Introduction Between a tour that recently wrapped up, writing and recording new material, and managing a record label, the band apart certainly sound like indie rock overachievers. We catch up with the band on musical influences and favorite breakfast foods. back to features		the band apart Why did you leave Limited Records and form Asian Gothic? Is it hard for a young band like yourselves to manage a label while touring and recording? Limited is a good company, but we had aspirations to try a do-it-yourself approach like the US's Fat Wreck Chords, so we decided to found Asian Gothic. While our workload has multiplied, so have our feelings of satisfaction, so we think it was a good decision. Originally the band apart was a metal band, but your music these days doesn't sound like metal at all. Outside of metal, what have your influences been? Who do you draw inspiration from? Original music is what influences us. For example, artists such as Casiopea (Japanese fusion band), Yes, Q and not U, DJ Shadow, Megadeth and Isley Brothers are the members' favorites. How do you describe your music? A lot of music that's been influential goes through the filter that is the four of us and comes out natural-sounding. What is the biggest challenge the band apart has faced? Songwriting. It's the most enjoyable, but also the most trying thing we have to do. All four of us write songs so bringing it all together is difficult. What equipment do you use? Fender Stratocaster, Musicman, Mosrite, DW. Previously you've collaborated on the song "See You" with Doping Panda. Do you have a close relationship with that band? Have you thought about another collaboration? We're good friends with Doping Panda, but as a band we won't be doing another collaboration. You sing all your songs in English. Do you find that difficult? You you think you'll someday switch to Japanese? Writing in English isn't that different from Japanese. Pronunciation is difficult sometimes. What are your plans regarding tours and recording? We're currently recording until a 5/11 release. After that, we're doing an all-Japan tour. The South by Southwest music festival is happening very soon in America, and many Japanese bands are making the trip. Since you already have many songs in English, what do you think about touring overseas? How was it touring with American band Mock Orange? Our tour with Mock Orange was incredible. We worked through the language barrier and became very good friends. Also, this year we were invited by Mock Orange and plan to go tour in the US. Do you have anything you'd like to say to fans overseas? Japan also has many unique bands! Why did you name your band after Quentin Tarantino's production company? Which films of his do you like best? We like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. All our members liked him [Tarantino] as teens, and we gave ourselves the name without thinking too much about it. We've been worried every day that there would be a lawsuit. In America, they often say "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." So, what's the band apart's breakfast like? Mostly ramen. Always worried we might get sick from it. Interview from 2005.02.07. Keikaku.net would like to thank the band apart, Hiroshi Kato and Asian Gothic for their cooperation with this interview. - James Route
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