Who is Aaron Choulai?
I’m a pianist and composer. I also make a living making beats for rappers in Tokyo, Japan.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I don’t know if it’s because I don’t use English much anymore, but this question doesn’t make a lot of sense to me…
Who inspires you and why?
What inspires me on a daily basis to wake up and keep working is hearing my friends and what music they’re creating. All my friends are stone cold killers, they inspire and motivate me to get better and work harder.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Universal basic income.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I spend so much time traveling, my favorite holiday destination is my home. I love what I do for a living, so the best way for me to relax is to be able to work quietly at home with no distraction.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in Tokyo, so when people come to town I usually take them somewhere really local to eat that they might not have access to as a tourist.
What are you currently reading?
Japrocksampler by Julian Cope.
What are you currently listening to?
Some Rap Songs by Earl Sweatshirt.
Happiness is?
Seeing progress in your family, your friends and yourself
What does the future hold for you?
I’m going drinking with my Jiu Jitsu sensei before heading to Melbourne.
Aaron will be featured in Umi no uzu (stirring the ocean) presented as part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Meeting Point Series in the Fairfax Studio on Sunday 3 February 2019. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Aaron Choulai – photo by Karen Steains