Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Zima Kamimoto is a cosplayer who has become one of the most followed Slavic cosplayers in less than a year of uploading her first cosplay post. Kamimoto
took the digital realm by storm, her unique blend of creativity, authenticity, and undeniable talent quickly earned her a massive following on social media
platforms. Yesterday, on Winter solstice, Kamimoto announced her debut studio album titled The Snow Queen, set to be released on January 25, 2024. In an
exclusive interview with Music Existence, we sat down with Zima to delve into her debut album and future in cosplay.
1. Transitioning from cosplaying to singing is quite unique. How do you feel your experiences in cosplay will contribute to your approach to music and
performance?
I’ve always thought there’s an acting aspect to cosplay. Even if I’m only taking a picture or recording a TikTok, I’m still acting in some way. When I’m in
cosplay I’m obviously not supposed to be myself, so everything I do must be made to represent the character I’m cosplaying as, from my hand gestures to the
songs I’m lip-syncing to. Some songs on this album tell the stories of the most important situations and feelings I’ve experienced so far, so I obviously don’t
relate to certain lyrics anymore. That means that when I was recording some of these songs, I was acting in some capacity to capture the right feeling, to
accurately deliver the songs in the same way I would have had I recorded them during the time I was actually going through those situations.
2. What inspired the title of your upcoming album, and how does it encapsulate the essence of your music?
Since this is my debut album, I wanted to talk about everything that makes me “me”. I’ve always loved the cold, but most importantly I’ve always been
naturally associated with it. My name, my birthday, my personal aesthetics. It’s part of my identity, so naming this album “The Snow Queen” was a no-brainer
for me, and all the songs in the album make references to ice, snow, wintertime, frost, you name it.
3. Without giving too much away, can you give us a glimpse into the overall theme or concept of your debut album?
A snow queen living in this cyberpunk city where everybody is active in the metaverse.
4. How would you describe the overall sound and style of your debut album?
Cyberian.
5. After the release of this album, will you be focusing solely on music, or will you still be doing cosplay as well?
I decided a few months ago that I would be stepping out of cosplay after the release of The Snow Queen. I’ve been preparing for this for quite a long time now. I
have a whole calendar set up and I already know what my last cosplay is going to be. I’ll only be cosplaying again when the new Frozen movies come out and
Elsa has new outfits because, you know, she’s my all-time favorite fictional character, obviously.
6. How did the release of your debut album influence this decision?
I kind of talked about this in the first interview I ever gave, but I made this weird promise to myself that I wouldn’t publicly show myself out of cosplay unless it
was to promote my first record. I said the real Zima exists only as a singer, and that’s very true. For the sake of my weird agenda, I don’t want to be seen out of
cosplay when there is no music era to trace that picture back to, because this record isn’t only about the music, but about the whole aesthetics around it as well.
7. Will there be any singles to be released from The Snow Queen?
Yes, the first track on the album will be my debut single and there will be a music video for it. It will be released on the same day as the album as well. I’m
incredibly excited about that.
8. Last question, is there anything you’d like to let your fans know before 2023 comes to an end?
I just want to let you guys know that I’m genuinely grateful for all the support you’ve given me and my cosplay work this year. I appreciate every follow, every
like, every share. I wish you all the best and hope you like The Snow Queen!
The Snow Queen by Zima Kamimoto comes out January 25, 2024.
