Interview with FLANNEL

This time around I’m going to introduce you a finest DIY pop band from Nagoya, Japan which consist only one member named Tomohiro Wakai and he named the band as FLANNEL. It’s really a fun thing to do that Shiny Happy could release their LP Sad Story’s Ending .I’m quite sure that FLANNEL will be listed down as your fav pop band. Here is the interview with Tomohiro Wakai , check this out:

Shiny Happy: Hi Tomohiro, I’m glad that finally I could release Sad Story’s Ending in Indonesia.:) What are u busy at right now? I heard you’ve been preparing for the release with peru indiepop label. What label? Could you tell us!

Flannel: Hi Eko, I’m so glad too! I’m so happy to work with you, and thank you for introducing me to indiepop fans of Indonesia.Yes I’ll release next single from susy recs in Peru. Do you know this label? This single includes 3 new tracks that aren’t inclucec in the album and format is 3” CD. I’ve finished recording , so now I’m just waiting for release day. It will be released sometime this year.

Shiny Happy: Lets go back to the moment when you started with Flannel. When and how you started the idea in making this project?

Flannel: I started Flannel in 2004. Before then, I was making songs from about 14 years old, though I didn’t try to have someone listen to my songs for a long time, because i was so shy and wasn’t confident of my songs. But one song that I made changed my mind and started to upload my songs on some free streaming sites like myspace. That was the beginning.

Shiny Happy: was there a single moment that made you want to be a musician?

Flannel: one day I thought that I was saved by a lot of songs, and if I could save or help someone by my songs even it’s just a little influence, it will be so wonderful, And then I’ll be able to reply the kindness music that saved me as a result. Maybe it was a moment.

Shiny Happy: Why do you decide to have a concept as “one person” band which is only 1 person in the band?

Flannel: one reason is that I am laying weight in making the recordings more than do gigs. Other reason is I want to control song details all by myself.However, because it is limited that I can do alone, I think whether acting with someone is also good for me.

Shinny Happy: With only 1 person in the band how do you usually perform on stage? Do you have additional musicians or you just simply using Laptop or anything else?

Flannel: when I’m on stage , I usually sing with playing bass guitar, and have additional musicians, two guitars and drums. My live recording is now on sound loud, so please check this: http://soundcloud.com/flannel-1

Shiny Happy: Dreamy, Shoegazery and Spacey Do you thing those 3 words represent your music? please describe more about your music!

Flannel: I guess these are the important factor of my songs, but not all. I’ve been influenced from the music of various genres. Well...I can’t describe exactly with words.

Shiny Happy: What’s your lyrics deal with?

Flannel: More about conflict of my mind I felt or feel now. And rest are about love.

Shiny happy: to me Your first Lp Dear Something, Dear Someone is one of great LP , could you tell us about that release!

Flannel: Thank you for your kind words! I recorded these songs among 2007-2008. Chris from series two records offered me to put out the album, so I completed the album by making a new tune, and choosing from the tune that had already been recorded. I think this album is very suitable for listening with headphones and watch sun goes down on the hill.

Shiny Happy: How many releases do you have so far? What are they?

Flannel: So far I released 1 album “dear something, dear someone” (series two recs) and 3 singles: “drops”(cloudberry recs),” close”(Edition 59), “thinking about you”(series two/egnog recs) and now I will be released 2nd album from your label, and 4th single will be released. I also participated in some compilations.

Shiny Happy: The title of this album is Sad strory’s ending, any story to share regarding this album title?

Flannel: You know Japan encountered big earthquakes and tsunami. Moreover, there is a radiation poisoning too and it exists in the total mess. So the life seems to be tragic for many people. But I think that sad story’s ending is not necessarily to be sad. It could be happy one if all we believe in. I included such a desire to this title.

Shiny Happy: How do you record all the songs from this LP? Do you record those songs in your room or other place? Tell us more!

Flannel: I recorded all tracks in my room. I don’t use any studios for recording ever. Neither, I don’t use laptop except do mastering. I usually record songs with digital MTR and sequencer, Fender guitar and bass and the other stuffs. I love DIY ways.

Shiny Happy: Do u gig a lot?

Flannel: I do gig rarely. I’ll do next gig in November this year in Japan. More details are coming soon. So stay tunes! I hope I could do gig in Indonesia someday.

Shiny happy: Which gig has really stayed in your mind, the show you can’t forget! Why?

Flannel: the starlet japan tour 2008 is! In Nagoya (my hometown), I played as a front act of them. Before gig, we talked many with them while drinking coffee in the cafe. They were so kindly and friendly. It was a wonderful time that I can’t forget.

Shiny happy: It’s just my opinion, so far you’re the best pop band that Japan has . How do people in Japan give respond to your music? Do you have a lot of fans there?

Flannel: thanks! I’m so happy to hear that! But I’m known only to small number of people in Japan. I don’t release any CDs from japanese label except a few compilations and do gig rarely. These are the reason, I guess. Of course I’m full of the gratitude and think there is a meaning that makes the song even if it’s a little number.

Shiny Happy: Please tell us about Japanese indiepop scene!

Flannel: There are so many good indie band and label in Japan, also a lot of indie band come to japan to do gig all around the world. So I think the scene is active in the lucky circumstane.

Shiny Happy: what other japanese bands I should hear !

Flannel: you must listen “Bertoia”, “ Caucus”,”Sloppy Joe” Or you already know them? And you must check these labels: “High Fader recs” & “TKO”

Shiny Happy: what’s your biggest ambition for Flannel?

Flannel: I don’t have any ambition at least so called ambition. All I want is to keep singing until my dying day.

Shiny Happy: Tomohiro, please list down your top 5 favorite bands!

Flannel: Nowadays top 5 are: 1. Under Electric Light 2. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart 3. Letting Up Despite Great Faults 4. The Radio Dept 5. Bertoia

And all time top 5 are: 1. Rocketship 2. Venus Peter 3.Ride 4. Teenage Fanclub 5. My Bloody Valentine

Shiny Happy: what other activities do you do beside playing music?

Flannel: I made hand made printed T-SHIRT before but now I mostly play with my daughter. She’s so cute.

Shiny Happy: What do you know about Indonesian Indiepop scene?

Flannel: I know some cool artists like Astrolab, Brilliant at Breakfast, Anne Marrie, Mocca, Twisterella, Funny Little Dreams, etc. I guess an Indiepop scene in Indonesia is wonderful as well as that Japan, US and Sweden.

Shiny Happy: do u have any message to people in Indonesia?

Flannel: I hope you can enjoy my album. And If I can give pop fans in Indonesia a chance to become interested in indiepop scene in Japan it would be greatly appreciated.

Shiny happy: thank u for the interview Tomohiro 

Flannel: Thanks for everything, Eko! I hope we’ll meet someday in Indonesia or Japan

Listen to Flannel's songs Here:

http://soundcloud.com/flannel-1/09-stroke#