World Music is number one! My favorite group is the Tuvan throat singers Chirgilchin! Of course I could be biased because I'm working for them, but I still think they are the best. As an aspiring ethnomusicologist, I'm totally fascinated by Central Asian music: Siberia, Tuva, Altai, Khakassia, Mongolia, and Inner Mongolia in China. Besides this, interesting vocal music from all the coldest places on earth really float my boat, especially Inuit throat singing. Coming from Pasadena, I have a lot of experience in Chinese music, and being a Japanese American, of course I love lots of Japanese music. I'd have to say my favorite Japanese instrument is the shamisen, especially juita and tsugaru shamisen.
Books
Lately I haven't been doing much reading. At least not of books. I've been reading online fan fiction and comics. I just got the third issue of "Logan" a Wolverine miniseries and it totally rocks! It is set in WWII Japan, and the visuals are so incredibly beautiful. Sigh...
Heroes
I'd have to say my greatest heroes have been my music teachers and professors. In high school, the only person I completely trusted and looked up to was Mrs. Anderson, the band and orchestra teacher. I think she was the person I respected and admired the most. The other person I remember fondly is Mr. Cooper. He really took the time to help me when I was all fucked up, and I'll always remember what a generous, kind person he was. I think I aspire to be like them.
Also, I remember the incredible teachers I had at Pasadena City College. I think they are some of the best instructors in the world, and that they taught the basics of music much better than it is taught at university.
At UC Davis, my heroes are the two ethnomusicologists on staff, who really opened my eyes to just how cool music from around the world can be. I sincerely hope to follow in their footsteps.
I dyed it back but I'm having a hard time getting it to stay as dark as it was. It was for a hair show. Dont ever do one of those! I love this pic! Dont you have a nice clear shot of you and Nick from this day?
