Takahara Suiko is the brainchild behind The Venopian Solitude, the genre-defying experimental electro-pop-nusantara indie band. In this episode, she reflects on the concept of “Hō-ren-sō” (報・連・相) from her time in Japan; how she brings that to the dynamics of being in a band and her personal relationships. What distinguishes the person and persona that is Takahara Suiko? The singer-songwriter spells out the cost of fame, the price it puts on expression and what we can make of ourselves.

Bio

Bandleader, singer-songwriter, actor, writer (and now podcaster!) Takahara Suiko is the brainchild behind The Venopian Solitude, an experimental electro-pop-nusantara indie band. In 2014, their album, Hikayat Perawan Majnun (Tales of a Lunatic Damsel), was nominated for three categories in the prestigious Anugerah Industri Muzik 2014 (). In 2016, she became the first 1st ever Malaysian alumnus of The Red Bull Music Academy. When uploading quick, electronica-tinged songs, she also publishes under the moniker, Viona. In 2016, she also won Best Hip-Hop Song for the song 'Janji' with Altimet at as the singer and co-lyricist. She also co-hosts Buah Mulut — a podcast of conversations with her husband, Anwar Hadi. Best Engineered Album, Best Arrangement in Song, Best Music VideoAIM 2016

Episode Structure 

• 0:00 - Language Disclaimer 
• 1:02 - "It's okay to be unapologetically yourself" 
• 2:00 - Introducing Takahara Suiko; her musical personas 
• 2:58 - Writing a song a day during lockdown 
• 6:00 - The meaning of “Hō-ren-sō” (報・連・相) 
• 8:40 - Irreconcilable differences - why people get kicked out of bands 
• 15:50 - Maintaining anonymity behind the persona 
• 22:02 - What Takahara wants to put out into the world 
• 26:27 - What's Takahara up to now? 
• 27:20 - Credits 

Book Recommendation

How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems by Randall Munroe

More information can be found about The Venopian Solitude — their music can be discovered on Spotify.