Katagi’s single “Stars and Beyond” was recently reviewed on our Mid Tenn Listens Live review show. Today we follow up with a Katagi interview. Read it in full below.

Let’s break the ice. Who are you? Where are you from? How would you classify the style of music you create?

My name is Katagi, I was born and raised in Vancouver but have been living in Tokyo for the past 16 years. I make alternative hip-hop that’s very different from anything else out there.

I read you began rapping after hearing De La Soul’s “Me Myself and I”…. what was it about that song that led you to start rapping?

I was 12 years old and reading a rap magazine when I came across the lyrics to “Me Myself and I”. I identified with the lyrics because it was about being different but being proud of that difference.

That was back in 1989… what inspires and motivates you now? How has your creativity evolved or changed over the years?

I’m inspired by all good music. I especially like artists that break the mold. In the past, I made more traditional rap music but have gotten more and more creative over the years. I tend to like slower, melancholy music and that’s been coming out quite a bit in my own songs.

What was the last song you listened to?

Small Things by Ben Howard.

How did your battle with Mono affect your music? It looks like you took a short break between ’99 and 2003, is that right?

Mono crushed me because it led to chronic fatigue and depression. It’s influenced my music tremendously, especially my lyrics. I’ve had to take several breaks from music over the years. I’m getting better though.

Is the Internet helping you connect with fans and expose your music to new ones? Are there any challenges you have had to face and overcome?

When I first got started, the Internet was really helpful. The challenge is reaching that one person out of the thousands that might identify with what I write.

One of your songs was recently reviewed on our new Mid Tenn Listens Live review show; did you receive valuable feedback? What do you think about this style of music review?

I really enjoyed getting feedback from you guys. It was great because I got to hear from a variety of people from different backgrounds.

What’s next for Katagi?

I’d like to re-record some of the songs from my last three albums and give them a proper release next year.

Where can we connect with you online? Listen to your music?

You can visit my website at http://katagilife.com or download my albums at http://katagi.bandcamp.com

Any last thoughts? Shout outs?

Thank you for the interview today and thanks to everyone reading this right now.