For Seiji of Guitar Wolf, rock’n’roll isn’t just music—it’s a way of life powered by pure “jet” energy. Since the late ’80s the iconic Japanese band has blasted audiences with their raw sound and wild mythology of motorcycles, leather jackets, wolves and cosmic-inspired rock’n’roll. We caught up with Seiji to talk haunted houses, night skies, beer, and movies.

You were born in Nagasaki. Do you have any memories of growing up there?

SEIJI: Memories? I started the engine of my memory, but my gas tank was filled up in Shimane. Nagasaki is where I was born, but it was the winds of Shimane that forged my soul. That’s where my jet-setting life began.

Previously, you’ve mentioned that if you weren’t a musician, you wanted to be a “haunted house builder”. Why are you drawn to haunted houses?

S: They’re full of surprises that make people say, “Wow!” They’re the best! The thrill of surprising people is the same as rock’n’roll. The basis of entertainment is getting your heart pumping.

Why is music important to you?

S: Everyone’s trying to achieve the best life possible, right? Everyone wants to present themselves in the coolest light. For me, rock’n’roll is the path that makes me shine the brightest; the path that makes me look the coolest. That’s all there is to it!

When did you decide that rock’n’roll would be your life?

S: It wasn’t a matter of logic, it was the moment my soul screamed, “This is it!” When I found the place where I felt the coolest, my path was set.

How has music supported you through difficult times?

S: Difficulties? Not in my life! There are many people in the world who have it much tougher. My worries are a blessing. I’m sorry, but the word “difficult” is too good for me.

What have you learned about yourself through years of touring?

S: I can drink a lot of beer! Hahaha! And also… I love cute girls, after all. Isn’t that a universal truth?

Guitar Wolf has a unique world and imagination; where did this creative spirit start for you?

S: It’s the night sky. I love looking up at it and letting all kinds of images flow. Also, the thrill of riding a motorcycle, and the bittersweet memories of my youth. All of those things fuel my imagination.

What themes or emotions were most important while writing your new album More Jet!?

S: Humans are going to die soon anyway. So I just use music that I think is cool and add my own lyrics. There is no fear whatsoever. That is the jet energy of this time.

How do you feel you’ve grown as a songwriter over the years?

S: ​I think I have acquired the best guitar techniques. ​Even if I cover a famous song, I’m so bad I can’t hear the song. ​This is my “ultimate original”! 

We enjoyed Wild Zero. What films do you like most?

S: ​Back to the Future, Burn Dragon, Grease!—all of them are the best!

Is there anything that people would be surprised about about you?

S: I have wolves in my ancestry! Everyone in Australia, look up at the night sky and wait. Jet! rock’n’roll!

Check out the new album More Jet! Out now via Sorcerer Records (AUS) & Goner (US).

Don’t miss the Australian tour – tickets HERE via On the Loose.

More Guitar Wolf HERE.