# Interview with Ayumi Koketsu: Limpid Flame – Our primary focus is to deliver music authentically

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2024/09/16/ayumi-koketsu/
- Published: 2024-09-16T00:06:29+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Interview with alto saxophonist and composer Ayumi Koketsu. The interview took
place in writing, remotely.**

**Jazz Blues EU: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz
Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?**

**Ayumi Koketsu: – **I started playing the alto sax at the age of 13, and I did 
my first gig when I was around 19 years old.

**JBEU: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your
music?**

**AK: –** I grew up in the beautiful countryside of Gifu Prefecture. I started listening
to jazz thanks to my father, who loves jazz and even plays the trombone. Fortunately,
I was raised in an environment that allowed me to spend most of my time listening
to and enjoying the music I love. I even sometimes practiced my instrument in the
woods. I think it was a wonderful environment that I would never trade for anything
else.

**JBEU: – What performers have been your inspiration?**

**AK: –** I started studying jazz seriously when I was 16 years old. Since then,
I have pursued Charlie Parker. However, sound-wise, my favorite has always been 
Art Pepper. I just love his dry, warm, and solid tone. Every time I listen to him,
I am reminded of the spirit that inspired me from the beginning.”

**JBEU: – What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in
today’s music industry?**

**AK: –** I don’t find it too difficult being an independent artist, but what I’ve
always strived for is to become a better player every day and offer the audience
something new.

I think this happens naturally if you approach it with the mindset that tomorrow
is better than today, and the day after is better than tomorrow.

I think this keeps the audience from getting bored and makes them want to come and
listen again.

When they say, ‘I enjoyed your performance and will come again,’ it makes me very
happy.

**JBEU: – What do you base your success on?**

**AK: –** I often ask myself objectively, ‘What do I want to do musically right 
now?’ and ‘What kind of sound do I want to create?’ When I can express these ideas
with the support of reliable band members, I feel a sense of success. And I want
to keep pursuing that.

**JBEU: – Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or
musicians? How does it influence your creative process?**

**AK: –** Having the opportunity to play with other artists for the first time gives
me a fresh perspective. You can observe different approaches that you might not 
have, and you may even discover similarities. If you’re open to who you play with
and what you play, I believe you can use that experience to enrich your musical 
journey.

**JBEU: – What was your latest musical release?**

**AK: –** I have released two albums this year. Limpid Flame was recorded with my
quartet, and the other one, called TRUST, was a duo album recorded with a pianist.

**JBEU: – Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest
new CD Ayumi Koketsu – Limpid Flame and what inspired its creation?**

**AK: –** Limpid Flame was released almost five and a half years after my last album.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in my lifestyle, I didn’t perform much 
in front of people for a few years. However, that period gave me time to reflect
on many things. I later realized that there had always been a deep passion for music
within me, like a smoldering fire. That’s why I named this album Limpid Flame.

After five and a half years, it was important for me to express my current musical
journey, including what I’ve cultivated during this time, in the new album. I chose
only my new compositions, and I’m glad I was able to record them with the reliable
members of my quartet, who have been playing together for more than ten years.”

[**Buy from here – New CD 2024**](https://lnk.to/limpidflame)

![Limpid Flame(特典なし)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71rqHOoYGQL.__AC_SY300_SX300_QL70_ML2_.
jpg)

**JBEU: – How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific
themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?**

**AK: –** I always start with the melody. I strive to write a simple, singable melody
that can easily reach people’s hearts. Sometimes, people tell me, ‘Your melodies
are impressive,’ or ‘I love the melody.’ Those are some of the most important compliments
to me.

**JBEU: – As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative
freedom and commercial appeal?**

**AK: –** In the past, I saw them as separate. Recently, I’ve come to realize that
when you perform creative music sincerely and skillfully, it can also appeal to 
listeners. In fact, when we achieve that level of performance at gigs, I feel that
both the musicians and the audience experience true satisfaction.

**JBEU: – What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music
and connecting with your audience?**

**AK: –** You cannot avoid promotion if you want your music to reach more people,
whether through physical or digital media or at concerts. I believe promoting your
music is crucial for maintaining a fulfilling music career. If many people support
me, it will lead to my next work, my next concert, and so on into the future.”

**JBEU: – Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that
has had a lasting impact on you and your music?**

**AK: –** There are some memorable performances for me, but one that stands out 
is the final day in Tokyo of the Limpid Flame CD release tour. The band played at
our best, and the audience enjoyed it immensely. That night, I felt that the important
elements of my musical work came together perfectly. I’ve been striving to play 
with a refined, settled saxophone sound and to express depth with sensitivity. I
will continue to keep these goals in mind as I create my music.

**JBEU: – In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape
of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?**

**AK: –** Generally speaking, CD sales have declined, but streaming services offer
opportunities for people to discover more artists. In other words, more people might
find you more easily than before. If more people have a chance to listen to your
music, you might attract a larger audience to your shows.

However, I still appreciate the CD format. We invest time and energy into creating
the music, sequencing, artwork, liner notes, and even the space between songs. I
hope people still enjoy it as much as I do. In fact, many people still buy CDs at
venues after experiencing the real pleasure of jazz.

**JBEU: – Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you
engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?**

**AK: –** I believe jazz is a genre that allows you to connect more deeply with 
the audience compared to others. Our primary focus is to deliver music authentically.
Rather than actively seeking various fan service methods, we are committed to presenting
our music with full dedication. I believe that fans will ultimately sense this sincerity.
Since the audience has paid to come and listen to us, I want them to experience 
something different from their daily life , something that touches them deeply.

To achieve this, I think it is best for us musicians to remain composed, avoid being
overly familiar, and deliver music that comes from the heart.

**JBEU: – How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the 
fans.**

**AK: –** Please check my home page. [http://a-koketsu.com/](http://a-koketsu.com/)

I am very honored to have the opportunity to do this interview. I hope to continue
pursuing music for the rest of my life. I also hope you will have a chance to listen
to my music in the near future.

**Interview by Olivia Peevas**

![](https://i0.wp.com/blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0K_XPArWNv_3mGwfquocRKX6IzEb3er2Fpj5WL6kJlDbBLHp1-
kWH4pvapWqgTfaRxtk0CasYUKRAnPb5GQRRM941uegI1IDH8Nytk_-ry2DPPheQ2-QEJAA_OV7JqLmjBj6D6SLcECupBNxThiZRrq1mK8MsZ9v98i4n6VBN6nnzSFVlhFZRvws5Tnd/
w1552-h2095/AyumiKouketsu_artist%20photo%2001.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

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