Takumi Motokawa wowed everyone with his marimba rendition of 'the Passenger'. Read about his experience re-recording this iconic tune with Iggy Pop himself.

Full name: Takumi Motokawa

Age: 25

Region: Wellington

Instruments played: Marimba, Percussion, Piano

Instrument playing on The Passenger: Marimba

Why did you enter the audition?: I saw the ad on Facebook since about a month ago and yeah why not give it a go!

How long / many times did you practise the song?: I practised on the piano first because I thought of entering on piano but changed my mind to play it on the marimba. I listened to the original, click track and click with the guitar, and tried couple of different ideas over them.

How many takes did you do?: 5 takes, some interrupted by the noise of the airplanes taking off. (Runway next to the studio!)

What was the best part of the audition?: Everything comes up on internet so quick! And also my friends talking about this.

How many Iggy Pop records do you own / songs do you know?: I probably haven't listened to Iggy Pop as much as the some of the people who auditioned.  But I know- Lust for Life, Down on the Street, China Girl, and yeah The Passenger!

What was it like playing with Iggy via the Internet?: It was great! A bit nervous in the one on one session with Iggy, but it was cool that he liked how I played through.

What was the highlight of the day recording with Iggy?: One on one session with Iggy! And when he shouted out my name in the live recording!!

What does this opportunity mean to you?: I have played music since I was young then started my music career here in New Zealand couple of years back and this gave me even more inspiration for me to step forward in what I'm doing, and of course I really enjoyed doing this project!