her music career.

J!-ENT: You have many fans outside of Japan, here in America, in Europe and other countries. Needless to say, we are excited of how much you have accomplished in your music career. alan: I am honored to hear that so many people around the world listen to my music. I believe that there are no boundaries such as countries, words, or race in music. I want to continue singing songs of love and peace to the people of the world. J!-ENT: You have awesome vocals and you are also a musician who plays the erhu. Ive read that you began playing the erhu since

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J!-ENT interviews ALAN

alan. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.

you were in grade school and also know you play the piano. Did your parents introduce you to the erhu and piano at a young age or was it your decision to want to play the instrument? alan: Actually, at the time I was rather tomboyish and my parents wanted me to become a calm young woman so they had me start playing the erhu. Since I liked music though, as soon as I started learning it, I was hooked (laughs). J-ENT: When you were younger and still in school, what career did you imagine yourself working in? alan: Maybe a housewife (laughs) however I always wanted to do something in music. J!-ENT: Which music artist or bands did you listen to a lot while growing up? And was there any artist that inspired you?

alan: Michael Jackson. After watching his LIVE DVD, I felt an excitement that I had never felt before. Michael Jacksons live performance is forever something I look up to. J!-ENT: If I was to look into your MP3/CD player right now, which artists or song would you be listening to at this time? alan: I listen to various genres of music. Depending on the situation at the time, I listen to different songs but I listen to Mariah Carey, Lady GaGa, Timbaland especially the song Apologize, Kylie Minogue, especially her song All I See. J!-ENT: In 2008, you released the digital singles Shiawase no Kane/ Ai Jiu Shi Shou to benefit the Red Cross to aid victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in your home province. That must have been a difficult time, but you manage to

release these two songs to help people in your hometown. What was the experience like for you? alan: I was in Japan at the time and for a while I was in so much shock that all I could do was cry. However, crying doesnt help anything. Being sad wont help the people back home who were affected by the disaster, so I thought about what I could do and I decided to make a song. With the song, I hoped that the day that everyone could smile again would return soon and I sang with all of my heart. Natural disasters are terrifying. This past year, there have been many earthquakes all over the world and whenever I hear the sad news of these events, my heart hurts. J!-ENT: Your sixth single Red Cliff: Shin-Sen was your first major theme song for a film and used
MAY 2010 | J!-ENT 3

J!-ENT interviews ALAN

for John Woos epic film Red Cliff (Part 1). How was that experience? alan: The song was the theme song for a movie, so while I was recording, I thought about the movies story and scenery. By combining music and visuals, I believe that the emotion is conveyed even more. I tried to express the love and courage of the people in The Three Kingdoms in the song. J!-ENT: In April 2009, your ninth single Kuon no Kawa (the theme song for Red Cliff (Part II) was #1 on the Oricon CD singles Chart and you became the first Chinese singer to reach #1 on the Oricon Daily Charts. That was a major accomplishment. What was your reaction to find out that this single had done so well? alan: To be honest, I couldnt believe it. I was happier that so many people listened to my song rather than the fact that it was a record. J-ENT: You released the single Diamond/Over the Clouds in February 2010. The song is used for the anime series Inuyasha, how was that experience to have your music in a popular anime series? alan: The author of Inuyasha, Rumiko Takahashi is rather famous in China and all of her other works are quite popular there too. Im also one of her fans (laughs), so when I heard that Diamond was going to be the ending theme for Inuyasha The Final Act- I was very happy. J!-ENT: Lets talk about your albums. Voice of Earth (March 2009) and my life (Nov. 2009). These two were released in the same year but how was the experience of working on these two albums and was there a general theme for each album? alan: Just like the title, Voice of EARTH was made with trying to express the voice of the Earth. This past year there were a lot of earth quakes and there were news full of sadness and uneasiness. I wanted to
4 J!-ENT | MAY 2010

alan. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.

try to help the Earth through song because of all of the natural disasters and environmental dangers currently going on. The power of one person may not be much, but I would like people to hear my music and take the hands of others and help each other out. Those were the thoughts that I had making that album. As for My Life, that album is how I feel about music. music ismy life. It is an album

full of my feelings towards music, my music. J!-ENT: Lets talk about your vocals. Several of your beautiful songs incorporate your Chinese Tibetan vocals into your Japanese music and this definitely makes you a unique artist in Japan. Is it difficult to choose which songs to include the Tibetan style? alan: My home is Sichuan Bijindani (Beauty Valley) and singing is a daily

