Sawano Hiroyuki, a music composer with a worldwide recognition, from creating soundtracks for games and anime to TV dramas and movies. With a long trajectory in the industry, he has shouldered music creation for notable series such as Attack on Titan, Gundam, Solo Leveling, Kill la Kill, The Seven Deadly Sins and many more.

We had the chance to catch up with Sawano ahead of his Los Angeles show to of course speak about the show, but also his inspirations and mindset when creating music.

The Los Angeles concert on November 14 will be a headline show and marks Sawano Hiroyuki’s first performance there. If you’re in the area, make sure to grab your tickets here and catch the show this week!

You’ll be greeting fans in the US again, but this time, it’s your first-ever headline show in LA. How does it feel to perform on such a global stage?

This will actually be my first live performance in Los Angeles, so I just want to really enjoy it together with the band members. I hope we can create a special atmosphere together with the audience, and I’d be very happy if everyone can have an exciting time with us.

We hope so, too! As we know you’re not the biggest fan of flying, leading up to the LA show, what has motivated you to expand your global presence?

It’s the energy I receive from the fans of the works I’m involved in, and from the audiences who enjoy my music. That’s what motivates me the most.

We’re glad to hear that even the overseas audience has been able to influence your activities. When performing overseas, have you noticed any differences compared to Japan, whether in the atmosphere, mindset, fan interaction, or any other aspects?

I think the audience’s reactions vary from country to country, and those differences in reactions definitely influence my own playing and emotions during the show.

Continuing on the topic of international influences, have any figures from abroad helped shape your career?

I’ve always liked American rock, and I’ve also been influenced by Hollywood soundtracks and composers overseas who take an epic approach to music-making. I’ve been inspired by composers like Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. I personally feel a rock spirit in Hans Zimmer’s work, and in terms of synth sounds, I’m also influenced by EDM-like sounds, which I really enjoy.

As you tend to not compose music with a specific vocalist in mind, has working on the vocal-focused project “SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]” changed your approach in any way? 

Even in the “[nZk]” project, I usually don’t have a vocalist in mind when I’m writing the songs. Once a song is complete, I then think about which artist I’d like to have participate.

In terms of my approach, both for soundtracks and [nZk], I think the essence is the same, it’s about pursuing the sound I want to create at that moment.

That’s interesting. So when it comes to actually choosing a vocalist, what are some of the aspects you consider?

Of course, performance and technique are important, but the most important thing is their voice. And if we’re going to continue working together, their personality also matters a lot.

That makes complete sense! When you are working on an anime soundtrack, how do you deal with the expectations of the readers of the original source?

Rather than focusing specifically on the original fans, I aim to create music that all viewers, including those fans, can enjoy and that enhances their experience of the work. At the same time, I’m also very conscious of meeting the expectations of the production side. If that results in something that original fans can also enjoy, that makes me very happy.

On that note, some of our team members actually choose anime based on the musicians involved. Does knowing this affect or add pressure to your creative process?

I myself often watch works because I’m drawn to their music, so if my own music becomes the reason someone watches a series, that makes me extremely happy. I always want to create music that can inspire that kind of connection. Rather than feeling pressure, it actually makes me excited every time.

We’re really glad to hear that. And as we personally believe you’re one of Japan’s most influential composers today, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians worldwide?

I think it’s important to keep pursuing the music you believe in, and above all, to keep going. At the same time, I think it’s also essential to stay in tune with the times and continue updating your sound.

Considering the increasing production of anime each year and the growing role of AI in creative processes, how do you feel about the future of the industry?

Personally, I think AI technology is very important for improving the quality of works. Just as the development of DTM (desktop music) has enabled many people to create high-quality music, I believe AI will help aspiring filmmakers and creators produce fresh, innovative works.

As your global presence continues to grow, what kind of activities are you looking for to expand even further?

It would be great to have the opportunity to collaborate with overseas artists someday.

Lastly, please leave a message to your overseas fans!

Thanks to various anime works, many of you have been able to listen to my music. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy those works, and my music, many times to come.

JROCK NEWS would like to thank Sawano Hiroyuki for taking the time to speak with us, allowing us to get a peek into his mind and creative process.

Make sure to also catch Sawano’s show on November 14, in Los Angeles. Click here for more information, or scroll down to grab your tickets!