K-Pop Crossover: Pop Star Masumi Channels Inner 'Bad Girl’ After Hearing Girls’ Generation [EXCLUSIVE]

Singer "Pop Star" Masumi Yamamoto is something of a musical virtuoso.

Born with natural perfect pitch in Niigata, Japan, Masumi began playing piano when she was four and also found time off to learn the cello, drums and xylophone.

Now living in California, Masumi released "Girls Make The World Go Round" last month and she's hoping the energetic dance single can join Cindy Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" as another girl power anthem for the ages.

Earlier this week, Masumi sat down with KpopStarz to talk about the energy she sees in K-pop and how she uses the inspiration she draws from Hallyu artists when creating her own music, in an exclusive interview.

"I loved 'Bad Girl' by Girls' Generation, the underground atmosphere, the wardrobes, the bikes. I watched it over and over when it first came out," Masumi said.  

"We just finished shooting the performance video for 'Girls Make The World Go 'Round' and I had to play a few roles. I was sure channeling my inner 'Bad Girl.'" 

The former Yamaha Music School advanced studies student was 19 when she headed off by herself to New York City to study American music up close.

Masumi spent night after night at Harlem's historic Apollo Theater to catch their famous "Amateur Night."

"All of the acts I saw at the Apollo did wonderful performances and looked so professional to me," she said.

Masumi feels that power in Hallyu.

"I love to hear and see K-pop," she said. "I love the energy. It makes people want to get up and dance! It's exciting to see other Asian artists develop their own sound and style."

"K-pop presents the whole package of entertainment," she added.

"Although I don't speak Korean, It's inspiring to me. I'd like to collaborate with some K-pop artists someday. That would be great," she added.

Masumi refused to single out any artist in particular, but dropped a few hints on who her favorite Hallyu group is.

"I love Girls' Generation and I like Yuri the best [in the group]," she said.

"I'm also a huge fan of Hyoyeon and Jessica. They are always so cool and their fashion is gorgeous all the time. I also have a lot of respect for Jessica; she knows what to do to make herself look good and her fashion sense is out of this world." she said.

She feels an affinity to the group's willingness to experiment.

"Girls' Generation is always trying something new, and so am I," Masumi said.

"I believe it is very important for any artist...these artists challenge me and push me to keep my music fresh and exciting."

Check out PopStar Masumi's new music video for "Girls Make The World Go Round" RIGHT HERE

Tags
pop star masumi
dance music
K-Pop Crossover
bad girl
SNSD
Girls Generation
Join the Discussion

Latest Photo Gallery

Real Time Analytics