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Rehearsing and Soundchecking: The Playful Spirit of Five Musicians
As preparations continued, there wasn’t a hint of anxiety on anyone’s face. Ouchi sat behind the drum kit, checking the sound, while Motomura took his turn, playing a few beats on Ouchi’s drums. One by one, the others joined in, each giving it a try, and even though it was a little awkward at times, the moment ended with applause from everyone on set. “The atmosphere is open, even with the staff,” the members had said, and this moment truly embodied that sense of camaraderie.
Afterward, YONCE picked up Motomura’s bass, and Motomura took the drums, sparking an impromptu session between the two. Soon after, Motomura grabbed Shoji Kurita’s guitar, and Shoji started playing the harmonica. Naturally, Ouchi’s drums found their way into the mix. “When there’s downtime, the only things you can do are smoke or play an instrument,” Motomura said with a laugh.
By 8:30, the rehearsal officially kicked off. It was a run-through, just like the performance would be, but whenever there was a camera or lighting change, someone would begin playing, and the others would quickly follow. The entire evening felt like watching kids just discovering their instruments—playing for fun, goofing off, and getting lost in the sound. In a way, Hedigan’s music is the result of five musicians naturally coming together, creating an energetic flow of melodies and laughter that builds throughout their sessions.
