The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass are Yumi Uchizono on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Miki Uchizono on Bass and Vocals and Kei Sofue on Drums and Vocals. They started playing together in 2005 and began developing both their bluesy punk sound and a loyal following in the U.S. and their native Japan.

They were kind enough to answers some questions.

RiceburnerFM: Describe the Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass’ creative process. Who does what and how is a song created? Your lead singer Yumi’s voice is noticeably deeper than most female singers today, how does her vocals effect the Akabane Vulgars’ choices when creating their music?

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi: I will make up phrases and chord progressions. I then give these to Kei and Miki. We then play them together until we find a good balance. And during this, we talk thoroughly about the concept of the song, what kind of theme we are taking in. It’s the most exciting part, I think. And thank you for noticing my voice!

Akabane Vulgars: All: It really doesn’t matter that Yumi’s vocals are deeper, when creating music. We just make our songs.

RiceburnerFM: What was the first band that you saw live? Do they have any affect on what you are doing with your music today?

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi and Miki: First band we saw live was Green Day, 11 years ago in high school.

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi: I loved them because they look like they were having so much fun! When I look at them, I also wanted to do like them.

Akabane Vulgars: Kei: I first saw Destiny’s Child with Beyonce. 10 years ago, also in high school. I thought she was very professional performer. Next year I saw Green Day with Miki and Yumi.

RiceburnerFM:The Akabane Vulgars have toured in the States. Do you have any advice for Japanese bands touring the U.S. for the first time? How important is it for a Japanese band today to establish an overseas fan base?

Akabane Vulgars: All: Two things should be taken seriously. First the music must be important. Where you are from, does not matter. Second, you must keep focusing on what you are doing, because it (the music) is the most important thing.

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi: Fans in Japan and fans overseas are not quite so different. In our case, we can’t make money in Japan. Being an artist is very difficult in Japan. In Japan, I am never asked “what is the concept in our songs?” It is very important as artists to share thoughts, what you are saying. I wanted to be more conceptual. I think I am allowed to be more like that outside of Japan. So, I wanted to go overseas.

“First the music must be important. Where you are from, does not matter.”

RiceburnerFM: Are any of you superstitious? Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

Akabane Vulgars: All: No, we are not. We have a funny thing we do before playing, we squeeze our hands together before the shows.

RiceburnerFM: Yumi and Miki have you named your guitars? If so what are their names?

Akabane Vulgars: All: No.

Akabane Vulgars: “Bass” and “Guitar” (everyone laughs).

RiceburnerFM: As music fans yourselves which do you prefer … vinyl or digital?

Akabane Vulgars: All: We never think about this.

Akabane Vulgars: Kei: Most music now is recorded first digital.

Akabane Vulgars: All: But we like vinyl. We think vinyl sounds better.

Akabane Vulgars: Kei: Larger cover for Miki’s artwork!

RiceburnerFM: According to another AV interview*, the members of the Akabane Vulgars are not just band mates they are also room mates with that fact in mind, please describe each of your band mates in one word.

Akabane Vulgars: Miki & Kei: “Yumi = Psycho!

Akabane Vulgars: Kei & Yumi: “Miki = Crazy!”

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi: “Kei=Stable”

Akabane Vulgars: Miki: “Kei = Sugoi!”

(Yumi looks up definition of “psycho” )

RiceburnerFM: The Akabane Vulgars created their own brand of bluesy punk and developed a powerful stage presence. Given that what are your thoughts on all girl pop acts that are literally groomed for success by large entertainment corporations?

Akabane Vulgars: All: Honestly, we think it sucks … can we say that?

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi: Sorry, if that is rude. Actually, I think it’s ridiculous that large entertainment corporations believe they can make up musical concepts or souls for music. I believe these always come from thinking very seriously about what we are doing as musicians.

RiceburnerFM: The Akabane Vulgars have two new CDs out, what can AV fans expect on [PROCLAMATION] and Live in Brooklyn?

Akabane Vulgars: Yumi: The title “Proclamation” – I took this concept from the songs on this album. I feel we made our “Proclamation.” We feel we got more powerful after recording this CD in Portland. So, we hope fans will get our passion from it. With “Live in Brooklyn” we think fans will become interested in coming to our live shows.

