At just 3 years old, Tei Hinoto embarked on a lifelong musical adventure that began with piano lessons and blossomed into a dynamic career as a singer-songwriter and composer. Known for their fresh take on music, Tei first gained attention through captivating social media performances and has since made a notable impact with their debut EP “Uka” and anime theme songs like “HITOMINAKA” from Tsurune – Tsunagari no Issha. As they continue to enchant audiences with their unique sound, including the upcoming anime themes “because” and “Yobigoe,” Tei sat down with us to discuss their journey, creative process, and what’s next on their exciting musical horizon.
Dive in to discover the story behind the artist who’s redefining anime soundtracks one note at a time!
Tei
Honey-Chan
Interview with Tei (丁)
Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Tei. Now, we love your anisongs, which cover lots of different styles, but some of our readers may be discovering you. How would you describe your own sound, and what inspired it?
I really love classical and simple sounds. I also value the resonance of live and acoustic music very much. I always strive to create the greatest music possible, which can only be achieved through simplicity.
Looking back on your journey so far, what were the moments that made you feel like all your efforts as an artist have been worth it?
Perhaps I haven’t experienced that feeling yet. There are still many things I can do, want to do, and must do. So until I accomplish all of those, I won’t feel fulfilled. And I believe new ambitions will continue to arise indefinitely. The world is moving at a rapid pace, with new technologies emerging one after another. I want to learn about all these new developments. That’s why each day holds such importance for me. I live each day fully, so much so that I don’t even have time to think about the week ahead. In that sense, I find it gratifying to consider how each day’s efforts contribute to something greater.
When we talk to anisong composers and singers, we often hear that creating music for anime is a dream come true. Could you share what it's like for you and how you connect with shows like "Saijaku Tamer wa Gomi Hiroi no Tabi wo Hajimemashita" and "Unnamed Memory"?
Whether I’m creating an anime theme song or another type of music, the production process is almost the same for me. Both allow my creativity to flourish, so there’s no difference in feeling there. Frankly, I don’t understand how I came to be a major artist in the music scene. Playing the mini harp was just a coincidence, and working on anime theme songs was nothing short of a miracle; neither is what I initially set out to do.
Initially, I aimed to become a Vocaloid producer. Creating visuals was the purpose of my activities. However, everything I’m doing now will contribute to my visual works. That’s why I’m at a stage where I’m challenging myself to try anything.
As fascinating and thrilling as it sounds, we imagine creating anime openings and endings could also be daunting. Have you encountered any challenges while creating these songs?
As mentioned, creating anime openings and endings is no different from creating any other song for me. When I compose a song, I establish a theme, choose three keywords, and build the music from there. This format was suggested to me by the anime production team as well. Therefore, the only distinction lies in whether the idea is selected by me or by someone else. Essentially, there’s no difference for me at all.
What are your big dreams for your music career in the future?
I want to continue releasing songs. And I want to perform live properly. Not just singing karaoke, but with a full band. I want to express the art of music with all my might at live houses.
Lastly, for those who are just beginning their musical journey or dreaming of one day writing/singing a theme song for anime, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences?
It’s all about persistence. That’s really all there is to it. And it’s about staying true to what you want to do. You don’t need to pursue jobs that anyone else could do. Easily replaceable things don’t last forever. If you can find just one thing that only you can do, then you can continue for a long time.
Thank you so much, Tei, for sharing your journey and insights with Honey's Anime. Your passion for music and your unique approach to creating anime themes truly inspire us! We’re excited to follow your future projects and see where your musical talent takes you next!
And for thos who are curious about Tei's music, don't forget to follow them on SNS for more great songs!
![tei_hinoto [Honey's Anime Interview] Exploring Tei (丁), the Musician Behind Unnamed Memory's OP Theme. A Promising Newcomer in Japanese Music!](https://honeysanime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tei_hinoto.jpg)
![tei_hinoto [Honey's Anime Interview] Exploring Tei (丁), the Musician Behind Unnamed Memory's OP Theme. A Promising Newcomer in Japanese Music!](https://honeysanime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tei-Artist-Photo-scaled.jpg)