Musicians who are active outside of music as well
What kinds of special skills or areas of expertise do you have besides music?
This time, we’ve put together a collection of musicians with a wide range of talents.
A roundup of musicians who are active outside of music
Cocco | Picture book author
http://www.cinra.net/interview/2013/12/30/000000.php?page=2
Cocco, a Japanese female singer-songwriter.
In the early days, he likened his own songs to excrement, featuring impassioned lyrics and an intense band sound.
There were many songs that, upon first listen, would likely give a negative impression.
I put my music career on hold and debuted as a picture book author in 2002.
Stars Sand of the Southern Island
In 2006, he resumed his music activities once again and has been actively taking on new fields such as film and stage.
SNAIL RAMP TAKEMURA | Kickboxing Welterweight Champion
http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/news/061018_snailramp/
SNAIL RAMP is a Japanese ska punk and melodic hardcore band formed in 1995.
He started boxing at 30 during a period of intense activity and, at the age of 43, became the welterweight champion in 2014.
Takemura joined a kickboxing gym around the time he turned 30, and despite having no prior experience, he kept training and made his professional debut in 2002.
On the official SNAIL RAMP blog, he reported winning the new championship and wrote: "At an age when most would normally retire, I made my much-too-late professional debut at 31."
SNAIL RAMP’s Tetsu Takemura (Vo, B) competed in the NKB Welterweight Title Match hosted by the Japan Kickboxing Federation, held at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on October 11.
Defeated NKB welterweight champion Yoshitomi and captured the title of the 12th NKB welterweight champion.
GReeeeN | Balancing Careers as Dentists and Musicians
http://ticketcamp.net/live-blog/greeeen-fanclub/
A music group formed within the same university's undergraduate program.
All members hold dental-related qualifications and, remarkably, are still working at dental clinics while carrying out their activities.
It’s very rare for someone to balance being a dentist and a musician.
I will never show my face in public so as not to cause any trouble for the dental clinic where I work.
The artists themselves do not appear in the music videos either; most of them feature other actors and the like.
http://breathoflife.jp/Artists-with-unexpected-backgrounds-Medical-field-edition/
Gen Hoshino | Actor
http://www.nexus-web.net/column/sls2012/2012/09/02/91-mt-fuji-stage-hg/
Gen Hoshino is the leader of the instrumental band SAKEROCK, and he is also active as a singer-songwriter and actor.
You began pursuing theater and music simultaneously from your first year of junior high school and have been active in both fields.
It was announced on January 21 that Gen Hoshino won the Sports Nippon Grand Prix Newcomer Award in the acting category at the 68th Mainichi Film Awards.
This time, the award is for Hoshino’s first starring role in the 2013 film 'Blindly in Love,' but lately Hoshino has not only been active in music—he has also had many opportunities to see his growing recognition as an actor take concrete form.
te’ guitarist Akihiro Kono | President of Zankyo Records
http://business.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/opinion/20130222/244099/?rt=nocnt
Akihiro Kono spent his twenties juggling life as a musician and part-time jobs, and in 2004 he launched his own independent label, Zankyo Records.
Starting with 1 million yen in capital, the company grew to achieve group annual sales of 500 million yen by the 2010 fiscal year.
It mainly has many post-rock and electronica bands, and a large number of overseas bands are also signed to it.
Although 9mm Parabellum Bullet, People In The Box, and te’ have now made their major-label debuts, their management continues to be handled by Zankyo Records.
Zankyo Records is the record company I founded, and I run it as a label that showcases artists who create great music but rarely get a chance to step into the spotlight.
We currently represent 36 artist acts, and we often discover new artists by having them bring demo CDs directly to our own store, “Zankyo Shop,” which we operate in-house. We also listen to the many demo CDs we receive and frequently go to live venues to scout artists in person.
Bob Dylan | Iron Sculptor
http://wasuremono.at.webry.info/200609/article_27.html
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter who has continued to wield influence in the worlds of popular music and mass culture for half a century.
He has hidden, unexpected talents and, even now in his seventies, maintains a strong spirit of challenge.
It’s the first time Mr. Bob Dylan has unveiled an iron sculpture.
Not only in music, but also in creating artworks such as paintings and sculptures, they are putting in great effort, making this a rare opportunity to glimpse their side as a visual artist.
Akkiko Fukuoka of Chatmonchy | Launching an apparel brand
http://meetrock.jimdo.com/meetrock-schedule/6-9-thu-meet-rock-after-party-guest-akiko-fukuoka-chatmonchy/
Akiko Fukuoka from the iconic girls’ band Chatmonchy is now active in a wide range of fields!
STINGRAY is an apparel brand launched by Akiko Fukuoka of Chatmonchy, Taichi Furukawa (formerly of Riddim Saunter), and photographer Rui Hashimoto (SOUND SHOOTER).
They are also engaged in various activities such as providing lyrics, DJing, and cardboard crafts, among others.
His Excellency Demon Kakka | Sumo Commentator
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon_Kakka
Demon Kakka, currently 100,052 years old, is a multitalented performer with vocal prowess spanning up to 3.5 octaves.
It's well known that I like sumo!
On the 15th, His Excellency Demon Kogure, the former vocalist of Seikima-II and a television personality, appeared as a guest commentator on NHK’s live broadcast of the Grand Sumo New Year Tournament.
Known as a sumo aficionado, His Excellency lived up to his public claim of being a “fan for 300 years,” displaying such depth of knowledge that even commentators Nishikishima-oyakata (former Shikishima) and Otowayama-oyakata (former Takanonami) were left in awe.
Lastly
If you can successfully collaborate your music with your area of expertise, won't that greatly expand the scope of your activities?
I want to keep the spirit of taking on new challenges in any environment and at any age!