What is your background in music?
I first started playing the drums at the age of ten. Even then I knew that it was what I
wanted to do, so I spent hours practicing each day. At 16 I started playing gigs in pubs
and clubs and since then I have been recording, playing live and touring on a regular
basis.
Why did you choose the drums?
I chose the drums because I have always been interested in rhythm. When I was at school,
one of my friends was taking drum lessons. One day I was waiting or him in the music room
and I decided to try and play the drums. After about five minutes I started to pick up
some basic beats and really liked the way it felt to play so since then I have been
playing compulsively.
What brought you to Japan?
I have always been interested in Japanese culture. I guess I wanted a change and I heard
that the Japanese music scene was really happening, so here I am.
How did you get involved in music here?
When I first came to Japan I started doing some street performances, performing by myself
at places like Inokashira Koen and by Hachiko in Shibuya, just to make some contacts. I
was lucky because a lot of people approached me about band work and recording sessions.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I am playing in a funk and jazz band called Innofunk and doing recording sessions for a
band called Kurico and also playing with a piano player named April Perkinson. I am also
working for a drum company called Canopus, who sent me to Los Angeles last month to do
some product promotion, and playing at a music convention called the Namm show.
Who have been your biggest influences?
I listen to every style of music you can imagine and I try to draw influence from as many
musicians as possible. I sometimes go through phases where I will pick one musician and
study their music. I have been doing this with Stevie Wonder for a long time, so I would
probably say him. Also on the drums people like Bernard Purdie [Aretha Franklin] and
Carter Beuford [Dave Mathews Band] have been big influences. Being a self-taught player, I
have been influenced by just about every musician that I have ever listened to, and it has
helped to keep learning and expand my musical vocabulary.
What kind of advice would you give for musicians in Japan?
That' a tough one. I would probably say be good at what you do but don't forget to
promote yourself or your band. There are a lot of great musicians who only play for their
bedroom walls because they don't use initiative and only wait for opportunities instead of
going and finding them.
What was your weirdest experience in Japan?
I would probably have to say either seeing a Shibuya girl for the first time or maybe the
first time I saw a guy picking his nose on a crowded train. Gross!
What is your recipe for a happy life in Japan?
I think the best way to have a good life in Japan is to make lots of friends and visit as
many places as possible. Also I think it is very important to try to get out of the city
sometimes and enjoy some fresh air and nature because Tokyo (or any other big city) can
really take its toll on you.
Occupation:
LIFE IN JAPAN: