Page 71 - Poze Magazine Volume 74

POZE MAGAZINE
PAGE 72
RINZEN

B E N E Z A N D E R

They were nice enough to pass it along, and two days Then it’s going to my favorite coffee shop in Venice
later, they told me, ‘Hey, Mau5trap wants to sign this [Los Angeles], sitting outside with my journal for about
song.’ That became my first original release, an hour just getting into a good headspace. Then, it’s
‘Renegade,’ and it kind of kick-started everything.” going straight to the studio and without checking my
When an individual decides to become an artist or phone or emails, diving into making music, and staying
musician in any walk of life, an item demanding in that bubble of concentration for as many hours as
consideration is what to call oneself. possible.”
I queried Rinzen on the origin of his moniker, and he Before we parted ways, I requested he share some
related this story. “I was in Barcelona in 2014 and I was words of wisdom for others in pursuit of dreams and

searching for an artist name. I went to a contemporary goals. After an instant of reflection, he replied,
art museum in the city, and in this museum there’s “Whatever your skill or field is, you need to become a
this sculpture with the name Rinzen. It had the letters student of that field and diligently practice and work to
written on the wall behind the sculpture. I looked it get better. The longer you stay in that kind of pursuit of
up on my phone and it came up as ‘a moment of mastery, and focus on developing your skills, the better
sudden awakening’ in Japanese. I immediately chances you have in the long run of turning that into
thought to myself, wow, that’s such a cool word and a something.” Rinzen’s Bend to the Light was released on
cool meaning. I really like that, maybe I’ll even use April 5. A phenomenal collection representing more
that as my artist moniker. than two years of dedication, it reflects Rinzen’s endless
I’m half-Japanese, so the origin of the word passion for compelling storytelling. Rinzen has concert
immediately spoke to me.” One of the things I much dates announced for Toronto April 19, Chicago April 20,
appreciated was Rinzen’s willingness to enlighten Los Angeles May 4, Montreal May 17, and New York May
about practices integral to the soundscapes he 24. Additional show dates are sure to follow and will be
designs. He took me through a typical day in his life, announced soon. For more information and press about
describing a routine of focusing his energies by Rinzen, his music,
removing distractions. “In best cases, my day revolves merchandise, events, updates, and to purchase tickets,
primarily around making music. It’s about setting check out his website at rinzenmusic.com and follow
myself up to have the best headspace and energy him on Instagram @rinzen.

possible for the hours that I am making music. --Ben E Zander--
Typically, it’s waking up, eating a good breakfast,
getting whatever emails I need to do out of the
way, so I don’t have to think about them.