Album Notes

Bruce Takara is a native Houstonian of Hispanic and Asian decent. Bruce’s unique ethnicity has played a crucial role in encouraging him to cultivate a sound that reflects the cultural diversity not only of his heritage, but a sound that encompasses the various backgrounds of industry influences and colleagues.

Bruce grew up in a household that embraced various types of music. His father played guitar in various Top 40 & Rock bands. Takara nurtured his desire to grow musically by learning piano at age 8 and a few years later, learned to play the saxophone. Bruce went on to graduate from college with a degree in Music Business and Recording.
Bruce Takara

While in college and after graduation, Bruce gained much of his production experience through working with platinum and double platinum producers and songwriters such as Marlin C. Demby for Southern Fried Entertainment, Joseph “Jo-Jo” Hearnes for Moude Swings Productions also Crazy C for Soul Muzick. His internship with Southern Fried Entertainment proved to be much more than that. Bruce welcomed the opportunity to co- produce and engineer with Southern Fried Entertainment on several projects including Ice Cube’s platinum War: Volume 1 CD. Takara has also produced tracks for Houston-based artists such as PSK-13 of Nightshift Muzik, Mr. Madd of Paid N Full Records, Hawk of the Screwed Up Click, and Sabwarfare of the Swisha House among others.

When asked what motivated him to do a solo project he states plainly, “I was in a wack group. Wack, because they didn’t seem hungry, didn’t have the heart. That’s when I realized I had to be self-sufficient in this business. I grew. I grew as a vocalist while writing and producing tracks that I planned to shop. I would sing over the tracks and get a lot of positive responses.” He also admits that he initially came to Southern Fried Entertainment’s, Hit Kitchen, to learn how to produce R&B, but the studio was doing so much more, thriving with Gospel artists, Rock musicians, and a host of rappers as clients.

Takara’s debut project, They Call Me Bruce! has taken roughly 3 years to complete. Many of the songs on the album come from Bruce’s personal relationships and experiences. “I tried to create a vibe for every mood. A sound that would transcend the labels and categorizations that have been placed on music” says Takara. Bruce is certain that if he stays humble and remains true to what he has in his heart, and continues to make music that is not explicit or offensive, he will become a household name.