Tokyo Weekender just lately requested Japanese American musician Sen Morimoto seven questions forward of his Japan tour, which begins this week.
Concerned in manufacturing and songwriting whereas additionally taking part in varied devices, Morimoto is a multi-talented particular person. Intently tied with jazz, pop and hip hop, he beforehand collaborated with the likes of American singer and songwriter Kaina (stylized in all caps), Japanese rapper Aaamyyy and hip hop group Pivot Gang.
His saxophone-infused debut album Cannonball! was co-released with media big 88Rising. Its a follow-up, Sen Morimoto in 2020 was launched on his personal label, Sooper Data and gained vital acclaim from publications corresponding to Pitchfork and Line of Finest Match.
He just lately launched a remix model of his sophomore album, that includes collaborations with Japanese and worldwide artists, together with Tamanaramen and Foodman. The mission was at bridging the hole between listeners and artists. Entitled Sean Motorolla, it made our Prime Albums of July record.
1. Inform us your most controversial opinion?
I feel most of my friends and a whole lot of our era agrees, so in a way it isn’t controversial in any respect, however I feel essentially the most controversial stance I’ve taken was in opposition to the Chicago main and the Chicago Police Division. Throughout the pandemic, a digital efficiency I ready for the Metropolis of Chicago was canceled and pulled from airing as a result of I spoke out in assist of defunding and dismantling the police and since I criticized the mayor for her merciless therapy of protestors in Chicago after the homicide of George Floyd.
I additionally do not actually like bananas. That is most likely extra controversial to individuals our age.
2. Inform us one in all your proudest moments?
I feel [one of] essentially the most satisfying moments, not less than in my musical profession, was the primary time I acquired to play my music in Japan. It was Summer time Sonic 2018 and I used to be capable of carry my complete band from Chicago and in addition fly my dad out. He is from Japan and has been taking me to go to there since I used to be a child, which is one thing I am so grateful for now that I can grasp how formative these experiences have been for me. It felt actually particular to get to return a small portion of that present to my dad by flying him out to see the present. He hadn’t actually seen me carry out my solo music earlier than so for his first time doing that to be on such an enormous stage and in his house nation made me actually completely satisfied.
3. Who or what evokes you?
I am very a lot impressed by nature. I grew up in a small city in the midst of a state forest and I really feel that a whole lot of the rhythms in life and music that I gravitate in the direction of are knowledgeable by the quiet and tranquility of that setting. I feel even among the extra paranoid or lonesome points of my writing come from that feeling of isolation too.
4. In case you might journey anyplace, the place wouldn’t it be and why?
I’d like to journey to Brazil. I’ve all the time liked outdated Brazilian music like João and Astrud Gilberto, Caetano Veloso and extra just lately Luiz Bonfá. Plus I’ve heard Brazil has a really massive Japanese inhabitants. These sorts of cultural cross-sections are fascinating to me so I might love to only go meet individuals and see what that is like.
5. What are your prime songs to mess around a campfire?
Jon Bap – “Gotta Be Your Lover.”
Iris Temple – “Fairly Love.”
Aaamyyy – “Gaia.”
Nnamdi – “Anti.”
Kaina – “Good Feeling.”
6. What are the very best three songs of all time?
Nina Simone – “My Candy Lord + Right now Is A Killer.” (Stay)
Alice Coltrane – “Going Dwelling.”
Lauryn Hill – “I Gotta Discover Peace of Thoughts.”
7. What does this yr imply to you?
This subsequent yr I am making an attempt to acknowledge what’s essential. Clear among the fog that distracts me from experiencing actual life within the second. Typically that is work or chasing some thought of what success appears to be like like, generally it is letting unimportant particulars spoil no matter you are doing. I need to acquire the instruments to remain centered on my work with out letting it dominate my complete life.