Hideyuki Hashimoto is a composer and pianist based in Kagawa, Japan. He utilizes space in his improvisational performances and compositions. Don't miss our interview with Hideyuki Hashimoto about music, composing, improvisation and life.

Can you share the story of how you first discovered your passion for composing and playing the piano?

First of all, I am a little nervous about this interview. I am not very good at communicating in words, which I feel is one of the reasons I have been playing the piano. Additionally, I am not very good at English; however, I hope you enjoy it. My mother was a piano teacher, so music sounded around me since I was a child. When I was 19, I met a jazz pianist as my teacher and discovered that I could connect with a deeper part of myself through improvisation and started composing music at the same time.

How has the local environment and culture of Japan influenced your musical style and compositions?

Until around the age of 25, I often played jazz and some kind of pop music. However, when I encountered the nature of the Japanese countryside, islands, and seascapes, I strongly felt the gap between them and the music. It made me conscious of connecting with the landscape, space, and air while playing the piano.

In what ways do you think your music has evolved since your early works, and how have you grown as a composer over the years?

I feel that I have changed from time to time, but I’m not sure if I can call it an evolution. I want to create something that can only be produced in the context of my age and environment at that particular time. On the other hand, a significant change occurred when I acquired recording equipment and established a home studio, allowing me to record whenever I want. Currently, I own three different upright pianos, a reed organ, and have recently added a synthesizer.

Are there specific composers or artists who have greatly influenced your musical style and approach to composition? Are there any genres outside of classical and contemporary piano that you find particularly inspiring, and how do they influence your compositions?

I find inspiration in the improvisation and the deep, relaxed, and liberating feeling of Jazz, as well as in the songs and performances of singer-songwriters in genres like Folk.

How do you balance improvisation and structure in your performances and compositions?

I almost always start with improvisation. Sometimes the music is recorded and completed at the moment it is improvised, while at other times, it evolves into a composition with structure as I repeat certain melodies and harmonies. Ideally, even for a compositional piece, I would like to improvise as if every note were created in that moment.

Can you share any rituals or routines you follow to maintain creativity and inspiration in your work?

I don't have a specific routine, but I try to naturally follow what interests and inspires me at the time.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects and what fans can look forward to in your future releases?

Last November, I made recordings in Iceland and Berlin. I am working on two piano albums based on these recordings. One is a solo album, and the other is a new collaborative project named ''Martin Martyn'', which I started with my best friend. Having played mostly solo for over 10 years, this project is quite new to me, and I hope to experiment with electric sounds, strings, and vocals in the future.

Do you have a particular piece or album that has special meaning to you?

The album ''Home'', released in 2014, holds a special place in my memories. During that time, I had the opportunity to create music for a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. I recorded using a small upright piano that was left at the island's elementary school, capturing the accompanying nature sounds. The beauty of the natural sounds, even without music, inspired me greatly, leading to almost improvisational performances. When I listen to this album, it evokes the atmosphere of the island at that time. Despite the upright piano being out of tune for an extended period, I discovered that placing felt between the strings produced a remarkably attractive sound. This realization ultimately influenced my current musical style.

Finally, from your perspective, what is the meaning of life?

I am searching for it, but I truly don't know life at all. Is it about birth and death, or is it the pursuit of freedom and joy amidst inconvenience and limitation? Some days I feel happy; some days I don't. Every day, I am exploring how to live life, and music always helps me in that journey.