Taichi Mukai

Tokyo — Musician

01Profile

A Taichi Mukai Photo

03Interview

Name
Taichi Mukai

What do you do?
Singer-songwriter

Where are you from?
Tokyo

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
FKA Twigs' first gig in Japan at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM in 2015 was great. I think that gig decided what ambient R&B was. That gig had a vivid and original approach, it was art.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
When I was in high school, I was influenced by vintage/secondhand clothes from London. Something like a punk-kid… or rather in the middle of punk and mod.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
SONIC STAGE at SUMMER SONIC was great… the gig was in the early hours but a large audience still came to see me.

If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Amy Winehouse. I love her, so I’d like to play with, but I can't totally imagine it. If I choose among artists of recent date, Jorja Smith and Ella Mai. I sympathize with them, so I want to play with them someday.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Amy Winehouse. I wanted to see her compose in her room.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Jevon, who I‘ve recently collaborated with. He is a rapper and participated in the Utada Hikaru’s album.

04Playlist Notes

How did you select the tracks for this playlist?
I selected the songs to relax in a calm place. It was interesting to find out that some unexpected musicians like Mura Masa are from the UK.

The first track you played on repeat?
Amy Winehouse. I first heard ‘Rehab’ but I‘ve always listened to ‘Love Is A Losing Games’.

One record you would keep forever?
Again, Amy Winehouse 'Back To Black'. 'Lioness: Hidden Treasures' released after 'Back to Black' is rough, but I liked it for that point.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
In recent days, Sam Smith. His lyrics evoke a feeling of sympathy rather than inspiration.

Best song to turn up loud?
‘Chasing Pavements’ by Adele. I‘ve sung this song since I was in high school. I was doing a course about entertainment, so I sometimes sing this, even now.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘Lady Madonna’ by The Beatles. I don‘t often listen to The Beatles, but I played this song repeatedly.

Any new bands you are listening to now?
Ella Mai. I like her because she has a balance of a sense of nostalgia with originality.

03Interview

Name
Taichi Mukai

What do you do?
Singer-songwriter

Where are you from?
Tokyo

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
FKA Twigs' first gig in Japan at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM in 2015 was great. I think that gig decided what ambient R&B was. That gig had a vivid and original approach, it was art.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
When I was in high school, I was influenced by vintage/secondhand clothes from London. Something like a punk-kid… or rather in the middle of punk and mod.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
SONIC STAGE at SUMMER SONIC was great… the gig was in the early hours but a large audience still came to see me.

If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Amy Winehouse. I love her, so I’d like to play with, but I can't totally imagine it. If I choose among artists of recent date, Jorja Smith and Ella Mai. I sympathize with them, so I want to play with them someday.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Amy Winehouse. I wanted to see her compose in her room.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Jevon, who I‘ve recently collaborated with. He is a rapper and participated in the Utada Hikaru’s album.

04Playlist Notes

How did you select the tracks for this playlist?
I selected the songs to relax in a calm place. It was interesting to find out that some unexpected musicians like Mura Masa are from the UK.

The first track you played on repeat?
Amy Winehouse. I first heard ‘Rehab’ but I‘ve always listened to ‘Love Is A Losing Games’.

One record you would keep forever?
Again, Amy Winehouse 'Back To Black'. 'Lioness: Hidden Treasures' released after 'Back to Black' is rough, but I liked it for that point.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
In recent days, Sam Smith. His lyrics evoke a feeling of sympathy rather than inspiration.

Best song to turn up loud?
‘Chasing Pavements’ by Adele. I‘ve sung this song since I was in high school. I was doing a course about entertainment, so I sometimes sing this, even now.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘Lady Madonna’ by The Beatles. I don‘t often listen to The Beatles, but I played this song repeatedly.

Any new bands you are listening to now?
Ella Mai. I like her because she has a balance of a sense of nostalgia with originality.

 

05Videos

向井太一 | Pure (2018)

向井太一 | Break Up (2018)