On Friday, D’Addario announced a new partnership with MIYAVI, a world-renowned musician, actor, and humanitarian.
"In an exclusive new interview, MIYAVI reflects on a lifetime of reinvention, how music gave him purpose after an injury ended a future in sports, how he’s managed to avoid simple categorization in a single field or genre, and how he found a style of guitar-playing uniquely his: a percussive, head-turning, finger-slapping technique that turned the 'Samurai Guitarist' into a global icon."
“Music saved me,” he said. “I wanted to be a professional soccer player, but I got injured and lost my dream. I felt lost until I picked up a guitar. Suddenly, I felt free.”
“I realized I needed my own style, so I threw away the pick and started slapping the strings — inspired by the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument. That’s how I became the ‘Samurai Guitarist.’”
"That sense of freedom has fueled a global career spanning 13 albums, eight world tours, and performances in more than 30 countries. Still, MIYAVI remains committed to pushing creative boundaries."
“I’m not afraid of making something new, even if people think it’s weird. That’s why I keep playing the guitar.”
“To me, it’s like air. If the strings aren’t good, the guitar doesn’t ring. With D’Addario, I don’t have to think about it — I can just focus on performing, jumping around on stage, banging my head, and screaming.”
"Beyond music, he’s fronted campaigns for brands like Beats, BMW, and Gucci, and even undertaken humanitarian work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for refugee rights worldwide. "
Watch the full interview on D’Addario’s YouTube channel: https://ddar.io/miyaviinterview
