INDEX
The most difficult thing is to keep going. (tami)
tami： Do you feel that anything has changed since you started the store, or do you feel that it has affected your band’s activities as well?
Gomi： I have started to think about the price of CDs and live tickets more carefully. When I was just a performer, I didn’t really think about such things. But my way of thinking changed when I started the store and started selling things by looking at the customers’ faces. I became very conscious of what kind of life each person leads, how much money they can spend out of their wallets, and what I can do with that money. I began to see people not as numbers, but as faces. When I make music, I like to make it while thinking of the faces of the people who listen to it, so I think it was a good thing that I became more in tune with that.
tami： If I think first about the music I want to make, then maybe the way I do things outside of music will follow suit. I also have the members work for my company because I don’t want them to have to worry about unnecessary things like money outside of music, and I also want to get rid of their distractions.
Gomi： You have a great spirit of “I’ll take care of everything!” I’m going to take care of everything! Maybe you are suited to be a manager. Don’t you ever think of leaving things to others?
tami： Maybe I am not good at delegating. I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Gomi： I was never good at leaving things to others either. But now that I am in my 40s, I think I should delegate to others what I cannot do, or work with others to accomplish something. I have recently come to think that I would enjoy the rest of my life more if I did that. I think it would be more enjoyable for the rest of my life.
tami： It is easier to do everything by myself, but there is also the loneliness that comes with being alone. What kind of activities do you want to do with the band in the future?
Gomi： In the past, I used to get really hurt when people would say things like “I didn’t know LOSTAGE was still around” but now, on the contrary, I am just fine with being a little forgotten by everyone (laughs). (Laughs) I am comfortable with the feeling that we have been doing things in a small way, without being conspicuous. It is very hard to stand out from the crowd, so we would like to continue our activities at our own pace.
tami： From my past experience, it is not so hard to start something. It is more difficult to finish something than to start it, and even more difficult is to continue. I think that continuing is the most difficult part.
Gomi： That’s true. I will continue to do my best to keep going. I have said many things today, but I don’t think I am right about everything, so I am looking forward to the possibility that someone with a completely different way of thinking will appear in this series.
tami： Yes, I am looking forward to it. But after talking with you today, I am glad that the first installment is on you. Thank you very much.
