Chiyomaru Shikura

Music producer of classic games including "Fire Pro Wrestling" and "Clock Tower", producer for the popular group "Akihabara" and composer of animated songs.

The Future of the Music Industry

Chiyomaru is a multi-talented figure in the music world, acting as a video game music producer, pop group producer, CEO and even songwriter. We talk with him about how High-Resolution Audio will affect the future of the music industry.

Interview by blueprint / Photography by Yohei Takeuchi

Q: You’re very familiar with all aspects of audio technology and even lecture professionally on digital compression. What do you think of High-Resolution Audio as a source?

A: Well, I remember hearing high-res audio when it first started appearing. At the time, you couldn’t hear it easily on a Walkman and I thought maybe it was fine for listening on special occasions. But now I feel it should be much more widely used, especially for composing. It’s a completely different sound than what you get on a CD.

Q: Why is listening in High-Resolution so fascinating?

A: What’s amazing is that you can actually feel the singer breathing; it’s like being right there with them in the studio.

Q: You’re currently working with voice actors and the "Stand Up! Project" label. Is voice a new focus for you?

A: Absolutely. Our company is making CDs for young girls. We use head-shaped microphones and play all the sound from them; you quickly learn to recognise who is talking to you, and from which direction. The rich sound of high resolution really makes it sound great.

Q: What are people’s expectations of music in this new high-resolution age?

A: What listeners really want—and will buy—is music that evokes the desire to possess it. When you hear music on a nice high-res player, it’s so much better; you simply want to have it, to own it for yourself.

Q: How do you think High-Resolution Audio might affect your many musical activities?

A: Well, if high-resolution audio goes mainstream then "craftsman", so to speak, who can create authentic new sound will be required. I can also see maybe using High-Resolution Audio to reinterpret classic masterpieces.

Marty Friedman

From lead guitarist for the heavy-metal band "Megadeath" to devoted JPOP fan, hear Marty’s story and thoughts on High-Resolution Audio.

The Way The Artists Truly Intended
