Introduction The original Recommend for it was as follows: "Not to be confused with the Stephen King novel of the same name, it (confusion abounds with the lowercase spelling) is a relatively unknown three piece alternatock band based in Tokyo that has been around since 1999. Their sound seems very centered on the indie/underground alternative movement that had its heyday in the early 90s. Some of their listed influences/favorites include Big Black, Joy Division, Mogwai, Sonic Youth, and especially bloodthirsty butchers. Since drummer Yamaoka Hiroshi will be leaving the band—his last show as a member of it is on 3/7/2005—vocalist/guitarist Tanaka Kensuke and bassist Suzuki Miho are currently looking for a new drummer." Let's face it; being in a band is hard. It takes a lot of work and dedication to keep a band up and running, especially when you don't have a record deal yet. So what goes on in the minds of a Japanese band that hasn't been signed yet? As you'll see in this interview with Tokyo locals it, these groups aren't much different than many of the local acts you see playing in a nearby club. They have dreams, aspirations, and the overall drive to share their music. They are everyday people living everyday lives. I came across the band it purely by accident while searching for more information on bloodthirsty butchers. I decided to check out their website on a whim. To my surprise, their website is designed better than a lot of bands, despite not even having a record deal. And their sound samples definitely left me wanting more. I expect big things in the future from it, and wish them all the best. back to features		it Could you tell us something about the history of the band? Tanaka : In 1998, when we were middle school classmates, we decided to form a band together. Then we started recruiting for a drummer, and in April of 1999 we officially formed. Of course, now we're back to being a duo. How would you describe your music? Tanaka : To me, our sound is like a journal. So our mental state greatly affects our sound. Who has influenced your music? Suzuki : Tanaka Kensuke. What inspiration do you draw on to write your lyrics and music? Tanaka : For the lyrics, I basically take bits and pieces of things from daily life and form a collage. I don't feel there's really anything that especially inspires me musically. You both seem to have a very eclectic range of musical favorites from many eras of rock. How do you find out about different bands to listen to, especially bands outside of Japan? Suzuki : My friends recommend music, I discover music from trying recommended artists that look good in music magazines, I buy music that I've tried in record stores, and if there's something on the TV or radio that flows nicely, I'll check them out too. On your webpage, Tanaka-san uses a Fender Jazzmaster while Suzuki-san uses Mosrite and Fender basses. Is there a particular reason for using that equipment? Do you feel that the equipment is a big part of it's sound? Tanaka : My guitar's sound is still trial-and-error. I'm left handed, so no matter what, it feels like the equipment choices are limited.* I guess that's a little unfortunate. There are many guitars I'd like to use though. Suzuki : Yes. With musical instruments, the instrument itself has its own fashion, so I'm constructing my own appearance as a bassist. From the point of view of equipment and their respective sounds, in order to communicate to the audience what I want to express, and to better grasp the important parts of it's sound, we go through a lot of trial and error. Recently your drummer Yamaoka has left the band. Have you found a replacement drummer yet? Is it difficult looking for someone to take his place? Suzuk i: Yes. We're looking for a drummer right now. I don't think we've really found anyone yet that would be a good member that's up to our standards. Currently the band is unsigned. Do you feel pressure to get signed to a label, indies or otherwise? Do you think being signed will change anything? Suzuki : We're not really feeling any pressure at this point. I think that some things will certainly change if we sign to an indie or major label. Of course, I don't think it will reach the point that we will feel any pressure. Many bands in the US work other jobs until they can make a living with their music. Do you both have other jobs while you write music? If so, what are you currently doing? Suzuki : Even Japan is a lot like America in that [musicians] hold other jobs. Currently, the band doesn't make much money, so we are working outside of the band. As for what I do, that's a secret (but it's by no means a new job!). We found out about it through the internet and by randomly searching. Both of you also write blogs. Do you think the internet has helped it gain popularity? Do you think many things would have been impossible or really slow without help from the internet? Suzuki : Yes. The internet has been incredibly helpful. Thanks to the internet we have been able to get more fans. However, we're still just doing live performances in Tokyo, and so many fans can't see us in person, so that's unfortunate. If there weren't any help from the internet, many things that are now easy would become really difficult. *Interviewers Note: Despite the many types of guitars out there, few left handed models are available. Interview from 2005.02.16 [translation, James] Keikaku.net staff would like to thank Tanaka Kensuke and Suzuki Miho from it for their participation in this interview. - Chris McDougall, James
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