J!-ENT interviews ALAN

thing we do as well as dancing. The Chinese Tibetan style of vocals is something I naturally learned living there. I use that style of singing naturally so I dont think I ever thought of it as being hard. J!-ENT: One thing I have to say is that you have gorgeous, well-produced and well-directed music videos. Quite a few shot on location. Of all the music videos that you have done, do you have a favorite video that sticks in your mind? alan: That would be the video for my second single, Hitotsu. The white world expressing calm, and then the appearance of the red apple amidst that. The direction of this video is filled with so many small details that I think that everyone who sees it will be able to get various impressions from it. J!-ENT: Your first concert DVD alan 1st concert tour voice of you in TOKYO 2010.01.24 was released in March 2010. How was the experience for you performing at Showa Womens University Hitomi Memorial Hall? alan: It was one of my dreams to do a concert. October of this year will mark the 3rd anniversary of my debut. I believe that it was a concert where I was able to sing with all of my heart and with the feeling of how thankful I am to all of my family and fans that have supported me all that time. Music ismy life. J!-ENT: Outside of music, what other hobbies do you enjoy doing? alan: Shopping and massage! J!-ENT: If there is one word to describe yourself, what word would that be and why? alan: Carefree (laughs). I dont worry too much about the minor details (laughs). Also, I might be a little forgetful when it comes to things other than work. J!-ENT: For every interview, we have a section called word play
6 J!-ENT | MAY 2010

alan. Image courtesy of Avex Entertainment, Inc.

which I give you five words and you give me your definition for those words: A. LOVE alan: World peace and understanding; where people are able to take the hand of another and when that person is able to take the hand in return, I believe that a small love can grow into world peace. B. SUCCESS alan: The first step: The first step is the first step to success. The most important thing is to start something. C. PAIN alan: Natural Disasters: Thinking about those who have been victims of natural disasters hurts my heart. D. FAMILY alan: Thankful: My fans are my family as well. Of course this includes

my own family as well but I am very thankful for all of my family that has supported me. E. SICHUAN alan: My home: Sichuan is where I got my start. J!-ENT: What final words do you have for your fans worldwide? alan: In happy times and fun times, as well as sad times and hard times, I want to keep making songs that stay in peoples hearts and can help people feel happy despite the hard times, so please keep supporting me!
For more information on alan, please visit her official website at: http://alan-web.jp/index.html Also, visit her YouTube channel via the Avex Network at: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=T48ennDZBpA

Music is my life. - alan

If one were to make a quick list

of the worlds favorite composers, despite his relatively recent vintage Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky would be on it. After all, he did compose

even after he became world-famous. Setbacks like these could have finished a lesser man. Instead, they informed his work, which remains some of the best loved in history. Yet some kids will still confuse Tchaikovsky with a nasal spasm. Why? Because the arts are slowly but surely being eliminated from
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky endured many setbacks, not the least of which was a blind barber.

Swan Lake, which is perhaps the

most famous ballet of all time. And there cant be more
Fig.1 Pollen
Causes watery eyes. Much like Tchaikovskys composition Romeo and Juliet.

than just a handful of

todays schools, even though a

READIN

ballet companies that dont perform

majority of the parents believe music and drama and dance and art make their children better students and better people. To help reverse this disturbing trend, or for more information

The Nutcracker every Christmas.

ART

Indeed, this great Romantic composer should be so immortalized. As a young man, he pursued a career in music at enormous personal risk and against his own fathers advice. His mild temperament combined with his tendency to work too hard left him with insomnia, debilitating headaches and hallucinations. On top of that, Tchaikovskys composition teacher never liked his work,

RITING RITHMETIC

Someone isnt getting their recommended daily allowance of art.

about all the many benefits of arts education, visit us at AmericansForTheArts.org. Or else Tchaikovsky could seem like just another casualty of allergy season.

A R T.

ASK

FOR

M O R E.

For more information about the importance of arts education, contact www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

world groove
J!-ENT
my life
alan

A J!-ENT MUSIC REVIEW

avex trax AVCD-23960 DURATION: 1:02:21

Format: Album TRACKLIST:

RELEASE DATE: November 25, 2010

1. reflection ~overture~ 2. Swear 3. One 4. 5. (Smooth Jam Mix) 6. Lost Child 7. Butterflies 8. Essence of me 9. Call my name 10. 11. Nobody knows but me 12. BALLAD 13. 14. my life

Alan Dawa Doma, the Tibetan-Chinese artist who became the first Chinese artist to debut at #1 on the Japanese Oricon Daily Singles charts with her ninth single Kuon no Kawa, her second movie theme song for John Woos Red Cliff. A song which the singer got worldwide recognition and even performed the song at the 20008 Cannes International Film Festival. I have had the opportunity to watch and listen to this artist from the first marketing single I received from the label and each release, Im just in awe with her vocals, her musical ability and her stage presence. A beautiful singer with an incredible voice, needless to say, I love her music. In my interview with Asian pop star alan, when asked about her second album my life, she said, As for My Life, that album is how I feel about music. music ismy life. It is an album full of my feelings towards music, my music. Her debut album Voice of Earth released earlier in 2009 was a representation of alan expressing the voice of the Earth and with this latest album, there is a sense of confidence with this latest album. Confidence in that alan feels much more in her element, showcasing her gorgeous vocals and collaborating with talented musicians, the production of my life is much more improved over the last album. my life includes alans ninth CD single Kuon no Kawa, her tenth single Ballad (Namonaki Koi no Uta and her eleventh single Swear. Also, included is the titular song my life which was used for the Sony PSP video game God Eater. Outside of the singles which I have covered on previous reviews (especially my favorite track Kuon no Kawa), every track on my life

beautiful vocals! Definitely recommended!

