Ai Sayama
L.V: rhythm, recording and a shared stage
The musical interests and production details behind Ai Sayama’s work with Black Diamond.
Music that begins with rhythm
L.V has described a childhood affection for Western music that made her move without needing to understand every lyric. In her discussion of Black Diamond, she connected that experience with her interest in K-pop, EDM and other rhythm-led styles.
She also expressed an interest in trying songs with a stronger hip-hop character and deeper bass. These were creative directions she wanted to explore, part of a conversation about how the group might develop its sound.
Finding a place in the ensemble
Anri Okita has said that she invited L.V and Mary to audition for Black Diamond. Her invitation grew out of an existing relationship and confidence in their abilities, giving the group’s beginnings a personal dimension as well as an audition process.
L.V’s comments about the group focus on making music that can connect across language barriers. Rhythm, atmosphere and the combined performance of the members are central to that ambition, alongside the words of the songs.
An album with a connection to its venue
Black Diamond’s first full album, Shining Diamonds, arrived in May 2024 with twelve tracks, including two instrumentals. In an interview about its making, L.V discussed the delayed release and additional recording that formed part of the process.
The album artwork also carried a trace of the group’s first solo show. Its cover and individual booklet photographs were taken at Zepp DiverCity on the day of the performance. L.V explained that her own portrait used the venue’s stairway as its setting.