By Chi Tung
They're loud, invasive and not in the least bit afraid of blowing out your eardrums. If you seek solace, try Beethoveen. If you're looking to get pumped, put on the Polysics.
The Polysics are Hiyashi, Kayo and Fumi—three musicians with a penchant for punk, but a flair for new-wave, synth/electro reverb. The group's roots date all the way back to '97 when Hiyashi (whose band duties include guitar, voice, vocorder and programming) began performing under the name “Polysics,” a dedication to one of his foremost influences, Devo. A year later Kayo joined up and by the time Fumi completed the outfit in ‘99, the Polysics were well on their way to becoming Japan's next mega-phenomenon. Along the way, they managed to attract the attention of Ki/oon Records at Sony Music Entertainment Inc., who promptly signed them to a major record deal in April of 2000. Although their native success continues to flourish (to date, they have released five critically and commercially acclaimed full-length records and a slew of singles, videos and DVD collectibles), mainstream acceptance in the United States has insofar eluded them somewhat. Despite this, they have established a near-cult status in part due to their electrifying live shows (the SXSW 2000 music festival in Austin, Texas) and raw, infectious sounds. As recently as March of this year, they completed a 14-city stateside tour and are planning more dates in the near future.
Interview with Polysics
March 8, 2004
Interviewed by Minnie Chi
Camera work by Angela Kang
Transcription by Fumie Nakamura
APA: Please introduce yourselves.
Hiro: I'm Hiro, the vocalist and the guitarist.
Kayo: I'm Kayo, the synthesizer.
Fumi: I'm Fumi, the base.
APA: How would you describe Polysics' music?
H: Our music is something that no one has ever listened to or created before. Our music is sort of like chemistry-- a mixture of various rock music. It is the ultimate New Wave of punk rock.
APA: Hiro you were the one who started the band and you were greatly influenced by Devo. How did you first get into Devo?
H: I used to listen to the 80's techno music. If you are listening to that kind of music, you cannot miss Devo. At first I did not fully understand or appreciate the band but when I saw their video, I was shocked and became so fascinated by them.
APA: You have met the band?
H: We have met all of the members, even their former drummer Alan as well.
APA: Tell us about what it was like when you met with the band.
H: At first I was very thrilled as a fan but when we had an opportunity to play with them at Summer Sonic, one of the biggest music festivals in Japan last year, I felt that Polysics would have to take on their role now that we were today's band and they were from the 80's.
APA: How did you come up with the band's name Polysics?
H: The first synthesizer that I bought was a model called Polysics so I named the band after it.
APA: Your band started gaining popularity in Japan. Is that why you thought about getting into the US music industry?
F: Nothing would have been possible without Mike Park. He accidentally saw our video and asked us if we wanted to release a record in the U.S.
H: Then he brought the idea of having a U.S. tour.
APA: How did you first meet Mike?
F: Through our management. He once came over to our management to scout new artists.
H: He happened to see our promotion video and he really liked it probably because he also liked Devo so much. I had a chance to talk to him with my not so perfect English and I thought he was such a nice and cool guy.
APA: The latest album is called "NEU." Is the name derived from the German band?
H: It is not related to that band. I just like the sound of this German word meaning "new." I just wanted to use this word for the title.
APA: How do you think that band and each of you as a musician has been progressing?
F: I think our experience matters a lot. I learn a lot from having live performances and this influences our records and song-writing. Also, watching other bands is important as well.
H: Yeah, live performances definitely. Also, I used to write songs all by myself only trusting my own inspiration, but recently I started taking other members' opinions to create a mixture, to make our music better, and to create something new all together.
K: Live performances. Also, before Polysics, I had only played the piano so when I first touched the synthesizer I was very excited and tried experimenting various sounds. But I gradually shifted my focus on more simple sounds, putting more importance on effectiveness and the simple beauty of each sound.
APA: Who usually comes up with an outfit?
F: All of us.
APA: And who makes those outfits?
F: We have a stylist who remakes and customizes our already existing clothes.
APA: What do you think about the music industry in the United States as opposed to that of Japan?
H: Now it seems that rock music in Japan is not really cool or authentic. Things that are the real cool stuff are no longer highly evaluated. It does not necessarily mean that we totally deny the Japanese music industry. There still is something that we can contribute to it. Although it is not that "fun" there, some bands are really good.
APA: Any solo projects in the future? Kayo is making a solo album, right?
K: Yes, it is going to be released around summer this year in Japan.
APA: What will it consist of?
K: That is a secret!
APA: Thank you all of you for your time today.
Published: Monday, May 17, 2004
