Today we’d like to introduce you to G-Moto.
G-Moto, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey as a Bamboo Flute-Beatboxer during my last year of college at University of California, Irvine. I was in the collegiate taiko ensemble, TaiKomotion. I wanted to learn the bamboo flute, because growing up I heard it in Japanese festivals and from anime and video game soundtracks. I am a self-taught musician and learned how to flutebox through YouTube videos by Greg Pattillo.
As for becoming a solo artist, one day at work, my former coworker, who was also a flute player in the San Diego music scene, asked me if I ever considered being a solo artist. At first, I did not consider it seriously, because in the taiko community I just saw bamboo flute players being part of a larger group. It was an interesting thought to consider, “what if the bamboo flute player deviates from their band and has their own show?” From there, my coworker said, “If you change your mind, I have a connection that is looking for more talent to perform at a Lunar New Year Festival.” Something deep inside me replied, “I’m interested!” I had no clue how to prepare, but I was going to make it happen somehow. After performing my very first solo gig, I loved it so much and the audience’s reactions were validating to see that this is something possible and I wanted to continue building my craft.
Since my first gig, I have been a Bamboo Flute-Beatboxer for 4 years now, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to perform at various events, such as Anime Expo and the 626 Night Market. I am also very happy to meet similar musicians and performers alike in the anime/video game community. It is a great feeling to be part of something larger that connects all of us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge has certainly been the pandemic which threw a huge curveball in the music scene. I am sure fellow artists can relate. Especially since I started in 2018 and had a good momentum, 2020 changed the landscape for performance artists. This led to gigs being canceled or postponed and shifting to virtual performances. In my experience giving virtual performances an attempt, it made me appreciate live performances a lot more. There is nothing that can replace the feeling of seeing people in-person reacting to your performance and making someone’s day. As a result of the pandemic, my performance schedule shrunk, which allowed me to focus on reevaluating my approach and relationship with music. I took this opportunity to go back to basics and learn basic music theory through online classes. I wanted to prioritize understanding the fundamentals of music so I can eventually collaborate with more musicians. One of my long-term goals is to be featured in a video game music soundtrack someday.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart from most musicians is approaching a traditional instrument/genre in a non-traditional manner. My journey as a musician is not so traditional. Most Musicians I have interacted with tend to grow up learning music at an early age. As for me, I did not have any formal training. I learned how to play the bamboo flute and flutebox on my own, thanks to YouTube. I also do not know how to read sheet music, I learned how to play the songs by ear. When performing at events and meeting fellow musicians, I am reminded that everyone has a different path, but we end up at the same destination in some capacity. I want people to know that it is never too late to start learning music. If you love it and enjoy it, that determination alone cannot be taught in the classroom.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Podcasts: Joel Osteen, NPR Life Kit, Unlocking Us with Brene Brown, Mark Manson
YouTube Channels: Impact Theory, Jubilee, Susan Winter, Jennifer Brick, Psych2Go, Marie Dubuque, Tony Robbins
Contact Info:
- Email: g.moto.fbx@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/g.moto.fbx
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.moto.fbx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G.Moto.Flutebox/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRedl9fXlJC3hXv7n84umbg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-569165378
Image Credits
Ron Sanchez (Blushing Whale Films)
Jack Viral Designz
