motel void

MOTEL VOID: You started GeGeGe as a solo project in Kanazawa in 2017, but since 2023 you’ve been based in Tokyo as a full band. Is that a big change? How would you describe it?

GEGEGE: It takes just under three hours by shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo, or over six hours by car. Before, even when we got invited to play shows in Tokyo, it wasn’t easy to just casually go and perform. Having more opportunities to play shows doesn’t just mean more people get to see us live – I think it also helps us build that sense of unity and connection as a band during our performances. And that ultimately influences what kind of songs we want to create, you know.

MOTEL VOID: Last year, you released your latest album – can you describe the circumstances of its recording and creation?

GEGEGE: When I moved to Tokyo, I went back and listened to all the demos I’d accumulated over the years, and sorted out what I wanted to include on the album and what I didn’t need. After that, I decided not to do any studio recording except for the drums. I wanted to stick with home recording, going back to the same feeling I had when I first started this project. I felt that was the most important thing for capturing that personal, intimate feeling. I asked our member Takuro to handle the drums, but I played pretty much everything else myself. This time I also did the mixing myself, and for mastering I worked with Nakamura Souichiro, an engineer I really respect – he’s also known for working with Sakamoto Shintaro. I think the whole production process took about a year. But since it had been five years since our previous album, working on arrangements for both the old demos and new material felt really fresh and enjoyable.

MOTEL VOID: Your sound feels closely connected to the American indie scene – who are your biggest influences?

GEGEGE: It’s really difficult to choose just one. When I was around 20, I heard Beach Fossils and it was a huge impact. That’s what led me to start GeGeGe. I think the artists I continue to reference musically are Tame Impala and The Velvet Underground. In terms of US indie, Current Joys was also a major influence. Current Joys, yeah. I even got their autograph when they toured Japan.

MOTEL VOID: Who are some of your favorite like-minded local bands in Japan? Do you have any favorite music venues?

GEGEGE: “Honjitsu Kyuuen,” who played with us at our Tokyo show during the album tour, is a wonderful rock band. We performed at MOONROMANTIC AOYAMA, which has the moon projected in the background – it’s such a beautiful, dreamy venue.
There’s also “OGRE YOU ASSHOLE,” who are from a slightly older generation, but they’re a band I really respect for pursuing Japanese krautrock. They’ve been an influence on me as well.

MOTEL VOID: Are you planning to tour with the new material?

GEGEGE: We actually released the album at the end of last year and finished our Japan tour in the first half of this year. We’ve never done any overseas touring or shows, so if there’s an opportunity, we’d definitely love to do that. Thank you!

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