Freeky
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
| "Freeky" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Ai Otsuka | ||||
| from the album Marble | ||||
| Language | Japanese | |||
| Released | August 9, 2023 | |||
| Genre | Electronic music, J-pop | |||
| Length | 3:39 | |||
| Label | Avex Trax | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Koichi Tsutaya | |||
| Ai Otsuka singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Vanity" is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, released as a digital single on August 9, 2023, through Avex Trax.[1] The song was composed and produced by Koichi Tsutaya, marking this as the first collaboration between these two artists.
Background and release
[edit]The song is a track provided by Koichi Tsutaya specifically for Otsuka,[2] to be part of her first collaborative EP, Marble, to commemorate her twentieth anniversary in the music industry.[3] Otsuka wrote the lyrics for the song, while Tsutaya composed and co-arranged it with Osamu Fukuzawa.[4]
"Freeky" is one of the three songs that Tsutaya offered to Otsuka, upon being appointed to work with her.[5] Otsuka sought to create a "cool and stylish" song with Tsutaya, aiming to move beyond the "cute" image often associated with her vocals.[5] She viewed Tsutaya’s production expertise as a way to address this perceived limitation. However, the demo Tsutaya provided had a challenging melodic range, which Otsuka initially found daunting, questioning whether it was singable. To enhance the track, she experimented with various backing vocal arrangements during the demo recording, submitting multiple options for Tsutaya to select from, ensuring she complemented the song’s sophisticated production. The song’s wide melodic range posed a vocal challenge, requiring Otsuka to adapt her performance to meet its technical demands. Otsuka described the track as having a strong sense of momentum, particularly in the chorus, which inspired her to envision it as a song for driving.[5]
Tsutaya expressed surprise and excitement at the opportunity to work with Otsuka, whom he regarded as a distinguished singer-songwriter with numerous hit songs.[5] He considered the offer a great honor and, inspired by the collaboration, created three demo tracks for Otsuka’s consideration, of which "Freeky" was selected. Tsutaya noted that hearing Otsuka’s initial demo vocals was a transformative moment, describing how her performance illuminated the song and guided his arrangement process. He attributed the track’s success to Otsuka’s artistic prowess, which elevated the composition and inspired his production choices.[5]
The single was released digitally on major music streaming platforms on August 9, 2023, a month prior to the release of Marble.[2]
Composition and themes
[edit]Upon its release, the song was described as an upbeat pop tune that encourages "people to shine on their own way."[2][6] Lyrically, the song, penned by Otsuka, conveys themes of movement, playfulness, and living freely without excessive seriousness.[5] Otsuka further explained the song upon its release, explaining that the conveys a message of gentle encouragement for those who may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life, reflecting on the tendency to work too hard or take things too seriously, often leading to fatigue, frustration, and a narrowed perspective. Through its lyrics, Otsuka stated that she wanted to transmit the idea of living more freely and with less rigidity, inviting to take a step back, explore new places, and embrace a more relaxed approach to life, aiming to inspire a sense of forward-looking optimism and emotional relief.[7]
Promotion
[edit]"Freeky" was announced as the web commercial song for DHC's Medicated Lip Series, becoming available on the brand's official website starting August 1, 2023.[2]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Freeky" | Aio | Koichi Tsutaya | 3:39 |
References
[edit]- ^ "大塚 愛の新曲「FREEKY (蔦谷好位置より）」が本日より各音楽サイトにて配信スタート！". Ai Otsuka Official Website (in Japanese). Avex. August 9, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "大塚 愛、新曲「FREEKY (蔦谷好位置より）」配信開始". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). August 9, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ "大塚 愛、蔦谷好位置とのコラボ新曲が「DHC 薬用リップシリーズ」Web CMソングに決定". Barks (in Japanese). August 1, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ "蔦谷好位置 プロデュース 大塚 愛 新曲「FREEKY (蔦谷好位置より)」「DHC 薬用リップシリーズ」Web CMソングに決定". AgehaSprings Times (in Japanese). August 9, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Nishibiro, Tomokazu (September 9, 2023). "大塚 愛が語る初コラボアルバム「marble」｜ドリカム中村正人インタビューと参加者コメントも". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ "大塚愛、DHC薬用リップシリーズCM曲「FREEKY」配信＆コラボ作『marble』にも収録". CDJournal (in Japanese). August 1, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ Otsuka, Ai [@aiotsuka_official] (August 8, 2023). "FREEKY (蔦谷好位置より)リリースしました！" (in Japanese). Retrieved May 22, 2025 – via Instagram.