RiceburnerFM: It is 2033! What have the Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass been up to since 2013?

Akabane Vulgars: All: Touring in the United States. Touring in Europe. Touring in the world! Bigger shows!

RiceburnerFM thanks Yumi, Miki and Kei for taking the time to answer these questions. The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass have two new albums Proclamation and Live in Brooklyn, both are available now. Thanks to Kizuna Media for setting up this interview.

*http://www.jpopasia.com/news/exclusive-jpopasias-interview-with-the-akabane-vulgars::12005.html

Links:
@the_AKABANE
@AKABANE_Yumi
@AKABANE_Miki
@AKABANE_Kei
http://akabane-vulgars.com/

TRIAMPERSANDY formed in 2011 as part of a G-YUN solo project. The band is made up with former members of GOLLBETTY and ketchup mania, G-YUN aka G-YUNcoSANDY on Vocals, MISSY on Guitar, HIDE on Guitar, Ryo-Hey on Bass and Keyboard and WANI on Drums. Together as TRIAMPERSANDY, they make music with a catchy pop-punk sound.

G-YUN was kind enough to represent the band and answer some questions via email.

RiceburnerFM: Take us step by step through Triampersandy’s creative process. Who does what and how is a song created?

TRIAMPERSANDY: G-Yun: Our song creation process is varied. The number 1 way in which we create a new song is to start with a guitar riff and then build on to that. Guitar riff, followed by drums, bass and then usually one chorus. After we have that in place, we add the vocal melody and lyrics. We spend a lot of time making sure the lyrics fit who we are. Making sure the vocal melody is catchy and high energy is the most time-consuming. The instrumental portions of each song is usually handled by the person who started the song in the first place.

RiceburnerFM: How important is it for Japanese bands to establish an international fan base? What is Triampersandy is doing to reach out to their overseas fans?

TRIAMPERSANDY: G-Yun: In Japan today, it’s difficult to sell CDs. However, there is a victory associated with getting your music or band outside of Japan. I think a lot of Japanese bands are interested in playing abroad.

Triampersandy has just begun so we’re really focused on putting a lot of stuff on YouTube, although so far we’ve only put up our single “ROLLY-POP.” We feel that music and video go well together so we want to focus on YouTube. We’ve also made a Facebook page to reach out to English-speaking fans.

RiceburnerFM: The members of Triampersandy have had success while in other groups. How is Triampersandy different from your earlier band?

TRIAMPERSANDY: G-Yun: The members of Triampersandy really construct all of our songs to be different. Compared to previous bands, we can represent a wider genre of music to the world. We really have a lot of different types of songs. From now on, we want to be unpredictable and to keep challenging ourselves moving forward.

RiceburnerFM: RollyPop is the first single from your new album “Planet of the Triampersand.” If you could make “Rolly-Pop” the opening song for any anime that you wanted to, which anime would it be and why?

TRIAMPERSANDY: G-Yun: I think that “ROLLY-POP” fits well with the anime TIGER&BUNNY! But if we’re talking outside of Japan, I’d like it to be tied up with NARUTO or BLEACH. Anime is popular outside of Japan so if we were associated with such a famous anime, that would be great!

RiceburnerFM: Television and movies often portray musicians as living an outrageous rock and roll fantasy lifestyle. So what is the most outrageous thing that you have done in your rock and roll career so far?

TRIAMPERSANDY: G-Yun: During the middle of a tour, our tire exploded on the highway and we had a big accident. The car was totaled. MISSY lost his license … but! Luckily, no one was injured even though we were bounced around like pinballs. It was crazy like a 3-ring circus. It’s miraculous that everyone was okay. Unfortunately, MISSY still can’t get his license back. He always says “The money to replace my license is impossible!” LOL! : )

RiceburnerFM thanks G-Yun of Triampersandy for taking the time to answer these questions. Triampersandy’s new album PLANET of the TRIAMPERSAND is available now. Thanks to RESONANCE Media for setting up the interview.

