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Known as a Latin / dance artist with an enigmatic side, Sunday Mitsuru's new single ‘Eres El Unico’ has exploded on radio and put this Latin / dance artist on the world map.
There is something special happening with Sunday Mitsuru , the talented Latin / dance artist out of Los Angeles. A firm believer in the time-honored traditional of composition and careful attention to detail, Sunday Mitsuru's work demonstrates how personal and affecting music can be when the right elements come together. This legitimacy is discernible from other angles. He has a deep understanding of the techniques and traditions of the Latin / dance genre which is perhaps why the critics had this to say about his award-winning work: ‘A festive Latin extravaganza of slick electronic licks and ethereal harmonies, ‘Eres El Unico’ is catchy and danceable in equal measure.’ Reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with this talented artist to learn more about his unique story and his plans for the future.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
SUNDAY MITSURU: The most crazy thing for me was I got the chance to work with my hero, David T. Walker (legendary soul/jazz guitarist, who worked with Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Leon Ware, Gene Page, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, The Crusaders...).
I was co-producer for his 3 solo albums, and joined his band as synthesizer player/percussionist, and made up our own production as well. He is my mentor, and became a long time friend. Without him, I'm not here......
BLAKE: Your song ’Eres El Unico’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
SUNDAY MITSURU: I'm surprised and felt happiness....then satisfied! "wow, a U.S. radio station playing my song !"
It's an amazing experience, because I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to Los Angeles in the hope that American people would listen to my song(s) on the radio.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
SUNDAY MITSURU: One day, my wife asked me to produce some happy, foot stomping dance music. She always loves a happy feeling dance track......I love her smile.....so, I made this song for her.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
SUNDAY MITSURU: When I've got sick in the mid '90s, my life was in a terribly bad way....my only hope was music. I had produced so many albums until that time, but never released my own music. So, I thought that now is a good time to change my musical life to make my own music.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
SUNDAY MITSURU: As an artist I am very complicated and serious, but as a man, I'm a fun-loving, smiling person.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
SUNDAY MITSURU: As a producer, I have been working with such a great musicians, I learned a lot of things from them. Great and fantastic experiences! For now, I do everything by myself.....no "My Team" out there. But I will build "My Team" someday.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
SUNDAY MITSURU: No. No one in my family was really into playing music. But my aunt loves to listen to music such as traditional jazz singers (Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole...), and modern jazz players (Chet Baker, Kenny Burrell...). Her influence was so big on my musical character.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
SUNDAY MITSURU: I don't have to think about project budgets any more......ha, ha
Anyway, the most rewarding element is the freedom to create music in my own style & taste. The most challenging thing is being myself, and to keep creating my own style of music. I don't care what trends are out there, but If people love my music......I'm happy!
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
SUNDAY MITSURU: Quincy Jones, Alan Persons. An artist/musician can be a success as a producer, but most producers couldn't be a success as an artist/musician. I hope I will.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
SUNDAY MITSURU: I never had my own concert/show. However, in early '90s, I was part of the Nick DeCaro Super Band Japan Tour.
I've played synthsizer and percussion on stage with David T. Walker, Neil Larsen, Alex Acuna, Jimmy Haslip, and legendary arranger/composer the late-great Nick DeCaro.
I will never forget this memorable performance!
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
SUNDAY MITSURU: Listen to any kind of music, and learn from old school music as well. Then try to find your own style.
Press on with a smile!!
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
SUNDAY MITSURU: I'll keep writing and recording new songs for my next album which features ‘Eres El Unico’ and a new single I will release sometime in spring 2016. Besides that, I'm working on a project as a producer/artist/co-writer for talented singer/songwriter Natasha Remi.
BLAKE: Can't wait to hear everything! Thank you for sharing more about your life with me. I wish you continued success in the future.
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