The band answers questions about their freshly released album and upcoming Europe tour.
Post punk/new wave band PLASTICZOOMS just released their brand new self-titled album PLASTICZOOMS and are about to embark on their second Europe tour, starting on February 24th. In the midst of preparing for the tour, the band took some time to answer a few questions for JaME.
Thank you for taking your time for this interview! Though this is the second time you are featured on JaME, please give a short introduction of your band and each member!
Sho: Hi, we are PLASTICZOOMS. PLASTICZOOMS is the latest post punk band! I’m Sho, the vocal and composer.
Jun: I’m Jun, the bassist.
Tom: I’m Tom, and my part is playing the guitar.
"More dance and high energy, high tension tracks" — that was your goal after Veiled Eyes. Do you think you achieved that with your new album PLASTICZOOMS, which was released on January 11th, 2017?
Sho: We could do that, finally! You will listen to it for sure, right?
As this album is titled like your band's name, would you say this album is the "essential of PLASTICZOOMS" right now? Does it sum up your current abilities and all the things you want to express musically?
Sho: Exactly, yes. This album includes the essence of all our past works. It's like an upgrade to everything we've done so far.
Are there any very personal songs on this album?
Sho: All songs are made with personal feelings. That's our style.
One song is titled Breitenbach, which is a German name. Please tell us the story behind this name and what the song is about!
Sho: "Breitenbach"platz is the nearest station to where I lived in Berlin. The song tells a sad story that I experienced when I lived there at that time.
Is the song U12 connected to the subway line of the same name in Berlin?
Sho: Of course! I really liked riding the U12. While I was going to Warschauer Straße1, the image of this song was created.
HIGHWAY is the song you chose for your latest PV. Why this one? And how did you start the collaboration with Matsutake Hideki and Michiko London Koshino?
Sho: Because HIGHWAY is a symbolic song of this album. It's especially catchy. The timing of making the video was truly great. Last year, I was casted in Michiko London Koshino's fashion show. That was the trigger for this collaboration, and afterwards we had a lot of important encounters, such as with Matsutake Hideki. The music video made us realize that we have a lot of people who support us, once again.
Your second Europe tour is just about to start. This time, it will take you to many more places than the first one. What are you especially looking forward to?
Sho: When making the songs for this album, I created them under the premise of doing a new Europe tour. So I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of reactions will come from the audience everywhere.
You will also return to your beloved city, Berlin. What can people expect from the lives on February 24th and February 25th?
Sho: High energy. And maybe you will be able to see a miracle. I have such a hunch.
As you will share the stage with Autist, is this the first step to realize your dream of a collaboration with this band?
Sho: Autist is one of our very favorite bands. Actually, we have more news concerning a collaboration. Stay tuned, so you won't miss it!
Will your shows at conventions be any different from your usual club concerts?
Sho: You will have the same PLASTICZOOMS experience anywhere!
Since you will be visiting many cities and countries for the first time, do you expect to get new artistic influences from all these places?
Sho: Of course. But we have to do our utmost to fully understand and absorb it – speaking of both making music and lifestyle.
Do you plan to stay abroad for a long time again, like you did with your one year in Berlin? Where would you like to go next for long term?
Sho: For now, I don't have any plan to stay abroad for a long time again. But I am interested in life in New York. I would like to live in Berlin again though.
To conclude this interview, imagine yourselves five years from now. Where are you and what are you doing?
Sho: I have absolutely no idea. I hope to live a good life in Japan and abroad in the future.
Tom: I guess I will be playing the guitar somewhere.
Jun: I cannot imagine, but I think there are many opportunities and many new encounters for us within these five years. I want to be walk light-footedly towards those opportunities.
Thank you very much for this interview! Please leave a message for our readers!
Sho: Please come to the venues and let's dance together. As for Berlin, both locations – Monarch and Urban Spree – are along the U12 line, so please join us!
Jun: The new album has two German titled tracks. I would be glad if you get interested!
Tom: Listen to the album. It's awesome. Please also come to our gigs!
JaME would like to thank PLASTICZOOMS for this interview opportunity.
1: Subway station near nightlife district
