Music
Ben Nomura – singer-songwriter interview
What is music to you?
Music is my favorite way of changing how I feel. It can make me happy, relaxed, or it can add to a depressed state. I know it’s weird to say but sometimes depression feels almost as good as happiness. Writing music keeps me centered. Creating a song out of nothing, and staying up until 7am because I can’t stop listening to it, is the best feeling ever. Music really is “art of the muses” and I’m thankful that my mind and body can sometimes be tapped into by something greater… which produces a fun and interesting spark in my songs.
Where do you see the music industry heading in five years?
I see mainstream pop music using less lyrics and focusing a lot on melody and hooks. I think verses are going to get smaller, and actual acoustic instruments will be used less and less. The industry will most likely stay the same, but will start to profit more from streamed music. It’ll be interesting to see if vinyl and tape make their way back into the industry or if it’s just a phase.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I would like to broaden the pop music spectrum and give bands such as “Half Moon Run”, who write their own music and do it well, more of a fighting chance. It would be great to hear “The Bad Plus” on KROQ and similar radio stations. I truly think people would enjoy more sophisticated, less mainstream music if given the chance to.
When it comes to the music business, name one band/artist that you think is “doing it right?”
John Mayer. He knows how to make great music, stay true to himself and compromise with the industry.
What’s the biggest challenge emerging musicians face in the music business?
It’s probably different for every musician. However the hardest thing for me so far has been booking consistently-good shows and getting my music heard.
