Ta-ku, real name Reggie and Repeat Pattern, real name Chad are both respected beat makers who met in Tokyo in 2014 and promptly decided to begin work on a collaborative photography project. The idea was that they’d shoot different cities over a 24-hour period and then publish the images in a text-free book, focusing on the obscure time-slot when everyone is either making their way home from a big night out, or trickling out onto the streets to start their daily grind.
We spoke to both of them about the book, their music and what it takes to be creative generally.
Ta-ku
Where did the concept for NO.SLEEP stem from?
NO.SLEEP came about when I visited Tokyo as a guest of the Red Bull Music Academy and met with my long-time collaborator Chad (Repeat Pattern). We decided to shoot 24 hours straight and document it in print.
What was the weirdest thing you saw?
To be honest nothing incredibly weird but it does get to a point where you are deliriously walking around in a lucid state trying to make sense of everything.
Most of the shots look like they may have happened by accident? Or were they somewhat pre-meditated?
Everything was very spontaneous and not planned at all. That’s what was most exciting about this process. It was very inspiring.
You’re a beatsmith by trade, also a great photographer and when it comes to a new fade, you’ve got us covered. What can’t Ta-ku do?
Plenty of things [laughs]. However, I’m always willing to learn. I’m very passionate about a lot of things and life in general.
How important is it for you to keep evolving into new mediums?
It’s not all that important, but just something that helps me express myself. I guess I’m a very curious person and always wanting to see how things work. If I think I might be able to contribute in any way to that medium, I will.
Is there a common theme or style that you channel through your music and your photography?
Yes. I’m very emotive. They don’t call me ‘King of Feels’ for nothing.
You are a beast when it comes to pulling on heart strings? Do you live your personal life through expression?
Always. Expression doesn’t have to be public or channelled outwardly. I like to write a lot…and I leave voice memos here and there. It helps to see or hear your thoughts sometimes.
What camera are you rolling at the moment?
I’m all for TEAM OLYMPUS. I’ve been rocking the Olympus OMD-M5ii for a minute now, and I love it!
Any tips for the photo enthusiasts out there?
I would say to use whatever you feel comfortable with and don’t worry about what everyone else is using. Trial some cameras. Catch a feel. Then make your decision.
What would be your advice for young creatives?
To be honest, as cliche as this may sound, just be yourself. Don’t compare yourself or your work to others. Pretend that you are the only person on earth and the work you are doing is solely for you and your own creative expression. Also, be good to your mother.
Repeat Pattern
As a photographer, how much of a role does form and composition play?
It is what it is. I think it’s important to every image in some way, regardless of whether it’s the conscious center piece of a work or an afterthought. As for me and my intention in regards to composition, I prefer my images that lean more heavily on composition I guess. That said, I didn’t sit down and decide for it to be that way, it’s just where I woke up, it’s just how things are unfolding for now.
A lot of your work borders on the obscure, where does this inspiration come from?
In some ways I think obscurity can reveal layers that exist (in everything). When we see or hear something that is familiar or known it often doesn’t challenge us, and so we don’t readily challenge it back, or question what’s there and why. This kind of thinking is sometimes present when I’m creating but the fact that these kinds of things are floating around my head are likely contributing factors.
What is the story behind the portraits without faces?
We’re all individuals but we’re all one entity. A portrait without a face might in some way communicate that.
What are your plans for the NO.SLEEP project, and where would you like to take it?
We’re doing this with the intention of it being an ongoing series, at some points collaboratively and sometimes just the two of us. We’re traveling together now working on the next installment right now. We’re doing Toronto and New York for the short term but have other places outside of the developed world in mind as well.
Any advice for young creatives out there?
Find a community of peers better than you to work within. As much as is possible don’t worry about what others think but don’t turn a blind eye to what they have to say either. Create work, share it and repeat. Have a destination in mind. What purpose are you creating for? Do you need attention? Your ego stroked? Do you have something you want to say? Are you trying to fix something or break something? Are you trying to get paid? Do you like doing it? The old saying that life is short and art is long is a lie for most of us. Let’s be here now rather than some fantasy future.
You can buy NO.SLEEP NIHON here.
Credits
Text Chris Thompson