Interview and text: Hideaki Nakayama Photography: Kyohei Yamamoto
Whenever I go abroad, a song always comes to mind.
Vocalist and guitarist Matsuo Remi loves traveling abroad and has visited many countries in his free time. Guitarist Kamemoto Hiroki says he is inspired every time he goes on an overseas tour. First, we asked them about the countries and cities that left the biggest impression on them.
"LA is number one. However, I've been to many countries in Europe, Northern Europe, and Asia, and each one left a strong impression on me. When I travel privately, the purpose is to look for clothes (outfits), but I always end up writing songs when I go. It all depends on what inspiration comes to me at the time, but for the songs I wrote after returning from Paris and Germany, the scenery of the towns and train stations became part of the lyrics. So, it's important to pay attention to the scenery that can only be seen in that country." (Matsuo)
"I recently went to Hong Kong for a live show. Because of the language barrier, I remember the people more than the place. The local staff made a big impression on me. The live house itself was also unique. It was like a cultural hub, decorated with art and had a bar space. It was an interesting space that you wouldn't find in Japan." (Kamemoto)
How to spend your time on the plane and must-have travel items
For example, it takes about 10 hours to fly to the United States, so how do you two usually spend your time on the plane?
"Depending on the destination, the travel time can be long, so movies are the only option. You can watch films that haven't been released in Japan, so you can feel superior when you return home (laughs). I'll watch them all, even if they don't have Japanese translations." (Kamemoto)
"I prepare the perfect in-flight set. I prepare various kinds of tea and aromas for masks so that I can relax. Because I often have a packed schedule visiting vintage clothing stores and walking many kilometers, it's important to get a good rest before arriving at my destination." (Matsuo)
Among the travel goods are some items that are typical of a vocalist.
"I prepare throat lozenges in advance because I don't know if I'll be able to find my favorite flavors when I travel. I also bring gum. I also bring a wet mask to prevent dryness. Hot eye masks and hair oil are also important. Slippers are also essential for relaxation. There's no end to the list," says Matsuo.
"Matsuo-san, it's like a travel guide. I want to keep my luggage to a minimum, so I don't bring much. I only bring things to maintain my routine, like exercise gear. The only other thing I don't need is lip balm, which is a must. As long as I have that, I can manage." (Kamemoto-san)
The world on screen is real in LA
Now, let's talk about his visit to LA for the production of the album "LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC." We started by asking him about the circumstances that led to that trip.
"Before LA, we went to Hawaii. I made a promise with the president of my agency that we would all go to Hawaii if we ever had a concert at the Budokan. So Kame (Kamemoto) and I flew from Hawaii to LA, where we met up with two friends from Japan and enjoyed our time in LA." (Matsuo)
You ended up visiting LA for recording four months later, in September 2018. Was that also to scout the area?
"The main factor was the distance, since it was relatively easy to get there from Hawaii. But there's no doubt that going to LA beforehand was what decided the recording," said Kamemoto.
"Ever since I was a university student, I had a goal of filming at a place called 'Salvation Mountain' in LA. When I went there to check it out, I thought 'This place is the best after all!' Also, a studio musician I respected was in LA, so we decided to film and record there," says Matsuo.
"Salvation Mountain" is a huge piece of art painted on a desert hill that was used as the location for the cover of "LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC." There are many other picturesque spots in LA.
LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC (Limited Edition Jacket)
"LA, where Hollywood is located, is also a mecca for film. The world I saw on the screen was real, like the people living in trailer homes along the desert road on the way to 'Salvation Mountain.' It was shocking, and I was moved all over again," said Kamemoto.
"I mentioned it as one of the cities that made the biggest impression on me, but LA is the city where I feel the most free. The culture of the late 60s that I admired remains strong here. This element is also present in London, and of course I love London too. But what I felt when I went to the desert towns of LA was that hippie culture is integrated into everyday life in a natural way." (Matsuo)
Among his recommended spots in LA, there are some places he loved the first time he went there and became a regular visitor when he returned.
