In this special episode of Future Classic Women Awards, host Stefania Passamonte welcomes Grammy-nominated composer Masa Takumi from Tokyo to discuss his journey to this historic moment. After five album attempts, Masa’s latest work ‘Sakura’ has finally earned him a Grammy nomination in the Global Music Album category. Masa shares the emotional experience of hearing his album title called at the Grammy Awards ceremony, describing it as the most exciting moment of his life—a dream that his 14-year-old cousin actually predicted years ago through Japan’s Tanabata tradition.
During the interview, Masa takes listeners on a musical journey through his Grammy-nominated album ‘Sakura’ (Cherry Blossom), explaining the deep meaning behind tracks like the title piece and ‘Shizuku’ (Water Drop). He reflects on his path from multi-instrumentalist—beginning with trumpet at age 10—to accomplished composer, crediting his uncle, legendary Japanese singer Hideki Saijō, as his primary inspiration. Masa also opens up about his regular transatlantic commute from Japan to Los Angeles for Grammy events and his collaborations with Grammy-winning artists and producers.
Main Topics
Masa Takumi received his first Grammy nomination on his fifth album attempt with 'Sakura' in the Global Music Album category, presented by John Legend
The album 'Sakura' (Cherry Blossom) represents Masa's desire for both himself and listeners to 'bloom their flowers' and reach their potential
Masa became a Recording Academy member after playing with reggae legend Sly Robbie in 2011, a pivotal moment that changed his life
His cousin predicted his Grammy nomination years earlier through the Japanese Tanabata tradition of writing wishes on special paper during July 7th celebrations
Masa is a multi-instrumentalist who began with trumpet in elementary school and has mastered several instruments throughout his musical journey
He was profoundly influenced by his uncle Hideki Saijō, a famous Japanese singer, whom he watched perform from infancy
The album features collaborations with Grammy-winning producer Lonnie Park and percussionist Nadim Majdani
Full TranscriptHello and welcome to the 5th edition of Future Classic Women Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Women's and Men's R...▼
Hello and welcome to the 5th edition of Future Classic Women Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Women's and Men's Radio Station, the program where we search for the most amazing new artists on the classical panorama. Today we start our 5th edition 2023 with a very special guest, is my friend Masanori Takumi, finally, who is currently a nominated artist for the Grammy Awards. Hello, Masa! Thank you so much. Hello, where are you now, Masa? Now I'm in Tokyo. Now it's 9:30 at night. It's 7 hours ahead from your place. All right, super. So how is the weather there in Tokyo? Here in London today, it's so cold today because of the winter. Yeah, yeah. Do you get snow in Tokyo? Sometimes, but not, not today. Not today. We're waiting for the snow here in the UK. They keep saying it's gonna come, it's gonna come, it's not coming. So it's a completely different— yeah, yeah, I hope we had a snow in Christmas a few weeks ago. Yeah, yeah, lovely. More native, but unfortunately we didn't have any snow there. All right, Masa, tell me straight away how exciting it is to be nominated for the next Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. It's actually— I couldn't believe it yet. It's my 5th attempt. I released my solo album under my name Masa Takumi. Actual name is Masanori Takumi, but yes, my stage name is Masa Takumi. And then it's a 5th album on the 5th attempt, and John Legend, he's the presenter of the my category, global music album, and he called my name at 5th. 5th means the last spot. And then every time, you know what, every time I was depressed because actually before the 2020 they didn't have any broadcast like this year. Yeah, as you know, they just show on the web who is the nominee, and then I swipe up, and then my category, I was so nervous all the time, and swipe up one, first one, second one, third one, fourth one, and then last one, I tried to stop every time, one minute. And then, yeah, I, I inhale, exhale, and then here we go. And oh no, right? This is, uh, yeah, it's happened to me 4 times. And then this year also, I, I didn't think he's gonna call my name at the last. So when he called my album title Sakura, I was screaming. Actually, I didn't remember exactly because my brain was about to explode. And then I was talking on the phone with my featuring artist, Nadim Majdani, who played my percussion, who played percussion in my album, who helped me a lot. And then he was so excited, "Hey, Master, we did it!" But no, I'm crying and screaming and then— oh my gosh— fell down. Yeah, I— it's one of the most— it's, I think, the most excited— most excitement in my life. But tell me one thing, where were you? Were you alone? Were with friends? With family? My family? Yeah, my mom was so glad. She's so excited now. And then my second cousin, she's 14 years, but I brought her to the Grammy when she was 8. Oh really? And then, yeah, she's a kid, very— she's still kid, but then way smaller than now. And then we— it's our culture, we wrote— we write some our wish on specific paper on July 7th. Ah, right. And then, yeah, you know, we hang, we hang on a bamboo, bamboo tree. That's our culture called Tanabata. Ah, right. Beautiful. