What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is KHROTO, and I’m an independent artist from Japan. I create emotionally driven music that blends alternative, indie, and atmospheric sounds.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
KHROTO is a name created by combining “KHRONOS,” the god of time, with my real name, “SUMITO.”
It represents my desire to completely take control of the listener’s sense of time and space while they are experiencing my music. The name also reflects my ambition to become an artist with an overwhelming presence.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I started making music as a way to express emotions that were difficult to explain in words. Over time, I developed a sound influenced by alternative, indie, and dark atmospheric music. Now I focus on creating songs that feel honest, cinematic, and emotionally immersive.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
While creating “RAIN,” I spent a lot of time experimenting with space and silence in the production. Instead of filling every moment with sound, I wanted the track to feel isolated and emotionally heavy, like standing alone in the rain at night. That balance between minimalism and intensity became the core identity of the song.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I’ve always believed that the vocal should be the main character in a song. When producing music, I constantly think about how to bring out the best qualities of the vocal and how the beat can support and elevate it. At the same time, I’m always trying to express the unique atmosphere and identity of KHROTO through the sound. I poured my soul into this track, and I’d be happy if it resonates with people on a deep emotional level.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
One of the biggest challenges during production was finding the right balance between emotion and space in the mix. I didn’t want the track to feel overcrowded, so I spent a lot of time adjusting the arrangement and sound selection to make sure the vocals remained the emotional center of the song. By focusing on simplicity and atmosphere rather than adding too many elements, I was able to create a sound that truly felt like KHROTO.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I’d love to collaborate with artists like Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Drake. Each of them has a unique style, global influence, and a strong artistic identity that has inspired me in different ways. I’m especially drawn to artists who can combine mainstream appeal with real emotion and individuality, and I believe creating music together could lead to something powerful and timeless.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
In the next year, I want to expand KHROTO to a wider international audience and continue building a deeper connection with listeners around the world. I also want to release more music that pushes my sound further while staying emotionally honest.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
The next big step for me is establishing KHROTO as a globally recognized artist with a distinct identity and sound. I want to continue evolving creatively while reaching more people through music, visuals, and live experiences.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
You can listen to my latest music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other major streaming platforms under the name KHROTO. I also share updates and visuals through my social media platforms.
