RiceburnerFM

originally published on RiceburnerFM Dot Com 2014-10-30

Second Hand Rose, Liang Long in center

Second Hand Rose is one of the most popular acts in China, they fuse traditional Chinese music with modern rock and roll. Known for their elaborate stage shows, they formed in Beijing in 2000. While they have had many changes in their line up over the years, their constant driving force is lead singer Liang Long, who was kind enough to answer a few questions via email.

RiceburnerFM: Give one word to describe the Chinese rock scene prior to Second Hand Rose's creation.

Liang Long: In a sentence: from the utopian passion of Having Nothing to My Name [Cui Jian’s signature song] to the awkward situation of ‘Brother, what the heck are you playing rock for’ [our signature slogan, reacting to the situation rock was in at the time].

RiceburnerFM: The "second hand" part of Second Hand Rose's name is a clever reaction to the misguided perception by some that Chinese rock music was somehow 'less then' the western rock music that preceded it, after Second Hand Rose's many years of critical success and ever growing popularity, has Second Hand Rose finally put that notion to rest?

Liang Long: We’ve kept ‘second hand’ in our name, but its meaning changed. For instance it refers to copying and imitating but also to experience.

Jeroen: I think it’s a way of being in the world. Connected, embedded, hybridized, rather than creatio ex nihilo. Much of our music also combines chunks (idioms?) with different origins and creates something new out of them, perhaps reminiscent of pastiche or medley, but then with an additional layer of interpretation / adaptation.

RiceburnerFM: Take us through Second Hand Rose's creative process, who does what and how does an idea become a song?

Liang Long: We don’t have a fixed creative process. Ideally we take inspiration from daily experience and will not shy away from any method in pursuing it.

RiceburnerFM: In Second Hand Rose's recent public relations release, the band states their intention to go after a worldwide audience with this in mind, what considerations if any does Second Hand Rose make for the non-Chinese market when making music from now on?

Liang Long: We won’t change our sound. But we will develop new, creative ways of presenting our music, to give also people who don’t understand the Chinese language a complete, multifaceted experience.

"We don’t have a fixed creative process"

RiceburnerFM: Fashion, androgyny, on-stage theatrics and Rock-N-Roll are not strangers to one another, what new element does Second Hand Rose bring to this mix?

Liang Long: We strive to avoid being defined by fashion, and to see cross-dressing as [a kind of] release. Our new element is ‘Useless Rock’.

RiceburnerFM: Second Hand Rose's clothing line is called Red & Green, talk about the inspiration behind the clashing colors of this fashion statement.

Liang Long: Red & Green, dog farting competing. Red & Green, a drama on its own. [the first half is a nonsensical Chinese folk saying, the second rimes with it]. The color combination is typical of northeastern Chinese culture, and their clash, gutsiness and playfulness happens to chime in really well with my approach to rock music.

RiceburnerFM: Second Hand Rose's "Useless Rock" tour was partially funded via crowdfunding, what advice does Second Hand Rose have for other bands around the world about how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign?

Liang Long: We are still in finding out.

RiceburnerFM: What is the strangest experience that you have had while on Second Hand Rose's "Useless Rock" North American tour?

Liang Long: It’s happening right now.

Jeroen: the tour hasn’t started yet.

RiceburnerFM: In 1985 Wham! was the first western pop band to play in China. If you were booking that gig today what band besides Second Hand Rose would you book to open for Wham! and why?

Liang Long: Ai Weiwei.

RiceburnerFM: Asian American artists are vastly under represented in the American media. What words of encouragement does Second Hand Rose have for them or any other performer about getting their music heard?

Liang Long: Of course everything starts with creating music art that has true value and that commands respect. Next to that there must be enough money.

RiceburnerFM thanks Liang Long of Second Hand Rose for taking the time to answer these questions, Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau for translations and Eric de Fontenay of MusicDish for arranging the interview. Apologizes to all that the Chinese version of this interview is having some "operating difficulties".

Second Hand Rose Useless Rock Tour NY 2014 poster

originally published on RiceburnerFM Dot Com 2014-10-08

miko (L) and Jyou (R) of exist†trace from Japan

exist†trace is one of the first all female visual kei (VK) bands from Japan. They formed in 2003, toured extensively, released several albums to international acclaim and in the process became both rockstars and role models to their devoted fans worldwide. Then a decade later, the band reinvented their sound with duel vocalists. Their original vocalist Jyou was joined by miko who also plays the guitar. Both Jyou and miko were kind enough to answer a few questions for RiceburnerFM via email.

