Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Kanda Yuhka
Introduction of the project
Born on the beautiful Oomishima island which lies in the Inland Sea, Kanda Yuhka grew up around nature, She started her musician’s career at 2002.
Calculated sounds and stunning vocals. She makes any compromises with her music.
Her “Changes” is a song in the movie Ghost in the Shell(2017 / Paramount Pictures). And new single “Swells” was released on November 19, 2025.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
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Japanese pop songs which I often sang in the bath in my childhood. It was fun because it sounded good.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
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I got into rock music when I was in junior high school and discovered my passion, After that I studied traditional Japanese songs and Gregorian chants in vocal classes,
I felt the beauty of the words and a kind of affinity between people and music, and I became absorbed in music.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
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Pursuing beauty in music without compromise. Beauty is the truth and reality. I want to keep creating interesting things all the time. I think the project is growing just like me.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
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That’s a very difficult question.
In terms of genre, the range is very broad. Pop, Rock, Classic, Jazz, Electronic, Chiptune, World music, Japanese traditional music, and more. Sometimes it feels like a huge experiment, and other times it feels like the pursuit of a single truth.
But I can say this much: I think you’ll discover music you’ve never encountered before.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
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I guess it means not creating taboos for myself.
Before I started making music, when I was just a listener, I didn’t know anything about myself or music. Even so, I think I narrowed myself down quite a bit, thinking that this doesn’t suit me or that isn’t appropriate.
Once I actually jumped into this world, the process was full of difficulties. But the things I gained through those experiences have become an irreplaceable asset to me.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
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Tools: DAW, Digital audio editor, Musical sequencer, Audio effects processors.
Instruments: Guitars, Musical keyboards, and more.
Software: Cubase, Samplitude, Software synthesizers, and more.
These are just a few examples, Our production methods is varied and we use drastically different tools for each project.
Please take a listen to my songs and see for yourself.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
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Lately I’ve been listening to Carolyn’s Fingers by Cocteau Twins – it’s beautiful.
I also listen to Diane Birch.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
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I was born and raised on a small remote island in Japan, where even going to a concert was hard. There is a place on the island that offers piano lessons, and I learned piano there. It was my first encounter with music.
Those childhood feelings shaped me, and I try to stay sincere to myself so I don’t betray them. Music reflects things honestly, good or bad, so I want to stay true to that.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
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I want people to feel what they like. I’d be happy if people who listen to my songs feel a little more stylish when they go out on the town, a little more optimistic, or happy.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
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I guess there’s no right answer after all. I’ve experienced many times that the production process has exceeded or gone beyond what I had imagined, and in the end I believe that there’s nothing better than loving music and having fun.
I always try not to be insensitive to my own feelings and emotions.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
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I don’t know. I can’t really think of anything.
But I remember the last time I had the opportunity to sing outdoors with a view of the ocean, and it felt really good.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
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Karen Carpenter.
Her beautiful bass is something I aspire to.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
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Label’s official website:http://www.ace-music-exp.com/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/artist/2jenDW49qisMgDuqPPHZA3
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
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I want more people to listen to my music, and to achieve that I want to continue creating music one piece at a time.
It’s always a thrilling moment when I take on new challenges, discover a side of myself that I didn’t expect, or open a door.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
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I think I said this when I released some album, I always want listeners to find music that will be on their side, so I couldn’t be happier if they found that in my songs.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
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