Mateus Asato Trio Featuring Er Chow Kiat

Photo Credit: Er Chow Kiat

- After Angela Zhang Journey World Tour, now you are touring with guitar virtuoso Mateus Asato and bassist Yas Nomura! How did you meet Mateus Asato and get the opportunity to be part of this trio?

I met Mateus and Yas while I was studying at Musicians Institute (MI) around 2014. We became close friends and would hang in school and outside of school. I then got a cruise gig after I graduated, so I left LA but still kept in touch with them regularly.

When I was in Vancouver during the Angela Zhang’s tour, Mateus texted me asking if I am free to do an Asian tour with him and Yas. It was a no brainer so I was down to do it.

- What are your first impressions for both Mateus Asato and Yas Nomura?

Just down to earth and normal people but incredibly talented musicians. It’s an honour to be their friends and to be playing music with them daily during the tour. Things like this don’t happen often, sometimes the music can be good but the hang can be not so good. In this case, it’s the best of both worlds.

Photo Credit: Chika Kijima

- How is it jamming with Mateus Asato back in Musicians Institute compared to now?

Still pretty much a genius! I was reminded by him during the tour that he actually wrote Change and The Bridge (two of his best hits) when he was around 19 years old. That’s just crazy.

- You guys have been to Japan & Hong Kong, is there any particular memorable moments? How’s the crowd like for both countries?

The crowd in Hong Kong was just amazing even though that was our first show of the tour. As for most memorable gig played in that run, I will have to say the FUJI & SUN festival as we played right by Mount Fuji in Shizuoka. The view was simply breath-taking.

- What are your set up for the concert? (Drumkit, Cymbals & Drumsticks etc)

I will go for a 4-piece set up

Yamaha Live Custom UZU Hybrid Oak

- 22 Kick

- 14 Snare

- 12 Tom

- 16 Floor Tom

Zildjian cymbals

- 14 K Master sound Hihats

- 18 A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal

- 22 K Constantinople Medium Thin Low Ride

- 19 K Custom Special Dry Crash

Zildjian sticks

- 5B Wood Purple Dip

Photo Credit: Chika Kijima

- For your solo segment, is it usually completely improvised? Or there is a certain sequence/pattern that you will stick to?

Not completely improvised as I like to plan and construct my solo in a certain way. I normally stick to the same sequence but will slowly develop the solo as I go along.

- Do you guys have any pre show rituals?

Redbull!

- What do you guys do during your down time between shows?

We will try and have breakfast or lunch together and explore the city for a bit before the show. There isn’t much time for sight-seeing though as we have a tight schedule.

Mateus Asato Trio @ This Town Needs in Hong Kong

- It must be hard work going on tour after tour and juggling your own drum school. How do you balance it and is there anything you would like to share with us?

It is tough but I kinda enjoy it. I would go back to my hotel to do some admin after every show while I am on the road (whether is it with Angela Zhang or Mateus Asato). And as for the teaching side, I do have a team of instructors helping me to teach while I am away so it’s not that bad after all.

- What are the future plans for the band?

We will be doing another run sometime in July and yes, we will be playing a show in Singapore on 23rd July 2019 at SCAPE. Hope to see some of you guys there!

Photo Credit: Goccia Tuskia

- How has your life changed after going on world tour with different artistes? Is there any tips or advice that you would like to give the fellow drummers to help them get such gigs?

I find myself extremely blessed to be able to do what I am doing now and never for once I considered myself an end product. Till today, I am always looking out for new drummers, new records/artistes (to listen to) and new ways/ideas to improve Drum Tutor.

As for advice, try and find your identity or niche as we call it. I know the term finding your own sound is being commonly used, but it’s very true. Because at the end of the day, the people that are going to hire you are the ones that like your voice on the drums no matter what genre you play.

- Where would we be able to get your latest updates with the band?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/erchowkiatofficial

Instagram: @isthatchow

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