1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Luke and Ryan are the only original members back when Sweet Japonic was a folk-rock group with violin, djembe, lap steel (est. 2000). The sound was mellow and sweet. After a few life changes members left, but the band keep its name and evolved with it.
2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Sweet Japonic's sunny, nimble musicianship compliments soulful, arresting vocals and lyrics that are often wistful and pensive, creating a sound that is at once familiar and yet new.
3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as musicians.
Ray Lamontagne, Counting Crows, The Isley Brothers
4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
It's an exciting time for music, as it has only recently become possible to produce and release quality recordings from affordable home studios. Consequently, a vast amount of music will be available, and a lot of it will be free. The future for music, as i see it, will have to do with people finding a way to make a living in this new paradigm. The record companies will eventually stop trying to fight it, and will find new ways to profit from the sale of music as well.
5.What can we expect to see from Sweet Japonic in 2008? Any big plans?
We are recording a new album, and are continuing a busy schedule of live performances. We also plan to bring our live act to new venues in 2008, playing more in Chicago as well as Indiana, Ohio, and perhaps putting a short tour together.
6.What has Sweet Japonic been listening to lately?
We each have very different tastes in music, but at the same time i think we're all pretty open minded to any music that we come across. Just this week I went on (another) leonard cohen kick, and before that it was the Afghan Whigs. Luke was into some old thomas a. dorsey gospel tunes recently and roy was probably listening to live grateful dead or some such dirty hippie music.
7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think it's certainly possible to be successful, but it requires as much hard work, talent, and luck as any other means of distribution. Independent music is great because it is so democratic. There is a sense of possibility without limitation, and a general sense of camaraderie and community among independent musicians (at least in our experience). If you are financing and producing recordings yourself you can put out any kind of record you want, for better or worse. No one is there to tell you no, but in the end if you want to sell your music you have to put out something people will want to buy. And then find the people who want to buy it.
8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
Some of us have non-music related jobs or projects. If we're together as a band and not playing music, we're likely in our beloved van on the way to or from a gig.
9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
100 or so. Depends on the market whether people care about original art or just want to hear cover material. We try very hard to find great places to gig at were our music can be appreciated.
10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I like the fact that we get paid directly after each sale and the %’s are fair. That in itself is worthy of using their system as an easy way to sell digital downloads via any site. I would like to see a culture created and their promotional efforts meet us half way. This interview is a great example of this company’s interest in the independent artist and willingness to support the new paradigm.
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