We recently connected with Goisagi Daiko and have shared our conversation below.
Goisagi , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is an individual trait or practice of course, so as a group, creativity flows because there is always an influx of new ideas. New songs are written by individual members, but we workshop them together so that they work for the group. This practice also helps jumpstart recovery from writer’s block. Our newest song, Hazumu, meaning to bounce joy, is a key example. I had the main rhythm and choreography worked out for months, but didn’t have a clear middle section, so we workshopped it as a group. The fresh eyes and ears on the piece got it done in one session! Now, we will be ready to include the piece on our new EP when we record in July! We are writing more new songs for upcoming performances to follow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Goisagi is a taiko ensemble from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Goisagi brings to stage over 30 years combined percussion experience that adds a new flavor to traditional taiko music. Currently members are Kena Sosa, Jay Cantu, Kris Wong, and Mayuri Patel. Goisagi has performed on and off stage for marathons, corporate team building and celebratory events, weddings, and festivals. All of Goisagi’s material is originally composed and bursts with choreographed visuals and dynamic solos, guaranteeing a unique percussion experience. Member Kena Sosa is an endorsed Creative Percussion Artist.
In April 2022, Goisagi released its first EP, bursting with sound and imagery called Alight. Alight is available at Amplify 817 and streaming platforms. The release was followed by a performance at SXSW 2022. Goisagi was recently nominated for the Fort Worth Weekly Year of Music awards in 2023. Recent highlights include a performance at the Nasher for the biennial Artist Laureate Tribute and the recording of the group’s sophomore EP to be released in 2025.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Open-mindedness
Taiko’s purpose is connection and community. Building that means we not only are inclusive, welcoming and supportive to our members but also to those we meet. Our group is diverse and richer for it. We are a music family and that is what has helped us stay together and build true friendships with each other. I think that is communicated through our music too. Being open also keep the creativity flowing and lets in new ideas that help us build.
2. Growth-mindset
Spinning off open-mindedness, the growth-mindset has set us apart. We give respect to tradition, but tradition will only get you so far. Growth keeps you relevant and helps you develop into a better version of yourself. We have taken what some might consider traditional and taken it to stages where you would never expect to see taiko. Our music is original and completely our own. We challenge ourselves to keep learning new moves and create. That is our purpose and we are still thriving today.
3. Energy
We exert a lot of energy when we play, but playing taiko replenishes that energy and more. I feel powerful after a performance. Smiling at an audience while we make beautiful noise is the biggest thrill. Sharing that with others is an experience I will always cherish. Even on days where we don’t feel ourselves, taiko brings that back.
For those new on their journey, I think these are necessary to succeed in the arts. Ask yourself why you are doing this if that is not the case. If it is for riches or likes, you may need to reset yourself because audiences see right through that. Find what motivates you to play or write or perform when no one is looking. That’s where you need to start and be sincere to that throughout your journey.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, as a group we have grown immensely through collaborations. We most recently had a collaborative performance with Brucewood Dance Company as they choreographed movement to our piece, Spirit Forge, for artist Otobong Nkanga’s 2025 Nasher Artist Laureate Tribute. The entire reception including the set and costumes were inspired by her work. We also played together with a traditional Indian drum group for Garage Arts Project. Both of these experiences, from the inception to the performance were learning experiences for us as individuals and as a group as to how to melt and forge our sound together with another’s vision. We learned new techniques and bonded through creativity.
Goisagi is very excited to team up with other artists and bring the dynamic movement and sound we are known for to group performances in DFW. Reach out if the next new collaborator is you!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @goisagi.daiko
- Facebook: @goisagi.daiko
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goisagidaiko4749
Image Credits
Alec Garner
Kasey Williams
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
