Here are nao’s notes from the Kanogi OST. She explained her feelings about Red-reduction division-, and how working with the world of Kanogi led to her growth as an artist. At this point in her career, I think she still felt she was growing into the artist she wanted to be.
I remember before I thought about translating these, I sought out an in-depth summary of Tobari’s story. I really wanted to know how Red-reduction division- connected to the visual novel. I found some very… interesting things, to say the least (it is not labeled an adult video game for nothing). But, it was nice to know the roots of the song I love so much. Why fripSide chose the words they did. In the end, I understood the lyrics better. I think nao’s notes here shed some meaning on the song without giving away the story.
As for other translations, I’m slowly working on them, like the LisAni interview from April and sat’s Kanogi notes. Also, working on the layout. I have something I like, I just need header.
On to the translation!
彼女たちの響 ～彼女たちの流儀 オリジナルサウンドトラック～ Liner Notes
How is everyone listening to this CD?
Are you reminded of your favorite character? Listening to your favorite scene’s BGM?
It seems like there are various ways for everything to listen.
For me, I am always reminded of Tobarichan when I listen to “Red”.
And, it’s a very deep song to think about.
When we accepted the deal for the theme song, sat began writing Red’s lyrics and music.
Simultaneously, when we received the scenario and I took my first step into the world of Kanogi, I met Tobarichan first.
I got the impression that she was cold and lonely, but she wouldn’t give up, and would try with all of her might.
As I continued reading that scenario of Tobarichan, Tobarichan’s route, it wasn’t easy for her to be able to change herself with her own strength,
and I think this is what “her fate” was.
Rarely giving sat an opinion, I proposed writing fate as ‘sadame’. (1)
Eventually, Red’s music and lyrics were complete.
When I listened to the music, I felt like “I must not sing this song badly!” more than usual.
With higher notes being my specialty, I expressed the best I could my personal image of Tobarichan and the world of Kanogi – singing at my very best in a way no one else but me could do.
And then, because I was able to come across Kanojotachi no Ryuugi, my own style was able to grow a little bit…
That is, shortening the distance a little between ‘me’ and ‘the song’.
That is my impression of what it means to be an artist… (haha)
In short, “it’s only a song, but it’s still a song.”
fripSide began 4 years ago… I still haven’t found “my song” yet.
But now, I feel a little closer to my own song… whatever it is.
For me as a singer, even though I have unique singing skills, I don’t possess any other special abilities.
Still, having nobody to learn from, I’ve been singing all the songs almost by ‘trial and error’
The prerequisite for “singing well” includes understanding that every song possesses its own personality, length, contrasts, and direction of its lyrics. If I sing not knowing these, then I will not grow [as an artist].
It’s even more difficult when it comes to adding a personal touch to those foundations.
So, that is the reason “it’s only a song, but it’s still a song” inside of me. (2)
The song I look for now, is a song that will remain in your ears and your hearts.
A sound that’s caught something shameless and pleasant.
That kind of music possesses a versatile charm that could draw out the singer in me!
That is my dream… though it’s still a very distant dream.
As for fripSide, in order to construct music that possesses great perfection, there are still many challenges that must be cleared.
I sincerely hope I can happen upon a wonderful work like Kanogi again, to face new songs everyday.
fripSide nao
(1) sadame and unmei both mean fate in Japanese. Though both can be written as 運命, sadame and unmei differ slightly in meaning. I found this page really useful explaining the difference.
(2) She’s basically saying that, although it may be just another song to other people, to her, it’s something she takes seriously.
