interview with Emma Sato; Japanese Tao Drummers

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Jacqueline Sharp in Conversation with Emma Sato, International Marketing Manager, TAO Samurai Magical Drumming, TAO Entertainment Co Ltd

www.drum-tao.com

WORLD PREMIERE - TAO SAMURAI MAGICAL DRUMMING

Edinburgh Fringe 6^th to 31^st August 2009, at 18.25pm, Assembly & Assembly Hall

Q             How long have TAO as an ensemble been together?

A             This has changed over the years, as we add to the ensemble with fresh talent all the time, as we have two groups at TAO.  We have two drummers who have been with us since the beginning.

Q             So how do you recruit new members to TAO?

A             We regularly hold auditions, however the auditions are very hard to pass, usually out of one hundred applicants, and it is likely that only four to five will pass to the next level, which is first stage of our training.  Even then, some students may or may not move on in their training.  We test drummers for strength, endurance, fitness, drumming is not just about drumming; concentration is a huge part of what we do.

Q             You said you have two groups with TAO, explain to me who the other group are.

A              The second group is known as TAO Yellow, they are our younger students, who reside at our base, home ground in Akakabuto, which is based at the Kuju Highlands, which is on Japan’s main island of Kyusnu.  The area is very beautiful, spiritual, peaceful, surrounded by mountains and beautiful nature.

Q             Do both groups TAO and TAO Yellow both live at the home ground then?

A             Yes, our home ground, has three different sized training halls, a studio, newly built open air theatre to accommodate 2,000 people, spa, sauna, gym, accommodation for students, literature room, library.  We all live there when not touring.

Q             Do you have any plans to extend your home ground facilities?

A             Yes, we are hoping to expand and build a premium hotel, to accommodate one hundred guests.

Q             Do you hope to expand into the music business?

A             Yes, next year we hope to launch our own record label, our current album is for sale at our shows.  If you want to hear more about our music, you can check out our website www.drum-tao.com, or got to,

 Djmusicjac celebrates Japanese Taiko Drums – Vol 1

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=21D451F830659BEA

Q             You mentioned the tough auditions and first level of training for students, what would be a typical day for them a t the home ground?

A             They get up at 5.00am and have to run 10km; this is to help with stamina, strength.    Physical endurance is an important part of a professional drummer’s life.  They get drum training, where they have to drum for one hour every day; this helps with their concentration, another huge part of a professional drummer’s life.

Q             You mentioned that some drummers may struggle at first part of the training what do you mean by that?

A             Each drummer is different; we understand that, which is why we realise individually they will have different capabilities, skills and personality.  We know this, which is and that is why some progress to higher levels, others take their own time to progress.  We fit our shows to suit each of their skills and personality.

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                Even when touring is finished, the drummers still have to keep up with their training, which never stops.

Q             How long does the training take before a drummer goes out on tour, with either of the TAO groups?

A             As I already said, this depends on each individual, case by case, from training to touring this may be three months to five years.

Q             So what would you say makes a good drummer then?

A             Laughs, amusingly!  A good drummer must have good physical stamina, fitness, concentration.  We are not a dance troupe, so dance may be part of what we do and useful to us if they have these skills.  However, dance and theatre is less important for us as we are professional artists, drumming ensemble.

Q             Are you going on tour then?

A             Yes, you can find all about our European Tour from our website, www.drum-tao.com.  We are visiting Germany, Switzerland, Austria.

Q             Where did you buy your Taiko drums then?

A             From Asano Daiko, Japan, http://www.asano.jp/en/products/index.html

Q             Are the drums expensive?

A             Laughs!  The Odaiko drums cost £150,000 USA Dollars, enough to buy a house.  We have purchased ten of them; we have brought two with us at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe TAO Samurai Magical Drumming tour.

Q             What are the Taiko drums and musical instruments in your shows?

A             Odaiko drums, are the largest drums, we have two with us on our current tour.  Nagadou Daiko, middle sized drums; Okedou Daiko, drums carried or placed on stand; Shime Daiko, which are small white drums.  A Shinobue is a Japanese transverse flute which has a high-pitched sound, which is played in ensembles=2 0or as a solo instrument.  Koto, a Japanese stringed musical instrument derived from the Chinese guzheng.  The Koto is the national instrument of Japan.  Chappa/Chanchiki symbols.  Narimono, small handheld percussion instruments, large Japanese Gong.

Q             Do you intend to run TAO Workshops either from your home ground, or anywhere else?

A             At the moment no, as we are touring as Professional Artists.  We may consider our second group, TAO Yellow, be involved in Workshops, as they are based at our home ground, but this is something which may be in development. 

Q             What would your dream achievement be for T AO?

A             To have TAO perform on Broadway, this has always been our ultimate dream.

Q             Have you got any other plans for TAO in the pipeline?

A             I have already said we hope to launch our own record label next year, we are also considering setting up a Foundation.  Any Foundation, Workshops, from our home ground will have to fit in with our ideology of spiritual being, nature, fitness, and of course drumming, as this is what we are all about.

Q             Your show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe 2009 is called TAO Samurai Magical Drumming, explain to me what element of Samurai belongs to the show?

A             Samurai are well known for their strength, endurance and concentration, we follow same.

Q             Have there been any film offers in the pipeline?

A             Not any recently, we are open to suggestions and offers.  We have been on Fuji Television in Japan several times.  Fuji Television organise our shows.

Q             Lastly, I would like to congratulate you on a tremendous performance at Edinburgh Fringe 2009, the audience was packed and they were clapping, cheering and gave you several standing ovations, how do you feel about that?

A             Thank you, we are pleased and

We are proud and excited to having already toured 16 Countries to date, since our first visit to Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, as an ensemble. We also performed at Edinburgh Fringe in 2005. To date, we have pulled in audiences of 3.6 million overall. 

Q             What would be your final quote?

A             Our ambition is to conquer and tour the World!