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's a very romantic culture. And then she, she wrote that Masa will get the nomination sometime soon. Oh wow. Yeah, and then her wish, her wish is for real now. That's amazing. Yeah, make it, make it happen. So I really appreciate my cousin, my mom. She helped me a lot after My father passed away when I was 18 years. Yeah, so many. It's kind of story of love among my family. Yeah, everyone, everyone must have some story, um, depends on their nomination, right? Absolutely. Oh yeah, totally agree. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But for, for our Asian, this is overwhelmed. It's it's too big. So that's why I couldn't believe it yet. But on the other hand, I really appreciated the, yeah, Recording Academy and my friend who supported me and then featuring artists who played the great music on my album. And then my producer Lonnie Park, he's a Grammy-winning producer last year in a new age category. So I, yeah. Nothing but, uh, appreciation. Wow, that's beautiful. Before we go on, I would like to listen to the first track of this Grammy-nominated album. Um, and so the first one— first of all, let's talk about the album, the title, and how it came together. So it's called Sakura, and the first track we're gonna listen to is the, uh, the title album. So let's listen to it and then we talk about Sakura. So beautiful. And this was Sakura, the title track from the Grammy-nominated album Sakura by Masa Takumi. Masa, do you prefer me to call you Masa or Masa Nori? Because Masa is just— just call me Masa. It's perfect. Easy, easy. No, NASA. Not NASA. That's the universe. That is where you're going, you know. Some people call me NASA, you know. Really? People text me, "Hey NASA." No, I'm not a universe station, right? Well, you're gonna be soon, you know, among the stars, so it makes sense to call you NASA too. So Masa, Sakura, tell us what's the meaning of this title? Sakura means cherry blossom. Ah, yes, that's a flower. Yeah, in Japanese. Yeah, so I want to bloom my sakura in my heart, and on the other hand, I want you guys to bloom your flower in your heart. That's absolutely fantastic. Um, I mean, you talked about collaboration with other Grammy artists. How long have you been a member of the Recording Academy? Me? Yeah. Me, my opportunity to become a member is I got a chance to play with reggae legendary rhythm section Slant Robbie in 2011. That's my first chance to, yeah, play with a Grammy-winning artist. And then I could go to the Grammy Awards, and then that always changed my life. And then I commute to the US from Japan every year. Oh wow. Yeah. How long does it take? That's— yeah, how long does it take? How long? Yeah, it's Japan. Um, oh, you mean the flight? Yeah. Uh, 12 hours. 12. Oh wow, it's as much as from London basically. Yeah, I think, yeah, on the— actually on the, on the way there is 11, on the way back is 12. All right, I thought it would be nearer because, uh, yeah, we come from the other side. Um, it's true that we cut across the very top really of the world, the Arctic, but you know, I thought it would have been a little bit easier for you. I mean, it's not an easy commute if you like. But I remember the first time I went to the Grammys and I was completely blown away, you know, by the fact that there was the arena where the Grammys are. It was the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Which year? Uh, I went a few times. I went like 4 or 5 times. When is the first time? When is the first time? I think it might have been 2011 or 10. Something like that? Oh! Same same all right 2011 was the same yeah I saw Justin Bieber performed with Usher yes he did yeah but then he was a kid exactly yeah uh but you know I'm a classical musician and my husband— He's wonderful. Thank you. My husband is American and he used to DJ so So he knew all the music. Yes, so he knew all the music. And so when we were sitting there, he knew everyone. I mean, I recognized Beyoncé when she passed nearby, but I didn't know very many more. I was like, this is a legend, that's a legend, that's another legend. