IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

Name: CORNELIUS LOY

Occupation: MUSICIAN

1. Where are you from?

I was born in the Hamptons, grew up in Long Island and spent many summers upstate New York in the Adirondack Mountains with family.

2. What brings you to NY?

Ever since I was a child I wanted to be a part of New York City culture so I could nurture my creativity and be the person I want to be. My father worked in Manhattan delivering bread, and would often take me to work with him. He would share stories of the flamboyant fashion trends he’d seen on the streets and the eccentric people that he’d met. New York City represented personal freedom to me. I have lived here since 2002.

3. Where is your favorite place in NY?

My favorite place in New York City, is the Downtown Association’s mansion on pine street. Very magical.

4. When did you start your music career?

My musical mission began in 2007, after my father passed away. I had the spontaneous idea to purchase a Theremin from the internet, after watching videos of Armen Ra performing. Armen is a legendary Thereminist, and my number one inspiration for pursuing the instrument. When I first heard Armen Ra play Theremin, I cried for hours and couldn’t explain the reason. There was an overwhelming amount of emotion behind every micro-movement. My musical career began in 2009 when I performed Theremin live for the first time with my friends’ band called Blackpool.

5. Did you always want to work in the music industry?

Originally, I wanted to be an ornithologist or oceanographer. I pursued candle, incense and perfume making in my early 20’s, as well as a career in fortune telling through various methods of divination, tarot, palm etc.

6. What is the best part of being the musician?

The best part of being a musician, is the freedom to express any emotion. Music creates a cathartic sanctuary where we can heal ourselves and relate to the world.

7. What is your greatest professional achievement?

One of my greatest professional achievements was being a guest speaker at Bucknell University, speaking to the students about Theremin. Growing up, I went to a program for troubled children, and did not receive a proper education. This was a milestone for my musical career, because it was the first time I felt absolution from my previous life, and confidence about the future.

8. What are your career goals?

Currently, my career goal is to publish the original music I’ve been working on for years. I’ve been recording a debut album independently, with instruments and natural recording techniques. My career goal is to create a sense of emotional acceptance for the listener.

9. What do you like to do outside of music?

Outside of music, I spend my time in nature. Swimming in the ocean, walking alongside the river and dreaming in the woods.

10. I can say your attire is so attractive on the stage. Where/How do you get the inspiration?

Not exactly sure where my style inspiration comes from. I severed my eyelid off in a car accident at age 16 (sewed back together with 50 stitches) and suffered body dysmorphia for years. I like clothing that is difficult to put on, or constrictive. Anything black, shiny or metallic inspires me.

11. What are you most proud of?

I am mostly proud of following my desires and listening to my heart even when it doesn’t make sense.

12. What are your lifelong dreams?

Some of my lifelong dreams have changed throughout the years, but always lead to a place in nature where I can exist with animals and humans. I dream of living on a mountain top with the one I love and worshipping life.

13. What five words would describe you?

Creative, Destructive, Passionate, Spiritual, Human

14. What is one thing that would surprise our readers?

I want to start an anti-smart phone revolution. I believe cell phones are making the younger generations socially awkward, and socially unable to form a deep conversation face to face, eye to eye. I would like to implement a “dumb-phone” that forces people to speak to each other in person.

15. Do you have any life-essential tips for our readers?

Listen to the rhythm of your own heartbeat. It is playing the song of your life. It will guide you life a compass, protect you from harm and fill you with the butterflies of love. Follow your desires to the edge of the universe and remember we are all in this life together.

INTERVIEWED BY YU WATANABE

PHOTO CREDIT: JIM R MOORE, MICHAEL BLASE, LENSJOCKEY