A Conversation With Shugo Tokumaru…
The full translation of my interview with Japanese musician Shugo Tokumaru.
Ryan: When did you first pursue music?
Shugo: I started playing the piano… was I about 9 years old? I remember liking the songs my piano teacher wrote. She taught me that songs could be written. Of course I don’t remember .... I was focused on the melodies and instruments of others at that point in time.
R: How long does it usually take for you to record a song?
S: The fastest it can take is about 3 hours from the recording to the mix. The longest, about two years…
R: Do you have any instruments you haven’t used yet, but would like to incorporate in the future?
S: Insanely, there are many. Orphica, Grass Harmonica, and many other instruments.
R: What is your lyric writing process like?
S: I write a dream diary. I basically take words from there and use them.
R: Do you ever plan on coming back to the USA for a tour?
S: Not now. I’d like to return at any time. If you call me, I will fly! I would like to go to North Carolina.
R: What music are you listening to currently?
S: It changes everyday. Today it happens to be TPOK Jazz and Tom Nehls by chance.
R: Do you have a favorite chord?
S: I’ve never gotten this question! I’ve never thought of that! But not especially.
R: What are your favorite lyrics that you've written?
S: I have no affection for my lyrics, really. I like “Green Rain” just a little.
R: Do you have any advice for musicians struggling to come up with song topics?
S: In addition to music, you should have interests in other things. I think that it affects my music.
Film, sports, UFO’s, whatever ....
R: Do you have any advice for young songwriters?
S: When I was a teen, I listened to music a lot (even songs I hated), covering lots of things, practicing and composing for about 8 hours every day.
R: As an American, I can hear a lot of Western influences in your work. Who are your biggest influences?
S: I often answer The Kinks or Beach Boys. To be honest, I forget if that's true! Maybe so!
Translation by Lauren Schultz
Reviews & Articles
Excerpt from Film Matters Spring 2019
peer-reviewed book review - 2019
Improvising Out Loud: My Life Teaching Hollywood How to Act, Jeff Corey & Emily Corey (2017)
Book review published in the nationally circulated undergraduate film magazine, Film Matters, in their Spring 2019 issue. Spoilers: I liked it.
film matters opinion piece - 2019
Laugh by Laugh West.
An article published on the Film Matters website highlighting what my own film festival would feature. Really just an excuse to make a bad South by South West pun.
Excerpt of Article from Film Matters website
Cover of What Are We Learning in Video Games?
What are we learning in video games? - 2018
The Musicality of Video Games
An article published in an undergraduate research book about the music theory and sonic evolution of video games.
Scripts in Development
Click for an Excerpt of “Going Viral” Pilot Script
30 min. television pilot - comedy - 2019
Going Viral
Amy contracting the flu won’t stop her from going to her big audition (well, if her mother has anything to say about it). It’s up to Amy’s brother and former child star, Parker, to try to stop the audition and save his sister from their insistent helicopter mom.
“Better than a lot of pilots I’ve read!” - Scotty Landes (Workaholics, Ma)
30 min. television pilot - comedy - 2019
The Contestants
Davis Walker, a hopeless comedian in his late 20’s, lands a spot on Top Talent America after winning the audience over with his tragic sob story. He just didn’t expect someone to find out he was lying.
“This script is overflowing with jokes and gags and funny visuals!” - Scotty Landes (Workaholics, Ma)
Click for an Excerpt of “The Contestants” Pilot Script