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe Barbara— he, he meant maybe Barbra Streisand, no? Uh, no, I don't think I saw Barbara Streisand. I don't remember. No. Okay, okay. Oh man, I've seen so many, to be honest. Yeah, but actually, yeah, it's— neither do I. Some people I didn't know because of the age, but they must be the legend because they are on the Grammy stage, right? Yeah. I'm so ashamed I, I did— I, I didn't— some artists, I'm so ashamed. So sorry about that. You get laughed. I I fall asleep during the Grammy. And it's crazy, isn't it? Because you're there and there's so many other events happening around it as well. So, and you go and meet so many fantastic artists. So yeah, we, we have some, some friends in common, um, and we've been friends for so long on Facebook because we have a group specific for— yeah, yeah, yeah. But we didn't— yeah, we haven't seen each other in person yet. Next time, that's for sure. We make it, and I'm not gonna be able to make it this time because, um, I'm now, um, a council member for the Brit Awards here in the UK, and they happen exactly the same time as the Grammy Awards. Um, so I have to be here. That was the problem. Take your time, take your time. But I will come again because this is the best party ever, isn't it? You listen to the best music. And, uh, and talking about the best music, uh, you know, I want to listen to the next one, that is Shizuku. Would you like to tell us why, um, what means Shizuku? And, uh, Shizuku is in Japanese and it, it means water drop. I want to express the moment of the water drop with my music. So please memorize like a moment of the slow motion, the water drop, please. Well, you know, there is a fantastic prelude by Chopin that called the water drop, and that's something that is so poetical, isn't it? And so let's listen to Imaza's version of this note, the water drop, shizuku. Wonderful. And this was Shizuku, Water Drop. From the Grammy-nominated album Sakura by Masa Takumi. Um, Masa, absolutely fantastic. Now, um, thank you so much. Um, you know, I— what everyone will ask as usual is how did you decide to become a composer? And then, you know, to— it's not a life that everyone can just, you know, wake up and do, so Did you know already when you were a child that you would like to become a composer, or you started as a musician, for example? Yeah, because I was so influenced by an artist who is my uncle, although he passed away in 2018. He's a very famous singer in Japan called Hideki Saijō. And then he, yeah, he performed in Japan a lot. At the biggest venue. So my mom took me, even I'm zero years old. It's an event, right? And then I was hold by my mom. I was held my mom. And then yeah, she brought me to his venue, his concert. So I listen to his song from the very, yeah, kid. And then, yeah, I realized how amazing music is from his music. And he covered many American songs with Japanese lyrics. All right. So, yes. So we— I and all Japanese knows the great US music from his cover songs. I see, I see. Yeah, wonderful. And so, yeah, sorry, go ahead. So, yeah, so you said, um, so did you start then playing something or singing in this case? Yeah, trumpet, trumpet, trump. Actually, I'm a multi-instrumentalist now. Yes, I know that. My first, yeah, yeah, my first instrument is trumpet when I joined at the brass band when I was in elementary school, 4th grade. Oh wow, then I was 10. Yeah, and then the thing is we can exchange our instruments during a breaking time, so it's so fun time. Yeah, yeah, so everyone tried to play the drum. Drum is the most famous, and then they really love to play the drum because that's easy, right? And of course, yeah, second my instruments, yeah, second my instruments is drum, united band, rock band. Then I turned to junior high school, and then we exchange the instruments, and then third instrument is guitar. Yeah, something like that. That's the way I learned how to play the instrument. I see. And composing, when did you start composing? When I was 13. Ah, actually, that is not composing, just to play Like a Moonlight of the Beethoven. Yeah, it's almost imitation, imitation. But I— it's kind of stupid. Hey, this is my song, I made this, I composed this song, but it's completely similar to some song. But I see. Yeah, yeah, but it's okay because of it's my first motivation. Yeah, yeah, I see. But you know, the music that we listen to is not just that, it's very, you know, cinematic and is, um, orchestral music, so it's big, big music. How did you develop then towards that style? Uh, actually, I, I'm a big fan of the game Dragon Quest. Yes, the Dragon Quest music is so wonderful. And then I purchased the CD, then that was a physical CD era, and then the liner notes has the score of each song. I know how to read the score, so I try to play with the keyboard. With a Dragon Quest theme and some other songs. Yeah, that's how to learn the harmony and then how to make the music from that game music. Yeah, well, you know, yeah, I met some of the greatest composers. Don't ask me the name of the game because I'm not a gamer, so unfortunately I can't remember. It's okay. They did a concert at Royal Albert Hall and it was sold out between minutes with the live orchestra. And so they had to add like another 2 dates to it. And it's huge because the music from Gaming is using a lot of the sound of orchestra. So it's considered classical. And that's why you're here today for my program called Future Classic Women Awards. That is about— Thank you, I'm so lucky. Even though I am not a classic music guy, I'm so lucky. Thank you so much for having me today. You're very welcome. Well, you know, we treat classical and crossover, and I think your global album has a lot, you know, in common with crossover because it's not just— it's not pop and rock, if you like, you see. So that's, that's what it is. And this is the best way to then bring people to listen to a full orchestra, for example, with something else. And if you think there is so much, um, classical music that is used in movies, and even, you know, John Williams, who is one of the greatest composers for— yeah, yeah, he's using things that, um, you know, as influences by Wagner or, um, Brahms, and the use of the brass section is unique. So yeah, so I mean, there is— it's also fluid in a way in terms of genres, um, that your music could perfectly fit into the classical one. Uh, now what I would like to ask you then, um, I read somewhere that you were also composing music for games. Do you, or I read it wrong? Oh, not, not game, but animation. Animation, yes. Yeah, I wrote the many, yeah, animation soundtrack with, uh, orchestra sound. I mean, the real sound, live action. Yes, yes. And, you know, all of us of our generation, we grew up watching the Japanese anime that are some of the most romantic and most beautiful ones. In Italy, they were very strong, and the music from those anime cartoons were, you know, they're still played today. I have a classical friend organist who arranged the music for organ and then plays it at the masses disguised as a classical piece. Instead, it's actually the music from the anime. So nice. Nice. Yeah. And, um, and there is a huge wave again, I think, today. I mean, my daughter, she's only 8, and she's desperate, you know, and find tutorials. Yeah. And how to draw anime. She just loves the drawing and the stories behind it. Oh. Wow, it's, uh, 8. Yeah, well, the one for children, of course. Yeah, and not the, the grown-up. That's so— she's so creative even though there's 8. Yeah, very young. Well, starting the drawing, darling. Well, my husband is a designer, so I think she gets the artistic side of it from here. Wow, artist family. No wonder. Yes, she inherited amazing blood from you and your husband. Amazing. We'll see, we'll see. You know, it's still early stages, but we see if the cherry will blossom, let's say that. So tell me, tell me, when you went to— you went to the Grammys few times. Okay, so do you remember being starstruck, you know, meeting a star that you've been dreaming of meeting, and then, you know, actually meeting that person and having a chance to be next to this, uh, star. Probably many, but do you have anyone in particular that you might recall that was a special encounter? But yeah, actually, I, I'm big fan of Bruno Mars. Ah yeah, I saw him. Yeah, yeah, but yeah, I saw, I saw him in 2017. He played— that's what I like, that's the memorable moment, and then I couldn't forget that performance. And then, but I have too many, too many my favorite artists, like John Legend as well, and then Beyoncé. Yeah. And Adele this year too, they are, yeah, contenders. Yeah. So, so many people, but the Grammy gave me not only the dream but also to see the wonderful people like you, like other voting members, right? Yeah, I mean, what is phenomenal is that we're all sitting next to each other and we're all cheering for each other, you know. There is somehow when you're there Well, I've not been nominated yet. I've been competing but not been nominated, um, so I didn't arrive to the last stage. But, um, I saw everyone, you know, being, uh, so excited and supportive. And there is just a party where everyone is happy to be there, to be together and celebrating music, you know. And, um, in an era where there is still conflicts worldwide, um, you know, thinking about the stadium and being so full of so many musicians, talented artists, producers, and everyone, you know, just, just supporting each other. I think that's the best thing ever. Um, you know, it always goes sold out in like 2 seconds as soon as they open up. