August 15, 2010
THEE TRIBUTE – Tribute event for Thee Michelle Gun Elephant
THEE TRIBUTE is the first American tribute event for Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, and will allow fans in the U.S. a chance to celebrate the legacy of the band. The event will include a mini-exhibition of the band, including bios, discography information, time-lines, and various memorabilia and photos. It will also feature the unofficial premiere screening of “THEE MOVIE,” as well as a tribute performance by Geisha Lightning.
I talked to event organizer, drummer for Geisha Lightning and videographer Rob Perry, about the event and Rob’s video documentary on Japanese artists who tour in the US.
What first drew you to Thee Michelle Gun Elephant (TMGE)?
Rob Perry: When I was first getting into Japanese music, I was mainly listening to The Pillows and bands like them. I had definitely seen the name “Thee Michelle Gun Elephant” before, but never looked into them — mainly because the thought the name was stupid. But, as I got deeper into Japanese music, I kept hearing about them, so much to the point that I figured I had better take a listen. In fact, my friend Brett decided that for me and we both listened to their “Gear Blues” album the same night and called each other to discuss it. The song that really grabbed me was “Killer Beach” though, almost solely based on the fact that it was the most melodic and easy-going song on the album. Also, I saw some pictures of the band and thought their mod-esque style looked super cool and it helped accelerate my interest in the rest of their music.
What is the Columbia/Universal Thee Michelle Gun Elephant memorial campaign, and what does it entail?
Rob: The guitarist, Futoshi Abe, died suddenly on July 22, 2009. Shortly afterward, Rockin-Blues.com launched www.thee.asia, which was what they called a “limited season web site.” Included in the new site was information stating that there were going to be some new TMGE releases, including THEE GREATEST HITS, THEE DVD BOX, and Nikkatsu was going to release THEE MOVIE – last heaven 031011 - (The movie is a re-edited version of their final concert at Masuhari Messe Hall in Japan on Oct. 11, 2003). The movie release was tied in with the “THEE SCENE” campaign, which involved having the movie go “on tour.” There were several screening events as live halls across Japan, and audiences members received special gifts and could purchase new merchandise. Afterwards the movie screened at normal cinemas as well, and later was released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Tell me what THEE TRIBUTE is?
Rob: I was extremely bummed out that I couldn’t go to Japan for any of the THEE SCENE events, and I figured there must be other people in the US that felt the same way. Originally I wanted to find a way to contact Nikkatsu about doing an official screening of THEE MOVIE here in the states, but that seemed almost impossible. So I thought the next best thing would be to create an American version of THEE SCENE, but in addition to screening the movie, have bands cover TMGE and put together some sort of exhibition to provide people with more information about the band. I’m thinking that the tribute event will cater to new and old fans of TMGE, as well as people that have never heard of them before.
What will people see, hear and experience at the show?
Rob: I’m putting together a mini-exhibition for the band, much like you would see at an art museum, but for a band. There will be informative installations, a showcase of various TMGE CDs, LPs, posters and other memorabilia, as well as some original illustrations by local artists. The event will also be the un-official US premiere screening of “THEE MOVIE – last heaven 031011 -.” And to close out the evening, there will be live performances by bands, including an all-cover tribute set by my band, Geisha Lightning.
What was the catalyst for planning this tribute?
Rob: One day I was wearing a TMGE shirt, and a guy I barely knew commented on it, saying how much he liked them. Even though most of my friends were fans of the band, the fact that this guy was into them made me re-think the popularity of, and interest in, Japanese music in the US.
How long have you been working on it and what was the initial planning stages like?
Rob: I initially had the idea that I wanted to do it shortly after THEE SCENE was announced, which was almost a year ago at this point. I have probably spent over 500 hours scouring the internet, researching and finding out everything I can regarding the band so I could put together the exhibition aspect of the event. It took a bit of convincing to get my band on board with the idea of learning about twenty cover songs — in Japanese no less. I am friends with the owner of the venue it’s going to be at, but I had to pester him for a few months in order to lock down a specific date. I think most people wouldn’t have put as much time and worrying into as I have, but I hoping it will all pay off in the end.
