Kenta: Hair Stylist, Musician, Astro

After an amazing photo shoot with friend, hair stylist and musician, Kenta, I had an opportunity for some Q and A. His band Locus can be seen and heard here.

N- How did you become a stylist?

K- After high school I was searching for a job and went in for a haircut at a local salon for my interviews. I gave such detailed order to the stylist, he said “you should become a hairstylist!” So I did. I still believe that moment was meant to be, this job is the only job I’ve never wanted to quit! (Kenta has been styling hair going on eleven years and currently works at Da Vinci’s in downtown Ann Arbor).

N- When did you get into music?

K- The 4th grade. I really liked this girl and she played flute. I wanted to be with her in music class so I begged my ma. I only played for four months or so… At that time I was very shy about being the only boy in flute class so I converted to trumpet! Since then I’ve played a little tuba, guitar, and drum. My friend taught me how to DJ but I was never good in any instruments… so I highly respect people who practice instrumental music.

N- Describe your personal musical interest and your bands interest.

K- I have very broad musical interests, but grew up listening to a lot of punk, ska, rock, hip-hop, J-pop, trance, house, and techno and was never good at remembering the bands name or the song title.Band mate Ajekt (DJ/Programmer) also has a very broad interests and digs deep on all types of music. It’s crazy how much he knows about the history behind a band or the songs. I call him the Wiki of Locus! He can answer most of your musical questions! Band mate Qp (Bass/Programmer) is deeply rooted in rock and J-pop and listens to everything he likes. His bass playing style is heavily influenced by what he heard in his youth. He has also produced a few Japanese Pop songs for local talents as well.

As a band all three of us comes from very different musical backgrounds. The first few years we were suffering to find a point of interest, but we’re now gradually finding a solid Locus sound. We’re still in search of “creating something new, something never heard before”. I know its a long journey but feel like we’re definitely on the right track. The energy and atmosphere Locus creates is something I’ve never experienced in any other music or shows.

N- Tell me about Astro.

K- I’ve wanted people listen to our music rather than judge us by our looks, so it was my idea to put a mask on at a show one day. I’ve asked the band members to wear the masks too, but we’ve had some clashes on this idea. Astro is like a messenger for me, he’s the one who shouts my thoughts and emotions through the microphone. He’s a little cocky, spiritual, and loves women. He’ll do things I can’t and thinks what I can’t.

Thank you, Kenta for a great session and for sharing your stories. To have your own portait narrative photographed, contact us here.