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I failed actually. I failed once because I am too late, 5 or 6 seconds. Already passed. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, no, I know, I managed by beating this. But because of the reception. Yeah, because the reception, because I, I sent a mail from Japan, it might be later than them, right? Yeah. Are you, you as well? You as well? Yes. So, so there's a distance. Yes, that is farther than, farther than. Yeah, no, it's crazy. Harmonica, harmonica people is the closest to the recording academy. So they only get people from there. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I remember when I went to New York. Did you go to the '60s Grammys in New York? Yeah, that was actually— I went there, but I— yeah, even though I couldn't get the ticket, because the Ricky Keys— Ricky Keys and Uta Kilarman invited me to their party. Yeah, that's my motivation. That's why I went, went to New York for that party too. All right, I was at that party too, so I told you. Yeah, we met probably. Wow. But the thing is, there is too many people and then you don't actually— Too many, too many. Almost 500 people. That the venue was so big. I think that is the biggest venue as far as, as far as I know. Yeah, but what was crazy about— I mean, the Grammy party. Yeah, but that Grammy's in New York. It was the first time, and it was just to celebrate the 60 years, and it was so much about security and fear of terror. And, uh, I don't know how you went to the Grammys, but I, I walked there, um, because they, they told us you couldn't go with the limousine or you couldn't go with the car because everything was blocked for security. And, um And so I had an hotel just around the corner from the Madison Square Garden, and so it was like 2 minutes walk. Um, but do you remember they were sending us these emails saying, you know, be careful, not that you might be mugged by some terrorists, to— that they want your ticket and then get— Really? Yeah. Didn't you get that? Yeah, yeah, I got that. Such a scary Grammy. Yeah, yeah. So I got those emails, and then we're walking, uh, to the Grammys, and suddenly And they, they, so there were policemen with machine gun and dogs. Half of the roads were blocked so you couldn't go through those. And then suddenly they had the Madison Square Garden tube station, the metro, the metro that was open. So while we were going to the ground, and suddenly we got hundreds of people coming out of the metro and of the tube, as they say here in, in the UK. And surrounding me and my friend and saying, oh, you're going to the Grammys, oh, can you bring us with you, etc. Like, oh my gosh, we're never gonna arrive alive. Oh, that was unbelievable. Wow, wow, that's good not to go there for me. Well, you know, it was historical, and then it was also time when it was all about the MeToo movement, and, um, I missed the email saying that you would have had to wear a yellow rose in support of the— or was it white? I don't remember anymore. Anyway, I went there dressed in black because at the Emmys, just like a week before, all the women were dressed in black, you know, to support the MeToo movement. So I completely missed it. So I was just a bit of a— I was just incredible. But this time you're going as a guest, isn't it? You're going as a nominee, so you don't need to get the ticket, isn't it? Yeah, but hope there's no terrorist, right? No, not in Los Angeles. So have you already chosen your outfit for the Grammys? Yeah, yeah, I'm, I'm now making up my Cherry Blossom jacket. Oh, super! Oh gosh, that's printing, printing, printing on the jacket. So, ah, yeah, we are— you have many meetings for my outfit now. Ah yeah, okay. Well, the next song we're gonna listen to then, um, it's gonna be Yuzu Doll. Um, would you like to tell us about this song? Yeah, yuzu means citrus, like orange, and then doll is a doll. Ah, okay. There's no meaning, just I abbreviate, I made a new word, like, uh, something like cute, isn't it? Citrus doll. Yeah, yuzu is Japanese orange, so that's why I called it Yuzu. Okay, beautiful. Well, let's listen to Yuzu doll. Wonderful. I'm dancing, you know. This was Yuzu Doll by Masa. