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.”
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/
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
