Biography

MISIA

23/09/2010 2010-09-23 15:54:31 JaME Author: plusloud

MISIA

MISIA


© Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
Born Misaki Itou in 1978, MISIA was raised in Fukuoka by an unusually music-savvy family. Her parents' interest in jazz and Western music led her to learn piano and, soon thereafter, join her local choir. She discovered her five-octave singing voice as an elementary-schooler; with the help of her sister, she would later win a contest in her hometown.

During middle and high school, MISIA both sang and played the trumpet, at the same time taking Gospel lessons from African-American trainers. This may explain her unique tone when compared to other Japanese singers. Her high school auditions failed to secure a contract, so from 1997 MISIA took towards earning a degree in commercial science.

It was also in 1997, however, when MISIA finally won an audition with BMG Japan, having been chosen out of thousands of applicants. Immediately realigning with her dream, she styled her hair and formed her stage name, a fusion of "Misaki" and "Asia." Thus MISIA, with her 1998 debut Tsutsumikomu you ni, was born.

With her first two singles charting in the Top 15, and her first album rising from #3 to #1 in a single month, MISIA's popularity had already reached unbelievable heights. Winning Best New Artist and Best Pop Album at the Nihon Gold Awards wasn't enough for her, though; her 2000 hit Everything sold millions of copies, all but setting the standard for her successors to follow.

The next few years took her music in different directions, starting with a collaboration with her idol, pop band Dreams Come True. A move to Avex was followed by further collaborations and a multitude of songs picked up for movies, TV shows and video games alike. Even Tokyo DisneySea wanted in, using her Sea of Dreams for their Fifth Anniversary theme song.

A return to her first label—and, incidentally, producer—in 2007, also led to her first overseas concerts, in recent years touring Taiwan, Seoul, Singapore and even Shanghai. Her Japan tours were just as popular, with attendance ranking just under Ayumi Hamasaki at the top of the list. During the summer of 2010, she had her fifth acoustic tour, Hoshizora no Live 5.

Ultimately, MISIA's popularity has endured for more than just her voice. Her reach, her voice—yes, her voice's reach as well—has over the years combined with a firmly positive attitude, resulting in one of Japan's toughest acts to follow.
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Artists

ADVERTISEMENT