01Profile
A Ko-ta Photo
Ko-ta
Model / Vintage Store Staff — Saitama
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
ko-ta, Saitama.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Kendrick Lamar at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL 2018. It was pouring rain at the end of his set but he was MCing before 'All The Stars' and asked the organizers to turn off all lights. He then asked us to hold up our phones with the flashlight turned on, and said "thank you for coming out in the rain, we appreciate it. Hang in there however your life might be because you’re the star." It was the first time in five years that he played at FUJI ROCK which I saw too, but this time being the headliner, so I was really moved to see his performance.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Film. I watch a lot of films, so I have a lot of favourite films but, I've been influenced by films such as 'Quadrophenia', 'This Is England', 'Notting Hill', 'Blinded By The Light', 'Trainspotting' and 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', 'Yesterday', 'Snatch', 'The Full Monty', etc. The owner of WILKO, the vintage clothing store where I work now, has influenced me to adopt fashion from films, so I consciously try to watch more movies.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
SOUND MUSEUM VISION in Shibuya. I haven't been able to go recently because of the covid situations, but I thought there were a lot of cool people among the go-ers and performers. If it's a music festival, I go to FUJI ROCK every year.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I like the early Beatles. I don't know if it would look good on me, but I'd love to be on stage in a matching suit with a hat to cover my hair. I'm very tone-deaf, but I'd still like to sing next to John Lennon. The ideal venue would be the Saitama Super Arena.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
John Lennon would be great. I'd like to visit vintage clothes shops with him. I used to go to Brick Lane in London and there was a really cool vintage clothing shop. I bought a set-up there, and I'd like to go there again with him. I'd love to ask him for recommendations and advice on fashion!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Mumford and Sons. The owner of WILKO, where I work, told me about them and I've been listening to them a lot. My face looks younger than my age, so I admire their styles.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Whatever' by Oasis. I came to know this song in a vintage clothes store I happened to enter. Just happened that it was playing when I entered and also when I left the store, and I started talking to the shop assistant and he kindly lent me the CD.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Paranoid Android' by Radiohead would sound cool. The gap between the sound and who I actually am might be interesting. If I'm being precise or honest, I'd say 'Help!' by The Beatles.
One record you would keep forever?
I'd have to go with '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' by Oasis. The track sounds nice on my Japanese ears, and since it was not a popular one among my friends so I kind of have a strong personal attachment to it in a way.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Well, it's a Japanese artist, but let me bring up my mother’s influence on me with 'Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana' by SMAP. It’s kind of a guilty pleasure but it's one of my favourite songs to sing at karaoke, and I really like the meaning of its lyrics.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction. My music teacher at junior high school would make us sing it in the morning as part of our routine.
Any new music you are listening to now?
One of my older friends told me about Puma Blue. A chilled and calm sound that makes me want to watch out for his new releases.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
ko-ta, Saitama.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Kendrick Lamar at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL 2018. It was pouring rain at the end of his set but he was MCing before 'All The Stars' and asked the organizers to turn off all lights. He then asked us to hold up our phones with the flashlight turned on, and said "thank you for coming out in the rain, we appreciate it. Hang in there however your life might be because you’re the star." It was the first time in five years that he played at FUJI ROCK which I saw too, but this time being the headliner, so I was really moved to see his performance.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Film. I watch a lot of films, so I have a lot of favourite films but, I've been influenced by films such as 'Quadrophenia', 'This Is England', 'Notting Hill', 'Blinded By The Light', 'Trainspotting' and 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', 'Yesterday', 'Snatch', 'The Full Monty', etc. The owner of WILKO, the vintage clothing store where I work now, has influenced me to adopt fashion from films, so I consciously try to watch more movies.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
SOUND MUSEUM VISION in Shibuya. I haven't been able to go recently because of the covid situations, but I thought there were a lot of cool people among the go-ers and performers. If it's a music festival, I go to FUJI ROCK every year.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I like the early Beatles. I don't know if it would look good on me, but I'd love to be on stage in a matching suit with a hat to cover my hair. I'm very tone-deaf, but I'd still like to sing next to John Lennon. The ideal venue would be the Saitama Super Arena.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
John Lennon would be great. I'd like to visit vintage clothes shops with him. I used to go to Brick Lane in London and there was a really cool vintage clothing shop. I bought a set-up there, and I'd like to go there again with him. I'd love to ask him for recommendations and advice on fashion!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Mumford and Sons. The owner of WILKO, where I work, told me about them and I've been listening to them a lot. My face looks younger than my age, so I admire their styles.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Whatever' by Oasis. I came to know this song in a vintage clothes store I happened to enter. Just happened that it was playing when I entered and also when I left the store, and I started talking to the shop assistant and he kindly lent me the CD.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Paranoid Android' by Radiohead would sound cool. The gap between the sound and who I actually am might be interesting. If I'm being precise or honest, I'd say 'Help!' by The Beatles.
One record you would keep forever?
I'd have to go with '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' by Oasis. The track sounds nice on my Japanese ears, and since it was not a popular one among my friends so I kind of have a strong personal attachment to it in a way.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Well, it's a Japanese artist, but let me bring up my mother’s influence on me with 'Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana' by SMAP. It’s kind of a guilty pleasure but it's one of my favourite songs to sing at karaoke, and I really like the meaning of its lyrics.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction. My music teacher at junior high school would make us sing it in the morning as part of our routine.
Any new music you are listening to now?
One of my older friends told me about Puma Blue. A chilled and calm sound that makes me want to watch out for his new releases.