Shiena Nishizawa is a Japanese pop-rock singer and guitarist who performed at C3AFA Singapore’s 3-night concert “I Love Anisong” on 30 November 2018. Shiena’s love for music began in middle school when she tried her hands on her father’s old guitar. In 2014, she won the grand prize at the Flying Dog Audition, a singing contest in Japan organised by record label “flying DOG”.
In 2015, Shiena’s debut song “Fubuki” was used as the ending theme for the anime “Fleet Girls Collection (KanColle)” and was released as a single that same year. On March 15th, 2017, Shiena released her first full-length album, titled “Break Your Fate”. The album featured a rock sound that showcased Shiena’s evolving talents, showing that she is leading Japan’s next generation of talented artists.
During C3AFA, her newest single released was “Meteor / New Generation”, launched on June 2018. The single amplifies her vocals which have evolved to give a rough, edgy sound, bearing a slight resemblance to that of Lzzy Hale from “Halestorm”.
We got a chance to have a quick chat with this rising star from Japan about her career and her love for anime.
This will be your third time in Singapore and second time performing at AFA. How were your past experiences, and what do you look forward to tonight?
Up until recently – especially during my C3AFA concert last year – I had never really gone overseas that often, so I felt nervous as I was going to perform live overseas. I am more comfortable in performing overseas now, so I try my best to deliver as I would in Japan as I want all my fans to have the same experience.
You officially debuted 3 years ago at the age of 18. How did you feel about being the youngest in your group, especially since your support members are all older than yourself?
Honestly, I am still the youngest wherever I go, so I do not think much of it. On the contrary – as I am currently 21 years old – I wouldn’t like it if I was working with someone younger than me as I think that they would be too young. Also, if I am the oldest I will feel pressured to perform better than the rest, so I feel more comfortable when I am surrounded by members who are older than.
If you could choose, what anime would you like your songs to be used in?
I really love Naruto! I think I would die of happiness if I ever have the chance to provide a song for Naruto.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to focus more on live performances in the future. Currently, I travel solo for my live performances abroad, so I would like to be able to perform overseas together with my supporting band members someday.
If you missed out on C3AFA and Anisong last year, Singapore’s largest anime convention will be back this year from Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December 2019. For more information, visit https://animefestival.asia
Photo by Goh Jing Wen of the DANAMIC team.
