A preview review for the Far East to East Showcase The multicultural New York City has a history of incubating bands that cross the borders between Japan and the United States, such as Cibo Matto, Peelander-Z and Gelatine. By mixing sounds—and sometimes band members—from both countries, they challenge our assumptions about what constitutes a Japanese …
Tag Archive: victoria goldenberg
Oct 07
[interview] Zazen Boys
Although Zazen Boys didn’t make it back to New York City as soon as bandleader Shutoku Mukai promised, they’ll perform alongside Boom Boom Satellites, Puffy AmiYumi and Echostream at Irving Plaza as part of the Far East to East Showcase on Oct. 10. Mukai’s kept busy since Zazen Boys last performed in America. He’s toured …
Apr 15
[interview] Chatmonchy
“If I were the devil/I wouldn’t have made the world like this/We can’t count the time of our life/Because nobody knows how long we’ve got,” Eriko Hashimoto sings plaintively on “Sekai ga Owaru Yoru ni.” It’s pretty heavy stuff for a top 10 hit, but that’s precisely why Chatmonchy is so popular. Like Yutaka Ozaki …
Apr 11
[interview] Aiha Higurashi
Aiha Higurashi’s music always bears her unmistakable stamps. Both the experimental punk of her bands, Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her and Loves, and the soft introspection of her solo records, are honest about life’s struggles, yet delivered with confidence and a middle finger. Higurashi has a knack for writing unpredictable song structures and incorporating …
