Exclusive: Che Lingo's Unforgettable Collaboration with Crunchyroll Embracing the Best of Fall Anime

Crunchyroll is preparing for the fall anime season and has joined forces with acclaimed rapper Che Lingo and Cö shu Nie member Miku Nakamura to release a new song called LIFETIME. Alongside this release, they have also unveiled a trailer for the upcoming fall 2023 anime season. This collaboration between Che Lingo, Miku Nakamura, and Crunchyroll is sure to generate excitement among anime fans eagerly anticipating the new season.

Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen will recognize Che Lingo's previous work, as the UK-based artist contributed to the soundtrack of the popular shonen series' first season. Now, Che Lingo reunites with the world of anime, this time alongside Miku Nakamura for the song LIFETIME and Crunchyroll's fall 2023 anime trailer. The trailer is spectacular, showcasing impressive moments from notable franchises such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, and One Piece. According to Crunchyroll, the full version of LIFETIME will soon be available on Spotify.

Che Lingo & Miku Nakamura Team Up With Crunchyroll for Fall Anime Trailer

Could you share the story behind the collaboration between Crunchyroll and your new song, Lifetime?

Che Lingo: I had already composed music for another anime, Jujutsu Kaisen, in 2020. As a result, I was invited to several anime movie premieres in London the following year. During those events, I had the opportunity to meet some members of the UK team on multiple occasions. They were already familiar with my previous album "The Worst Generation," which is a reference to One Piece. When they discovered my involvement with JJK, my connection to the city, and my personal affinity for anime, we began discussing possibilities for collaboration. This genuine and sincere outcome stemmed from those interactions.

Our website: The hip-hop scene in Japan differs significantly from those in America and the UK. Has the Japanese hip-hop scene influenced your music? Were you aware of this distinction when contributing to the soundtrack of Jujutsu Kaisen season 1?

Che Lingo: Since I first started going to the studio as a teenager, I have been exposed to a wide range of sounds. Among them, Hiphop, Grime, and Jazz resonated with me the most. These genres, while rebellious, have a deep soulfulness and a fiercely expressive nature. Given my background, it has become almost second nature for me to come up with lyrics and melodies in my head, even without any music playing. Therefore, collaborating with Youki Yamamoto and Hiroaki Tsutsumi on the music they composed and produced for JJK season 1 was a delightful return to that instinct.

Our website: When discussing anime music, it's often the openings that come to mind first. Do you have a personal top 5 anime openings that you particularly enjoy?

Che Lingo: Personally, I consider the music in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure to be of the highest quality, especially the mind-blowing guitar elements. Another favorite of mine is the soundtrack from Jujutsu Kaisen (Vivid Vice). The first Opening theme of Hunter X Hunter was exceptionally well arranged, while the use of drums, guitars, and hi-hats in the first Opening of Soul Eater was truly impressive. Additionally, both Death Note's Opening themes were incredibly dark, beautiful, and had a unique lyrical quality.

Our website: Apart from anime openings, have there been any soundtracks from anime that have had a significant impact on you?

Che Lingo: As a child, I embraced anime from an early age, immersing myself in a household saturated with Reggae and Jazz music. Although I found enjoyment in the music, I didn't actively listen to it enough to pinpoint any particular influence on soundtracks, especially since they were predominantly in Japanese. Nonetheless, it undeniably shaped my musical taste as I matured.

Our website: Can you share your experience collaborating with Miku? Did language barriers pose any challenges, and if so, how did you overcome them?

Che Lingo: Working with Miku was an amazing experience. Not only is she incredibly talented, but it was also my first time collaborating internationally. Despite the language barrier, we found a way to communicate effectively through a translator who was a friend of Miku's. As we recorded, our conversations became more natural and fluid, blending our sentiments and melodies seamlessly. It's incredible how music can bridge gaps like that. I hope to collaborate with Miku again in the future.

Our website: As a fan of anime, it must have been incredibly thrilling to contribute to the soundtrack of a series like Jujutsu Kaisen. Can you tell us about the process of creating the songs for that soundtrack? Were there any added pressures knowing that these songs would be associated with a highly anticipated series like Jujutsu Kaisen?

Che Lingo acknowledges that upon hearing the news about the release of the anime, he had already made a promise to himself to watch it. However, when he was approached to write multiple songs for the soundtrack, he found it surreal. The recording took place at Pinewood Studios and he had the opportunity to work with esteemed composer Youki Yamamoto and Hiroaki Tsutsumi, who is well-known for his musical contributions to Pokémon. This opportunity came about through Manon Dave, a close friend and fellow musician and composer, who introduced Che Lingo's music to Youki and Toho Animations. Che Lingo perceived this experience as liberating rather than intimidating, as the alignment of circumstances was highly specific and unique. He believed that it would have been unjust to not give his best effort due to nerves. Considering the significance of this project to the anime community and personally to him, Che Lingo embraced the occasion, had fun, and expressed gratitude for the recognition. Explore Che Lingo and Miku Nakamura's collaboration on the LIFETIME track for Crunchyroll's fall 2023 anime trailer.

Source: Crunchyroll