Ms. Meka Nism based in Orlando, Florida, is a multi-talented artist known as a metal opera vocalist, guitarist, MC, and voice actor. She spent three years living in Japan, where she taught English at a kindergarten in Kyoto while incorporating rock music into her lessons. This experience deepened her connection with Japanese music and culture. Meka is also an active member of the American educational organization Rock For Children, whose album Solid Rock Revival was nominated this year for a GRAMMY Awards in the Best Children’s Album category. We spoke with Meka about her unique journey that bridges education and music, and how she continues to expand the possibilities of rock as a tool for learning.
“Rock Teaches Kids a Safe Way to Express Emotions”
What inspired you to go to Japan?
Japan is a very special place, and has a beautiful heart and soul. I really wanted to experience its art, music and culture – especially music, which is my first love. I originally went there as an international English teacher because I got a visa through teaching, but I quickly met my band partner, Yukari. She played bass, and I played guitar as we both sang. We started a band called “Origami Girls”.
“Origami Girls” sounds like a catchy name for a Japanese audience.
Yeah! At that time, the only Japanese words I really knew were wasabi, sushi, and origami. Yukari picked “Origami” for our band name. And then I got recruited by a kindergarten. I think they liked my bright personality, the fact that I had worked at Disney, and that I was a singer. I wrote songs in English about whatever topic we were studying and sang them every day in my class. I wrote a song called “Lunch Box”, which I even performed at a metal opera show – it gives everybody a joy burst! Everybody loves food, right? I think art, music and dance are great ways to experience another culture in a safe way. Also, food is always a way to open doors to understand different cultures with the added benefit of the learning the words. If you practice English or Japanese every day through music, you can really learn the language. Music creates a great opportunity for kids to learn.
You lived in Kyoto for three years. Did you experience any culture shock?
Tashikani. (“Definitely”) I only learned Japanese from my friends, so I only speak Kansai-ben haha! (That’s the regional dialect in the Kansai area – it’s known for being fun, friendly, and sometimes cheeky.) I think I’m grateful that I didn’t know all the rules when I moved to Japan. We’re all trying to learn cultural rules or differences when moving back and forth between countries. For example, New Yorkers are very aggressive, friendly, and assertive – they’ll look you in the eye – with their strong personalities. But if you’re not that way, they think something’s wrong. So, I know that would be maybe shocking.
How did you feel teaching English in Japan?
I have a very loud and energetic personality, but luckily my friends in Japan said I was yabai (“cool” or “insane”) – in a nice way! You know, wild but approachable. I was a loud rock singer with a smile, which made it safe for people to join me in my artistic adventures. That was the most fun – being Rock’n’roll sensei (“teacher”) with the kids like a rock out in class!
Tell us about your album “Solid Rock Revival”.
Absolutely. It’s completely for charity. It started with the idea of Joe Norelli from The Norelli Family Foundation, which already supports a lot of organizations – including Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Arizona. There are 3 locations so far and these centers provide free music and dance lessons and after school-care for children ages 12 years old to 20 years old.
Some cities in Arizona deal with serious street issues. Using music in that community to get kids to not want to do drugs, be in the street, or look for connections in that way and instead look for connections to the arts. This album all of the proceeds go to charity. Alice Cooper said, “Instead of being in a gang, they’re in a band.” All proceeds from this album go to the charity.
Has your rock’n’roll sensei experience influenced the project?
Yes! I’m the vocalist on the album. Rock for Children gives parents and kids a fun, safe way to rock out together. The lyrics are encouraging. It gives kids permission to feel and express big emotions. They can practice being aggressive without being afraid of being angry, or something in a safe way. They can practice head banging and place to move their energy in a safe way – the music gives them permission to do so.
Do you have any connection to Japanese rock music?
Yes! I’m so proud of SiM. They’re my favorite band, and I used to play with them in Sapporo, Japan. They are truly international now, touring Europe and the U.S. – it’s amazing. I also love Visual kei bands. Some of these visual kei bands that I’ve also liked over the years. That scene has changed over the past 10 years, hasn’t it? Malice Mizer are like the godfather of the genre! It’s the beginning of a generation.
Visual kei changes its musical style and fashion with each generation. I think it’s very Japanese how the senior-junior dynamic continues across the scene.
Oh, that’s cool. I take that respect. They’re like the Alice Cooper for us. Alice Cooper is the godfather of rock for Americans. In fact probably the world too. The fact that I get to be on an album with him for Rock for Children Album is a big deal to many of us. It’s one of the biggest honors of my life, really.
Do you feel any influence from Japanese music culture in your work?
Enka is very cool. I think there’s a little enka influence in visual kei too – it’s like operatic and dramatic with that strong vibrato. I love vibrato. What I admire about Japanese visual kei bands is they use dramatic vibrato. It’s emotional to me. It doesn’t like have to be perfectly clear all the time – it can expresse emotion.
What’s your vision as a rock singer in the educational space?
I would definitely use the Rock For Children “Solid Rock Revaluble” album to help kids have a safe place to rock out. The producers – Rubén Salas, Joe Norelli and Dana Kamide – are great and have a great vision. I also work as a voice actor; meaning I could do the voices that were missing. Being both a teacher and a rock musician made it easy for me to step in as a songwriter and advisor. And the journey continues – we’re already writing new songs for the next album!
Based in Orlando, Florida, she is a multi-talented artist known as a metal-opera vocalist, guitarist, MC, and voice actor. As a National Trustee of the Florida Chapter of The Recording Academy – she is also involved in supporting future music professionals through the GRAMMY U mentorship program, as well as emerging artists through the MusiCares support initiatives. Drawing on her experience as an English teacher in Japan and her career as a rock singer, she is actively involved in Rock For Children, a non-profit organization that supports children’s education and development through music.
Instagram: @msmekanismofficial