RiceburnerFM: Since 2013, there has been a dramatic change in exist†trace's sound. Your band now features dual vocalists. How has this change affected exist†trace's creative process?

miko: I don't intentionally write songs for dual-vocals. After the song is written, I decide who should sing, like "Jyou would do this part cool," or "This part might be a better fit for miko." So, as far as how songs start, there may not be that big of a change compared to before.

RiceburnerFM: exist†trace has a large international fan base. When you're making new music, do you ever think some songs will be more popular in Japan or overseas?

miko: I don't think about this particularly. Whether it's in Japan or overseas, I believe that the songs I put my heart into will be appreciated. Also, if we think too much about that type of thing, we'll just get farther away from our own ideal expression.

RiceburnerFM: What do you like best about talking to your fans in social media (Facebook, Twitter)?

Jyou: It's the fact that we can know right away what the fans feel at the moment about our CDs and music videos. It makes the distance between Japan and overseas much smaller.

miko: Before I started a band, there was no way to communicate with artists so easily. When I started using social media, I thought a lot about the way I'd use it, but it's just wonderful that fans can feel close to us despite the distance. On my Twitter, I even had a special appreciation event for reaching 4000 followers. It's cool that everyone can enjoy the band not only at the live shows but on the internet as well.

RiceburnerFM: Two recent videos "DIAMOND" and "Spiral Daisakusen" are visually amazing. How did you decide the style for each of these videos?

miko: I think about the most interesting element for the song, like the digital sound we'd never had for "DIAMOND" and the disco sound for "Spiral Daisakusen". The members and the visual director discuss how we can express these elements in an attractive and interesting way. I think our new MV "WORLD MAKER" is really cool. I want you to enjoy it!

RiceburnerFM: What is the most unusual experience that you have had while on tour this year?

Jyou: In August, we had troubles with the lights at the live show. Maybe it was because of the mid-summer heat, or maybe it was because of the power coming out of IGU (exist†trace)!

miko: Even when the lights came back on, they went off right after. I couldn't see my hands on the guitar while playing in the dark. I was so frustrated afterwards. But even with all that trouble, the fans had fun. We became really excited, too. I think this live show turned out be a miracle show.

Jyou: We were able to finish the show, thanks to the understanding and cooperation of the IGU family. However, we felt strongly that we couldn't leave it like that, so we decided right away to have a "revenge" live show! We want to come back and express our music the way we couldn't fully deliver with 120% power or more!

miko: On the first day of our US West Coast Tour, we couldn't start playing due to equipment trouble, but the members and fans somehow get hyped up at at times like that. Even when there's trouble, we can make it work!

"I believe that the songs I put my heart into will be appreciated"

RiceburnerFM: Jyou, your voice gets a hard workout while performing. What do you do in-between gigs to keep your voice in good shape?

Jyou: I use steam on my throat to moisturize. If this doesn't work, I put on a cooling pad on my throat and then there's no talking, no watching TV, and no listening to music. I let my body rest. That's what works the best.

RiceburnerFM: miko, your look has always been feminine. Do you ever feel like dressing up as one of the "boys" on stage?

miko: Yes! I like my current style, but I want to dress manly once in a while. One time, we had an event that combined a fashion show and a live show, and I went out on the stage dressed as a man at the very beginning. I still remember the surprised faces of fans at that time. I want to surprise them like that again.

RiceburnerFM: Sometimes exist†trace fans cosplay as members of the band. Jyou, what advice can you give exist†trace fans on how to cosplay miko? miko, what advice can you give exist†trace fans on how to cosplay Jyou?

Jyou: When you're talking about miko, it has to be false eyelashes and curly hair! miko's position on the stage is Jyou's right side. It's better to have your hair up to the side so that side of your face is visible to the people next to you!

miko: Jyou has cool, long-slitted eyes, and I want you to take a good look at photos and study her face. Also, it's not only the looks, but the smooth and elegant movements. I want you to keep that in mind, and go for the cosplay that's cooler than Jyou! … Even though Jyou will still say "I am cooler!"

