Is there any improvised elements by individual musicians for this live performance?

I made four stringed instrument performers play roughly in what was in the score just because it is so easy to break up the stringed instruments. However, I let others play as they liked with minimum melody, lyrics, and chord progressions. Because there is simple structured music, I think that they have done it freely… comparatively. However, even if we set rules to play, all the elements can be “ad-libbed” when we actually play – same notes can sound different. It is hard because it’s not always related to the note or the difference in playing it well or not. It was alright to perform freely, but I made sure to be conscious of the image of my work being represented. I didn’t think it would be a big problem if the performance aroused the image.

Do you have any stories about musicians and performers in this project? Or, is there any stories about the music?

This was my first time to play with musicians who play classical stringed instruments. I was so surprised that they play exactly what was in the score perfectly by just looking at it! This might be a strange impression, but I thought “they are professional!” They would put it together immediately even when I explained any changes. On the contrary, it took more time to put our senses together with artists who perform their own music because they would play it in their way even if I explained how I wanted it done.

Please tell us about any roots particular to you or transparent feelings and colors that are not only in your music but in your video as well.

I don’t think it comes from anywhere special…but I liked to go behind this hill with my friends in my youth, so I think I would get ideas from a place like that. Even now I find some commonalities with my pieces in there.

Which comes first when creating your work, video or sound? In addition, please talk about you and your relation to music and video.

I make them separately so I can’t specify which comes first. When I make a video I finish it first, then put music to it. I can’t really tell if there is music playing in my head while I’m making it. When I’m making music, I don’t think about the video, but I still have certain images and feelings like a feeling of air. I usually make music depending on the image, so the image might come first. To be honest, I don’t think my music needs video and my video doesn’t really need music, but sometimes music brings strength to a video so I try to put music in as much as possible. It is difficult because when I put music that is not related to the video it will sometimes make it a stronger piece.

In all your activity is there anything that affected you? Like a creator, a piece of artwork, an object, or a place?

My inspiration to start making videos was Pipilotti Rist, a Swiss video creator. I’d only know some videos from Commercials in movies or TV or Music Videos. I felt that I could create a video freely in an art world through her work. I often go to foreign countries for my shoots, and the stimulation I get from these places influences my work the most.

What is your plan? Do you have any ongoing projects?

I joined in on UA’s new album playing the piano and was also in charge of a piece of music for a movie called “Sonotokiwakareniyoroshiku.” Right now, I’m finishing up this new video. Last year, I was up to my ears in preparation for the live show, so I would like to go on a leisurely shooting trip and make a new piece this year.

Lastly, do you have any comments for listeners and readers?

Thank you always. In my favorite words, there is “random intention” and I would like to understand the world as being in that state. Recently, my main computer broke and I have been depressed, just as if I lost a partner…I have trouble concentrating. That computer was very close to me…more than I ever expected. Back-up yours ASAP.

Masakatsu Takagi “Private/Public”
Recorded at LaForet Harajuku Museum in October 27th – 29th, 2006
Release Date: May 3rd, 2007
Recorded Tracks: Total 16 (73min)
Price: 2,625 yen (including tax)
Produced by Epiphany Works
https://www.epiphanyworks.net