I realize that the brand is challenging itself in many ways.
PROFILE
A solo project by Taro Kawahara, a multi-instrumentalist who plays bass, guitar, keys, and saxophone. In addition to participating in recordings by various artists, he also produces music. Last year, he released his second album "LIFE LESS LONELY", and in April this year, he released a new song "PIECE". Instagram:@tanaakin
How do you like the clothes of "Heron Preston for Calvin Klein"?
TENDRE:I don't often wear hoodies or sweatpants, and I don't wear rough clothes at home either. So when I was given the opportunity to wear them this time, I felt fresh, and of course they were very comfortable, so I honestly wondered why I had never worn them before. I honestly wondered why I had never worn it before. The size fits me well, and I wanted to wear it all the time at home.
Why is it that you don't dress rough at home?
TENDRE:I sometimes write songs at home, and I want to be ready to go out anytime. Rather than just lazing around, I want to be in a good frame of mind.
The black hoodie and brown sweatpants are both made of organic cotton. The silhouettes are reasonably roomy, but not too oversized, and fit well for Japanese people. The subtle details, such as the orange stitching, are also attractive. Hoodie ¥21,780, T-shirt ¥11,880, Sweat pants ¥18,480, Socks ¥5,500 (3 pairs)
What do you think of the design of the new clothes? . The gimmicks are unique, such as the orange stitching and the pockets on the hoodie that can be accessed from the inside of the garment.
TENDRE:Accessing the pockets from the back side of the garment is novel , isn't it (laughs)? . I think the orange stitching is a nice accent. These casual assertions make it easy to wear and match with other clothes. It makes a difference whether these details are present or not. All of the products are consistent, of course, but I think these accents are enhanced by matching them.
Have you ever worn Calvin Klein clothes before?
TENDRE:Actually, I don't have any. Calvin Klein has the image of a mature man, and I have a strong impression of its fragrances. I have the impression of a businessman wearing a suit and smelling a perfume. It was not a path I would have taken, but I have an image of sophistication. However, when I tried on this collection, I realized that such an impression is part of the brand, and that they are challenging themselves in various ways.
TENDRE: Do you have an ideal image of a man?
TENDRE:I think the term "masculine" is a strange one to begin with. What I find attractive from a human perspective is a person who uses things for a long time and who loves a single thing through and through. This is not limited to things, but can also be a hobby or a love of one's immediate surroundings. For example, in the case of fashion, there are people who love a particular brand. In my case, the same goes for music, of course. When I learn about the atmosphere, color, age, and history of furniture, I feel a sense of romance. I like old things, and I wish I could be a thorough lover of them.
Do you choose fashion items that you can wear for a long time?
TENDRE:. I have been doing so recently. I often buy secondhand clothes, and there are some that were made decades ago but are still in good condition. When I see such items, I think they are cool, and as I get older, I want to cherish and wear them for a long time. Of course, there are clothes that need to be worn out, but now I choose to wear clothes that I think would still look cool even if I were to wear them as an old man.
. In Japan, there is a culture of passing on the kimono, isn't there? . It is also important to pass on traditions from the past, isn't it?
TENDRE:I have a chest of drawers given to me by my grandmother and other things from my parents' house, and I really like the culture of inheriting things, not just clothes. I like the culture of inheriting things, not only clothes, but also adding something new and personal to them. If I had a child, I would like to do that, and I think it is important to share not only old things but also new things.
I see that you filmed at your home this time, but is this also where you create your music?
TENDRE:Some songs are completed here, but I use my home as a place to make demos and work from scratch. The process of songwriting is to take what is created in this way to the recording studio and bring it closer to completion. However, there are some songs that can only be recorded at home, so I record those songs at home. Basically, it's like a place to compose music.
. During the filming, there was a scene in which I played the keyboard, and it was very pleasant to hear the tone of the keyboard as I played freely and naturally.
TENDRE:I have a selfish belief that I can make more progress if I just play the instrument as I please, rather than practicing hard (laughs). (Laughs) . Even if I touch an instrument just because I like it, I may be exploring it without realizing it. I feel at home when I touch an instrument, and I think it is the most natural state for me.
Q. Your new song "PIECE" was released in April, and I have the impression that your live performances are gradually increasing.
TENDRE:It is a feeling that has been gradually circulating. Last year I was not able to perform live as much as I would have liked, and now I am working on regaining my senses. . Still, I have endless time to face myself and write songs, and things are going in a positive order.
What was the inspiration behind the song "PIECE"?
TENDRE:This is a song that I wrote after the beginning of this year. Last year, I made an album that dealt with loneliness, but as the year changed, I didn't see any change in the situation, and I couldn't make a good transition. Perhaps I don't need to switch at all. . I decided to write songs about what I think about myself and other people under such circumstances.
When I was watching a movie, something that was said in the movie stuck in my mind. I decided to write lyrics about the subtleties of what was said. It also happened to be the time when I was about to become a major artist. But that did not mean that I was going to drastically change what I had done so far. I wrote this song with the same mindset as usual, thinking that we should all cherish our happiness and pick it up one by one.
What kind of film was it?
TENDRE:It's a Disney movie called "Soulful World," and the main character is a jazz player. It is not a music movie, but music is a part of life, and I could relate to it because it overlaps with my own. I was very much inspired by the story, which explores how to be happy and what it means to be happy in the midst of life and death.
I don't want to be a one-sided artist who says, "If only I were here, I would be happy," but I would like to live my life while exploring that with everyone.
A: I think you have a lot of festival events and live performances coming up, but is there anything that you are thinking about for them?
TENDRE:. I want to give it my 120% effort when I do it. There are many restrictions now, such as not allowing the audience to speak, and I am trying to find the best way to make it work. I am sure that the audience watching a live performance will want to speak up, and I myself sometimes feel the need to cheer. I think it is important to make eye contact with the audience who have to watch the live performance quietly with masks on. I have gradually become able to look each person in the eye and sing while thinking about what they are thinking. In the end, we are still creating the same moment and place, so I want to give good live performances while searching for the best in each other.
. Finally, what are your goals and what do you want to do in the future?
TENDRE:. First of all, I am trying my best to meet people outside of Tokyo. In the current situation where many gigs are postponed or cancelled, I think it is important to speak up to prevent this from happening. Of course, I will not forget to make good music, and I will do my best to do what I can now in order to make a future in which we can travel around Japan and even overseas without any worries.
