"Sea View - Seaside Relaxation"
Interview with Yohei Kobayashi
For Kobayashi, who mainly works on music production for movies, dramas, etc., "Scenery with a View of the Sea - Seaside Relaxation," released in 2023, was his first artist album as a saxophonist.
About a year and a half after its release, we would like to take another look at the roots of the beautiful music that Kobayashi weaves.
Yohei Kobayashi
Born in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture. After studying astrophysics at Tokyo University of Science, he received a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music's Film Music Department, graduating with honors. While active as a composer and arranger, he has also captivated countless fans as a saxophonist with his unique worldview and unrivaled beautiful tone.
From astrophysics to the world of music
The first thing that catches everyone's interest when looking at Yohei Kobayashi's profile is his background as a astrophysicist.
"As we grow up, there comes a time when we have to face the question of our own life and death. For me, that time came very early. When I was in the middle of kindergarten, I learned that we will all die someday. I couldn't bear it and went to cry every day. I continued to feel this way until one day, when I saw a documentary on space and physics on TV. I realized that I exist only for a brief moment in the vast flow of time, and I felt a lot better. It was around that time that I became interested in space. I have also loved music from a young age, and after graduating from high school, I considered going to music college, but my father was against the idea at the time, so I went to Tokyo University of Science and studied astrophysics."
Still unable to give up on his dream of becoming a musician, Kobayashi decided to become a film music composer, and later went on to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston (after returning to Japan, he has been active at the forefront as a composer and arranger).
The difference between film music and artist work
His first artist album as a saxophonist is "Umi no Mieru Fuukei ~ Seaside Relaxation." The production process was quite different from his main work, film music.
"Movies have an underlying story, and are based on the director's thoughts and the actors' performances. I believe my job is to make a film that comes together through that process shine even more with music. In the process of creating music that fits the film's story and scenes, of course my own expression comes into play, but ultimately it is an expression for the film. If film music is created for something that has a story, you could say that an artist's work involves facing the theme of the album or song, creating a story from scratch, and expressing that in music."
A music album that expresses various seaside stories and self-expression
" When I had the opportunity to work with Della on this album, I met with her many times, as I grew up in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, a town by the sea. We ended up recording eight original songs with a sea theme, as well as five covers of classic songs related to the sea. This is the first time I've released music that expresses the scenery and stories I've encountered, and I'm very happy that it has taken shape and that people can listen to it."
This work was created with the theme of "a seaside scene that stays in your heart," and it seems to have become a deeply moving piece for Kobayashi, as he looked back on the path he has walked so far.
"I have always wondered why, when we are on the journey home in life, we sometimes suddenly want to go to a place with a view of the ocean. The scenery where the sky meets the sea captures our hearts and never lets go. The gentle sound of the waves seeps deep into our souls. The scent of the sea awakens precious memories in our hearts. When I spend time surrounded by these things, my doubts disappear and I feel like I can remember what it is that I truly value. The sea is such an irreplaceable place to me. I have carefully woven together the feelings and emotions I have had up until now while growing up in a town with a beautiful sea view."
Future outlook
"With my work as a composer and arranger as the main pillar of my work, I would like to continue creating works that express myself while also touching people's hearts."
In addition to his work as a music producer, Kobayashi is also active in welfare and volunteer activities, such as appearing in the "Elizabeth Sanders Home Charity Concert." We can't wait to see what he does next. Thank you.
Title: Sea View - Seaside Relaxation
Music: Yohei Kobayashi
Running time: Approximately 61 minutes (13 songs total)
JAN: 4961501653330
Product Number: DLDH-1940
Release date: March 2023
Publisher: Della Co., Ltd.
■CD
https://www.della.co.jp/products/dldh-1940
■Link page for each distribution site
https://lnk.to/DLDH-1940
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