This improv artist throws traditional live music out the window, and she’s come all the way from Japan to perform for little old Canberra. Photo: Hydee Mustelier.
Think of your favourite song. You could probably search it up and press play in a few seconds, right? That’s awesome, but there’s also something powerful about music that can never be replicated.
Introducing Kae Takahashi, an experimental noise artist set to descend on Canberra audiences this weekend.
Hailing from Japan, Kae has spent two decades carving her way into underground music scenes all over the world. She performs under her own name as well as in the one-woman grindcore band Anti Itch Cream.
Her sound is raw, unsettling and unique.
The Kae Takahashi sound project combines harsh industrial noise, three-string bass guitar, and screaming vocals to convey emotion and (sometimes) offer catharsis.
Every performance is different, because not even Kae knows what to expect when she takes the stage. Her aim is simple: to create music that can only exist in one moment and space.
“I cannot suppress the fundamental urge to express myself. That impulse is the driving force behind my creative work,” Kae says.
“The foundation of my sound lies in the environment I grew up in. It’s shaped by many different elements, from the small events of everyday life to major issues, events, and changes happening around the world.
“I hope people will find their own meaning in it and connect with it on a personal level. To me, total freedom is one of the essential qualities of music.”
Kae doesn’t set specific themes for her music, instead allowing each listener to interpret her sound in their own way. Photos: Hydee Mustelier, xerxesalpha.
Kae’s first solo tour on Aussie soil has been a resounding success so far, with performances at Oxford Art Factory and Lazy Thinking in Sydney, Little Lost Bookshop in Katoomba, and Society City in Wollongong.
She describes our underground music scene as overwhelmingly supportive.
“Australian music seems to carry a sense of kindness beneath its intensity and sharp edges,” Kae says.
“Perhaps it comes from your multicultural history or vast natural environment, but even within the most aggressive and experimental performances, there are moments of genuine warmth and humanity.
“I’ve already had the opportunity to meet many unique artists. I feel incredibly grateful and hope to fully channel all of the inspiration I’ve gained on this tour for the Canberra audience.”
Kae’s performance will headline the first-ever Essence Laboratories event, which aims to highlight a smaller curation of underground artists ahead of Essence Festival‘s huge three-day showcase in October.
Joining Kae at Dissent Cafe & Bar are Blue Mountains dystopian industrial artist Schkeuditzer Kreuz, Canberra’s very own NIMBY, and Narcissistic Ejaculation, a new project led by members of Whitehorse, Occult Blood, Vault Deprogrammer, and more.
Expect the unexpected with this one, and get ready for some serious noise.
Kae Takahashi and special guests will take over Dissent Cafe & Bar from 6 pm until late this Sunday, 14 June. Tickets available online via Humanitix or at the door on the night.
