Introduction Distinctively addictive, Apartment's energized pop style is driven by melodic vocals, driving rhythms and skillful keyboards. Apartment's "extraordinary pop music" is indeed that, extraordinary. Keikaku talked with Apartment's Kanasugi Yuusuke [Vocals, Guitar], Chuuree Shinsuke [Bass], Uchikawa Koosei [Drums] and Ami [Keyboard] about the band's thoughts on their recent inclusion in the tenth D★SELDOM compilation album. back to features		apartment Can you tell our readers about your band's formation or history? We formed in April of 2001, and changed members twice. We've had our current lineup since July of 2002. It was through programs on inter FM and Quruli's show on J-WAVE that we were introduced to audiences and gained some popularity. In 2004 we participated in various live events and compilation albums. We were also in Shinseido's CHACE 04 contest and took the top prize for the Kanto region. At a national competition (at Club Citta Kawasaki) we were also awarded a prize. This year, we've been included in January's "D★SELDOM 10" compilation. Vocals, Guitar: Kanasugi Yuusuke Bass: Chuuree Shinsuke Drums: Uchikawa Koosei Keyboard: Ami What's the greatest hardship apartment has faced? Changing members twice. Consequently, we're very satisfied with the current members. How would you describe apartment's music? I think of it as "extraordinary pop music." And that's the goal we're always pursuing. Who has influenced apartment's music? I feel like apartment's members all influence each other. We have a strong sense of community. We all enjoy many bands, and while there's some variance in our tastes I think it has a positive effect on our music. What inspirations do you draw on to write your lyrics and music? Music-wise: Todd Rundgren, Roger Nichols, Corduroy, Stevie Wonder, and Sly and the Family Stone. As for Japanese music, Sugababes, benzo, and many others! With lyrics it's Blankey Jet City, The Blue Hearts, and Chiba's Paradise Indigo, among others. What equipment do you use? Kanasugi Yusuke uses a 1969 Gibson ES-335. Keyboardist Ami uses a Wurlitzer. Do you have any future or current live dates readers in Japan might be able to attend? 2/18 at Shimokitazawa's Mona Records, and 2/25 at Chiba's LOOK. What did you think about being included on January's "D★SELDOM 10" compilation? A lot of people will listen to apartment's music! It's great! Do you have any other future or current releases we should be aware of? This spring we plan on releasing an album independently. What do you think about overseas fans or tours? Whenever we get any response from overseas, we're really happy! As for tours, if we ever get a chance we'd definitely like to experience it. Just thinking about it is exciting. Is there anything in particular you'd like to say to fans overseas? We listen to a lot of western music, and so if people [overseas] have interest in Japan's music that makes us really happy. Interview from 2005.01.17 [translation, James] Keikaku.net staff would like to thank Kanasugi Yuusuke and apartment for their participation in this interview. - Denise Smith and James
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