You’re the drummer for Geisha Lightning, who will be covering Thee Michelle Gun Elephant songs at the event. Which songs are going to be showcased and how do your band-mates feel about TMG?
Rob: TMGE and Guitar Wolf are the two reasons why Geisha Lightning exists, so needless to say, we are all huge fans. The setlist is going to attempt to span the bands entire catalog, from their first single “Sekai no Owari” to their final release “Electric Circus.” In order to help alleviate our singer from learning an insane amount of Japanese lyrics, our friend Josh Cocoros (Firecrackers, Quarantines) is going to sing a few of the songs with us as well.
What albums would you recommend for new fans to listen to, as an introduction to TMGE?
Rob: Barring my usual recommendation of simply listening to the “best of” albums, I would say start with “Gear Blues” and “Cassanova Snake.” The older stuff is more English punk/mod influenced, and the later stuff gets much more deep.
Describe your documentary that focuses on Japanese musicians who have played internationally. What inspired it and where do you want to take it?
Rob: I’m a videographer/editor by trade, so doing a documentary on something that I love seemed like a no-brainer. Also, if there had already been a feature-length documentary on the same subject, I would’ve simply watched that and been content.
In the fall of 2008, I somehow managed to book a show in Baltimore for ZAZEN BOYS; it was the first time they played in America. After that, it felt like I might actually have enough contacts/ability to network with the right people and be able to shoot interviews with Japanese bands. Mukai was gracious enough to be the first interview for this project, which was a real confidence booster, especially seeing how influential he is in the Japanese indie rock scene. Most of the videos/documentary attempts I’ve seen only feature very indie bands, so the idea of featuring bands that are more popular in Japan seemed like it would lend a great deal of credibility to my project.
Why the subject of “how they were received by English speaking audiences”?
Rob: Making the focus of the documentary on Japanese artists who tour in the US is almost an example of my realistic production methods. I have a full-time job, a non-existent budget and am the only person involved in the production. Also, I am an English speaking fan of Japanese music, so the film is more or less my guide book for people who aren’t very familiar with it.
Who have you documented to date, and what has been your biggest surprise so far in the project? When will the project wrap?
Rob: So far I’ve interviewed ZAZEN BOYS, Shonen Knife, Melt-Banana, Lite, Okamoto’s, Kulu Kulu Garden and mothercoat, in addition to a few other people that have dedicated a lot of time and effort into bringing these bands to the US. Probably the biggest surprise/interviewee was Steve Tanaka, the guy who organized and self-funded the Next Music from Tokyo tour in Canada this year. I couldn’t believe the amount of time and money he dished out for something that was most likely going to result in a loss of capital. But it’s people like him that are beacons of light for Japanese artists hoping to make more international fans.
This is your chance to promote, explain in more detail, and or talk about anything I might have missed?
Rob: I strongly urge any fans of Japanese music to come out to THEE tribute, it is going to be an incredible amount of fun, and you will leave a fan of TMGE if you weren’t already. If the event is successful, I’m going to look into hosting it again in NYC and possibly other major US cities. But come to this one before Universal/Columbia/Nikkatsu get wind of it — because I might be sued for copyright infringement. ha-ha.
Is there anything you would like to add, or say to anyone?
Rob: I am extremely passionate about Japanese music, and I have literally made it my goal in life to promote it as far as I can. The most common response I get when I tell people I listen to Japanese music is “but you can’t even understand what they’re saying.” I usually respond by saying “I listen to music for the music, not poetry.” That might sound kind of corny and/or melodramatic, but the last thing that should stand in the way of someone liking music is a language barrier.
I would like to thank Rob Perry for his participation in this interview.
~Denise Smith (interview 2010.08.15)
THEE TRIBUTE
THEE TRIBUTE Event FACEBOOK
Thee Michele Gun Elephant Official Site
