To make it to the online encyclopedia Drummerworld’s list of the world’s greatest players, at the age of 13 was quite a feat for Senri Kawaguchi. She is now 20 and marching ahead with same intensity. Travelling across the world, she is rubbing shoulders with senior musicians and percussionists. At a time, when YouTube postings soon disappear like a passing cloud, Senri Kawaguchi’s videos of herself drumming along to “K-On” anime series got her much attention and appreciation. Last month, the young artiste shared stage with drummer legends who celebrated the 50th anniversary of Yamaha in Tokyo.
Born in the suburbs of Nagoya, Japan in 1997 and trained under renowned session drummer Kozo Suganuma, Senri is happy to have been acclimatised in the ‘jazz vernacular.’ “I hate to draw boundaries by introducing myself as a jazz drummer, beats are beyond all boundaries!” says Senri Kawaguchi who was in Bengaluru recently as part of OCTOBER OCTAVES organised by 5M Consultants. Edited excerpts from an interview.
Happy to be in Bengaluru given the large number western music lovers here?
Yes, I am very happy to perform in India, which is so far away from Japan. I am privileged to be invited to perform in India for the first time! I have heard so much about the nuanced and formatted lessons that prevail in the classical genres here.
What and who were your initial influences on music?
I was born in Nagoya in Aichi State and brought up in the neighbouring State of Mie. My parents were neither musicians nor were they inclined to music. My father had a passion for electronics and once he bought himself an electric drum for quenching more of his dismantling hobby. After his research into its working nucleus, he didn't know what to do with it and he gave it to me. I was five-year-old then. That proved to be my starting point. Ever since then I have been interested in the drums.
When did you discover that you had so much of rhythm in you?
I don't remember when I discovered rhythm in me but I do remember when I wanted to be a professional drummer. I was initiated into learning the drum from Kozo Suganuma. Gradually, I started performing everywhere including TV shows. People encouraged me to take up a solo album when I was 15 and I approached a host of musicians when most had obliged positively. The album got me an unprecedented feedback to help me realise that I wanted to become a professional drummer.
Did you expect this instant worldwide recognition after your YouTube posts?
"K-ON!" an anime is based on a school band. And the drum in the anime looked just like the drum I had. Since my piece, that I wanted to record, was also an interesting one, my friend suggested that I wear the same costume as in that anime. We thought that way it would be interesting for everyone to see! I hadn't uploaded the video with the intention of making many likes, but making it big was surely a pleasant surprise and see my music reach millions over the years.
Given your age, what will keep you motivated to be creative and continue drumming?
I do not have any specific interest in using only Youtube for my music. I want to reach out to people in as many ways as I can. My belief that my teacher is a superior musician in drumming gets strengthened more and more while getting exposed to the percussion world. However, many a times people commented that I played just like my teacher. That is when I began wondering if I had to factor in something extra to make it 'signature Senri!' Many well-wishers made me realise that I had my own style and manner which needed to be tapped and nurtured. Such realisations have helped me continue on my my creative path.
You lead a team of three - keyboardist Philippe Saisse and bassist Armand Sabal-Lecco. How do you create music together?
I never believed that age difference would impact a band. The fact that we are a band, we purely relate to each other's talent. We also have similar interests in music which makes us bond and play better.
How many percussion instruments do you handle? What are the challenges you face in handling the instruments?
I have always played only the drums until now. The future for percussion seems bright and hence I am keen on learning other instruments. Drums require a lot of physical activity. I have always heard people discuss about percussion being more difficult for women to handle. However I also believe that using the mind is more important. If a lady is not physically fit and is unable to be comfortable with what she plays, it can get difficult.
What is your drumming style? We know that it is jazz, but are there experiments within the contours?
I don't stick to any particular style. I grew to becoming an all-genre drummer. Even though I am doing a lot of jazz, I also perform other genres.
