elfin’s Colorful Fantasy
Interview & Text: Daisuke Sawada
A unit of “voice beauties” with dazzling smiles is born!
Miyu Tsuji, Mii Takahashi and Rie Hanafusa, the winner and the runners-up of the “National Voice Beauty Contest” held in 2014, has formed a unit = elfin’ and have released their debut single “Colorful Fantasy.” Chosen as the opening theme song for NHK ETV (Educational TV)’s anime series “Pikaia!”, this pop tune has an organic sound full of acoustic instruments and a fresh and clear melody line with lyrics that paints a bright future, “What lies beyond the light unforeseen / let’s depart for a new bright future”. As they were finalists for a voice beauty contest, the highlight of this single is their strong voice quality and great articulation.
“When we were recording, I sang the song keeping in mind the fresh and up-beat atmosphere of the image of this song. I was really nervous because this was our debut single, but we received the necessary coaching to, for example, ‘sing with glee in this section’ or ‘sing with deliberation in this section’, so I kept up with their feedback and sang my heart out!” (Miyu)
“Both the melody and the lyrics have a positive image of ‘a new start,’ and I really felt that it was perfect for our debut song.” (Rie)
“For the part where I sing [let’s jump out to the vast ocean], I really wanted to portray ‘the beginning of something new’ so I used my voice recorder and explored all the different ways I could sing that part. I want to perform even better for our concerts, so I’m gonna keep practicing”. (Mii)
Starting from their debut event in May, elfin' has also begun their concert activities. For the stage production, the trio is exploring a different style from existing groups.
“We want to incorporate elements of musicals in our concerts. Each song has a story, and we want to create something like a musical in form of a concert.” (Mii)
Miyu loves anime songs and vocaloid, and also shows talent in painting and design. Mii loves J-pop and musical songs, and can also sing to her own guitar. Rie loves R&B and dance music, and has a long experience in dancing. A voice actress, an idol and an entertainer, elfin’ is a hybrid-group who shows new potentiality of female groups.
“We want to challenge different types of songs and seek out what suits us best. We want to become a global musician. ‘Dream big!’ that’s our motto (laughs).” (Miyu)
