食品まつり aka foodman
INTERVIEW BY Dr. Sushi
Who is the Nagoya musician bringing his messed-up, deconstructed take on Chicago's juke/footwork cum feverish Japanese sound to Corktown tonight?
Grand Circus Magazine: I like the name foodman. It's very relatable as I consider myself somewhat of a foodman. In fact, I will schedule my day around eating interesting foods. Is food culturally important to you? What does good food mean to you?
食品まつり aka foodman: I love to eat very much. I like the food of various countries. I think that food expresses the characteristics of the culture of that country.
What is your comfort food?
I like various foods. Recently, I only eat Japanese food.
How do you connect food and music? Many titles of your songs have food related titles and feature pictures of food in your album artwork.
Actually, my music and food are not very relevant. It's all inspirational.
Well, what music did you grow up listening to then? What was the stuff that you first fell in love with?
I was not very interested in music until I was a high school student. After graduating from high school I learned about club music. After that I heard various kinds of music such as various locks and POPS. The thing I liked the most when I was young was Drum and bass.
Have you always lived in Nagoya? Where else have you lived and where else would you like to live?
I currently live in Nagoya, but I'd like to move to a different place in the future. I would like to live overseas as well. But I may not be able to speak English, so it may be a bit difficult [laughs].
What is your family like? What do they do? Do they know what you do?
My family does not understand the music I am doing... When my family listens to my music, they make mysterious looks.
My wife is really supporting me [laughs].
Do you produce music and art full-time or do you have another career?
Previously, I was doing another job, but now I am doing music full-time. I also produce songs for commercials.
What is your music production process like? Where does it begin?
First of all, I touch the equipment - I will shape it when inspiration is born during that. If I get bored a little, I take a walk around the house, or I go to the sauna and refresh.
Your sound is so different it could be jarring. How has the music industry in Japan changed over the years? Do you consider yourself part of it?
The Japanese music industry has been changing rapidly (especially compared to western countries) yet I think many people still have old ideas. The music I am making is very much in the minority – it is a very small scene in Japan. But there are many people who have passion. I also want to excite the scene.
Do you know anything about the places you will be performing? I noticed you are playing in Dayton, Ohio. You may be one of the first experimental musicians from Japan to perform in Dayton.
This time I will go live at San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Detroit, Dayton, and Philadelphia. I went to the U.S. to tour twice in the past. I am looking forward to Detroit and Dayton for the first time! I am very honored!
What are your goals in life?
I go to the sauna, eat rice with my family, make music… I want to continue such small happiness.
食品まつり a.k.a foodman & VIKI Viktoria
P.J.’s Lager House
1254 Michigan Ave.
Corktown