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I'm hearing your drum by your hand. It's okay. I'm so glad to, yeah, hear you're playing with my song. It was just too good. I mean, I, I already listened to your album, but I just love— this is one of my favorite. I don't know, I don't know what is with this one, but definitely fantastic. Love it. Um, so Maza, this is the last part of the interview, and normally on the last part we talk about some, you know, more personal things. So for example, do you have any other hobby apart from composing and performing? I'm sorry, hobby, hobby, hobby, passion. Yeah. Oh, other, other than the music, you mean? Yeah. Yes. Oh yeah, yeah, actually my hobby is magic trick. Oh really? Oh my gosh. Yeah, yeah. You know, you know the Magic Castle in Hollywood? Yeah. You— oh, you know, that's good. I, I took the audition and I passed. Now I become a member of the Magic Castle as a magic member in 2013. It's the same year as becoming the Grammy member as well. Well, next time we meet each other, you need to show me something. Yeah, yeah, I'm super passionate. Yeah. I can bring you to the castle. Oh my gosh, that would be a dream! Yeah, yeah, because that is a— yeah, it's kind of hidden castle. The world famous— yeah, Marjorie Chan's there in the exclusive club. Yeah, yeah, we need some membership or we need an invitation to go there. Wow, I can give you the invitation. That's super! Listener. I'm gonna give the invitation to your listener. Oh, that would be amazing. Well, I'm a super fan of magic, of, uh, you know. Oh, nice, nice. Yeah, of magic. We always watch them, and my daughter too. Sometimes she tries, but we, we're not magical in this family, unfortunately. Actually, I used to own the magic bar in Japan in 2010. No way! Oh my God. Then I have a breaking time from the music composing, and then I used to own my magic bar for the 2 years in Roppongi, Tokyo. Wow. Well, do you have— I'm a big, big fan. Okay, now, Masa, very important question. Do you have an album dedicated to your magic passion? An album that is magical? No, no, no, no. You should, don't you? Okay, next album. Yeah, but, but, uh, yeah, yeah, sure. But I have many magician friends, so sometimes we are talking about music in the magic show. My friend whose name is world famous magician Cyril, he's also the member, he's a lifetime member of the Magic Castle, and then he, he's making some new magic trick show on stage with the music. So we are talking about with his music. I might be a part of him, his magic trick. I, I know well about the magic, so I'm best composer for the magic trick. I think so. Oh, beautiful. I mean, you know, magic is such important part of our imagination, isn't it? And yes, yes, yes, as it is music. So the two things, because So perfectly together. And I think there is, you know, this beautiful, uh, book of Harry Potter that made, um, the UK. So, oh yes, you know, all the students that arrived in the UK, they all wanted to see where Harry Potter has been filmed. And the music is so much into your, um, uh, memory as well. And, uh, it's, uh, it's connected with childhood and everything. It's just, I just love it. And, you know, there should be more magic, you know, everywhere. That's what we need, definitely. Okay, and do you have any funny, you know, story that you can share with us of going on stage, for example, performing, or, you know, encountering some artists and doing something a bit silly that you would like to, you know, that you're not too embarrassed to share with us? Do you? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do you have— can you share it with us? Can you tell us? Uh, so my— go for what? For what? Sorry, a story of, you know, an embarrassing moment, a funny moment that happened while going on stage, for example. Um, so I can tell you, I had artists that they took, uh, they, they had the most impossible trip to go for a concert, and then they realized they it was the wrong day. Oh, I have an embarrassed memory on the stage in Tokyo. Yeah. You know what? You know the equipment, looper? Yes, yes, I do. Yeah. The one that repeats. So you record the piece and then— Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like a C, D, E, and then push the button and the C, D, E, and then repeat it. Over and over again. Yeah. And then, then I was describing what looper is on the stage. Ah, right. And then, but my stage name is Masa. Then I, I didn't put my last name, just a Masa. But I'm, I was speaking in Japanese, hey, this is a looper, and then how to use this one, the blah blah blah. And then I happened to say my real name on the stage and then push the button, and then RuPaul played my real name again and again, even though I'm trying to hide my last name. That's why I'm embarrassed. The old Masanori Takumi, it was saying, "Oda." Yeah, yeah, yeah. But our, our way is Takumi Masanori, is the opposite. Okay, all right. And then, yeah, and then 'Oops, I said my real name. Oops, I said my real name' times over and over again. Oh, that's very funny. Yeah, that's my most embarrassed