Talk later. Only happened a few hours ago so I am still freaking out.

Facebook quote I did 30 mins ago.

I met my musical icon Nobuo Uematsu! Got to sit in on the dress rehearsal, watched him watch the orchestra play his music. Met his director, spoke Japanese with him. He said my Japanese was very good! I gave him my CD which he said he'd listen to, IT WENT PERFECTLY! Just a little short but meh, I'm seeing him again tonight!!

Wish to hear some more! I'm SO very happy for you Kevin. Isn't it great to meet your musical idols? I still get that when I'm here in Plzen.. ah Europe is so amazing. Where in the states do you see glued posters around town for Mozart operas and Dvorak quartets? COME ON! XD

Haha nice! I saw a website announcing that event at job. And I wish to hear more too, haha.

Ok. Basically because I knew the conductor from a 2007 "Play" concert, I emailed him and at first he said he would make sure I have time to chat with Uematsu at the signing which will happen tonight. Then second email said "why don't you come along to the dress rehearsal?” So that's what I did this morning.

Basically got a private view of the concert and Uematsu was watching with his translator about 3 rows in front and 5 chair away from me. For the first half of the rehearsal he didn't notice me, but just before the second half started his translator/manager came up to me and asked if I was the guy from Sydney. Even though I'm from Perth I wasn't about to correct him. He said he'd introduce me to Uematsu after the rehearsal. That didn’t last long because Uematsu stood up and started walking over. So I stood up from my seat we said hello and introduced ourselves. I told him he was my idol and he said thank you, we'll talk more after the rehearsal.

After the awesome rehearsal (basically a private concert ahaha) I talked with him more. It's a shame we only did small talk because I think he was busy. But, I gave him my CD and also a present (nice writing pen lol). So yea. Picture, exchange of stuff small talk and hopefully I can talk to him about deeper stuff tonight.

Wish to hear some more! I'm SO very happy for you Kevin. Isn't it great to meet your musical idols? I still get that when I'm here in Plzen.. ah Europe is so amazing. Where in the states do you see glued posters around town for Mozart operas and Dvorak quartets? COME ON! XD

You must tell more too of your travels!!! lol.

Massive night. Talk soon. Working in Japan at the end of this year may not be just a dream.

Ok this is the big update. After chatting with Uematsu San, I ask him about becoming his student. He didn't brush it aside! He said he would promise to listen to the CD and let me know. We can meet up when me and Kayla go to Japan in December!!!! The dream of working under him may not be just a dream?!?!?!

Kevin Penkin is as about as giddy as a school girl XD

(which is fair enough for this situation)

Lucky guy!

Just got even more giddier. Got free tickets to tonights concert, plus more time to talk with Uematsu!?! :) His director, Hiroki Ogawa said he felt my passion for music and Uematsu's music and he very kindly gave me.....secret....:P

I haven't had any close association with the Japanese, but if they're anything like the Chinese, the present was a rather good idea. Good luck.

At first i was thinking "too good to be true." But things just keep getting better and better for you. It could happen. Good luck man :D

Yea. It get even bette.r Those free tickets I got, they were from Arnie Roth, who I guess I can now call a friend ahaha. He gave me tickets, amazing seats, next to Jeremy Soule. Yep. Jeremy Soule ahaha. I didn't know until Ogawa San told me. He looked like a full on gamer lol. No photos though. I eased on them. He was cool. I also then did another reception with more talking to Uematsu San. Forgot all the questions I wanted to ask because I was still in shock ahaha. But Ogawa San was awesome as well lol.

I haven't had any close association with the Japanese, but if they're anything like the Chinese, the present was a rather good idea. Good luck.

The luck was good this time lol. Yea. A present worked well lol. Thanks :)

Quick, we'd better all get Kevin's autograph before he starts mingling with the famous!

Some famous people seem to try and ignore anyone who isn't of equal celebrity status. The famous person can be busy, but to just brush people off like and not even apologies for having to go so suddenly is quite rude. Change of subject, I'm leaving Seattle today and I'm meeting Deathrider in person on the way home. We stop in his hometown for 3 hours so I'm leaving the airport terminal and meeting him outside. This is going to be a cool day ahaha.

