Since the beginning of her career, Eir Aoi has been the voice behind some of the most iconic anime songs of the 2010s, such as “MEMORIA” from Fate/Zero, “IGNITE” from Sword Art Online, and “Sirius” from Kill la Kill. Last season, Eir Aoi marked her return from a hiatus since January 2023 with “MONSTER,” the opening theme of Classroom of the Elite Season 4, and “unrealistic,” the opening theme of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
Eir Aoi shared with Anime Trending this past spring about her songwriting process and marking her return to her career.
This season marks an exciting return for you with not just one but two amazing openings: “MONSTER” and “unrealistic.” What are your favorite aspects of these two openings?
Eir Aoi: “Unrealistic” is a classic, expansive rock track. When recording the vocals, I paid particular attention to making them feel both free and rock-oriented.
For “MONSTER,” I experimented with the vocals, opting for a piercingly sharp delivery. It’s less about being rock and more about creating an edge, with slight shifts in tone and color throughout. Because the instrumental track is so fierce, I knew I had to fight to hold my own, so I sang as if I were locked in combat with it.
“Unrealistic” is more of a track that feels close to the traditional Eir Aoi style, while “MONSTER” can be seen as a new type of Eir Aoi song. Also, I think “unrealistic” will definitely become a call-and-response song at live shows.
You’ve said in previous interviews that part of your writing process for anime or game themes is to read the script/source material or play some of the game. When it comes to long-running series like That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime, how much of the material do you read? Is it just the parts that will be animated, or do you start from the beginning?
Eir Aoi: When it was decided that I would sing the opening theme for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, I was honestly really surprised. It’s a work that’s truly loved all over the world, so I also feel a strong sense of pressure!
Personally, I like Shizu, but I also think it would be nice to have a boss like Rimuru [laughs]. I feel like he would guide things in a really positive direction.
For me, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is like a “reference book” of an anime. It offers so many insights about how to live or how to relate to others.
In a lot of ways, “MONSTER” is a song that really conveys the literal monster inside Ayanokoji in Classroom of the Elite. What part of the song do you think best conveys that feeling of being a monster?
Eir Aoi: When I first got to know the protagonist Ayanokoji, I initially thought he seemed unremarkable. But as I learned more about him, I realized he’s an incredibly intelligent and strategic person with a calculating, almost frightening side. That’s why I decided to title the song “MONSTER.” The lyrics are written from the perspective of people observing Ayanokoji, which is why you’ll hear phrases like “Don’t feed the monster” and “How does it feel to see the future?”
This year will mark the 15th anniversary of your debut single, “MEMORIA” from Fate/Zero. How would you describe your style and goals throughout your career? Is there anything that you would tell your 2011 self?
Eir Aoi: I think, above all else, it was the fans who kept me connected to my path as a singer. Even through two hiatuses, they continued to wait for me. There were times when I seriously considered giving up singing, especially when I fractured my spine, but in the end I realized I still missed my fans and that my love for singing hadn’t changed. Because of them, I was able to find the resolve to continue my career. Creating music and live performances that fans can enjoy has always been extremely important to me.
If I could say something to my younger self, I would tell her that it’s okay not to be so serious all the time. Back then, I was so serious about everything that there were times I lost sight of what was around me.
As you look forward to the next part of your career, is there a musical style that you would like to try writing and singing?
Eir Aoi: Up until now, I often found myself thinking, “Is this what people want from me?” or “Is this the kind of music they’re expecting from me?” I was more focused on living up to the image people had of me than on defining myself as an artist. Going forward, I’d like to explore a wider range of musical styles.
For example, I’d like to try genres I’ve never performed before, as well as music that people might not typically associate with me. I’m excited to see what shape that will ultimately take, and I hope everyone will look forward to it as well.
If you had to pick three songs from your discography that you consider to be career-defining, what would you choose and why?
Eir Aoi: First of all, I don’t think I can leave out “IGNITE,” since it’s a song that audiences all over the world sing along with.
“Sirius” is also a very popular track, and during live performances, everyone joins in on the “kanaeru” part at the end of the chorus. So it’s a song that creates a strong sense of unity.
For the third song, I’d choose what is arguably one of my signature songs, “Lapis Lazuli.” At the time, “Lapis Lazuli” was a new challenge for me, as it stepped away from the rock-oriented image of Eir Aoi, so it left a strong impression on me.
When you’re not making music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Eir Aoi: I really love sleeping, so I often just relax and spend a lot of time in bed. I’ve recently started studying English at a relaxed pace using conversation practice and language apps. I’m also doing training again to prepare for live performances.
Do you have any last closing thoughts or a message you would like to share with fans around the world?
Eir Aoi: I think the energy of live shows in the USA and the UK is really incredible!
I haven’t been able to come to the USA or the UK recently, but I will definitely be back again someday!
I can’t wait to see you all at the venue!
“Monster” and “unrealistic” are now available for streaming and download. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season 4 and Classroom of the Elite: Season 4 are now streaming on Crunchyroll.
You can follow Eir Aoi on social media:
Main Website: https://aoieir.jp/
Twitter: https://x.com/eir_ruru2
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/aoieir
TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@eir_ruru2?_r=1&_t=ZS-96vCoErIaKi
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/aoieir
YouTube：http://youtube.com/@eir_ajito
Spotify：https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/artist/18moNotPmBWa2YZtRnIoZ3
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