2006


Happy New Year! Okay, it’s a bit late to be saying that, but I hope everyone
had a good holiday anyway.

As everyone knows by know, “The FLARE,” a project we’ve been cultivating
for two years now, will come to an end after our February album release and
March tour. The project itself was intended as a short once since it’s
conception, and in my opinion, we’ve been able to very naturally make
wonderful music with a lot of feeling. Yuna is, of course, a great partner to
have. And thank you to everyone who came along on the journey with us. I feel
really happy with The FLARE’s first and last album and hope everyone enjoys
it too.

Lately I’ve been wrapped up in tons of interesting personal projects, and I
can’t wait to share them with you all. 2006 is actually a really important
milestone for me. It means that it’s been 80 years since Miles David, the
artist I love and respect more than any other, was born. I’ve been listening
to him nonstop since New Year’s. I’m obsessed. Seriously, it’s a sickness.
Also, it’s been 250 years since the birth of Mozart. Isn’t that
unbelievable? It’s an event the whole world is rejoicing. I’ll admit that
up until now I haven’t listened to him all that much, but this year I’m
going to dive into his music. And finally, it’s now been 20 years since I
first picked up the guitar! (Okay, this is only a celebration for one…but to
me it’s really important!) Sometimes I think about the past 20 years and
have to lament that I’m still at such a low level of skill, but this year, I
’m going to strive to recapture that fresh feeling I had at the very
beginning…the hopes, dreams, and energy of that time. The guitar, my
lifelong tool, brings me a true feeling of joy, and I am full of gratitude
and faith that I chose the right path.

One more thing – January 13 is the birthday of two of my partners in crime,
Shinya and kiku! For some reason, I have a lot of friends born on that day,
at least three that come to mind (although the third one shall remain a
secret). Come to think of it, it’s been 20 years since I met Shinya, which I
can’t believe. This year is an important turning point for us, a chance to
keep making music together, and become even better friends. And 12 years have
passed since I meet kiku (a whole sexagenary cycle!) Let’s forget the world
and focus on music together! Actually, both Shinya and kiku have contributed
to The FLARE’s album. I want to thank my wonderfully creative friends and
keep them by my side as time continues passing by. Thank you, and Happy
Birthday!

Well, that was a lot of things to talk about. I hope everyone has a great
year!

Sugizo

Posted by SUGIZO : January 13, 2006 03:31 PM