Izumi received his first guitar by age 10. He learned how to play the instrument in a closet, hiding from his father, who disapproved of his interest in creating music.[2] His mother is a choir director.[3]
At the age of 16, Izumi was diagnosed with autism. He is open about being autistic, and describes it as "not a problem but instead a unique brain chemistry one can use to accomplish the unexpected".[4][5]
Career
Izumi began his music career busking on the streets of Los Angeles.[1] Filmmaker Suzuya Bobo met Izumi in LA and offered to create a music video for him. She suggested he submit a song to the NPR Tiny Desk Contest.[2]
In 2018, at age 34, Izumi won the fourth annual NPR MusicTiny Desk Contest with his song "Soft Spoken".[6][7][8] According to the series' creator, Bob Boilen, Izumi "impressed the judges with his intricate, complex guitar playing and his sweet, emotive voice."[9] The competition was judged by Boilen, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Sylvan Esso, and Gaby Moreno.[10] Izumi was surprised to learn he had won, because he forgot he had entered the contest.[11] Following his win, he played a 10-city national tour.[10]
On July 30, 2021, Sony Masterworks released Izumi’s debut album, A Residency in the Los Angeles Area. On the album, he played vocals, guitar, bass, drums, Japanese Koto, mandolin, and cittern. Izumi was influenced by King Crimson, Musiq Soulchild, and Shakti.[15]American Songwriter wrote, "it’s amazing to see an artist like Izumi make a bold, exciting new sound out of the cherished, ol’ six-string. That’s raw, unabashed creativity."[16]
In 2022, Izumi played a concert in Bushwick to raise money for abortion access.[2]
Naia Izumi: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert[22] (2018)
Personal life
Izumi resides in Los Angeles, California.[1] He identified as genderfluid, then as a transgender woman for seven years, but now identifies as a cisgender man.[3][11] The song that won the Tiny Desk Concert was originally titled "Soft Spoken Woman", and was written about his experiences as a woman.[23]
