The opening to 2001: A Space Odyssey crescendoed over the chanting crowd as FLOW took the Anime Matsuri stage. It was an unexpected yet appropriate introduction: the band had visited the NASA Johnson Space Center two days prior. Casually picking up their instruments, FLOW proceeded to play as though it was their last performance ever. …
Tag Archive: Interview
Nov 17
[review + interview] From Scientist to Songstress: In Mio Soul's Skin
Tokyo-born songwriter Mio Soul makes her debut with In My Skin. The EP contains the heavy drum beats and smooth melodies of contemporary R&B with flavors of pop, dance, and jazz. Simple yet candid, the lyrics are in English, except for the rap in “Let’s Party” where Mio effortlessly flows in and out of her …
Feb 02
[interview] Lolitawork with Kanon Wakeshima
Kanon Wakeshima, a beloved gothic Lolita model and protégé of Mana, keeps busy. She released her second album Shoujo Jikake no Libretto – Lolitawork Libretto last July. It’s a fairy tale and coming-of-age story that carefully works love, frustration and hidden messages into its pop sound. Wakeshima collaborated with another Kanon, the former bassist of …
Oct 18
[interview] Rika Ishikawa
Rika Ishikawa wears an H. Naoto dress adorned in illustrations by alternative artist Gashicon. A blue streak in her hair and heavily applied eye shadow signify darkness and rebellion. Feathery false eyelashes extend far past her petite face and make a rustling sound every time she blinks. Ishikawa is dressed as Angry, her persona in …
Oct 04
[live report + interview] Close Encounters of the BOOM BOOM SATELLITES Kind
If (or when) cyborg aliens ever crash land to earth, demanding to steal the pinnacle of human technology, I ‘m not going to show them NASA’s most advanced rocket or the creepy robot that can lie. I wouldn’t even show them the iPad. No, I would hand them the band BOOM BOOM SATELLITES, particularly fresh …