moment on the stage. All right, that's very funny. Well, we know already that the next event is gonna be being at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in— what is it? 31st of January? I don't remember the date. 11th of February is the Brit Awards. And the Grammys are? The Grammys are on February 5th. 5th, yeah, yeah, I told you we're two next to each other and I can't make it. Ah, so bad. Yeah, actually last year, last year I had the show in Japan, it's exactly the same day with the Grammy, so I couldn't join the Grammy last year in Vegas. Are you gonna perform? No, no, no, no, no, it's impossible. How? How? Give me a chance to play it on the stage. No, no, maybe not on the big stage, but you know, on the other side. You mean a micro theater? Yeah, that's still big. That's not small. No, no, no one will follow me so far. But as soon as the Recording Academy offered me, yeah, I'm gonna bring any instruments and bring the looper, and I'm gonna say my real name on the stage. That's perfect. That's fantastic. Okay, and do you already— are you already working at the next project? Because normally albums, so they are recorded, you know, you compose them way before and then you record them, and then so that came out. When did this album come out? Do you remember? Yeah, September, of course, September 1st, 2022. All right, so, um, are you already working on a new album or a new collaboration that you can share with us? Of course, no, actually now I run out of my energy to make the music, so now I'm focused on the Grammy and I want to join, I want to enjoy the Grammy. First of all, yeah, because this, this is my lifelong dream, and then it's a 5th attempt in 7 years. So I, I'm ready, I'm getting ready for enjoying the Grammy Awards now. Absolutely. Well, you deserve it, you deserve it all. Now, if you could say something to a younger self or to a young artist that is dreaming of going to the Grammys one day, what would you say? Don't give up on your dream. That's the most important. Even if, even if take a break is fine, but if you quit, that's end. I was actually, I was going to quit once or twice because of depression. Yeah, so many, many musicians might have like that situation, right? Because the professional is not— yeah, not that kind of easy stuff. No. And then the more you try to achieve the goal, the harder your dream is. But most important thing is, no matter how many times, take a break, but don't quit and never give up on your dream. Absolutely. And you know, but don't take Don't take a rest for 10 years or 20 years, that's too long. A short break, yes. A short break, 1 month, 1 month is, you know, I think at the most 3 months. Wonderful. Well, the last piece of today, it's gonna be Kaze, or how do you pronounce it? Kaze. Fantastic. Would you like to tell us? Means wind. Yeah, Kaze means a window. Wind. Wind. Yeah, blowing in the wind. Wind. Because it's an upper BPM song, as you told me. Yeah, I want to blow— I want to blow your mind with this song. Well, I think you're gonna hear me dancing on this one, so let's listen to Kaze by Mazataka. Kaze. Fantastic. And this was Kaze by Masa Takumi from his latest— Takumi, thank you so much. Takumi from his Grammy nomination. I know, I know how, how hard to pronounce my name because John Legend made a mistake to call my name too when the Grammy nomination. Masatakumi, something like this. No, no, no, Masatakumi. I remember that. John Legend. Yeah, sorry, John. Sorry, John, my name is so complicated for you guys. No, no, no, it's not. Well, think about mine, Stefania Passamonta. That's fairly complicated. Stefania? Stefania is easy to call. Is it? Yeah, Stefania is so cute name and easy to Pronounce. So kind, you're too kind, Maza. Well, it was a pleasure having you as our guest. Yeah, that's my line. Thank you so much for having me, so fun time. Yes, super best of luck for your Grammy nomination. We are gonna look, you know, at the Grammy show and, you know, keep our fingers crossed for you to win your very first— Thank you so much. Grammy Awards. And even though, you know, even being, you know, The top 5, it's the— in the world is the best thing ever. So congratulations again. And, um, thank you so much. Um, you've been listening to Future Classic Women Awards on Women and Men's Radio Station, live every day at 10 AM and 10 PM London time. And if you would like to listen or catch up, uh, to our previous programs, you can head to my presenter's page, Stefania Passamonte, futureclassicwomenawards on womensandmensradiostation.com. Thank you very much, Maza. Thank you for all the— thank you, and thank you so much, guys, to Maza's album Sakura, Sakura, Sakura, Sakura, on any streaming platform worldwide. Thank you for listening.