Links:
@TRIAMPERSANDY
@drums_wani
@G_YUNcoSANDY
@hellohide
@mishimakkori
@Ryo__Miyata
www.triampersandy.com/

The backstory:
RiceburnerFM recently retweeted this tweet:

RT @jamesjammcmahon: Kerrang! need new bands to send us demos for a new feature. By Friday 11/1. Mark them for my attention, 189 Shaftsbury Ave, WC2H 8JG. RT

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/jamesjammcmahon/statuses/288385497187905537

Then RBFM followed up with an email to bands that have been in contact with RBFM over the past few years, just in case any of the bands missed the tweet.

JOANovARC, already well known and popular in their native England, received the email and got their CD out quickly. Their music beat out hundreds if not thousands of other talented bands to get a review. The fact that their review was a positive review by a well respected musician is the proverbial icing on the cake.

Shelley from JOANovARC was kind enough to send RBFM a thank you for the heads up, which RBFM greatly appreciates! However showing JOANovARC what door to knock on is not enough. JOANovARC’s talent and dedication to their craft is what got them through the door.

Lessons?

This is the power of social media combined with little assertiveness.
If you see an opportunity for yourself … GO FOR IT!
If you see an opportunity for others … LET THEM KNOW ABOUT IT!

Remember the universe rewards action not inaction.

links:

• reverbnation
• myspace
• twitter

Gemini … Their First American Interview!

Gemini is a French / Chinese rock band based in Beijing, China. This talented twosome consists of Suna (lead vocals, piano) and Gabryl (vocals, guitar, composer). Their songs are sung in Mandarin Chinese, French and English with both members sharing in the song writing duties.

Gemini was kind enough to answer a few questions via email.

RiceburnerFM: According to Wikipedia, Gemini’s members Suna and Gabryl met through an online dating website. If it is not too personal, how did you two go from chatting online to making music together? When did you first realize that you had something special together as “Gemini”?

Gemini: Suna: Gabryl had a rock band in France back to 2004, but they broke up. Then I suggested him to try a project in China. In the beginning I was just thinking of this as a solo project for him.

Gemini: Gabryl: And I thought why couldn’t we made a duo group, Suna and I? Then I persuaded Suna into this GEMINI project.

RiceburnerFM: Suna’s twitter profile states “musician. writer. singer. designer. dreamer.”. In regards to Gemini’s creative process, where does one end and another begin?

Gemini: Suna: I do love and need different kinds of creative activities during the same time. One never ends while another begins. 10 years ago, I started to write my first novel, it was a published work, but only few people read that book. However that’s the beginning of my serious creation. And I never stopped writing until today. Even in GEMINI’s projects, we made our 2nd album, which is actually an music album and a same title novel. And I designed all the artworks of each GEMINI’s projects. I love the way how creation are mixed.

RiceburnerFM: Gemini is multilingual, what language do you think in? Are there some lyrics that just sound better or have more meaning in a particular language?

Gemini: Suna: I think in Chinese, sometimes in French. I love how Chinese sounds in my songs. I love to choose the beautiful words to create a nice phrase. I can’t write in French. All the French part lyrics are written by Gabryl in our songs.

Gemini: Gabryl: I think in French. But I always think English is better for rock music lyrics. It sounds just the right way.

“I love how Chinese sounds in my songs”

RiceburnerFM: Gemini’s videos are visually quite striking. Are you thinking about the potential visuals for your videos while you are still song writing?

Gemini: Gabryl: All my work is made from images on my mind. When I compose a song, before I get any melody I’m making the music and the universe. I need to visual something to know what I’m gonna sing and how.

RiceburnerFM: Describe Gemini’s sound in one word.

Gemini: Suna: GEMINI.

Gemini: Gabryl: Different

RiceburnerFM: When can your international fans expect a Gemini world tour? What is the one song that you can’t live without while on tour?

Gemini: Suna: We don’t know when, but what we know is, we do need a manager work for that.

Gemini: Gabryl: Right now, we only get manager in China and they aren’t interested in a “world tour”. If you have any proposal, we’re listening. (sic) Anyway, I think the song we have to perform every show is Iron Man … No doubt about it!

RiceburnerFM: Are there the same opportunities for a band to get corporate sponsorship or music licensing deals in the East as there are in the West?

