Kodō, a traditional Japanese drumming collective based in Sado, mixes rhythm and vivid sounds to create an almost “universal” language. Their goal is to bridge cultures with a seemingly simplistic concept: rhythm.
Fittingly, as the Olympics approach, Kodō’s latest project is inspired by the international unity the Games encourage. The new project’s artists are exceedingly diverse, from many different nations, including India, South Africa, Jamaica, Italy, and many more. Made up of 34 performers, the collective covers a multitude of age groups, all of whom have done a two-year apprenticeship as Kodō’s centre.
The collective travels not only around the world, but from one style to a starkly different other. Where one track from artist Skream uses electro beat heavy dubstep, a different track from Emiliana Torrini and a Belgian ensemble may provide atmospheric vocals and strings instead. The collective lives up to its name, bridging the works of my artists into a rhythmic collage of sorts.
_Kodō Together_ is a historic release for the collective. Since its founding debut over 40 years ago, the music collective has preformed upwards of 6500 times, including the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and contributions fo the anthem in the 2002 World Cup. This is another massive step in international acclaim and notoriety for the Japanese group.
The collaboration with other artists includes acclaimed names like Rufus Wainwright, Kevin Saunderson, Andrea Belfi, Skream and many more. Premiering today on Flaunt is the collabroation with vōx, “Made Of The Heat”. vōx said on working with the collective, “Kodo’s energy was my inspiration for writing ‘Made of the Heat’. I wanted to make a song that made me feel electric and alive in my body, so I channeled the power of their drumming.” _Kodō Together_ will be released on July 9th. For More Information about the Collective and the upcoming release visit their website [here](https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/info_en/news_kodo_en/32421).
_Flaunt_ caught up with with the Japanese Collective about their group and forthcoming collaboration.
**What are the fundamentals of taiko and how is it used in the music you create?**
**Kodō**: What differentiates the Taiko drum from other percussion is that its essence and power lie in the sustain rather than the attack. This makes it sometimes difficult for the Taiko to stand out in mixes, and quite often people unfamiliar with the taiko swap it out for different drum parts. When we make music by ourselves we take pride in making sure that all the parts make sense musically; we want to make sure that we use the taiko’s musical capabilities to its full extent.
**What does the typical Kodō apprenticeship look like?**
**Kodō**: In the mountains for 2 years, no phones/internet, TV, no alcohol, no relationships, no privacy… Writing it sounds like a bootcamp, but it is the ultimate environment where you can dedicate every single living moment to focus on your craft. It is a very rigorous and physically/mentally demanding program, and this shared experience is what unites all Kodō members on stage.
**What was the process like in creating with vōx on “Made Of The Heat”? How was the Kodō sound style intertwined?**
**Kodō**: vōx has done an INCREDIBLE job using the sounds we sent over. Honestly, my mind was blown by the way vōx used our demos; it was done in a way that the Taiko drums were not simply “background beats” but were incorporated as an essential part of the track. I’m very happy with the way our flutes and fiddle came together towards the end as well, but major props to vōx for putting this all together.
**In uniting all of these countries together, what is your main message through this project?**
**Kodō**: First, we believe that the Taiko is an instrument that has yet to reach its full potential, and we hope that through these collaborations with incredibly talented artists can showcase what Kodō and Taiko is capable of.
Second, and more importantly, we truly believe that music has the power to change the world. In these trying times, we hope that through this collaboration our mantra of “one earth” can resonate around the world.
**How would you describe the Kodō sound in the tracklist? Was it hard to not be as powerful when collaborating with other artists or were there any circumstances where the Kodō sound had to be drawn back a bit?**
**Kodō**: Finding a good balance and mix was definitely a difficult aspect of this project. As I stated earlier, although Taiko is a percussive instrument, its essence lies in the sustain and decay rather than the attack. The most difficult part of the project, however, was not being able to be in the studio together with these incredible artists. We are confident we can do something more, and are eager for the day we can collaborate with everyone in the same space.
**What was the process like in creating with Kodō on 'Made Of The Heat'? How was your sound style/voice intertwined?**
**vōx**: The process was seamless. I think in any collaboration you have to find some common ground to meet on. I watched some of Kodō’s live performance videos before we started working on the song, so I knew I wanted to bring something cinematic and bold to meet their energy. Alexander Vincent produced the track, and every time we got together over video call to listen to new sounds Kodō sent, we were delighted. The song came together really quickly!
%20Philipp%20Obkircher.jpg)
.jpg)
