Interview: Marika Takeuchi Dazzles In Her New EP, Missing Piece

You’ve probably heard Marika Takeuchi’s music before in the background without even realizing, maybe at a coffee shop or a yoga studio, as her seamless blend of Japanese pop and modern classical music radiates a calming and soothing sensation. 

Marika’s composition career started at Shobi Music College where she then transitioned to Berklee College of Music to study film music composition. She has composed for Universal Music Japan and several independent short films alongside her five released albums. Currently, she just finished scoring for Italian short film, “The Vanishing Hitchhikers” and will be scoring feature film “The Darkest Hours.” 

Her sixth and latest EP, Missing Piece, is out today, May 5th! Our staff here at Kurrent Music was excited to learn more about Marika and her composition process behind her new album. Read on below to learn more about this wonderful creative who is sure to blow up their airwaves with her latest release!

Tell us a little more about Missing Piece. How did you get inspired to start this project?  

I wanted to write a song that reflects a journey of finding a missing piece, and documented various moments in my daily life that inspired me. I released another EP last November that was leaning towards electronic music, so I also wanted to bring more acoustic instruments this time, to make something soulful.

What was the instrumentation? Did you incorporate any live players?

Piano, violin, viola, synthesizer and drums. I recorded piano myself, and recorded a violinist/violist as well.

Do you have any favorite tracks on the album? 

The title track Missing Piece is my favorite. I feel like it really represents my music, which is a mixture of classical and electronic music, as well as Asian and Western influences.

You also score for visual media such as short films? How is it different than your other musical pursuits? What is your unique perspective you bring to the table for this?

When I score for visual media, it’s not about expressing myself, but supporting the storytelling using my musical tools. Understanding the stories and what music needs to do are the most important thing, and I also need to write styles of music that are different from my artistic style. But I always try to bring my own musical voice in any styles or projects.

Who are some musicians you take inspiration from?

I get inspired by musicians like Radiohead, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jon Hopkins, and Dan Romer, who have their iconic musical voices.

Please give our readers advice about pursuing a career in composing/music.

Building a career as a composer is a long journey. It doesn’t happen overnight, but as long as you keep making good music that you’re passionate about, people will hear it and acknowledge your work. And people can hear passions through your music. I also believe it’s important to find your own unique musical voices. 

When and where can we listen to your new album?

My EP will be released on May 5th on all the major platforms/music services. The title track Missing Piece was released on April 24th prior to the full EP release.

If you could score any kind project, what would it be and why?

I would like to score everything that inspires me.

You can find Marika's new album on digital platforms, including Apple Music.

Follow Marika on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify!