MISIA
Birth:7 July 1978, Fukuoka prefecture
Name: Misia, is pronounced the same as the
Russian name "Miisha"
Star sign: Cancer
Height: 153cm (5'0")
Weigh: 40kg (88lbs)
Measurements: 83:56:80 (32.5":22":31")
Blood type: O.
Debut: 19.04.92
Misia came from a family of music-lovers where something was always on the turntable, instrumental jazz, seventies pop and, what would become Misia's favorite, R&B. As early as elementary school Misia knew she wanted to sing. When she was twelve years old after seeing a commercial for the gospel musical "Mama, I want to sing" she was hooked on the idea of singing gospel and R&B. Misia displayed innate musical talents and had a natural ear. She played trumpet in her Junior high school band, sang with her High school choir and eventually sought serious vocal training outside of what the Japanese public schools could offer her, going from one music school to another searching for vocal coaches who could teach her how to sing gospel.
Misia finally found two black vocal teachers at a Fukuoka music school who taught her gospel and R&B singing techniques. Even in the early stages with very little training Misia's natural singing voice amazed everyone who heard it including the president of Rhythmedia who heard her sing at an amateur contest in May 1997 and made her a recording offer on the spot. In spite of the fact that Rhythmedia, an artist management office that develops hip-hop dance acts and music, had never produced a singer before gut instinct said Misia was the real thing, a genuine voice who was destined to be a star.
In September 1997 Misia came, with her parent's blessings, to Tokyo and began a work schedule that would break even the most veteran professionals much less a 19-year-old country girl fresh off the plane. She immediately began studio work on her first singles leaving all those she worked with, the producers, engineers and studio musicians, in total awe of the sheer power and beauty in her 5-octave range voice. Always enthusiastic and professional, Misia gained those same professional's deep respect by also writing her own music and lyrics and staying closely involved in the arrangement process in spite of a grueling promotion, recording and vocal and dance training schedule.
Misia in spite of the fame and small fortune that has come so quickly is in fact still a small-town Kyushu girl. She spends her free-time, what little of it there is, exploring Tokyo on the back of her bicycle and hanging out in open-air cafes people-watching. When Misia does get noticed, which is rare because her promotional campaign has been subdued by comparison focusing on her incredible singing talents rather than selling her face, image and fashion look, most of her fans are respectful and ask for just a handshake or leave her be. Also, in that precious free-time Misia likes to make sweets, write songs and, go shopping like any other typical Tokyo girl her age. Misia's look is unique and appeals to the younger club generation. There are other singers, some older, some flashier but at this point there is no other R&B singer in Japan who can claim such a voice.