Weekend Blastoff #244

This week, lots of anime-related news.... and an exercise in experimentation on the 2nd half of the show.

Interview with Minx Zone!

By Sean Cruz

1. How did the three of you first meet?

We met at a music college. Originally we played in different bands, but we were attracted to each other's music and played together before graduating.

From L to R, Ayuha (Drums), Waio (Guitar), Yukari (Vocals)

2. How was the name “MinxZone” born?

It might've been the natural flow of events (laugh). Since we didn't have a name when our first event was decided on, we came up with one on the spot.

3. One of your songs, “Vinyl Umbrella” was used in an Australian TV commercial. How did that come about?

During a street performance, we caught the eye of an industry person. It
seemed like he thought on the spot that "It can only be this song!"


4. which do you like the most, being in studio, live concert, or street performance?

There are good points about all of the locations, but for concerts, we like open air. Anyways, we really like playing in the sun.

5. You have performed in both Australia and now Canada. What are the differences between foreign and Japanese fans?

Overseas fans seem to use their bodies to express their feelings of fun and happiness, making the concerts more exciting. The opposite, in Japan it feels like the guests carefully listen to the lyrics and music.


6. If you did an anime theme song, which series would you want to do the most?

It would probably be One Piece. By the way, Waio really likes Zoro.

7. Are there music artists that you admire/respect?

Jellyfish Ben, Folds Five, Yes

8. In order to build their careers, many bands move to Tokyo. When did MinxZone decide to move from Osaka to Tokyo? Did you find it difficult?

When we were 23, we did a concert in Tokyo and were surprised at the honest reaction of the guests, both good and bad. We felt we had to move here in order to mature.

9a. For Ayuha: When did you starting playing the drums?

18 years old.

9b. For Yukari: When did you start singing?

From when I was born!

9c. For Waio: When did you start to play guitar?

When I was 14.

10. For Ayuha: At Anime Evolution you played an electronic drum kit.
When did you start playing that kind of drum kit? Do you still play acoustic drum kits?

Of course I play normal drums! The fusion of natural and digital is just
one theme. I'm still just at a checkpoint.

11. What is your process for writing a song?

There are a lot of different situations, but recently most of the time it's "I want to sing these words" and then we attach a melody.

12. What message is your music is trying to send?

If it had to be one phrase, it would be "smile with tears." When one becomes an adult, the times one can laugh or be angry with all their heart decreases. Perhaps because expressing those feelings is embarrassing, or because the circumstances require one to restrain oneself. So, when Minxzone is singing, cry and laugh!
That is, "now" is an also important part.

13.What should people who do not know your music expect?

It makes us happy to give courage to people who listen, and for our
songs to become the beginning of something.

14. If you weren't in a band, what would you be doing now?

I can't really imagine it...
But whatever we do, it would probably be singing or playing the instruments we like.

15. What is MinxZone's future?

To send our songs to lots of people and create a world full of emotion! Then, it would be nice if we could have a concert for people throughout the world.


Minx Zone's Performed in Vancouver at Anime Evolution June 12-14th, and released their latest mini album “New Age Drive” June 5th.

They will be performing live in Japan on Sept. 22nd at the LaLaport MUSICJAM at the LaLaport Tokyo Bay Shopping Center, and also on Oct 29th in Roppongi's morph-tokyo live house.

For more information check out their website at http://www.minxzone.net or their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/minxzonemusic

MinxZone tracks are also available on iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=276923636

Thanks to Shinji for translation help.
Photos courtesy Avex Entertainment.

Urawa Reds #3 needs to stop diving

Seriously.... watching the last 10 minutes of the Urara Reds vs. Kawasaki Frontale match #3 was diving and flopping 5 times in 10 minutes.... and he popped back up each time.... what horrible sportsmanship. By the way, the Reds won 2-0.

#3 is Hajime HOSOGAI, a midfielder who looked like he was filling in at left back.

Weekend Blastoff #243

This week music from Maaya Sakamoto, L'arc en Ciel, Hikaru Utada and others....

Went and saw the Mariners game yesterday, 14 inning, 4-3 win for the Mariners, great game!

They play the Yankees this weekend.

Also getting ready for Aion to launch.... that will take up most of my time when it does.

Also watch this space for an upcoming interview with an up and coming Japanese band!

Peace!

Weekend Blastoff #242

Back from PAX! and no swine flu! lol.

This week music from Kotoko, Akino Arai, Megumi Hayashibara, M-Flo, and more!

I'm finally hoping to catch a Mariners game next week.....