Nov 04, 2013 8 Questions with: Goh Nakamura
Many artists call themselves indie musicians but I’ve never met any as independent as Goh Nakamura. Not only does he self-release his own music (which is a lovely mix of The Beatles, Elvis Costello, and Elliot Smith) but he’ll perform anywhere because he loves it. I’ve seen him play clubs, bars, and large gatherings of all kinds but also in living rooms and live podcasts. Give him a moment and he’ll cover your favorite song or a totally guilty pleasure, then follow up with an original that feels equally familiar and instantly loved right away. He can play any style and jam with anyone, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s completely affable. No wonder he’s been scoring so many indie flicks and studio projects lately. In between his gigs and jobs, I asked him to answer eight questions.
How would you describe your job?
I haven’t had a traditional 9-to 5-job in about a decade. When I did, it was working at a brewery as a brewer’s assistant with my friend. It was awesome–like living the movie Strange Brew. Now, I guess I’m an “Internet Age” independent freelance musician.
What does your average work day look like?
It’s different every day. Sometimes it’s emailing, research, and booking things like gigs, travel, or recording sessions. The best is when it is creative, such as writing/recording a song or playing a live show. Since I’m not on a label or under any management, most of the time it’s just hustlin’. Besides developing my craft and instrument, it’s been just as important to learn how to use the Internet to get myself and my sounds out there.
What are you currently working on?
I’m in post production for a web series that I shot last year called The Dream Sessions. I traveled to five cities, booked studio recording time, and documented the recording/creative process of musicians like Kid Koala and Tomo Nakayama (Grand Hallway). It was a Kickstarter-funded project, so I’m releasing the episodes to the backers only at the moment, but I’m trying to figure out where and how to release it to the public.
Where do you find inspiration?
Creative genius friends (see above), coffee, films, authors like Raymond Carver and Rumi, random YouTube binges (guitar instructional vids, interviews…
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
John Lennon and/or James Bond. Actually at one point, I wanted to be a doctor until I realized that I get pretty queasy in regards to blood and innards and stuff.
What are you reading at the moment?
Nothing at moment, but I find myself returning to an amazing book called Songwriters on Songwriting. It’s got interviews with legends like Sammy Khan (Sinatra’s lyricist), Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen… I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the creative process.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Sleep, because I usually can’t sleep until something is finished.
Besides singing to your infant niece and nephew, any gigs coming up that we should know about?
Nothing booked at the moment, although tomorrow I am on a bill with the American Idol Season 9 winner. Wish me luck!
Check out Goh’s last album for free and hit him up for studio work, as well. You won’t regret it.
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