Meet Takuro Tsubaki | Bass Player

We had the good fortune of connecting with Takuro Tsubaki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Takuro, what’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Nowadays, there’s so much music in this industry. Approximately 120,000 new songs are released every day on music streaming platforms. With the advancement of DAW and the spread of music streaming services, the creation of music and art has become more and more accessible to all. I think it’s great that music is close to our daily lives, but I’m concerned that it may have diminished people’s appreciation for it. Sometimes we forget all the good things music provides, such as the joy that makes us want to dance, the freedom to express who we are, and the love that connects our hearts. We receive countless gifts from music, yet it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, popularity, and fame. We often consume music instead of truly listening to it. Even though the music industry is becoming larger, it could threaten the culture and damage not only the artists’ souls, but also the listeners’. We shouldn’t be just consumers of music. We should listen to the music that truly resonates with our hearts. This will deepen our musical culture. Listening can be a creative activity, and we are all musicians.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my deep appreciation for a wide range of music. Growing up in my dad’s record shop, I was constantly surrounded by various genres like blues, jazz, R&B, pop, folk, and rock, much of it recorded before I was even born. This early and diverse exposure provided me with a unique understanding of how different styles and sounds connect. I also love today’s music. Based in LA, I’m fortunate to be among many talented singer-songwriters and producers from various backgrounds. Meeting them and discovering new music that I’ve never heard before is so exciting for me, and it continues to shape my approach to creating art today.
I also take pride in not fearing failure. In my first year in LA, I went to a jam session every day if I didn’t have any other plans. I was always the most inexperienced musician there and had no idea what songs or chords they were playing. However, I went on stage anyway and tried to sound as good as I could. I played a lot of wrong notes on stage, even on ‘Valerie’ a song everyone knows. At the time, I was upset, but the more I tried and failed, the more I learned and gained confidence. Eventually, people started to recognize me and called me for gigs. Whenever I face a challenging moment, I see it as an opportunity to grow. What I fear most isn’t failure, it’s not trying and staying stuck where I am.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I think of LA, the first thing that comes to mind is hamburgers, so I would take them to The Habit Burger Grill. There are many great burger chains in LA, but this one is my favorite. For authentic street food, we’d visit a taco truck, where we can enjoy freshly made tacos with all the traditional toppings. I’d make sure to find a truly authentic one for the best experience. For a fun night out, we’d definitely check out Gold Diggers for their Very Good Mondays event. I used to go there every week to see some of the best musicians in the world jamming through the night. We’d also explore Koreatown, as Los Angeles has the largest Korean population outside of Korea. Many restaurants offer menus written exclusively in Korean, even though we’re in the U.S. One of my favorite spots is Young Dong Restaurant, where my Korean friend introduced me to their flavorful stew. For some outdoor adventure, we’d take a hike on a trail in Chatsworth. The views are stunning, and it’s perfect for unwinding while enjoying LA’s natural beauty. To wrap up the week, we’d visit Melrose Trading Post on Sunday. This flea market is a fun place to find vintage clothes, handmade crafts, and enjoy live music. I also perform there sometimes. It always has a lively atmosphere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to first give a shoutout to my parents. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. My father owns a record shop and my mother is a keyboard player. Both have been immersed in the music industry. Even though they knew how challenging it can be to be a musician, they embraced my decision and encouraged me to pursue my dream. When I first moved to LA, where I had no friends and was living independently, they didn’t reach out until I contacted them. Even when I called them, they never said they missed me. They respected my independence and wanted me to face my own challenges to learn and grow into my own person, rather than expressing their feelings. However, they rejoiced as if each accomplishment were their own-when I got my first gig, first cooked udon by myself, and made my first friend overseas at school. I have now realized that my parents only want me to be happy and have always been there for me when I needed them.
I also would like to thank the legendary keyboardist Philip Woo, who has worked with many artists, including Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Roy Ayers, Ashford & Simpson and many more. He’s a long-time friend of my dad’s and has known me since I was four days old. He’s one of the biggest reasons I started playing music. As a child, before I even started playing the bass, I listened to many records he played on, and went to his shows. I admired him and wanted to be just like him. He taught me the importance of having my own voice on my instrument. I don’t need a gimmick, just gotta play with soul. Fortunately, I’m now playing music with him. I truly appreciate the gracious opportunities he has given me. I want to keep making my voice as strong as I can and making him proud of me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takuro_tsubaki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsubakitakuro?mibextid=9R9pXO

Image Credits
lexi matuson
Tah kitti
Minami