Today we’d like to introduce you to Takashi Hirose.
Hi Takashi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. I was an ordinary student, not particularly excelling in studies or sports compared to other Japanese students. However, in my third year of junior high school, my life changed dramatically when I heard bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Maximum The Hormone. I wanted to amaze people with music just like they did. I chose the bass, which I thought was the coolest instrument, and practiced every night. I became better than anyone locally and, for the first time in my life, received praise from those around me. In high school, I prioritized live performances over academics, forming a band.
After graduating from high school, I moved to Tokyo, the heart of Japan’s vibrant music scene. There, I met talented musicians with diverse charms, including skilled, passionate, creative, and free-spirited individuals. I was into R&B and Funk, but felt I might be overshadowed by these gifted musicians. Seeking an environment where I could grow even more, I decided to head to America.
In the US, I discovered gospel music. When I visited a local church, they asked me to bring my bass the next time. This encounter propelled my growth as a musician. I was inspired every week by the passionate gospel musicians, and both musically and personally, I matured significantly.
Now, while I still play gospel, I also perform R&B and Hip-hop gigs with artists like Descendent, iamchelseaiam, and Takahiro Izumikawa. I’m constantly growing and preparing to take even greater leaps in the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After graduating from high school, I went to a music college. Later, I became an apprentice to Mr. Kenji Hino, a famous bassist in Japan. For three years, I helped with his live performances and drove him around. He is one of the top bassists in Japan, and I got to witness many grand concerts both within and outside of Japan. This experience was incredibly valuable, but it was also challenging. This is because, while assisting with his concerts, I was also performing my own live shows and working late nights at a gas station. There were mornings after my part-time job when I’d go straight to helping with his concerts without any sleep. There were even times when I found myself crying at the venues where my master was performing because of the immense strain. However, these experiences have made me resilient. Those days now shine brightly in my memories, illuminating my future. Despite such circumstances, I have immense respect and admiration for him, as he made me love the bass even more.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a bassist. I specialize in Gospel, R&B, and HipHop. I am known as the bassist for Bishop Richard Hartley. Moreover, I was raised in Japan and have a background in Japanese music.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My ultimate goal is to perform alongside Bruno Mars. Not just once but to be recognized and called upon multiple times. I believe it can be called a success when, at that moment, I’m still striving for my own growth and improvement.
Pricing:
- Lessons 1 hour $60 1.5hour $80 2 hour $100
- Live Performances – $100
- Rehearsals – $50 per hour
- Tour (month-$3,000) (2 weeks-$2,000)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @takashi_bassss
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takashi.hirose.940?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @hirot0802
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bassisttakashi
Image Credits
Shiori Shinohara Vivian Loo Ryuki
