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A. I have been able to gig
in Japan with sheer determination and the good fortune of
meeting great people who dig what I do. I believe you have
to put yourself out there if you want something, and you have
to work hard to get it. I hope to continue meeting more people
and making more fans, and sharing my music.
Q7. Is it a big challenge for you
to have gigs in Japan? Tell me about it.
A. It is challenging for
me to have gigs in Japan because of transportation. I have
learned to bring less equipment with me, because I have to
take the train and walk everywhere. In the States I would
just load up my car with all my instruments and gear, and
drive everywhere. I think that is the biggest challenge, because
I usually like to bring several instruments to play at a gig.
It is also difficult to verbally communicate, since I know
very little Nihongo. I am learning though, and I hope to become
more fluent so that I can facilitate my Nihonjin friends and
fans.
Q8. Any funny/horrible stories about
playing music in Japan?
A. I played at a blues
session at the Cellar in Shinsaibashi one time, and an older
Japanese harmonica player I was jammin' with unplugged my
guitar in the middle of my solo, so that he could solo more
with his harmonica. I just laughed in surprise at how rude
this guy was, I guess he needed more attention. Another experience
I won't forget was playing for an audience of five hundred
or so kids and adults with a group called Niko Niko Gakudan,
who perform children's songs with homemade instruments. It
was a very surreal experience, and one that I'll never forget.
Totemo tanoshikatta desu.
Q9. What is the difference of your
music life in Japan and the US?
A. In the US my job was
music, so I made all my income as a performer. I also had
other musical obligations to my band, Midstates, such as going
on tour and recording, and I also became a producer for several
artists by arranging and recording their original music. But
here in Japan, since music is not my job, I have had more
time to focus on my own original material, as well as writing
more songs and compositions. I am learning to develop my skills
as an artist, as opposed just being a performer and entertainer
for so many years in the States. I also have a jazz band here,
The Ah Un Trio, where I get to learn and play jazz style music,
which I didn't really do at all back in the States.
Q10. What are your goals for future?
A. Eventually, I would like
to have my own studio and produce my own and other artists'
music. I have met and continue to meet some great musical
artists who are not signed or have recordings, and I would
like to have a studio
where I can help these artists get a start, in turn learning
and practicing the skills of being a good producer. I would
like to be able to continue making a living with my music,
whether it's as a performer, producer, in a band, or all of
the above. I would also like to score movie soundtracks sometime
in the future.
Q11. What is your favorite Japanese
words?
A. oishii, nande?, subarashii,
joozu, kakkoii, Otsukaresamadeshita
Q12. Message to WhyNot!? users!
A. Hope to meet many of
you at various Why Not events, and please come out to enjoy
live music. Check out my music, pics, and show dates at www.myspace.com/stephenmunoz. |
