REALITIES OF BEING AN AAPI ARTIST
Realities of Being an Artist Series
Artist: Kris Fuchigami, Award winning Ukulele Composer & Musician
In conversation with his mother, Keiko Fuchigami
IG- krisfuchigami/
CATS: Welcome, Kris and Keiko! We are thrilled to have you here. Kris, you’re an award-winning composer and ukulele musician, having won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for three years and with your album nominated for Best Album of the Year in 2018. It’s an honor to have you both with us.
Kris: Thank you for having us.
CATS: Kris, when did you first realize that you had the talent and drive to become a professional artist?
Kris: From day one, I felt like I was going to be a mega artist. I was able to grasp and play the instrument really well initially, which made me prideful for about a decade. However, there were many bumps along the road that kept telling me otherwise. The journey was bumpy, but from the start, I felt I had the potential.
CATS: Was there a defining moment when things changed for you?
Kris: Yes, the defining moment was realizing that I was causing most of my problems. My attitude and pride were holding me back. I understood that to advance my career, I had to change. After making that realization, things started to improve.
CATS: Keiko, how did you support Kris during his challenging times?
Keiko: I didn’t realize the extent of his struggles until just now. He was always quiet and kept his thoughts to himself. Whenever I noticed pride in his attitude, my job was to keep him humble. I wanted him to always have a humble and kind heart.
CATS: Kris, how did your mom’s approach affect your passion and development?
Kris: It was positive. Every time things got rough, it was usually due to pride building up. My mom’s interventions helped me stay humble, and her presence provided a sense of home and support.
CATS: How did you develop your skills as an artist?
Kris: Initially, I learned by ear and then got a teacher who was a guitar teacher. There was no formula for ukulele back then, so we transcribed songs. Later, listening to different genres and artists helped me develop my songwriting skills.
CATS: Keiko, what advice would you give aspiring musicians and their parents regarding skill development?
Keiko: Learning the basics of music, such as reading notes and understanding chords, is crucial. It saves time and provides more options for learning and performing.
CATS: Kris, can you talk about the misconceptions of being an artist?
Kris: Many think it’s a glamorous life, but it’s tough and often lonely. Touring involves a lot of logistics and expenses, and after performances, it’s just you traveling to the next city.
CATS: Keiko, what misconceptions do people have about being an artist?
Keiko: People think we can play anything on the spot, but performing well requires practicing a song many times. It’s not as effortless as it seems.
CATS: How do you handle the financial aspects of being an artist?
Kris: It’s challenging, especially as an indie artist. Touring involves significant expenses, so you need to be financially wise. I work a full-time job and teach music to support my career.
CATS: Can you discuss the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability?
Kris: For original compositions, I stay true to my experiences and stories. However, when performing, I sometimes choose popular songs that the audience will recognize and enjoy.
CATS: What sacrifices have you made to pursue your music career?
Kris: I’ve sacrificed a lot of personal time and social activities. Balancing a job, family, and music career requires dedication and hard work.
Keiko: For me, traveling and supporting Kris is not a sacrifice but fun and fulfilling. I enjoy being part of his journey.
CATS: How do you stay motivated during challenging times?
Kris: Keeping the ultimate goal in mind helps. No problem lasts forever, and pushing through difficulties is essential.
CATS: What advice would you give prospective artists and their parents?
Kris: Be 100% committed and develop tough skin. Parents should support and encourage their children without being overly pushy.
Keiko: Parents should watch from a distance, allowing their children to explore and grow. Support them but don’t push too hard.
CATS: Kris, how do you balance your personal life and career?
Kris: It’s about compartmentalizing and focusing on the task at hand. Support from family, especially my wife, who understands the lifestyle, is crucial.
CATS: How does being an Asian American artist in Hawaii compare to other places?
Kris: In Hawaii, all cultures are accepted, and there’s a lot of love and support. Traveling to other places like California feels like an extension of that support.
CATS: Thank you both for sharing your insights and experiences. Your honesty and wisdom are inspiring for future artists and their parents.
Kris and Keiko: Thank you for having us.