Shina Ringo? Lady Shu-Shu? Nope, These New Puritans.
These New Puritans were kicking around Tokyo back in early July. We managed to sort out a cheeky meet with Jack and George before their show at Shibuya O-East – Chatting along to the soothing sounds of the bassoon we chatted about Japan, festivals, the tour, Dior and Shina Ringo…
So when did you guys get here?
George: Today, this morning. Yesterday, we played Osaka it was a pretty big venue but it’s really weird playing to a Japanese audience, the ones that come along are so into the music. You kinda play and then stop and the fans do exactly the same…!
Haha! Great, what is it you like about Japan?
This is my sixth time to Japan, I just like it here. I would like to live here for a while. I have seen a few temples in Kyoto and been to some shrines, I just enjoy the whole culture, the music, Japanese values and the way they are socially.
How about the food?
Jack:Ahh yeah that’s the trouble, I don’t mind it but… Well some of it’s really nice, it’s just difficult to find the good stuff!
So the last few times you were here what have been your best memories?
Playing Summer Sonic was really fun, and we DJ’d here a couple times which was also really crazy. We went to an amazing reconstructed temple in Tokyo – I don’t remember the name – but it was really cool, there was some kind of ceremony going on with Taiko drums and stuff.
Oh yeah? You use those in some of your songs right?
Yeah that’s right, quite a few of them.
What else do you have planned while your here?
Not much really, we are only in town for two more days then we are off to Taiwan. I guess tonight we will go out… All night. It’s good that it’s a 24 hour city!
How do you think ‘Hidden’ has done?
Brilliantly, I think just the press reaction was great. We thought the other one was really great, but I think this one has had a bigger and better responce.
What did you listen to while you made it?
Hardly anything. I think it’s better not to listen to anything while your making records. Before recording I tried to listen to things that have nothing to do with what I am doing so it doesn’t get in the way.
So, after here you are off to Taiwan and Hong Kong. How’s touring in Aisa?
Well we have only really been to Japan. Our best gig was in Paris, the last show we did. It was the first time we played with two bass clarinets and it was so hot, there was sweat running down the walls and people passing out. I enjoy our own gigs more than festivals. Playing festivals just kind of feels like you just turn up, play and leave.
Are there any festivals you are looking forward to playing?
Glastonbury I guess, we are on the John Peel stage.
Yeah that’s going to be good, what have you got planned next then?
In November we are hopefully going to recreate the whole album live on stage with 25 musicians.
Eh?! Who comes up with ideas like that?
Mostly us, the label are really good they didn’t even hear the record until it was in the late stages of production. They give us complete freedom. We come up with loads of ideas that can’t be done. I was thinking about doing a song with a Japanese singer that is just released in Japan, I wonder if the audience would dig it, or would they just prefer us? What’s that woman we were listening to? Shina Ringo? Lady Shu-Shu? Maybe we could get her! Haha!
You did some stuff with Heidi Slimane for Doir too?
Yeah that was really good. We basically got given loads of money for doing some music we liked..! I have worked with lots of people over the years, before we did that soundtrack I used to assist Heidi’s design team. So the soundtrack kinda came off that…
WOW thanks for the scoop guys!
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