Jeez kevin! whats your tummy feel like? mine feels floaty reading about your experiences meeting all these people!

Right now? Full of Starbucks mocha. Waiting to board a plane to Salt Lake City. Meeting Deathrider in person there. IF YOU SEE THIS DEATHRIDER, TERMINAL 2! 4:30 ahaha. At the time of being in Uematsu's company, I basically was very fortunate not to have a panic attack.

XD Lolz. Good for you. XD If you end up becoming a famous musician for Japanese animation/video games like Nobuo Uematsu-san would you care to let some of us(me!!!!) meet him and some other musicians too? :P Or do you not like to share? Lolz.

And while you're at it, get Yoko Kanno for me. Thanks!

That would be so scary. I think I can handle meeting Uematsu now, but Yoko Kanno has a cult following.

PS: MET DEATHRIDER IN PERSON!!! I can't upload the pictures because the airport internet is being funny. Will have to wait! Sorry :(

XD Lolz. Good for you. XD If you end up becoming a famous musician for Japanese animation/video games like Nobuo Uematsu-san would you care to let some of us(me!!!!) meet him and some other musicians too? :P Or do you not like to share? Lolz.

Not like to share!? That's not nice :( lol. They are always doing distant worlds concerts now. Arnie said that it's up to the orchestra. If you live in a city, ask your orchestra to contact Distant Worlds. If they cam come, they will. And uematsu san tries to attend as many concerts as possible.

Edit: Oh! You're in America! Look at the Distant Worlds website (http://www.ffdistantworlds.com/)! They're on an American tour rampage right now. Look for opertunities to go!!! Uematsu's attending most of these concerts I think!

><'' I wouldn't be able to go even if I had the money, a ride, and people to go with. My mom wouldn't let me. And not because she's the overly protective type, which she is. She hates the Japanese...XD And even then I don't have the money or a ride.

That's a real shame. The money and transport thing can't be helped. I'm just wondering why your mum hates the Japanese though. I hope it's not because of WWII. That's a little....old.

PS: You don't need to go with people. I've gone solo before. It's a different experiance, but not a bad one.

Met Deathrider on the way back! Take a look at the 3 pics ahaha!

http://forums.ichigos.com/album.php?albumid=110

Ahh, that is so awesome!

It's probably like the feeling I got when I ran onstage right after Animal Collective and took Avy Tare's drum stick, and stuffed it down my pants as I tried to walk out casually... but x1000 because you actually met your idol instead of just stealing a piece of equipment aha

Down your pants?! Hahahahahahaha...what were you trying to disguise it as?!

That's a real shame. The money and transport thing can't be helped. I'm just wondering why your mum hates the Japanese though. I hope it's not because of WWII. That's a little....old.

PS: You don't need to go with people. I've gone solo before. It's a different experiance, but not a bad one.

Several reasons. I think it's mainly because of WWII...because we're Korean...and Japan took over Korea...and they didn't exactly treat us as their favorites...that, and she's Christian and Japan is one of those countries that have a low Christian percentage...although if she's Christian, that shouldn't be a reason to hate them...

Several reasons. I think it's mainly because of WWII...because we're Korean...and Japan took over Korea...and they didn't exactly treat us as their favorites...that, and she's Christian and Japan is one of those countries that have a low Christian percentage...although if she's Christian, that shouldn't be a reason to hate them...

Mmn. Well, it can't be helped :P I know that most Japanese/Chinese/Koreans get along really well now. Uematsu himself has used singers from all over Asia and the world. As an example. I hope you get to meet him in person later on though. He's amazing (obviously ahaha)

Ahh, that is so awesome!

