INDEX
Conflicting Desires: A Struggle Between Depth and Stimulation
Yahata: My main form of artistic expression is through video, but I find freedom in the ability to connect various media, which broadens my scope. However, I feel that the sense of dedicating my life solely to playing the drums might be somewhat different from my artistic approach. What is that like for you?
Kokawa： In a way, I’ve accepted it. Having come this far, I feel like I have no choice but to stick with this. Starting something new from scratch and creating a medium of expression beyond drums would be quite challenging. Once I decide that drums are my foundation, I start to think about what I can create with that. For instance, if I consider picking up the ukulele or guitar, it muddles everything. But if I commit to just playing the drums, then it becomes a mindset of exploring combinations like drums and video, or drums and something else, using drums as the core to create something that resonates.
Yahata： There are developments like drums combined with something else, but is the drum itself at a point where it can’t be taken any further?
Kokawa： I think the potential for growth in the acoustic free jazz style has diminished. So, recently, I’ve been considering going electronic or exploring different ideas.
Yawata： What do you mean by that?
Kokawa: For example, attaching sensors to all the drums, connecting them to effects, and playing in a way that feels completely different while still mechanizing it. On the other hand, if I were to stubbornly focus on just the acoustic aspect of drums for the next 20 years, I could probably reach a very different form of expression, but right now, I’m more interested in exploring other possibilities.
I always want to keep things minimal, so ideally, I don’t want to increase the amount of equipment. However, the drum set itself is already far from minimal, which is something I dislike about drums.
If you add effects to the drums, will you drift further away from minimalism?
Kokawa： Exactly. It moves further away. But since I feel like I’ve done enough with the acoustic aspect, I want to experience something different and exciting. I’ve been facing it for almost 30 years now, so I want to reform it.
Is it important to feel excited to continue playing the drums?
Kokawa: That’s everything. The moment I lose excitement in anything, I lose interest. In terms of seeking stimulation, it’s certainly a measure. I always listen to my inner voice and make sure to follow it.
Yawata: I also don’t want to show people my work if I can’t feel excited about it. That’s just how it is.
Kokawa： That inner sensor is an important criterion.
Yawata： I think it must be really difficult for you because you have both the feeling of wanting to dig deep into the drums and the sense that you can create better things when you’re excited.
Kokawa： That’s definitely a challenge I’ve been feeling recently. It’s about maintaining the purity of art while keeping my heart excited, managing the business side, and trying to find a balance without tipping over. It tests your endurance. Well, I think I’ve been running for a long time and am feeling a bit tired, so this year, I’m focusing on steadily moving forward with what I can do right in front of me. I believe I can only keep facing art sincerely while imagining a bright future that lies ahead.
kott presents RS5pb “TOTEM” release party
Date and Time: October 6, 2024 (Sunday) OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00
Performers: RS5pb, kott, Kitsune no Yomeiri
DJ: Masaki Tamura, Shunpuri
Tickets: Advance tickets: 4,000 yen + 1 drink
Details: https://metro.ne.jp/schedule/241006/
Filming Location: Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto City
Kott, the group to which Shin Kokawa belongs, held a collaborative event titled “Inter-section Vol.2” at the ENFUSE museum café in the Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto City, in July 2023 to coincide with the release of their first album. Aki Yahata presented “Don’t Call it Beshbarmak // 2022” at The Triangle in the Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto City, in February 2023. Link to exhibition details.
Overview of the Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto City
Address: 124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 606-8344
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission varies by exhibition)
Closed: Mondays (Open if a public holiday falls on a Monday) and during the New Year holidays
Official Website: Kyoto City Kyocera Museum
ENFUSE
Address: 124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 606-8344
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Last Order at 6:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (Follows the museum’s schedule)
Official Website: ENFUSE