RiceburnerFM: exist†trace is one of the first all female visual kei bands. What are your thoughts about being an inspiration for other female rockers?

Jyou: Every time I hear "I started a band inspired by IGU," I'm genuinely happy. At the same time, I get a strong feeling that I have to deliver my best vocals so I don't disappoint the people who say this. I want to be a vocalist who can always do something that nobody but Jyou can do.

miko: I'm happy if I can give inspiration. There are many female bands with a cute style, but there are very few bands that choose the cool style like we do. I hope there will be more cool bands. But, first we want to be a band that inspires everyone even more, so I want to write more cool songs, practice a lot, continue the simple things, and climb up to the top.

RiceburnerFM: exist†trace's new album WORLD MAKER was released in September 2014. What does the title mean? What can you tell us about the new album?

miko: It began with the image that the 12 songs on the album were like planets surrounding us. The title WORLD MAKER voices the hope of making the exist†trace world much, much larger and reaching more people with these songs. Along with this, I hope listeners can create a place where they can be their true selves in their own situations and become WORLD MAKERS themselves. The 1st album VIRGIN was more like a collection of recorded songs, but for this album, we tried to package the heat from our live shows,so you can almost call it a "live album." As we started performing the new songs at live shows, we kept making changes until we packed in only the sounds that absolutely say "This is truly us now." So I'm sure that overseas fans will be able to feel the heat of our live shows from listening to this album. Please listen to it (WORLD MAKER), and look forward to us coming to your town someday!

RiceburnerFM appreciates that Jyou and miko from exist†tracetook the time from their busy schedule to answer these questions and thanks also to RESONANCE Media for setting up this interview. Checkout WORLDMAKER the new album by exist†trace.

WORLDMAKER by exist†trace, regular edition (L) limited edition (R)

VIDEO http://youtu.be/eZNvl--CPsI

LINKS Official Website: http://www.exist-trace.com/ International Fan Club: http://archangel-diamond.com/

@miko_0307 @existxtrace_19 @existtraceMally

WORLD MAKER available at iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon MP3. UPDATE: art based on this interview

originally published on RiceburnerFM Dot Com 2014-04-04

Band: Molice Title: RESONANCE LOVE Year: 2014 Label: Velour Voice

From Molice with RESONANCE LOVE

RESONANCE LOVE is the latest musical offering from Molice, a female fronted three piece band from Japan. Formed in 2008, Molice are Yuzuru who works the guitar,  Takashi who pounds the drums and Rinko who handles guitar and vocals. This is a FAN-BO (think Japanese Kickstarter) project that is directly sponsored by the fans of Molice worldwide. Full disclosure: RiceburnerFM kicked in a few yen.

RESONANCE LOVE is the fourth album from Molice and the title is likely to be a homage to their the band’s well-known fondness for science and science fiction (see their video for Romancer for example). The CD cover art has a Lichtenstein-esque neon colored pop art design, a definitive step away from their darker constructivism motif on their earlier albums. Is this a visual hint of a new direction for their music?

RESONANCE LOVE does mark a bit of a departure from Molice’s earlier works in that their new music has a slightly more accessible pop sensibility overall. Several of the tracks, “Plugged Love” and “Cute” in particular, may well be sugar coated.

However Molice remains true to their roots as their music still possess faint traces of their chief influence and almost-namesake the Police. Case in point, some echoes of the Police can be found on Molice’s “Red Mountain” and the opening of “Dance Dance”.

As with reviews of their earlier albums, some of the songs could use a little trimming time-wise, as Molice's music does go on longer than the usual three minute pop fare. Also, it would be interesting to hear a live performance from Molice included on their next CD for contrast with their very polished sound.

accessible pop sensibility

Thoughts about tracks:

1. Thinkers, time 3:55 “yea!yea!yea!” A very danceable pop song thanks to the driving drumbeat.

2. Plugged Love, time 3:38 A little new wave-ish with a side order of ska-lite. Loved.

3. Rainbow, time 3:58 Heavy opening rift, playful vocals, bouncy beat, needs an extended dance remix stat.

4. Japanese title / Unknown Rope, time 5:04 Shouting “Beautiful! Wonderful! Hopeful!”, an ear-friendly tune.

5. Dance Dance, time 4:12 Rinko’s shows more range on her vocals with this number.

6. Sensitive City, time 3:42 Molice brings the funk, not rap per se, but noticeably wordier refrains.

7. CUTE, time 3:06 Kawaii vocals, 80s rift, girl group response chorus = fun.

8. Naked Catcher, time 5:39 A slower paced dreamscape. Could have ended approximately at 3:40 and it would have still worked.