It's probably like the feeling I got when I ran onstage right after Animal Collective and took Avy Tare's drum stick, and stuffed it down my pants as I tried to walk out casually... but x1000 because you actually met your idol instead of just stealing a piece of equipment aha

Ahaha. That's just as cool lol. being a fan is being a fan. lol

Congrats!

btw, what happened with "haha" and "hehe"? Decided to go with "ahaha" now? You're not going to switch over to "hoho" in the future are you? I find it quite amusing lol

I'll take that spot, brncao. Hohohohoho..

It'd be fun to meet Yoko Kanno. It's interesting that someone can write jazz like she does. But furthermore, I like her songwriting. Just a good example, the [full version] of the Ghost in the Shell opening. THREE DIFFERENT LANGUAGES to add to that. XD

Also, Koji Kondo would be my vg-composer to meet. It's seems there's a fan-rivalry between Nobuo Uematsu, but I just prefer the first is all. I am still really excited for you, Kevin! I am over-joyed that you will be going back later in the year to see him again! (And possibly work with him too!)

Cheers :cheers:

I'll take that spot, brncao. Hohohohoho..

It'd be fun to meet Yoko Kanno. It's interesting that someone can write jazz like she does. But furthermore, I like her songwriting. Just a good example, the [full version] of the Ghost in the Shell opening. THREE DIFFERENT LANGUAGES to add to that. XD

Also, Koji Kondo would be my vg-composer to meet. It's seems there's a fan-rivalry between Nobuo Uematsu, but I just prefer the first is all. I am still really excited for you, Kevin! I am over-joyed that you will be going back later in the year to see him again! (And possibly work with him too!)

Cheers :cheers:

Are you talking about Inner Universe? I love that song! I've read on interviews with Uematsu-San that Koji Kondo and himself are REALLY good friends. Always meeting up etc. He describes Koji Kondo and a heartwarming, kind person. I'm really looking forward to meeting up when me and Kayla take our Japanese holiday ahaha. Work is still a long shot, but his Director, Hiroki Ogawa noticed "flair" lol, so when they listen to the CD I hope they're impressed haha! You rock!

Who's Yuko Kanno?...a JPop singer, guessing by what you typed...
XD Introduce me to Go Younha!!! She's a Korean JPop and KPop singer...but she's not my favorite...that would either be Utada Hikaru or Yuna Ito...Yuna is half Korean, half Japanese...XO Yea Mom! Just goes to show that not all Koreans hate the Japanese!! :heh: Sorry, little outburst. <_<According to my mom, all Koreans should, and do hate the Japanese...:think: then what am I?...

Who's Yuko Kanno?...a JPop singer, guessing by what you typed...
XD Introduce me to Go Younha!!! She's a Korean JPop and KPop singer...but she's not my favorite...that would either be Utada Hikaru or Yuna Ito...Yuna is half Korean, half Japanese...XO Yea Mom! Just goes to show that not all Koreans hate the Japanese!! :heh: Sorry, little outburst. <_<According to my mom, all Koreans should, and do hate the Japanese...:think: then what am I?...

You're mature past blind racism, but I am about to rip your head off. THIS IS YOKO KANNO! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoko_Kanno)

You're mature past blind racism, but I am about to rip your head off. THIS IS YOKO KANNO! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoko_Kanno)

...Honestly, I didn't get a word you just said. (:heh: Okaay, okaay, I was wrong, she's a...composer, arranger, and musician...)

Nice job meeting Uematsu, man. Always a nice feeling when a lifetime aspiration is met, mmmhmm.

And Kanno, well for some reason I just can't really get into her anymore when I found out that much of her music is just clever "arrangments" in some style or another. She's very skilled and versatile for sure, but maybe too much - I just can't find anything really unique or notable about her stylistically.

I think I know her "true" style. They involve voices and haunting melodies. Thing's like "Voices" and "Early Bird" are some of my favorites by her. ESPECIALLY Early Bird.

PS: THANKS! It was a dream come true lol.

Yeah, good job on getting to meet Uematsu. That would be so cool if you got to work with him.

Hi, late to the party. Congrats Kevin! Always awesome to meet your idols. I got to see him last night in San Francisco at the Distant Worlds concert. Sat a coupla rows in front of him... unfortunately didn't get any closer than that, thanks to the tens of thousands of other Uematsu fans in the audience :)

Damn you're lucky though. Even got to give him a demo...

