Interview with Tomodachi

Where are you from?
Covina
Members and their instruments?
I’m the sole member (despite the name) and all instrumentals are programmed. The only live recording I use is my voice.
What does your band name mean?
“Tomodachi” means “friend” in Japanese. I always thought, “what an adorable word for such a wholesome relationship.”
What genre do you consider yourself? Why?
I consider myself indie-pop and electro-pop. I grew to like the sounds of synths and electronic drum beats. I am also obsessed with harmonies, and using either highly or lightly autotuned voices to do so work well with the electronic instrumental sounds I go for.
How long have you been together?
I started this music project about 6 months ago!
What brought you together?
Being a solo project, this question is actually quite profound. I’ve been involved in music almost all my life, but what brought me to Tomodachi? Well it was actually really simple. I had a conversation with my sister one day of starting a solo electro-pop project named Tomodachi. She seemed to like the idea, so I just went with it.
What drew you to music?
I grew up playing piano and listening to classic 80’s rock music my parents listened to. But when my brother showed me cool alternative-punk rock bands like Sum-41, he introduced me to the world of music – guitars, bands, song-writing and performance – beyond piano lessons.
What are some of your most influential bands? Why?
Although I grew up listening mostly to alternative rock, I would say Kanye West has the most influence on my music. Not Kanye West the rapper, but Kanye West the producer. I always notice his production quality first – his choices in song structure, his choices of instrumentals, and all things about the production of his records heavily influence my music.
What was your first song together?
I write a lot of songs and post them when I feel like it. My first song that I posted was Night. The first song I ever wrote for this project was Hold On.
What is your song writing process?
I usually hear a song and think, “I really want to write a song like that, but in my own way.” Typically I start with the instrumentals. I also borrow a lot of ideas from other songs, from as different genres as possible, to give my music a unique blend. My lyrics are almost always inspired from mangas, books or poems I have read or anime, t.v. shows, or movies I’ve watched.
How has your music evolved since you began playing together?
I’ve only been doing Tomodachi for half a year, and I think my sound is coming together nicely. Prior to this project I was in a rock band with my friend from high school, and with that same friend we also had an electronic/indie project together. I think since then my music, song-structure, and lyrics have taken a more mature and serious approach.
What songs do you perform the most often?
I have yet to perform.
Do you play any covers?
My song “Dream” is actually a cover of Rebecka Reinhard’s “Pisces.”
Do you have a set play list?
I have yet to perform.
Is there a secret meaning in any of your music?
My music is mostly love songs. They’re inspired entirely from things I watch and read, but actually producing music comes from feelings and memories I have experienced that pushed me to make them.
What is your favorite part of working in music?
The creative expression of my intimate thoughts in a way to share with people in order for them to relate or be entertained.
What is your least favorite part of working in music?
The frustration of not getting my music to the standard I like.
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety? If so how?
I think I always have performance anxiety but I still love performing. It is always a mixed energy of anxiety and excitement.
How old were you when you started playing your instrument?
I started playing piano when I was around 1st grade.
How do you describe your music to people?
I usually say “check out my new song.” If they ask more I just describe my process in producing it.
What image do you hope your music conveys?
That the arts are cool and to put effort into something like music is impressive.
Where have you performed?
With Tomodachi? I have yet to perform.
Do you have any up coming shows?
No, I’m not actively seeking out performing. My enjoyment in this project is the song-writing and producing. If an opportunity comes up I would consider it.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
With regards to Tomodachi!, getting to 100 listens on my first three songs!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a band?
As a solo artist, my challenge is just completing my songs.
Are you happy with the current success of your band?
I’d want to be more recognized and have an actual set of followers. But what makes me happy is that I’m making music and people listen to it when I share it!
What is the ultimate direction for your band?
To keep making music and sharing!
What steps have you taken to get there?
I’m making music and sharing it!
What steps do you still have to do?
Continue making music and sharing it!
How do you feel about the internet and the music business?
It’s great to have so many artist easily share their music and have so many people easily access it.
What is your favorite concert you’ve attended?
Chance the Rapper my Sophomore year of college at Hullabaloo.
What do you do besides music?
A lot of things, music is a hobby of many.
What is something you would like to tell your younger self?
Enjoy life and friends more, don’t worry too much.
What is your favorite song? (not by your band)
That’s a tough question… Any song by Tomodachi!
What do you wish you spent more time doing 5 years ago?
Developing good work habits so I would have had better grades in school.
What advice do you have others wanting to start their own bands?
Just do it and have fun with it!
Any last words?
This is a very ominous question.