We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marika Takeuchi. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Marika, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Wake up in the morning, take my daughter to school on her school day, work on music while she’s at school, pick her up, and work again while she’s naps, then dinner and bedtime.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a composer and pianist originally from Japan, currently based in Los Angeles. I have released several albums and EPs and written music for short films, video games, and commercials. I love writing instrumental music that is emotional and healing. I believe that having no lyrics opens more possibilities for the audience to feel and interpret it the way they want. I am currently working on my new EP.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was quite lost when I was younger, especially in my teenage years. I was insecure, didn’t fit in, depressed, and spent lots of time thinking about the purposes of life. But when I hit a really low point, music was the only thing I could pick up again to start over. I’ve always played music ever since I was 3, so even though I didn’t formally play instruments in those lost years, it was still my best friend. I started composing and producing music and everything changed then.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes many times. Being successful by doing something creative is very hard in many ways. But every time I felt that way, I always got encouraged by messages from my fans telling me how much my music helps them heal, or there was some life events that I couldn’t help writing about for me to process. So that is really why I keep writing music. It’s a therapy for myself and everyone who listens. And now I have a perfect balance of being a mother and composer.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe there is always a gap between someone in real life and someone on social media/media.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I am doing what I was born to do. I simply love composing music and it is a big part of my life. I think if someone had forced me to become something, this person would have chosen some other job that is more conventional.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marika-takeuchi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marika_takeuchi
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MarikaTakeuchiMusic
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/MarikaTakeuchi
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lsDi98XEKVkgN2kdZWBHT?si=m94zFhEwQSykEVwPKWWDLQ
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marika-takeuchi/445751310
Image Credits
Photo by Boaz Kroon