Hi, late to the party. Congrats Kevin! Always awesome to meet your idols. I got to see him last night in San Francisco at the Distant Worlds concert. Sat a coupla rows in front of him... unfortunately didn't get any closer than that, thanks to the tens of thousands of other Uematsu fans in the audience :)

Damn you're lucky though. Even got to give him a demo...

It was awesome wasn't it. Was it the premiere last night? I bought tickets to the first concert then Arnie gave me tickets to the second night (next to Jeremy Soule WOOT!). The first night was amazing, but the second night was more then words can describe. The orchestra just blew the roof that second night. THANKS!

It was awesome wasn't it. Was it the premiere last night? I bought tickets to the first concert then Arnie gave me tickets to the second night (next to Jeremy Soule WOOT!). The first night was amazing, but the second night was more then words can describe. The orchestra just blew the roof that second night. THANKS!

T'was the premiere...for San Francisco! The concert was epic though. That opera? Shivers, man.

And hey, first-name basis with the conductor already? And wut. I want to meet Jeremy Soule... well, we'll see who shows up this Thursday for Video Games Live at Comic Con. Eh heh heh.

T'was the premiere...for San Francisco! The concert was epic though. That opera? Shivers, man.

And hey, first-name basis with the conductor already? And wut. I want to meet Jeremy Soule... well, we'll see who shows up this Thursday for Video Games Live at Comic Con. Eh heh heh.

Haha! Nice!! Regarding Arnie Roth, I met him in 07 at the PLAY! A Video Game Symphony and emailed him 2 weeks before the Seattle concert to see if he remembered me haha. HE DID! He's the one who snuck me into the dress rehearsal and basically started this who networking thing. So yea. Go him! ahaha.

well, we'll see who shows up this Thursday for Video Games Live at Comic Con. Eh heh heh.

I got my forehead signed by Jack Wall (the director of VGL)! It was awesome (he thought so, too, and subsequently took a picture of me with his camera phone XD )

I wish I could go to VGL at comic con...I remember last year at the vegas show, Tommy told Dee Baker to come over and make the bezerker noise again since I told him that was the most annoying boss battle ever XD

I wish I could go to VGL at comic con...I remember last year at the vegas show, Tommy told Dee Baker to come over and make the bezerker noise again since I told him that was the most annoying boss battle ever XD

Ahaha!

Yeah, he was all "hey, come over here and scare this lady with the bezerker noise." XD I can't wait until VGL comes back to vegas, I want my copy of advent rising signed. :P

Yeah, he was all "hey, come over here and scare this lady with the bezerker noise." XD I can't wait until VGL comes back to vegas, I want my copy of advent rising signed. :P

If I met Yoko Kanno, I would probably get my Arjuna CD signed. That's her best work in my opinion :P

Hisaishi....probably Spirited Away CD haha. Uematsu would be the Advent Children CD, but I didn't think about it this time haha.

*random* Uematsu made the instrumental part for Kaette Kuru, Kitto (a song from Lost Odyssey), right?

*random* Uematsu made the instrumental part for Kaette Kuru, Kitto (a song from Lost Odyssey), right?

Sorry for the late response! ><

Actually, he still composes a lot of the time using the same hardware he used to produce music for the NES and SNES on! He now has a team of arrangers, performers and orchestrators though.

For "A Return, Indeed" (I didn't know the Japanese name ><), I don't know, but he may of written the melody and chords and then handed it over to an arranger, or maybe he did it all. I'm not sure haha.

Well, I do know that he wrote all of the other songs for Lost Odyssey :D...Lost Odyssey was really long...XD correction, is really long. I got all of the bonus maps and stuff, and leveled up all of my immortals and mortals to 99 and am trying to get Rose Quartz...>< If it weren't for stupid Earth Resistance Up skill, I would have gotten all of the achievements already...:heh: sorry, bit random...again...