Thomas Azier: Hold On Tight
Directed by Ayoto Ataraxia

音樂人 Thomas Azier 和影片導演 Ayoto Ataraxia 的合作

Born out of a desire to detach themselves from the arbitrary rules of their respective industries and the notion of professionalism, musician Thomas Azier and filmmaker Ayoto Ataraxia have collaborated to capture the improvisational energy they have both incorporated as part of their working process. Filmed in Myanmar, the music video represents the simple idea of capturing a freedom, as encapsulated in the city’s riders.

Speaking about his relationship with Azier, Ataraxia shares that he met Thomas three years ago, when he left New York for Berlin. “He asked to meet for a coffee and to catch up. Thinking back now, there was a part of me that was ready and concerned about the notion of the talk for collaboration or some kind of professional relationship. What I was surprised about, after the three years, was the ease between us. There was no pressure, we could enjoy each other’s company. Diving into all kinds of conversations. We weren’t judging anything. Through this came naturally, a beautiful flow in us. A beautiful state of mind. Very accepting.”

“He put up a mirror, and gave me back that which I had wanted before. I would insist the same for him, in his music, during moments of fear to pursue his own desires, replacing them with trends, with group think, I would hope that he is true with himself, and not letting his own voice dwindle and disappear.”

“When it came to this film, there were still some reflex reaction in me, from the years working in the ‘professional’ world. I would deny my own feelings, or desires about the film, to “cater” for the “needs” of others. I realized how shy I was about personal ideas, how much fear there was behind expressing myself, how delicate the creative process is when it truly expresses oneself. I would say that we would did that for each other. When he pushed for a certain idea or insisted on a point, it wasn’t that he was adamant about having his way, but was to remind me of being true to myself. He put up a mirror, and gave me back that which I had wanted before. I would insist the same for him, in his music, during moments of fear to pursue his own desires, replacing them with trends, with group think, I would hope that he is true with himself, and not letting his own voice dwindle and disappear.”

July 24, 2020

Watch Hold on Tight on Nowness