Introduction For fans of Japanese indie rock, Sparta Locals needs no introduction. Their inventive brand of energetic post-punk has taken the band on a ride all the way to a record deal with Universal Japan. The band takes time to discuss their songwriting and influences behind their signature sound. back to features		Sparta Locals Sparta Locals are from Fukuoka, the hometown of artists including Number Girl and Shiina Ringo. How would you describe your experience in Fukuoka's indie scene? How much of an adjustment was it when you moved to Tokyo? When we were in Fukuoka, we made flyers and demo tapes and sold them ourselves. We had to make use of all this do-it-yourself experience after we ended up going to Tokyo and being signed to a major label. After moving to Tokyo, with the change of surroundings and the chances to interact with other musicians increasing, the songs we wrote changed. What would you say is the biggest break you caught, or what definitely changed your musical careers for the better? We have bad luck. But, playing live with a band we respect and being able to speak with them is our band's driving force. Speaking of breakouts, it was well publicized your performance at Fuji Rock Festival 02 was quite a sight and brought Sparta Locals a lot of attention. Can you elaborate on what went down there for western audiences who may not be familiar with it? Did you all feel your notoriety had indeed gone up after the event was over? When we performed at Fuji Rock Festival 02, we thought "if we're playing at Fuji Rock Festival, next time we want to perform on a much bigger stage." I don't think that the Fuji Rock Festival was really a special live performance in itself. Our increase in notoriety is simply a result of continuously doing good shows. How did you come up with the name Sparta Locals for the band? Does is have any special meaning to it? There's no special meaning. It had a nice ring to it so we used it. Your music bears some similarity to late-70s and early 80s acts like Gang of Four, and you have also done covers of The Police. Would you say the musical styles from this period have had a large effect on your music? What artists have influenced you the most? Bands like The Clash, Gang of Four and Television have influenced us greatly. Can you tell us what eqipment your members use? What are the reasons behind your choices? Abe Kousei (vocals, guitar): Jazzmaster Japan. [Television's] Tom Verlaine also uses it. Itou Shinichi (guitar): Stratocaster. The first instrument I ever picked up was a Stratocaster, and it fits my style best. Abe Mitsuhiro (bass): Jazz Bass. I like its looks. Nakayama Akihito (drums): Yellow Vista. [Led Zepplin's] John Bonham used them and they look really cool. Your latest single "FLy" moves in a different direction from your other works. Had your musical priorities changed when you wrote the songs on it? When we think about preferences regarding our music, nothing's changed. The priority is making good music and performing it well. Also, how has the fan reaction been to the new direction you've taken with Sun Sun Sun and FLy? The fans receive our music well. I think that we're really blessed as a band to have fans that appreciate our music so much. In your songs, each member has a distinctive part to play. Could you comment on the songwriting process a bit? Does each member develop their part or does one person decide the direction for each song? There's a variety of patterns we have with songwriting. There are times when we write by building around a concept, and there are also times when the concept for a song just spontaneously arises while we're recording. Each part does their respective arranging. Since you've had one single release already, are you in the middle of writing new material? Are there any specific goals you're working towards this time? We're currently writing songs for our next release. On June 6 our new single Yume Station will be released. How would you characterize the state of rock music in Japan right now? Are you receiving a lot of publicity or is the focus more on a few very popular groups? Do you think there is a lot of interest in the independent side of rock music? Regardless of whether something's indie or extremely popular, good stuff is good stuff. With regards to popular music, even if you think that it's not great, I feel that it's important to open your heart to it and give it a chance. What new and upcoming artists in Japan, if any, are grabbing your attention? Analogfish and Fujifabric. Who would be your dream band to perform with, either from Japan or from overseas? Abe Kousei: Wilco Itou Shinichi: Red Hot Chili Peppers Abe Mitsuhiro: The Strangers Nakayama Akihito: Radiohead What are your thoughts on an overseas tour? Is there anything in specific you'd like to say to your fans outside of Japan? We'd definitely go for an overseas tour. It seems like the market for Japanese Music overseas is still small. So, the power of our few overseas fans is extremely important and indispensable. Stay devoted! Haiya! (Karate Chop) Interview conducted 2005.04.02 [translation: Graham and James]. Keikaku extends thanks to Sparta Locals and Moving On's Shibata for the interview opportunity. - James, Taylor Morris, Chris McDougall, Graham
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