"It was an American diner called 'Swingers' next to the hotel where we were staying. Matsuo-san was especially fond of it. The food was hamburgers, chopped salads, burritos, tacos, etc. It was a typical restaurant in LA that also had Tex-Mex, but the portions were still quite large," said Kamemoto.
"This place is great. My favorite thing is the pancakes! They're not like Japanese sweet pancakes, but are American with bacon and butter, and they're really delicious. I had a craving for some after recording, so I snuck out and went to eat." (Matsuo)
Failure is inevitable in life and in travel
He also told us about a mistake he made in LA.
"In May, I actually got my first hangover (laughs). The day before my last day, a former label head who lives in LA hosted a BBQ party for me. We rented out an entire floor of a luxury apartment in Beverly Hills, and we drank and danced from the evening until the next morning. The next day, I didn't know what was happening to me...I was late (laughs). It's important not to drink too much so you don't waste time on your trip..." (Matsuo)
"I actually lost my cell phone at the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Hawaii (laughs). We all looked for it but we just couldn't find it... That's why I was the only one who went back first, so Matsuo and I returned home separately. Also, I got too sunburned during the trip, and Matsuo got angry with me, saying that it would ruin my image as an artist (laughs). I think I'll make sure to bring sunscreen with me next time." (Kamemoto)
It seems like it was a trip to LA that left many memories.
Traveling allows me to get creative input in a short space of time.
Finally, we asked GLIM SPANKY what travel means to them and which country they would like to visit next.
"Traveling allows me to get creative input in a short amount of time. It also broadens the scope of my inspiration. As for countries I haven't been to, I'm interested in Portugal and Argentina, which are in the Latin cultural sphere. Then there's the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria in Eastern Europe. I'm interested in the colorful ethnic costumes and traditional goods of these countries." (Matsuo)
"For me, traveling gives me fresh stimulation when I'm making music. On the other hand, it's also a way of teaching me the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary, and the difference between my activities in Japan. The country I'm interested in is Colombia. I've seen a movie about it recently, so I want to go to South America." (Kamemoto)
As a unit, the two are eager to produce a new album and hold a live tour to accompany it this year. They also show a desire to record overseas, with Matsuo saying that he would like to record in a small studio in Berlin.
It's been about two years since their previous album, "LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC." Let's look forward to the arrival of their music, which is on a larger scale than ever before.
GLIM SPANKY
A rock unit consisting of Matsuo Remi, a husky vocalist and guitarist with an overwhelming presence, and Kamemoto Hiroki, known for his bluesy, emotional guitar playing. Based on rock and blues, they produce a unique sound that is relevant to the modern era, and have a wide fan base of people of all ages and genders. They are loved by legends of the Japanese music world, such as Sano Motoharu, Matsutoya Yumi, and Nomiya Maki, and are a rare presence that has also garnered support from cultural figures and actors beyond the industry. Their latest work is the single "Story no Saki ni" (Beyond the Story), released on November 20, 2019.
http://www.glimspanky.com/
■ Coverage spot information
Little Darling Coffee Roasters
The location we chose for this article was Little Darling Coffee Roasters in Minami Aoyama 1-chome. It is a coffee roaster cafe located in SHARE GREEN MINAMI AOYAMA, a lush complex that suddenly appears in the middle of the city.
The industrial atmosphere, German roasting machines, and pop art all make the time you spend enjoying coffee even more special.
Please enjoy our specialty coffee, which is carefully selected, roasted, and brewed.
One-handed menu items such as "BAO," which is a hot topic in London and other places, are also popular.
| Little Darling Coffee Roasters | ||
|---|---|---|
| address | ： | SHARE GREEN MINAMI AOYAMA 1-12-32 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| business hours | ： | Weekdays 8:00-20:00/Holidays 10:00-19:00 |
| Closed Day | ： | Irregular holidays |
| phone | ： | 03-6438-9844 |
| web | ： | http://www.littledarlingcoffeeroasters.com/ |
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