01Profile
A Kai Takahashi Photo
Kai Takahashi
Musician — Kamakura
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Kai Takahashi, Kamakura (near Tokyo).
What do you do?
Vocalist with Lucky Tapes.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
In 2017 I went to see Coldplay at Tokyo Dome on their 'Head Full Of Dreams Tour'. I had the DVD of their 2012 'Mylo Xyloto Tour' and watched it more times than I can remember, so to experience them live and listen to a setlist full of classic Coldplay songs was sensational. I felt as if I had stepped straight into the video. It was before the trend of using smartphone lights at concerts. Instead, they used customised wristbands. I was inspired to implement them for LUCKY TAPES gigs, and we were one of the first bands to use them.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I’m a huge fan of The Beatles. So much so I got a mop-top haircut. The length has changed a bit over the years, but I’ve had this style since secondary school. During the coronavirus pandemic, I didn’t really socialise so I let it grow out. However, it just didn’t feel right so I got it put back to how it was (lol).
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Playing solo at the Cat Expo Festival in Thailand in the winter of 2019. If we are talking about a venue in Japan, then the White Stage at the Fuji Rock Festival. It was an amazing experience to play on the same stage as so many famous artists.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Honne. I love this duo so much, I covered their track 'Day 1' when I played with SIRUP at Billboard Live a few years ago. They have incredible musical chemistry.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Mura Masa (aka Alex Crossan). I’ve been to pretty much all of his performances in Japan. From the beginning, I was struck by his innovative and exotic track making. I'd like to spend an hour in my new home studio or at his studio and pick his brain about track making.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Easy Life. I love how their tracks manage to balance fun, quality, and pop melody lines.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Like A Star' by Corinne Bailey Rae. I listened to it a lot when it came out, and I still sometimes put it on now.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Around the time I was in elementary school, my parents had a copy of the album '1' by The Beatles’ and I listened to it a lot. Out of all the songs, I liked 'Eleanor Rigby'. I’m not sure why, but I chose this minor-key track to learn on the electric piano, which I was practising at the time.
One record you would keep forever?
'The Wild Youth' EP by Daughter. It was the first record I ever bought with my own money.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Nothing' by Bruno Major. It's a song about a simple landscape, but I find the lyrics' perspective and the way they are written interesting.
Best song to turn up loud?
If we are talking songs to sing at the top of your lungs, it has to be the last section of 'Viva La Vida' by Coldplay. I don’t usually sing without instruments, but when I hear this song, I can’t help myself.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
The theme song to the film 'Submarine'. The track is called 'Stuck On The Puzzle' by Alex Turner.
New music you are listening to now?
Samm Henshaw and Neo.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Kai Takahashi, Kamakura (near Tokyo).
What do you do?
Vocalist with Lucky Tapes.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
In 2017 I went to see Coldplay at Tokyo Dome on their 'Head Full Of Dreams Tour'. I had the DVD of their 2012 'Mylo Xyloto Tour' and watched it more times than I can remember, so to experience them live and listen to a setlist full of classic Coldplay songs was sensational. I felt as if I had stepped straight into the video. It was before the trend of using smartphone lights at concerts. Instead, they used customised wristbands. I was inspired to implement them for LUCKY TAPES gigs, and we were one of the first bands to use them.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I’m a huge fan of The Beatles. So much so I got a mop-top haircut. The length has changed a bit over the years, but I’ve had this style since secondary school. During the coronavirus pandemic, I didn’t really socialise so I let it grow out. However, it just didn’t feel right so I got it put back to how it was (lol).
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Playing solo at the Cat Expo Festival in Thailand in the winter of 2019. If we are talking about a venue in Japan, then the White Stage at the Fuji Rock Festival. It was an amazing experience to play on the same stage as so many famous artists.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Honne. I love this duo so much, I covered their track 'Day 1' when I played with SIRUP at Billboard Live a few years ago. They have incredible musical chemistry.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Mura Masa (aka Alex Crossan). I’ve been to pretty much all of his performances in Japan. From the beginning, I was struck by his innovative and exotic track making. I'd like to spend an hour in my new home studio or at his studio and pick his brain about track making.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Easy Life. I love how their tracks manage to balance fun, quality, and pop melody lines.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Like A Star' by Corinne Bailey Rae. I listened to it a lot when it came out, and I still sometimes put it on now.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Around the time I was in elementary school, my parents had a copy of the album '1' by The Beatles’ and I listened to it a lot. Out of all the songs, I liked 'Eleanor Rigby'. I’m not sure why, but I chose this minor-key track to learn on the electric piano, which I was practising at the time.
One record you would keep forever?
'The Wild Youth' EP by Daughter. It was the first record I ever bought with my own money.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Nothing' by Bruno Major. It's a song about a simple landscape, but I find the lyrics' perspective and the way they are written interesting.
Best song to turn up loud?
If we are talking songs to sing at the top of your lungs, it has to be the last section of 'Viva La Vida' by Coldplay. I don’t usually sing without instruments, but when I hear this song, I can’t help myself.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
The theme song to the film 'Submarine'. The track is called 'Stuck On The Puzzle' by Alex Turner.
New music you are listening to now?
Samm Henshaw and Neo.
Lucky Tapes | Get Back (2022)
Lucky Tapes | Bitter! (2021)
Lucky Tapes (ft. from Dialuck) | Happiness (2020)
OOHYO (우효) | PIZZA (Kai Takahashi Remix) (2017)