9. Repeat Boy, time 4:48 Ripping guitar intro, a retro-alt-rock rocker with “more cow bell”, even if it does go on a little too long.

10. Japanese title / Red Mountain, time 4:07 Do they still have late night sci-fi movies? If so this belongs on one of their soundtracks.

11. RiverS, time 6:45 Album ends on a slightly somber tone, just a hint of melancholy.

The Takeaway:

RiceburnerFM recommends RESONANCE LOVE by Molice. Molice has crafted yet another complex and compelling audio experience. After four albums, it seems that Molice is just beginning to scratch the surface of their music-making abilities.

RESONANCE LOVE Molice website Molice tweet

originally published on RiceburnerFM Dot Com 2013-05-10

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

originally published on RiceburnerFM Dot Com 2014-10-30

Cheeky Parade from Japan

Cheeky Parade is a nine member idol music group from Japan. They formed in 2012. While in New York City recently, Cheeky Parade performed in two coveted New York venues … the NY Comic Con and the CBGB Music Festival. Despite their very busy schedules, two of their members were kind enough to respond to RiceburnerFM questions via email.

RiceburnerFM: At what age did you know that you wanted to be a performer and who was the artist that inspired you to be on stage?

Yuuna Sekine: When I was in the elementary school, I realized I wanted to become a performer/idol. A girl group called "Shojo Jidai" inspired me to become a performer.

RiceburnerFM: Cheeky Parade has played large venues before their New York City appearance, do any of you still get nervous before a big performance? Are there any pre-performance slightly superstitious rituals that Cheeky Parade goes through before a show?

Yuuna Sekine: Before every live performance, we form a circle with our hands holding together and focus our hearts to become "one." Every time before we go on the stage, we do this and it makes us feel much better!

RiceburnerFM: Will the members of Cheeky Parade get some time off for sight seeing in New York City? If so, what is the one thing that you most want to see or do while you are in NYC?

Rino Shimazaki: Yes, we did go do sight seeing a little. My favorite sight was the statue of the liberty that we got to see from the ferry!

"we researched as much as we could about CBGB"

RiceburnerFM: Since there are nine members of Cheeky Parade, how many support people (hair dressers, wardrobe, make-up, etc.) are on the tour with you now?

Cheeky Parade Group Manager: It depends on the size of the performance or the projects, but usually the whole crew is between 10 to 20 people!

RiceburnerFM: Cheeky Parade is performing at the Third Annual CBGB Music and Film Festival. Were you aware of CBGB's place in Rock and Roll history before your tour?

Rino Shimazaki: Yes! As soon as we found out we were performing on CBGB, we researched as much as we could about CBGB and learn its history!

RiceburnerFM: Jpop and Kpop are both very well liked in the United States, do you think that there is a friendly rivalry between Jpop and Kpop?

Yuriya Suzuki: I definitely think so! Kpop is constantly evolving, and I believe Jpop is also evolving in the same way. Because of this friendly rivalry, I think the music scenes in Asia is making an interesting progress overall.

RiceburnerFM: On August 16th 2014, Cheeky Parade was appointed Japan Pop Culture OKAIMONO Goodwill Ambassador. As an ambassador, what is your message to the music fans of New York City and the United States?

Yuriya Suzuki: As the Okaimono Goodwill Ambassador, we hope that many people will come visit Japan and enjoy shopping (okaimono)! We want people in abroad to know that Japan will be waiting them with all kinds of great food, goods, and services that will satisfy the visitors!

RiceburnerFM thanks Yuuna Sekine and Rino Shimazaki of Cheeky Parade for taking the time to answer these questions and NewEdge PR for arranging the interview.

Cheeky Parade from Japan

http://www.cheekyparade.jp/

https://www.youtube.com/user/iDOLStreetProject