Cocco

Makishi Satoko

Vocals

Flag bearer for many artists like Shiina Ringo and Yaida Hitomi, who make music by reaching deep into their heart, Cocco’s eccentric personality and old fashioned lifestyle has made her one of the most enigmatic figures of the Japanese music scene. For her, singing is not a hobby but an unpleasant, even painful task she must accomplish to cleanse her soul of impurities, unleashing all the sadness and anger sleeping inside of her.

Television appearances, rehearsals, concerts, photo shoots... she loathes everything that accompanies fame to the point of tears. It troubles me to say her suffering brings joy to millions as the powerful music and words shaped from her peculiar imagination are a blessing to listen to. Cocco has quite a hard time understanding and accepting the fact that legions of fans are at her feet, vicariously living her emotions. When this extremely camera shy and self-effacing artist is dragged onstage for interviews, she will often be seen crying and adopting an attitude bordering schizophrenia. She is obviously not like everyone else. Yet, is it not what the music scene requires the most? Artists who are not like everyone else?

For someone with such a conservative mentality regarding modern development, Cocco has an incredibly avant-gardist music sense. The final product is, however, toned down slightly from her original intentions, since the task of making her exasperated musicians and producer envision the song currently haunting her head without any substantial notion in music is a flawed process, which sometimes leaves her unsatisfied.

This rereading may still be for the best as it harmoniously mixes Cocco’s disturbing, emotional melodies with the practicality of experienced musicians and always remains experimental and varied. I have never used the term "varied" lightly before, but this time, I do so more convincingly than ever. Any unfamiliar would never guess random songs from her repertoire were created and sung by the same artist.

Even if there are limits to how accurately Cocco can express herself through her musicians, no one has the influence to regulate her vocals. The manifest insecurity she expresses before a live audience is nowhere to be found in her powerful, bittersweet voice. She uses it in her usual genuine way, completely rendering her heart to anyone willing to listen. Cocco often takes things to the next level by turning the tone of her sometimes controversial, sometimes dulcet lyrics into screaming or whispering. Albeit unconventional, such outbursts of emotions always fit suitably in her lullabies or hard-rocking pieces, and to anyone who prefers sentiments over precision, they are the essence of great music.

Cocco was born in Okinawa on January 19, 1977. Her nickname was given to her by her sister, who thought it was an interesting diminutive of her real name, Makishi Satoko. It was originally spelled "Cocko" and was the name she used during her first performance in 1996. Surprisingly, her first concerts took place in the United States during minor music festivals. It did not take long before Cocco’s unique approach to music made waves strong enough to reach producers and when Tower Records Japan used Sing a Song –No Music, No Life- as the theme for their series of commercials, the nation was all ears as to what this new artist was capable of.

Her first official single, Countdown, was launched in March 1997, followed by her first album, Bougainvillea. Her third album, Rapunzel, which debuted at number one on the Japanese charts, was a clear indication of her growing success. Such achievement did not seem to make Cocco as happy as her coworkers. If anything, her growing fame was making it even harder for her to cope with interviews and fans. Cocco had already announced her retirement several times in the past but soon after the release of her fourth album, Sangrose, she finally made up her mind and announced an indefinite hiatus.

Who'da thunk it: 5 long years later, Cocco is back and sporting a short new do. Osanku Punch was the first single in line to introduce her new album, Zansaian, which, to me, seems to have brewed just long enough. This release was followed by a very short tour perhaps to test her newer self on stage again, something that might have provoked the long hiatus in the first place. Take your time, Cocco, everyone is just happy you are back.

Favourite Album:

Zansaian

I hope the fact that I have waited 4 years (She was a year into her hiatus when I discovered her) is not clouding my judgment. In any case this is a solid album. Classic Satoko vocals, if there is such a thing, are mixed with original and varied music arrangements are enough to keep you rapt for an hour. Rest assured that melodious Cocco, sweet Cocco and disturbed Cocco all make appearances in Zansian.

Favourite Songs:

Shigatsu Baka

Mizu Kagami

Utakata

Countdown

Ai Urara

Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi

Again

Kumoji no Hate

Natsuiro

Hikoukigumo

Why Shigatsu Baka?

A beautiful excerpt of the comeback album. It starts out simple enough, but the entrancing vocals and cute melody will not take long to win you over. One would probably need also listen to Countdown and Utakata to get a good idea of what to expect of Cocco.

Official Site: http://www.cocco.co.jp/

(Tip: use AltaVista's Babel Fish translator)