Episode summary Singer-songwriter and vocal arranger Chloe joins us for this episode. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, America’s “Music City,” Chloe has built an impressive career in Japan, providing vocals for major artists across genres from pop and rock to jazz and techno, while also developing her own music as a singer-songwriter. From the childhood influences that first drew her to Japan, to the high-school exchange program that sparked her passion, to her unexpected path through the NGO Ashinaga and eventually into Tokyo’s music scene, Chloe shares the story of how she made Japan her creative home. We explore her journey, her upbringing in a musical family, and how those experiences shaped the artist she is today. Please enjoy the episode. Guest bio Singer-songwriter and vocal arranger. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Chloe grew up in a musical household, as her father is a long-time member of the renowned jazz a cappella group Take 6, immersing her in music from an early age. Her interest in Japan began through Ghibli films, anime, and Visual Kei, eventually leading her to revive her high school’s dormant exchange program and visit Nishinomiya, Kobe for the first time. After studying Japanese language alongside a university degree in public health, she came to Japan in 2019 through the Princeton in Asia Fellowship to work with the NGO Ashinaga. She later transitioned into the Japanese music industry, arranging vocals for top artists across multiple genres, touring as a supporting vocalist, while continuing to create and perform her own music. Host: Leo Kominz, SEAMES Born in Oregon, USA. While in college, Leo founded and ran ERL Studio, a recording studio dedicated to student musicians. After working at a television station, he embarked on World in Twelve, a project where he traveled to 12 cities around the world, spending a month in each and interviewing locals with the same 12 questions. He later founded a production company, creating a wide range of video, music, and event projects, before taking on his current role. About RE:PODS RE:PODS is a podcast that brings together a diverse range of guests, from actors and entrepreneurs to chefs and researchers. The show is built around three key principles: (1) long-form conversations that go deep, (2) thought-provoking topics that spark curiosity, and (3) insights that inspire listeners to take action. New episodes are released on xxx of each month. Produced by SEAMES SEAMES is a creative collective using art and entertainment to tackle social challenges in ways that are fun, engaging, and full of discovery and inspiration. Their goal is to show that addressing social issues doesn’t have to be daunting or dull. It can be exciting, meaningful, and impactful. Website: https://www.seame-s.com/
