The challenge of the "colorless" dad band
Formed 2 years ago with my first instrument
"Colorless", which was formed two years ago, is a band of old men made up of classmates. What makes them unique is that each member is trying to play an instrument they have never played before. Although they are inexperienced, they continue to perform on stage every month, and on the 24th they will finally hold their first solo live show. Some of their peers were inspired by their pure attitude and started a band.
"I want to be someone who can give people the courage to know that they can start doing what they love at any age," he says, as he steps into a new stage in his life with this burning desire in his heart.
A good balance between work and home
The members gathered before turning 50. They talked about starting a band as a hobby for the sake of their health. However, they decided to try something new while they were there, and they all started playing instruments that they had never played before. Some of them were professionals, but they were all amateurs who had never touched an instrument before, and they started from scratch.
Shinji Misaki (48), who made the call, commented on his sense of fulfillment, saying, "It's fun to grow every day. When you have a hobby, you have to do your job and your household chores properly. It adds structure to your life."
He is in charge of the acoustic guitar and vocals that he purchased. He wrote and composed the original song "Gamushara DAYS". At the live performance, he will play songs he listened to in his youth. "I want people to feel nostalgic, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the performance will make us feel," he said.
"Colorless" Men
The band name comes from the English word "colorless". It is meant to convey the meaning of "freedom" and "not being dyed in any color or influenced by anything". Takayuki Chinen (48), a well-known guitarist who has played a variety of supporting roles, chose to play the percussion drums.
"It's completely different, but I think there are some things I can use on the guitar. I'm having fun with the members who I know well, as an extension of having fun. I hope you'll be nice and supportive," he said. Bassist Koji Ota (48) said, "I was told to come to the music store, and I was forced to buy a bass and an amp on the spot, and then I went to the studio right away."
"I hope it will end without any problems," he said with a smile. Electric guitarist Hisashi Kaimori (48) also only played the folk guitar a little when he was a student. "It's difficult," he said, but he was also worried. "I'm looking forward to playing my favorite songs. I'll do my best," he said with a smile.
A rich life
The only professional at Kiyama Shoten is Masato Sakieda (47), also known as Masutō, who plays the saxophone.
It had been known for a while that he was trying out a new wind instrument, but it turns out that Misaki brought the saxophone with him. "He pulled me into the band, saying, 'See, you can't play either, can you?' I think he originally wanted me to play, but I fell right into his trap (laughs)." Since he started Colorless, he says he has had more opportunities to meet amateur bands. "I feel like they're talented. Because I'm an amateur myself, we can talk about all sorts of things. All of Colorless is still really bad. We're just playing it for fun, but I think we'll get better." When he started playing the saxophone, he declared, "If I'm going to do it, I'm going to be a professional in five years."
He has now grown to the point where he participates in recordings with island musicians.
"We live in a world where being able to make money from what you love is considered amazing, but that's completely wrong. People who spend time doing what they love and are spiritually rich will find life more enjoyable. I want to convey this to young people in particular, and give them the courage to take that first step," he said.
The solo live will be held at City Jack in Misakicho from 7:30 pm. Admission is 1,000 yen (drinks not included). There will also be merchandise for sale and Misaki beef food.
Published on January 16, 2025
Yaeyama Mainichi Shimbun