Ta-Ku Talks Music & Becoming A Barber

Perth raised producer Reggie Matthews, aka Ta-ku is a man of many talents and a man who is killin’ it right now. The self-proclaimed “Genre Killer” seems to be a master at everything he tries. With a stunningly dark and mysterious Instagram feed and an ever evolving skill behind the barber chair, it’s his well-endowed instrumental hooks and soulful breaks that he’s better known for.

Ta-Ku isn’t an easy man to track down, but I was lucky enough to catch up with him before his main stage set at world-famous NYE festival, Rhythm & Vines down here in New Zealand.

So tell us how everything started, how did music catch your attention?

For me it all started after high school. I didn’t know what to do; I wanted to be a graphic designer but I dropped out because I’m colourblind. So I started making beats as a hobby, and it took from there; what was a hobby turned into a career choice.

Where did the name Ta-Ku come from?

I’m half Maori and half Filipino, and when I was looking for a name I didn’t know what to do. I was looking for words in both cultures. My dad who’s from Whakatane told me there’s a word Taku which means myself, and that kinda just stuck. It was either that or Dj Reggie-Reg (Laughs).

Whose music are you listening to right now, is there anyone to keep an eye out for?

Old stuff, a lot of 90’s hip-hop and electronica. Stuff like Zero 7 and then everything my music peers make. A lot from Soulection and Huh What & Where, and from there there’s a whole genre of music to listen to. Mr. Carmack is one who is going to be big; he’s on the rise as we speak and Graves who’s on HW&W. He’s only just started but he’s got a bright future.

“Songs To Break Up To” has had great success, did you ever see that happening?

Not really. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, because before that I was doing a lot of trap remixes and dabbling the the EDM scene. I did a 180° and made a more down-tempo more relaxed EP, so I was surprised that people followed me along on that journey. The response has been great, even to this day.

So how is “Songs To Make Up To” coming along?

It’s done, just waiting for the release. Waiting to get the timing right. I’ve been busy this year with a lot of other things so I want to align it up with everything else thats happening. It’ll be out in the next couple of months for sure.

What can we expect to hear?

Similar to “Songs To Break Up To”, but a little more optimistic and a little less depressing. (laughs) The message behind the EP is that things do get better and not to be down on yourself for too long.

You’ve said in the past that performing isn’t for you, do you see yourself taking the same path as others to just produce music?

Yeah definitely. I think shows will still be a part of what I do but just a bit different. For Rhythm & Vines, it’s very rare for me to do something like this because I don’t do festivals. They asked me last year and I really wanted to do it but circumstances didn’t allow me to. I’m really looking forward to playing tonight.

Flume and yourself have remixed each others music, can we see a collaboration in the near future?

We’ve always sent each other stems and we were working on a track before. We’re both pretty busy so it’s hard to keep the stems going back and forth. But I’m sure it’ll happen soon; and probably something with Chet Faker too.

Speaking of Flume, I heard you had him and Diplo down at Westons. How’s that going, have you been behind the chair yet?

Yeah it’s been good. Barbering is something I’d like to get into soon. Opening the barber shop in Perth has been a good learning experience. Business has just ticked over and we’re blessed for that. I’ve been behind the chair a couple of times, but I wouldn’t trust me just yet. I’ve drawn blood a few times. (laughs)

When writing music where do you pull inspiration from, do you have any major musical influences?

Musical influences for me, I’d look at guys like James Blake and Dj Shadow. I get itchy to make music when I travel a lot. So I think it’s healthy for me to get away from music and come back refreshed, instead of locking myself away trying to hammer out songs.

Is there anyone you’re interested in working with?

Yeah, pretty much everyone I’m affiliated with; Chet Faker and Flume. But there are a bunch of artists that I’m going to feature on my album, which you’ll see when it’s out.

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