are amazing. From the piano-driven ballad Mitsumeteitai to the Toko Furuuchi written track Namida which is a smooth jam mix in which Furuuchis style works perfectly with alans vocals. Then there is the beautiful ballad Shiroi Tsubasa and the piano-driven Nobody knows but me. All ballads on this album are wonderful and its a style that alan is known for. But all songs on My Life are not just ballads, there are upbeat tracks such as the Hitomi Yaida written track One, Lost Child, Butterflies, Essence of Me and Call My Name. But instead of going the route of other avex trax female artists which are known for their bump and grind upbeat R&B tracks, alans upbeat tracks are suitable for her vocals and musical style. Shes more angelic in presence, whimsical in style and there is no need for her to be like any other avex female pop diva. And of course, the single tracks are just magnificent. Swear is, in my opinion, the catchiest pop track that alan has ever released as a single thus far. Her tenth single Ballad ~Namonaki Koi no Uta~ is an awesome ballad follow-up to Kuon no Kawa incorporating the strings and a song

< Fantastic ballads, beautiful arrangement and

that your heart just gravitates to when you hear her passionate plea as she sings the main chorus. And as mentioned earlier, Kuon no Kawa is a song that alan achieves perfection. Incredible vocals and the music arrangement is just fantastic. The 14 tracks included in my life are enjoyable and entertaining. And itll be interesting to see where alans music continues in upcoming releases as we are seeing more experimentation with her music. But as for now, she is known for her terrific ballads and this album is a wonderful all-round, well-balanced album. As for the CD insert, the album features the lyrics to each song and also pictures of alan along with production credits. There is a CD+DVD version available and a special limited first press edition as well (which includes a 40-page book). Overall, my life is a wonderful second album that manages to surpass her debut album vocally and musically. If you are an alan fan, this album is recommended!
DENNIS A. AMITH

MAY 2010 | J!-ENT 9

JAPANESE MUSIC-BASED INTERVIEWS COMING SOON TO J!-ENT

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LM.C

THATS SO CHEERLEADER WHO LIKE, CANT LIKE, SAY SMART STUFF.

you Thin k that s mean ? How do think tha ts so gay soun ds? Hurt ful. So, knoc k it off.

Home Made Kazoku

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J!-ENT @ LAYN ROCKS

LAYN ROCKS

On November 22nd, celebrities and rock stars came together in support of LAYN ROCKS, an event hosted by actor/comedian George Lopez and a concert made possibly by musician SLASH and his friends for the Los Angeles Youth Network. BY DENNIS A. AMITH PHOTOS BY NERGENE ARQUELADA

L-R: SLASH and George Perez at LAYN ROCKS in Los Angeles. Photo by Nergene Arquelada, J!-ENT.

n Los Angeles, actor/comedian George Lopez hosted an event known as LAYN ROCKS, an event benefitting the Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) and a concert made possibly by rock musician SLASH and his friends. The concert was presented on Nov. 22nd at Avalon Hollywood and included Ozzy Osbourne, Perry Farrell, Tom Morello, Billy Idol, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, Travis Barker, Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother and Dave Navarro. World renown musician SLASH is known for his involvement with helping the homeless. His wife Perla is a board member of LAYN and both are supporters of the non-profit organization. As for the one night rock event, according to SLASH, getting friends involved with the event was simple and just required a phone

call. And one of the more exciting parts of having LAYN ROCKS is that everything is thrown all together and with this type of event, things are spontaneous and you never know whats going to happen. But the event is all for a good cause and that is to help keep the doors open for the Los Angeles Youth Network. In Los Angeles, more than 10,000 youth sleep on the streets and are sleeping in abandoned buildings under freeways and living without food, water and the basic medical service. Many of the youth are either thrown out or abandoned on the street and among the 12-17 year old runaways that LAYN has seen, most of their parents never report them missing. LAYN was founded in 1984 and is a nonprofit agency with a mission to help end the

homelessness one kid at a time by providing shelter, food and counseling for the abuse, neglected and abandoned. Their mission is to also help homeless adolescents become self-sufficient by providing street outreach, food, emergency shelter and transitional living programs with a professional caring staff in a nurturing and safe environment. The goals for each child is to successfully complete the permanent transition away from street life to a safe and secure living environment, so they can participate in society. If you want to donate or be involved with the Los Angeles Youth Network, please click on the following link below: http://www.layn.org

J!-ENT

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