The uniqueness of Privia lies in its balance - CASIO created the "Lifestyle Piano"
Introducing Hayato Sumino, also known as Cateen, a pianist who takes to the stage as an official CASIO electronic instrument ambassador and who has previously graced Privia series TV commercials. Would you believe that this all began by pure chance?
"I first stumbled upon CASIO electronic instruments about four years ago when I began to significantly intensify my music activities on YouTube. A friend invited me to a CASIO live event, and found myself unexpectedly playing the piano there.
That kickstarted my journey with Privia, and here I am now, still representing them as an ambassador."
Amidst his busy schedule including global travel for concerts and recordings, Hayato continuous to lead a fulfilling life by maintaining bases in both Tokyo and New York. "Every day, I absorb positive musical vibes. Even during my downtime, I ensure I spend time with the piano. It's as natural to me as breathing. Privia serves as a dependable companion, guiding me back to the basics whenever I encounter a creative block or simply want to have pure fun."
Hayato's Privia models of choice are the "PX-S1100" and "PX-S7000." Wondering about their unique qualities? Hayato shares the details from a pianist's perspective. "I turn to the “PX-S1100” for recordings, like on radio shows. It's sleek, casual, and stands out. Being able to jam on an instrument you love makes all the difference. I've got the RD, a red Privia, which is my favorite color, so it not only looks good on screen but also delivers top-notch performances."
Now, onto the "PX-S7000." Hayato appreciates its high-performance EP tones, meticulously crafted to match different music cultures throughout the years. "I'm vibing with the EP tones, as well as the piano tones of course. It realistically captures the intricate feeling of piano strings exceptionally well. The touch is also superb, so it feels like it’s embracing my fingers when I'm playing intricate phrases. It's like your emotions are in sync with the sound, making it feel alive. It doesn't feel overly electronic – it's a joy to play."
Among the vibrant trio of colors available for the "PX-S7000," Hayato’s favorite is the "Harmonious Mustard." "Talk about a color with personality! The design is fantastic, and it looks sleek from every angle. Honestly, it's a piano that's not only visually appealing but also offers so much more. I've shared details about this in pa st interviews, so do check those out for the full scoop," he says with a smile.
Hayato stresses how Privia seamlessly integrates into life. "Whether acoustic or digital, every instrument has its own unique vibe. Playing an instrument can spark a cool conversation, revealing its character. So how about Privia? It's all about balance – outstanding basic performance, globally acclaimed design, with a digital twist. This combination helps to shape a lifestyle with music that is full of emotion. Both when playing the piano and for its aesthetics as part of my interior space, it allows me to create a stylish life
Hayato’s mind is made up – Privia is unparalleled. "Functional yet stylish? Definitely! But an instrument that blends with people's everyday lives? That’s something that probably took everyone by surprise. Perhaps what CASIO has created is a 'Lifestyle Piano,' a modern take on instruments."
The concept of a lifestyle piano resonates well with Hayato because the piano is always within arm's reach. "As people watch and listen to my performances, I aim to share deeper emotional connectionswith those who appreciate my music. To achieve that, I'm all for trying out innovative methods, which is just like the spirit of Privia. Here's to keeping that vibe alive!"
