TENDRE | Live Report | 2026/3/15

A key figure in Japan’s neo-soul scene, TENDRE returned to Taiwan after seven years since his last visit in 2019 before the pandemic. This time, he chose Billboard Live TAIPEI as the stage for his performance.

Led by musician Tarō Kawahara, TENDRE is known for his soft vocal tone and delicate arrangements. His works are characterized by rhythm and groove as the driving force, allowing listeners to naturally sink into the music within its warm sonic textures.

This performance was presented in a trio format, joined by Shunsuke Ochi (bass) and Taiki Matsuura (drums). Within this minimal setup, the structure of the sound and the interaction between the musicians became more clearly defined.

Entering the venue, the dim lighting—subtle yet precise—created a calm, nocturnal atmosphere. Blue stage lights reflected off the cymbals. As the trio took their positions, Kawahara raised his hand to signal the sound engineer to keep the background music. He then seamlessly connected into the intro of “Document”, marking the opening of the night as applause and cheers immediately filled the room.

Next, “Fantasy” was driven forward by a prominent bass line and kick drum. The audience, though seated, naturally swayed with the rhythm. During the breakdown section, the atmosphere tightened, drawing focus to Ochi’s bass solo. As the three musicians layered the sound once again, the overall momentum was rebuilt and pushed toward a peak.

Midway through the performance, guest artist Whyte joined the stage for their collaborative single “Let Me Be Me.” Perhaps due to performing alongside a creative partner, smiles were exchanged among the musicians. The saxophone expanded across the space, forming a layered contrast with the existing rhythm, while Whyte’s vocal added depth to the overall texture. The arrangement became more open, allowing the interaction between instruments and vocals to grow more dimensional.

Compared to the recorded version, “Hanashi” felt more lively in its live form. Within a restrained yet laid-back groove, the bass lines and drums created a relaxed but steady forward motion. The use of extended harmonies softened and broadened the sonic boundaries, evoking textures reminiscent of American gospel music. The audience responded in turn with rhythmic clapping.

As the performance approached its conclusion, the encore piece “Give” reduced the sound to just vocal and piano. Warm stage lights illuminated Kawahara as he closed his eyes and sang:

“All that cannot be seen

Will become marks that last a lifetime

All those voices—

Are proof of living in this very moment”

Kawahara’s lyrics frame sound as evidence of existence, transforming invisible emotions into traces that can be carried through time—making it a fitting closing passage.

During the talk segment, Kawahara shared his two favorite Japanese phrases: “マジヤベェ” (“this is insanely good”) and “よしなに” (“I’ll leave it to you / do as you like”), revealing his relaxed personality. Drummer Matsuura showcased the Chinese phrase “六六六,” which he had recently learned, drawing laughter from the audience. Kawahara also expressed his wish to perform at the Megaport Festival in the future.

As for the dining experience, the show-exclusive cocktail “SIGN” opened with a bright apple acidity, followed by the dryness of white wine and the depth of whiskey supporting the mid-palate, finishing with a sparkling touch. Its flavor profile echoed the atmosphere of the music, extending the live experience into a fuller sensory dimension.

The performance concluded with continuous applause and cheers. Through the trio format, TENDRE highlighted a performance-driven musical language, where sound structure and rhythmic relationships became the core of the stage. Beyond the music itself, Kawahara’s delicate voice and lyrical expression left a lingering resonance, further shaping anticipation for his future performances in Taiwan.