Since their formation in 2013, WONK has continuously redefined the landscape of contemporary Japanese music with their avant-garde blend of soul, jazz, and electronic grooves. Reflecting on their 13-year journey, lead vocalist Kento Nagatsuka describes this era as a "continuous dialogue exploring the possibilities of sound," while the members have evolved from their initial impulse of simply making "cool music" to a profound self-reflection on the essence of their artistry.

This time, they will trade the thousand-strong crowds of major festivals for the intimate, high-fidelity atmosphere of Billboard Live TAIPEI. In this exclusive interview, WONK reveals their deep impression of the passionate Taiwanese audience. If you have ever been moved by the sophisticated arrangements of their recordings, this performance—emphasizing "acoustic textures" and "the joy of improvisation"—will lead you into an unpredictable sensory transformation.

Q1. Regarding the 13-Year Musical Journey

Q: WONK is entering its 13th year since forming in 2013 and is hailed as a force that redefined the development of soul music in Japan. What kind of musical journey has this been for you?

• Kento Nagatsuka (Vocal): For me, it feels like a "journey of constantly seeking the possibilities of sound." WONK’s music incorporates soul, jazz, hip-hop, and more. I’ve always been searching for how my voice should resonate within that and what kind of lyrics can exist most naturally. Singing is a very physical expression; I believe my lifestyle and emotions at any given time are directly reflected in my voice. These 13 years have been a journey of growth for the band and a time for continuous dialogue with my own voice. That quest itself defines WONK’s music.
• Ayatake Ezaki (Key): I see these 13 years as a "journey across genres to find our own language." We’ve been influenced by jazz, soul, hip-hop, and electronics, updating and shaping them in our own way each time. In the Japanese music scene, I want to present soul music not just as a style, but as an expression connected to modernity and society. That process has been our 13-year journey.
• Kan Inoue (Bass): At first, we were just members who loved jazz, hip-hop, and soul coming together with the simple vibe of "let’s make cool music." But as we continued, we noticed the interesting aspects of all kinds of music beyond that. Now, we’ve entered a stage of self-reflection, asking "What is our own music?" I’ve started to feel that music is as vast and deep as the number of creators and performers out there. These 13 years have been a time of moving from being overwhelmed by that massive amount of information to feeling that "that’s exactly what makes it interesting."
• Hikaru Arata (Drums): It’s been a pretty good journey.

Q2. Regarding the Performance at Billboard Live TAIPEI

Q: Compared to the scale of thousands at festivals like Megaport or venues like Legacy, Billboard Live TAIPEI is much more intimate. What kind of atmosphere do you want to bring to the audience?

• Kento Nagatsuka (Vocal): At a venue like Billboard Live Taipei, the interesting thing is how the music constantly changes depending on the atmosphere of the day and our interaction with the audience. A WONK live show isn’t simply about reproducing the songs as they are. Arrangements often evolve on the spot, and unexpected moments frequently emerge. I’d be happy if it becomes a night where we can share and enjoy those spontaneous moments together with the audience.
• Ayatake Ezaki (Key): In a venue where the distance between the stage and the audience is so close, the greatest appeal is being able to share the subtle nuances of the music and the atmosphere itself. WONK’s live performances carry strong groove and energy, but they also include many delicate moments. If we can feel the same breath of the space and create a more intimate musical experience together with the audience, that would make me very happy. I hope it becomes a slightly special night—something that feels like it exists between a club and a concert hall.
• Hikaru Arata (Drums): I’d like to deliver a performance where people can experience the natural sound unique to the venue and the improvisation that only exists in that moment, up close.
• Kan Inoue (Bass): At Megaport Festival and Legacy Taipei, we approached the shows with the feeling of introducing WONK’s music to audiences in Taiwan. But at Billboard, I’d like to take a slightly different approach and hopefully convey the unique excitement and charm that can only be experienced at a WONK live performance.

Q3. Collaborative Interests in Taiwanese Artists

Q: If there is an opportunity in the future, which Taiwanese artist would you like to collaborate with?

• Kento Nagatsuka (Vocal): There are so many great Taiwanese artists, like 9m88 or Elephant Gym, whom we’ve worked with before. Personally, I really like ØZI’s work and hope to collaborate someday.
• Ayatake Ezaki (Key): Since there are so many excellent artists in Taiwan, I definitely want to try collaborating if there's a chance. I’d love to work with 9m88 again, perhaps by participating in her tracks. I also think it would be very interesting to create something with Sunset Rollercoaster. The Taiwanese music scene gives an impression of being free and crossing genre boundaries; I’d be happy if new music was born in that atmosphere.
• Hikaru Arata (Drums): I’m quite interested in Andr.
• Kan Inoue (Bass): I think ØZI is very cool.

Q4. Impressions and Expectations of Taiwan

Q: What is your impression of Taiwan? Is there anywhere you want to go or anything you want to eat this time?

• Kento Nagatsuka (Vocal): Every time we perform in Taiwan, I feel that the audience receives everything—our every move, the improvisations, even the unscripted moments—as part of the "Live experience." WONK is a band where the studio recordings and live shows are quite different. I find Taiwan very stimulating and challenging because people here respond deeply to that way of making music. Even the atmosphere of the streets is urban yet somehow calm, and the distance between people feels close. Regarding food, I want to check out the latest gastronomy or tea houses.
• Ayatake Ezaki (Key): My impression is that people are very sensitive to music and culture, and they are very warm. Every time I’ve visited for a show, I’ve been impressed by how seriously the audience listens to the music. If I have time this time, I want to walk around the city or visit art museums. I visited several museums alone last time and was moved by how active the art scene is.
• Hikaru Arata (Drums): I want to climb Taipei 101 with Kan Inoue (even though Kan is afraid of heights).
• Kan Inoue (Bass): I ate so many delicious things the last two times. Every dish was truly amazing; I have the best impression of the food culture. Since it’s full of calm people who understand culture and music, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again. Please tell me about local delicacies that only people living in Taiwan know!

Compared to perfect recordings, WONK looks forward to enjoying the unique charm of "uncertainty" in a live setting. When the raw sound of instruments vibrates the air at close range, every second of improvisation is a one-time-only spark.

On March 21, we invite you to Billboard Live TAIPEI to immerse yourself in the musical depth constructed by WONK.