Introduction One of the bands from Fukuoka's indie scene I've had the pleasure of seeing live, the Nongrow Chairs seem like a bipolar group, channeling both the pleasant ballads of Mr. Children and the loud distortion of grunge. Vocalist Kaz answers a few questions about the band's direction and their upcoming appearance in this year's national Shinseido Audition. back to features		Nongrow Chairs How did the members of the band originally meet? I met our drummer in vocational school, and later the guitarist and bassist joined. Our keyboardist came on board last year. We're currently going with a bassist, guitarist and drummer, are in the middle of doing shows with our new member. What made you start playing music? What ideas did you have in mind when you formed the band? To thoroughly express my emotions through a band. "Nongrow Chairs" is a pretty interesting name. How did you come up with it? Does it have any special meaning? What exactly is a Nongrow Chair? It's a chair that doesn't grow up, like a small chair from your elementary school classroom. It's a feeling that people shouldn't forget as they grow up, that kind of meaning. What equipment do the Nongrow Chairs use? A Telecaster for the guitar, and the keyboard is a Trinity V3. The Nongrow Chairs sound somewhat like Mr. Children, but with a bit of a grunge sound as well. Are you influenced by those artists? What artists have affected your writing? I'm influenced by Mr. Children, My Little Lover, and the Carpenters. The keyboardist by the Beatles. How would you describe the band's sound? Until recently it's been a grunge sound, but from now on it's up to the members. What would you say is the most thrilling moment you've had as a band? When we tune in the middle of a performance. My heart's always pounding. How would you describe Fukuoka's indie scene? The scene is prospering right now. Who's becoming the next big band in Fukuoka? The Nongrow Chairs, of course. What would you say is the biggest difficulty facing indie bands in Japan right now? I don't know. Japan has been a blessed place. Many musicians in America have a day job until their music career takes off. Do you have any outside work besides the band? Yes, I am working. It's a job that's flexible when it comes to time. The Nongrow Chairs are going to participate in this year's Shinseido Audition pretty soon. Have you competed in this before? What do you think of your chances this year? We have participated before. While we made it past the Kyuushuu qualifier, we lost in Tokyo. About this year's chances, I'm not sure, but for now I think it's good if we just enter. Interview conducted 2005.04.05. Keikaku.net would like to thank Kaz, the Nongrow Chairs, and their manager Sakura for the interview. - James
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