Introduction "There is no language barrier from music. It makes no difference to us. Who cares about it? Break the language barrier! That's what we think, believe, and emphasize . . . " reads the about page of Tribal Chair at my.space. Keikaku talked with Tribal Chair's vocalist and guitarist Sekine Shiro, about the band's emotionally charged rock sound, their newest mini album little warmth and future plans to tour the US. back to features		Tribal Chair Could you tell me your name[s]? Vocals: Takahashi Hiroki Vocals & Guitar: Sekine Shiro Guitar: Takahashi Keita Bass: Kuwano Satoshi Drums: Ito Yasutaka The instrument brands they play? Shiro plays Gibson, Fender, Caparisson. Keita plays Fender, Musicman. Satoshi plays Fender, Sonic. When did you first pick up an instrument? How old were you? Sekine Shiro: I began playing guitar in my third year of middle school. My first time was when I started playing bass when by older brother wasn't around. He was playing guitar so I thought of having jam sessions with him. But I noticed that when I played bass by myself it was boring, so I ended up playing my brother's guitar behind his back. Another time a friend of my brother's caught me but ended up giving me cheap-looking Les Paul (I didn't even know who made it) for 5000 yen. Knowing what my allowance was like at that time, being able to get a guitar for 5000 yen was like a dream. So from then on I seriously got into the guitar. Who or what inspired you to be in a band? Shiro: Originally, the band was formed by Hiroki and Keita. I was playing as a support member. After half a year of playing with them, I became an official member. The band was truly interested in playing so I decided to join.? How did the members come together as Tribal Chair? Shiro: Hiroki didn't have a drummer or bassist but he called on Keita and me and the band started. Since there wasn't anyone on drums or bass, Satoshi and Yasutaka joined. Previously, Satoshi played in the same band as Hiroki. "Tribal Chair" is an interesting name. Does it have any special significance? Shiro: Hiroki decided the band name. Unfortunately, I don't understand it. But it certainly has some sort of meaning. As it pertains to the band, how would you define the word "success"? Shiro: All of us, but especially Hiroki, Keita and I, were influenced by things like foreign indie rock, emo and screamo, and then we formed the band. I think it's fine that even now those influences are still there. However, if you keep going at that same pace listening and to the same foreign artists, you'll be through with it after a while, you know? Except for a few songs, we use our native language of Japanese for the lyrics. Because of that, there's an advantage to playing with bands who use a lot of English, are indie bands or play pop music and so we play live shows thinking about bridging that gap. But in actuality that's not how things work out, and we constantly think about breaking the deadlock. When we do that, I think we'll be able to feel like we're a success. What image do you think your music conveys? Shiro: We want people to feel the honest energy that comes from within us. But how people feel depends on the person. Whether it's strong emotion, enthusiasm, coolness, anything's fine because we want people to feel something when they see us on stage. You released your second mini album little warmth on May 18, 2005. In comparison it to your earlier work, There is something in the mind, how has your music changed? Shiro: When we made our last album, it was our first real recording, so we got pretty nervous and emotional and it ended up being rather tough. This time there were fewer songs, we played more at ease and felt like we had some room left to spare. In terms of how the writing's progressed, more than ever the songs were smooth and we came up with plenty of ideas. For sure, I think it's proof of how we've grown. Your favorite song to perform live? Why? Shiro: To me, "Sabotage," which was recorded on our last album, is the most fun to play. The bridge is intense, and no matter what I just want to keep playing it. I also love playing it backwards. What does the band want their fans to get out of their music? Shiro: Like I said before, we play with no pretenses. We also play emotionally. But if people are unaffected or think it's boring, well that's how they feel and there's nothing we can do about that. Anyway, we just want people to feel something when they see us. Do you want to say anything to your fans outside japan? Shiro: Next year we're planning on playing in America. I want people to know there are bands like this in Japan too! Interview from 2005.09.01, translation James. Keikaku.net staff would like to thank Sekine Shiro and Tribal Chair for their participation in this interview. - Denise Smith and James
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