Memories of Ebisu Tenmado Switch

December 3, 2020

Every musician has their own history.

When I was studying jazz at college in Japan, I was conducting 4 to 5 different projects at almost the same time. I tried to make each project have a very different style of music. Curiosity for music, searching for open mindedness and how each style of music is connected together etc, There were so many learning from different perspectives.

To achieve my goal, I was struggling with my ego as the leader to create my own music from people's support. Sometimes we fought a lot, sometimes members left from the project. Everyday was trial and error. To be the leader wasn’t a privilege at all. I didn't want to command to others. Because we are the same musicians. I got so much pain from leadershipping. And I'm sure that I was kind of a jerk. But I had to experience leadership to understand how the system works. I still hate to be the leader. But I respect the system as a play role. Sometimes organization works when everyone has a role.

Past is past. My concept turned totally opposite now. What makes me satisfied is not related to controlling or result. Sharing passion is more important. Since I live in New York where the music industry is very competitive, it's easy to lose my mind. But because I had many experiences from the past, I can focus on a better job more than try to be high profile.

All my projects were showcased at Tenmado-Switch in Ebisu, Tokyo between 2005 to 2009.

I got a lot of support from employee Macky, Yarichin and Cambell. Performing at Tenmado was one of the big milestones of my life. I still can't thank you enough for so many people who support / involved my musical projects.

I can't believe that Tenmado-Switch will be closed for good. I got way too many losses this year already. I hardly believe that destruction gives birth to creativity. Destruction is just making another wound. However, I still strongly believe keeping the try and error is the key to myself balanced. Then naturally something good will happen.

R.I.P. Tenmado-Switch.