Check Out Mark Hattori’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Hattori.

Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been a big part of my life! My parents put my in piano lessons when I was 3 years old, and I also was very active in playing music at church in my youth group’s band.

When I was in 7th grade, I went on a field trip where we were able to learn how to use Garageband, which got me interested in Music Production. I began to make covers and post them on Youtube throughout middle school and high school.

As I got older, one of my friends was hosting open mic sessions, where I eventually began playing my own original music. I was inspired by AAPI artists like AJ Rafael, Jeremy Passion, and David Choi. Basically, if Wong Fu Productions made a music video for them, I was taking notes. I also loved Alternative Rock / Pop-Punk artists like Boys Like Girls, All Time Low, and Mayday Parade.

In 2024, I began releasing music on streaming platforms with my first single, “yesterday”, I began playing live shows with my friends, and have had the opportunity to perform at the 626 Night Market Bay Area and Arcadia, the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival, and other venues around the Bay Area.

I’m excited to continue on this journey, meeting new friends, and making more music!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not always easy! I had actually deactivated my music Instagram account for extended period of time. I struggled with finding direction, being consistent with content creation, and feeling discouraged.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve tried to learn a little bit of everything! I’ve learned how to play drums, guitar, bass, and keys, as well as sing and produce. My goal was always to be able to communicate well with other people and be able to articulate what I’m looking for.

I’ve also dabble in graphic design, photography, and video production. There are so many fun avenues to be creative.

I’m most proud of taking the step of faith and putting myself out there online. I feel like being a creative can be very vulnerable, and it can feel risky being perceived by others, but I also believe that art is meant to be shared.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m naturally risk-averse, but it’s something that I’m trying to be intentional about addressing! I think that releasing my music to the world has definitely been a risk, because of how personal and vulnerable it is. I think it has taken me sometime to learn to be okay with the fact that not everyone may love the music I create, but I’m also at peace knowing that as long as I like it, and that it’s authentic to who I am, that’s all I can really control.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markhattorimusic/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5K61cTtW0PZVow5CzXbemU?si=Qi0Q_QJsS-eDaL1yhqCE4A