japan

Photo: Jhonny Russell / handmade collage by B.

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.

Original photo courtesy of Foodie. Handmade collage by B.

Foodie play bouncy, melody-laden, catchy, poppy-punk. Hailing from Osaka, Japan they’ve been on our radar for the last few years with their super fun, energetic songs. We interviewed guitarist-vocalist Maki to learn more about Foodie. Maki has also started her own label and promotions/touring venture, TOGE; before the worldwide pandemic and lockdown she was in the works to tour another Gimmie favourite, Crack Cloud!

Foodie are from Osaka, Japan; what is it like where you live?

MAKI: Osaka is the second big city in Japan. There are many cool record stores, used clothing stores, restaurants and music venues. People speak Osaka dialect.

What were you like growing up? How did you first discover music?

MAKI: When I was a high school student I met punk like everybody else. I am very influenced by their music and fashion.

Who or what made you want to start playing music?

MAKI: The first time I listened to The Raincoats, I thought I want to make my original music like them.

How did you start the band?

MAKI: When I started to try making songs, I found the cool guitar at the same time. It’s my first guitar and still playing it. Then I invited some friends, girls only, to make my own band.

Why did you call your band, Foodie?

MAKI: Not so meaningful…we just love delicious foods!

Being a “Foodie”; what are your favourite things to eat?

MAKI: Sushi, Gyoza, Yakitori and Tacos.

Can you tell us something about each member of Foodie?

MAKI: Bass player is Masaki. He is also a vocalist of the band called BRONxxx. Drum player is Haruro. He is also a vocalist and a guitarist of the band called manchester school≡.

You recently released cassette Storks Talk; can you tell us a little bit about it?

MAKI: New member Masaki joined us and we totally changed our style. (We used to play with switching instruments.) We stopped playing old songs, and make new songs with him. Storks Talk is the 1st recordings of new Foodie.

One of our favourite songs on the EP is ‘Do My Best’; what inspired that song?

MAKI: I think many people interfere in other people too much. I wanted to say leave me alone.

The last song on the EP ‘星屑’; what is it about?

MAKI: 星屑 is stardust in English. It’s a song about nameless great artists.

What bands have you been listening to lately?

MAKI: The World, Table Sugar, Crack Cloud and The Goon Sax.

Can you tell us about one of the most fun shows Foodie has ever played?

MAKI: We had 5 shows in Southern California in 2016. Honestly bad thing happened too, but it was a great experience. Every bands we played with were so cool. We met many lovely people. We miss them.

What do you do when not making music? What’s your day job?

MAKI: I’m working at my friends’ restaurant. (He is from US.) Serving foods and helping him making bagels. I also started my own label / promoter named TOGE.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about Foodie?

MAKI: We planned to go to US and have some shows in May, but we couldn’t. I think every music venues are in difficult situation now. We want to save them. We wish we will be able to have shows not only in Japan but also other countries soon. We are making new songs for next time we can see you.

Please check out: FOODIE. Foodie Tumblr. Maki Foodie on Instagram.

Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie Zine

Guitar Wolf’s Seiji: ‘Rock’n’roll is the path that makes me shine the brightest.’

Maki of Osaka Punk Band Foodie: “The first time I listened to The Raincoats, I thought I want to make my original music…”