Snow Country - Interview with Snowk
Snowk is a special side project from Japanese producer/DJs Yutaka Takanami (Namy) and Fuminori Kagajo, who both hail from "snow country". While they each have made their names in soulful house, Snowk has a cutting edge sound incorporating the latest trends and talents in international music. Fresh off the release of their debut album “Powder”, Royce Leong of Tokyo ON talks to the masters at work.
Tokyo ON: Both of you have established music careers, what was the catalyst for forming Snowk together now?
Snowk: About two years ago we were both in Hokkaido in winter to perform at an event but unfortunately it got cancelled due a snowstorm. But thanks to that we had a lot of spare time to talk, and we thought that it might be interesting to do something together as we are both from "snow country"*. That was how it all began.
*Snow country: any of the northern prefectures of Japan which experience heavy snowfall in winter, made famous by the novel "Snow Country" (yukiguni) written by Nobel Prize winner Yasunari Kawabata
TO: How does being from “snow country” influence the sound?
S: We're from different regions, but in the towns in which we live the scenery changes dramatically depending on the four seasons, and the change of seasons is very beautiful. In particular, the town becomes covered in snow in winter, and the landscape feels magical, stirring our imaginations inside.
TO: You’ve been involved in music for a long time, yet Snowk is very up to date in terms of sound. How do you stay on top of all the trends?
S: Although we are in the age of streaming now, we mainly discover things by digging like we always have done since the days of vinyl. So now we just use all kinds of streaming services and social media to dig for new and interesting sounds.
TO: You guys are well known for soulful house music, but Snowk is very different. Did you just feel like trying something new? Or do you feel that the style of Snowk fits the times better?
S: Of course. We always want to try new things. It's true that house music is kind of unchangeable, so perhaps it is Snowk that is closer to capturing the flavor of the times.
TO: Do you find it easy to work together?
S: Whether you work alone or together, making music is both fun and challenging at times. But here the two of us can come up with and bounce ideas off each other, and making them into complete songs through the process of working with vocals and engineers gives a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that cannot be obtained by one person alone.
TO: For Snowk, which part of music do you think is the most important, which part do you put the most effort into? (for example the beat, melody, atmosphere etc)
S: Snowk collaborates with many artists so the melody and beats depend on the song. So for us, the most important thing is to ensure that the atmosphere and worldview is consistent. We're aiming for a sound that makes you think this is Snowk no matter which song you're listening to.
TO: What’s the key theme of the new album? Is there a particular message?
S: We guess the theme of this album would be "This is Snowk." We just finished it, but we wanted to express our personal "color" and "style" on this album.
TO: This album was made during a difficult period for many people who experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness. How were you feeling during 2020? Did you put any of that into the album?
S: It's really unprecedented and difficult to describe in words. There were many negative elements, but there were positive elements too. Definitely we think the events that influenced us were reflected in the music. But what we think is important isn't what the two of us felt, but what the people feel by listening to the album. How you enjoy it depends on the person, so we would like people to listen to the album as they feel.
TO: The album is really varied, I even hear elements of UK garage, acid jazz and classic house. Where are all these ideas coming from, what were your inspirations?
S: Spot on! We're definitely influenced by the sounds of the 70's, 80's and 90's. But for making this album actually we also drew from the music of recent artists like SG Lewis, Kraak & Smaak, Pat Lok etc.
TO: One of my favorite tracks is Matsuzaki. It sounds perfect for a weekend drive. Is this song made for a particular location?
S: Thanks! But we didn't have a specific place or time in mind when we were making the song. Rather than creating something by imagining a scene, it's better if the finished song fits into each scene. So that's why we always decide upon the track title last.
TO: You work with singers from all around the world. How do you find and choose vocalists?
S: In most cases basically Takanami suggests someone and we talk about it, then decide to make an offer to the artist.
TO: Tell us about the Snowk songwriting process. How much are the vocalists involved in creating the tracks?
S: Our basic process is that Kagajo makes the songs based on Takanami's direction, and then from there we brush it up while going back and forth with one another. Recently we've often been entrusting the melody entirely to the singer.
In addition, we feel that it is better as a work if various people including musicians, mixing and mastering engineers are involved, rather than being completed with our own ideas alone.
TO: I know you prefer vocals in English to reach a greater audience, but do you think this affects your reception in Japan?
S: We don't think this affects our reception in Japan. But although we're Japanese, perhaps we would be considered to be a western/international artist than a Japanese artist.
TO: As a DJ it’s really easy to mix Snowk into UK R&B and deep house, you have a very international groove oriented sound. At the same time, are there any elements about the sound that you feel are uniquely Japanese?
S: Glad to hear that, we think one of the reasons why Snowk songs are easy to mix is because we work with artists from lots of different countries. Also, while we don't use traditional Japanese instruments or anything, perhaps if anything you might feel that Japanese people have a unique sense of groove.
TO: Are you going to focus on Snowk together for the near future or will you still release music individually?
S: In 2020 we really focused on producing Snowk tracks but we think this will continue for 2021 as well. It's important for us to do our own thing as individuals of course, but we think 2021 will be a very critical year for Snowk. We've already got a bunch of ideas in mind so please look forward to it.
TO: Once the virus situation improves can we look forward to seeing Snowk perform or DJ live? Do you plan to tour?
S: Prior to COVD-19 we were already talking about making preparations for a live performance, and we'd of course love to go overseas too if possible. We can't wait to perform in front of everyone.
TO: Do you have any message for your fans?
S: It's been two years since we formed Snowk , and this 1st album is just the beginning. We hope this album will be the catalyst for people to keep up with whatever Snowk does next.
TO: Thanks for talking to us and hope 2021 is a big one for you guys.
Listen to Snowk’s debut album “Powder”, read our feature article on it, and follow Snowk on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube.
From the Tokyo ON archives: interview with Namy (Yutaka Takanami) and review of Fuminori Kagajo’s Timeless.