La Big Vic is Toshio Masuda (a Japanese producer/multi-instrumentalist), Emilie Friedlander (a classically trained vocalist and violinist) and Peter Pearson (a keyboard player and avant-garde composer). Given the diversity of the three, it’s no surprise the trio doesn’t really sound like any other, which is why we thought La Big Vic was the perfect band to make MAGNET a mix tape. Check out the one Masuda sent us below.
“Ave B” (download):
Carl Stone “Banteay Srey”
I always want to listen to this song when it’s the beginning and the end of the day. And I realize the beginning and the ending are totally same thing as our lives. Technically and in music history, Carl Stone is called “The King Of Sampling.” “He is one of the first person composed music by computers” but in soul and spirits. He made music no limitation by the computer, like music has got artificial intelligence. Eventually, music that is meaningless or music that is for music are so boring. Video
Rei Harakami “Nijizou”
He passed away in 2011. He testified great music, which means his soul has been always in our memories even though losing bodies. He’s never become a mere shell of a man. Video
Air “Run”
This song is from my favourite Air’s album, Talkie Walkie. I think it is the perfect song for the concept of this mix tape, which is “Floating And Chilling” Video
Aphex Twin “Xtal”
Ambient Works is the first Aphex Twin album that I bought because of this song. Did he become Eric Satie yet? Video
Boards Of Canada “Dayvan Cowboy”
Honestly, I didn’t know Boards Of Canada before my friend Charlotte Von Kotze showed me this video. So it means I’ve known them for just three years. But first of all, I hate people who call themselves “intelligent” or “smart,” and their music is called “intelligent dance music” in general. But whatever people call it, this song is great. Video
Death In Vegas “Girls”
One of my favourite bands This song is from the movie Lost In translation, and this version is more psychedelic and much better than the soundtrack one. That’s why I don’t like that big Hollywood movies make everything boring. Video
Teengirl Fantasy “Motif”
Teengirl Fantasy is my friends Nick and Logan’s band from Brooklyn, but I’ve been a big fan of this band since I was in Japan. This song is new track from their new album. Video
Takuya Nakamura “Balis”
He is one of the legends of Williamsburg, and TV On The radio also are one of them. This mad jazz professor has been in Williamsburg for more than 10 years and has seen every change Brooklyn has taken. Now Williamsburg has become the other side of East Village sadly. So that’s why its funny that he played trumpet for the La Big Vic song “Ave B.” Video
Evisbeats “Meisou”
In 2005 I was hanging out with him and his crew in Osaka and at that time I thought, “I dont want to be like that kind of musician,” because he was 27 years old and still made music for underground scene. But now I turned 27, and I feel he has been the most free person who can do whatever he wants. He traveled a lot, get inspired and makes music more. As a 27-year-old boy, I feel that lifestyle is the greatest one. In music I am also really free like, “Free your mind your ass will follow.” Video
Massive Attack Vs. Mad Professor “Karmacoma”
Emilie and I went to his show last year so now I feel that show made me make La Big Vic’s dub remix album. Ask me if you want dub remixes for your bands. Video
J Dilla “So Far To Go”
I am just really sad I can’t listen to his new tracks anymore. But we won’t forget, and it’s always has been in my mind. Always new seasons are coming out. Video
