Pre-tour Interview with HOTEI

Before HOTEI’s European tour starts in Paradiso, Amsterdam, JaME got the opportunity to interview HOTEI about his newest album Strangers, the upcoming tour, and his life in London.

You recently played a headline show at the Islington Assembly Hall in London. How did it go and what was your experience?

HOTEI: I was so flattered how many people came to see my show. It was to celebrate the release of my international debut album, so I played everything on the album. You'd be surprised to see how responsive the audience was! I’ve reconfirmed performing live is the best way to share my music.

Noko and Shea Seger were among the artists who joined you for the Islington show. Who will accompany you on your European tour and why?

HOTEI: It will be Cliff Hewitt on drums, Noko on bass, and myself, as a three piece band. It will all be a very intimate setting, and I think the smaller the band, the more intense sounds we can create. However, they are both from a band utilizing technology to its maximum capacity, so if you close your eyes, you won’t believe there are only three of us onstage.

What are your expectations for this European tour?

HOTEI: I’ve played in Berlin several times, but it will be my debut in Paris and Amsterdam. I can’t wait to see my fans in each city. The band is on the same wavelength now, so I’m looking forward to the responses from everybody.

How did the concept and title Strangers get established? Who are the ‘strangers’?

HOTEI: I have a long career in Japan, but I’m totally a rookie in the global market. I will still be Japanese no matter what, but having lived in London for few years now, I’m beginning to realize I’m not so special. Everybody is living as ‘stranger’ with a different identity, so that’s where the title came from.

On Strangers you've used guest vocalists instead of singing yourself. What influenced this decision? Will you return to singing in the future?

HOTEI: When I decided to challenge a global field, I wanted to focus on my guitar which is my primary ‘weapon’ for the fight. That gives many opportunities to collaborate with different singers and musicians. By having distinctive musicians, I can show a wider range of my skills as a guitarist as well as a composer. But please don’t think I’ve given up on singing. When you come to the show, you will see me singing! Expecting many Japanese people in the audience, I will be singing in Japanese too.

How did the collaboration with the other artists go?

HOTEI: For the collaboration with Iggy Pop, I took a track and my guitar to Miami. The perception of him is quite wild, but on the contrary, he was such a gentleman and very intelligent. There’s no word to describe how overwhelmed I was to see my idol singing my song right in front of me. With Richard Z. Krupse from Rammstein (he now has his own band called Emigrate, by the way), we started with a Skype meeting, then exchanged tracks with our own work virtually. How convenient it has become these days – you don’t have to be in the same room! Simply exchange data via the internet! With Matt Tuck from Bullet for My Valentine, we met in a studio and had a creative discussion in person. It was his very first collaboration work outside of his band so he looked a bit nervous, but soon felt great chemistry between us so it only took a couple of days to finish up. The track, called Kill to Love You, was based on the feel of Quentin Tarantino directing a James Bond movie.

What was the most memorable moment during the making of Strangers?

HOTEI: I spent two whole years making this album. I have the greatest attachment to this album, since I never spent that long making an album before! There are so many memories, but if I was to choose one — it was the moment Iggy showed up topless in his convertible Rolls Royce! That was THE entrance moment of real rock star!

The song Battle Without Honor Or Humanity that featured in the movie Kill Bill is on the newest album too. Why was it included?

HOTEI: Almost everybody knows this song, but not many people know my name. Even if they haven’t watched Kill Bill, this track has been used for TV commercials, sports programs and other movies’ trailers. I had this incident in a cab, the driver’s ringtone was this track! At a festival, an audience was very quiet and felt distant at first, but once I start playing this track they all got on their feet. I’ve been approached by some of the audience who enjoyed shows saying “That cover of Kill Bill was really great!” Yes, I will be the best to cover this song! (smile) The song is my gold business card, so I decided to include it as a re-introduction of myself.

You relocated to London in 2012. How does living there compare to Tokyo? Have you experienced any moments of ‘culture shock’?

HOTEI: Because I’m very tall for a Japanese person, wherever I go I always stand out in a crowd. That’s why I’ve not been on public transportation, and have always been conscious of people’s eyes. However, in London I have a new-found freedom which allows me to take public transportation using my Oyster card! Tokyo is a really well organised city. I sometimes find inconvenient situations in London. WiFi is very slow! But I truly feel if you get too used to being in a convenient environment, you will somewhat lose sense of being human. I’m really enjoying life here with lots of greenery. Also, I include ‘rain’, ‘fish and chips’ and playing with squirrels in the park!

Has living in London changed you in any way?

HOTEI: I think I am much calmer since I started living here. Perhaps the pace of the city is slower than Tokyo? That has an influence on making music, too. It’s much more simple and with more emphasis on guitar riffs. However, I’m struggling to improve my English! Do you know a good instructor? (smile)

What do you miss most about Japan?

HOTEI: My fans! But this year commemorates my 35th year in my career, and we have huge plans for touring. I don’t miss much about food. Ah, if I was to choose one – eel! I go straight to an eel restaurant whenever I go back to Tokyo.

In an interview with the BBC you said you had time to rethink your dreams in London. What is your dream now? Has it changed and in what way?
　　　　
HOTEI: My dream is to find supporters of my music all over the world, and to perform live for them. Now I am standing at the starting line with my album, the next step is to diligently tour around and play live to cultivate my fans — one by one. I know it takes time but it is the only way, which I learned over the course of my career. So I’m right in the middle of my dream!

How do you feel when people hail you as a guitar legend?

HOTEI: It’s lots of pressure to respond to their expectations, but I will try to be their number one guitarist!

Do you have a message for JaME readers?

HOTEI: I am looking forward to seeing you soon! Please come check out my live guitar show! I can guarantee you will enjoy it. Guaranteed with the best guitar sound and danceable beats! Come join us for an intimate and exclusive show. Oh, don’t forget to listen to the album Strangers before the show, too.

For more information check HOTEI’s Facebook Page, Twitter and Official Website.

JaME would like to thank HOTEI and his management team for making this interview possible.