Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with USAP
This project explores “NEO CITY POP,” a modern reinterpretation of the city pop sounds that flourished in Japan during the 1980s and 1990s.
All music is completely original, created by USAP and NORA, with both the sound production and music videos produced in-house.
By blending lo-fi, electronic, and jazz elements, the project aims to express a feeling that is both nostalgic and new at the same time.
Several tracks have ranked on the Groover Global Chart Top 500, reaching as high as No.9, and the project has received positive feedback overseas as “J-POP for a new era.”
This music is especially for listeners who enjoy city pop, modern J-POP, lo-fi and electronic sounds for late-night listening or creative work, and music that carries a sense of story and character.
Your Relationship with Music
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
One of my earliest memories is listening to traditional children’s songs during elementary school classes.
At the time, I didn’t think about music consciously, but melodies and words naturally stayed with me.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It began with a desire to express emotions and thoughts not only through words, but through sound.
As technology evolved, I realized I could build entire musical and visual worlds on my own, which truly ignited my passion for creation.
Current Work
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The core of this project is capturing moments where urban nights, digital life, and human emotions intersect.
By layering modern themes onto nostalgic sounds, I aim to portray emotions that exist somewhere between the past and the future.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s nostalgic, yet designed to fit the present moment.
City pop warmth combined with lo-fi and electronic textures, creating music that gently moves the body while accompanying the night.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned the importance of releasing music into the world instead of endlessly chasing perfection.
Music truly becomes complete through interaction and response from listeners.
Creative Process & Inspiration
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
A DAW sits at the center of my workflow, combined with synthesizers, samplers, and video editing tools.
Designing sound and visuals together is an essential part of my creative process.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been particularly inspired by Fujii Kaze and Ado.
Both artists transcend genres while fully embracing the expressive power of the Japanese language, and at the same time maintain a strong global presence. That balance is incredibly inspiring.
Life & Music
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My experiences outside of music—such as business and visual production—strongly influence how I build worlds through sound.
I don’t see music as something isolated, but as part of a larger narrative that includes visuals and storytelling.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope listeners feel a sense of calm and gentle release, as if the music is quietly accompanying them at night.
Ideally, the music naturally overlaps with each listener’s own story.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That there is no single correct answer.
Music is something that is allowed to evolve endlessly.
Dreams & Collaboration
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’m drawn to festivals and urban night events where music crosses borders and cultures.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with artists who continuously reinvent their sound beyond genres and eras.
I’m fascinated by the unexpected chemistry that emerges when boundaries disappear.
Follow & Support
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
My music is available on Spotify, YouTube, and other major streaming platforms under the name USAP.
Updates and behind-the-scenes content are also shared through social media.
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream is to deliver works that seamlessly blend music, visuals, and storytelling to a wider global audience.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they see the process of constant experimentation and evolution.
Rather than a finished form, I want to share the journey itself.
Representative YouTube Video (Optional)