Gemini: Suna: In China, there are many opportunities of sponsorship for showbiz artists, the band has much less chances. Rock is almost a bad word in commercial fields. Anyway Two factors are important for sponsorship in China no matter what, celebrity and good manager.

RiceburnerFM: Is there any added pressure on you since Gemini is the first French-Chinese rock band in China?

Gemini: Suna: No, no pressure on that point at all.

Gemini: Gabryl: No, I think we are the only one.

RiceburnerFM: What other bands on the Chinese music scene should international music fans be checking out?

Gemini: Suna: Cui jian with his band.

Gemini: Gabryl: I still don’t understand how they checked on us at the first place, so how could I propose you another Chinese band. (sic) But I confirm, Cui jian is a good choice.

RiceburnerFM: Your 2011 album is entitled “Until The End”, what would Gemini be doing today if you knew that the world was ending tomorrow?

Gemini: Suna: Nothing but excitedly waiting.

Gemini: Gabryl: Drink wine while looking at the sky … Waiting aliens coming to saving us!

RiceburnerFM thanks Suna and Gabryl of Gemini for taking the time to answer these questions.
RiceburnerFM recommends checking out Gemini’s entire discography:
Personal Life (2007),
The Last Night of Monsters (2010),
Until the End (2011).
Check their myspace page for ordering links.

blog
myspace
twitter Suna
twitter Gabryl
youtube

Music Made in Japan …

CANTOY
KILL, 2012
Label: SPLATTER RECORDS
samples provided by label

Welcome To CANTOY’s New World!

Cantoy’s second album is entitled “KILL”, despite the menacing title CANTOY’s sound is very accessible to todays music market. CANTOY’s music is an intriguing fusion of kawaii style pop vocals and digital hardcore excess with some punk / metal pastiches.

Formed in Tokyo 2004, CANTOY’s line up is:

• Vocals: miri-pow
• Lead Guitar: Catherine
• Bass: HAGA-Chang
• Drums: Ken

Some CANTOY related trivia … when she is not working with the rest of the band, lead vocalist miri-pow is also a fashion model, lead guitarist Catherine is actually a guy and the whole band really likes beer, CANTOY really likes beer so much that they write songs about how much they really like beer.

Now the track list and some thoughts …

A dance remix could be dangerous!

1. SAMURAI GIRL, time … 3:59
Most likely destined to be on an anime soundtrack! This is a fun fast romp, a pop-punk number with plenty of mainstream appeal. miri-pow vocals show depth and range … from lithe to raging! The male vocals are cartoon-ish and obviously meant to be so but the samurai girl refrain is catchy.

2. TENKAIPPIN, time … 3:39
A hard-to-resist tune with happy rap-ish vocals and metal bass.
However a tad too long, the 3:00 add-on is unnecessary, just background noise and woops.

3. CREPE LOOP, time … 4:16
Fun title / lyric. Retro 80s lead-in. High energy vocals with brief death metal interlude at 2:52.

4. RANKA, time … 3:31
Hard driving rocker.

5. PLAY DEAD, time … 3:07
Pacing is sporadically frantic, but the tune is definitely worth checking out.
Defiant miri-pow vocals kick it up a notch at 1:43.

6. T.K.G., time … 2:57
A playful piece that features video game sfx. Also the interesting contrast between female vocals (high and squeaky) and male vocals (low growling death metal) is even more prominent here.

7. ALCOHOLIC PEOPLE, time … 4:16
Tour de force!
The quintessential metal intro builds into other worldly pop. A dance remix could be dangerous!

8. NEW WORLD, time … 3:49
The simple straightforward lyric, “Welcome to my new world!” is welcomed indeed. A gentle opening interlude quickly gives way to old school rap and pop thunder. At 2:44 the track effortlessly transitions to funk with enthusiasm. It wraps up as high grade ear candy.

The Takeaway:
RiceburnerFM recommends KILL by CANTOY. Stand out tracks on KILL are New World, Alcoholic People and Samurai Girl. All of which offer some tantalizing glimpses on possible new musical directions for CANTOY in the future, also these tracks in particular just plain rock!

http://www.cantoy.jp/

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Bands; RockTigers, Party Maker
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