Interviews
J-pop to V-pop? – An Interview w/ Hironobu of Swinging Popsicle
by JDH Johnson on Feb.01, 2010, under Interviews, Non-fiction
Most of us are very familiar with the computerized music of the video game industry, quirky and repetitious and the kind of stuff that gets stuck in your head for months on end, especially if you play the game night and day for weeks straight. But what happens when you start incorporating the best elements of Japanese pop into the background music and theme songs of video games? V-pop! Well, video game pop anyway. In our first Behind the Scenes feature, The Last Doctor asks Swinging Popsicle bassist Hironobu Hirata about his work with video games and how he plans to bring a brand new sound to gamers around the world.
Music is the World’s Treasure – An Interview w/ Kazha
by JDH Johnson on Jan.26, 2010, under Interviews, Non-fiction
Currently in the studio recording their first full album, Kazuha Oda of English-language Japanese band Kazha took a break from her busy schedule to answer some questions from The Last Doctor. Eager to return to the US, this band is on the verge of a breakthrough. Originally formed in Los Angeles by Kazuha, Hideki, and Zen in December of 2008, the band returned to their native land where they found Rui (drums) in July 2009 and they’ve been rockin’ it ever since, releasing their first EP, Breathe Through Your Dreams, in September. Taking part in major rock and metal festivals in Japan and Korea, Kazha is now more than ready to take on America. But is America ready for them?
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J-Classical Industrial Returns to the US – An Interview w/ Kiwamu
by JDH Johnson on Jan.20, 2010, under Interviews, Non-fiction
Currently preparing for their second US tour, Kiwamu of GPKISM took sometime to step away from all the preparations and promotion to answer a few questions from The Last Doctor.
The Complicated Age of Electronic Rock
by JDH Johnson on Jul.19, 2009, under Interviews, Non-fiction
Tadahisa Yoshida : Merging a Digital Future with an Analog Past
It seems that as the ability to create music recordings becomes more readily available throughout the world, the task of finding music one might actually enjoy becomes a bit more complicated. With so many amateur bands and artists available with just a click of the mouse, it can be difficult to find music that truly touches us. As a result, some of us begin to find the appeal in just doing it ourselves. Some people open a MySpace account to showcase their creations and that’s the last we hear from them. Fortunately, some make it into the real world where we can see them onstage, purchase their albums, even wear their t-shirts.
Video Gamer’s Delight – An Intervew w/ Tanuki Suit Riot
by JDH Johnson on Jun.06, 2009, under Interviews, Non-fiction
Ever wanted to experience the songs from your favorite videos live? With the growing popularity of music at anime conventions over the past few years (some conventions even focus must of their budget on concerts), it would be no surprise to discover a ska/jazz/funk/metal band who covers songs from some of the best known video games. Except this band has yet to play a convention. Weird, right? Not for Tanuki Suit Riot. With such a collection of stylistic influences and an interesting take on re-arranging songs from our childhoods, it is no small wonder that they have found popularity outside the con scene. With bright plans for the future and plenty of digs down the pipeline, this band will be well-received no matter where they may venture.