PLASTICZOOMS Front man Sho Asakawa sits down for a nice little natter.
Man about town, Sho really doesn’t need a introduction, he’s lead singer of the Plasticzooms and frequently DJ’s at plenty top nights across Japan. We talk Tokyo, style, brands and bands.
What is going to be big in 2011?
I suppose psychedelic sound with a slow tempo or ‘Witch House’ sound will be big in the music scene this year, considering that lo-fi and tropical ones were loved last year. Not only hi-fi sound takes over the scene any more, as more and more musicians adopt computer music these days. Needless to say, proper harmony is always the most important factor.
Who is your favorite musician of all time?
It’s Madonna. She’s my icon. I totally love watching her videos, which makes me so happy. She’s the only person who can make me feel like that.
Where is your favourite place in Tokyo?
My room. I don’t really like noisy, crowded places. I like walking around Ura-Harajuku weekdays to get some ideas for my creation though.
What are you favorite fashion brands/styles?
I don’t favour any particular brands. My own style is mixing unique second-hand clothing with some brand-name ones. RAF SIMONS suits me, if I must mention any.
What is the last thing you bought?
New laptop to use for our recoding. And a desk and a lamp that match with it.
I don’t assemble them yet, so I’m looking forward to do on the next day off.
What is the last song you listened to?
While I listen to many songs everyday, I went to Crystal Castles’ gig in Japan the other day. Alice did a perfect performance on stage, although she had a fractured ankle. I could see and talk to them after, and they were really nice! I got to love them more and more! So my favorite tunes right now are theirs.
Who is the coolest guy AND the coolest girl on the tokyo party scene at the moment?
This is a difficult question… I have been busy working and not been to parties lately. All boys and girls in Tokyo clubs really love fashion and music. I think of someone with bright eyes as the coolest one there.
Please recommend something new to our readers.
Music – “❖” http://www.wtchmn.com/
Designer – LONG http://www.longclothing.com/ My favorite brand I recently have been in touch with. PLASTICZOOMS love their lovely clothing. We collaborated with them on our music video ‘WITCH,’ our new single. We collage their designs in it. I recommend you all to keep your eyes on them!
‘WITCH’
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Artist – Yu Wakatsuki. He is a video creator, who has worked with Plasticzooms since last year. His creations are very original because he thinks every ‘ordinary’ sense sucks. I’m sure he will be big in the near future. We will release a DVD with our collaborative works this year. Of course we will collaborate again when we release our LP. Can’t wait! Choi Heeyoung, who puts visual effects on his works, has an original sense for colour too. That is one of reasons their videos are full of miracles. Go to his page to watch his all works;
http://www.youtube.com/user/yuwakatsuki
Fuji Rock or Summer Sonic?
Summer Sonic.
We can enjoy a cool and comfortable place. And we can go dressed up. I hate being caked with mud… No mud is needed to meet nice music!
Tokyo or Osaka?
Tokyo, where I know well.
I’ve been to Osaka only twice to do gigs and couldn’t spare the time to go sightseeing. Many of my friends are living there, so I want to live there in the future.
BIG LOVE TO CONTROL!!
Great Interview Sho, Thanks Very Much!
Check out Sho’s blog at http://plasticzooms-sho.blogspot.com/ and take a look at the PLASTICZOOMS on myspace here http://www.myspace.com/plasticzooms
And come see Sho and PLASTICZOOMS DJ at CONTROL 5th FEB, SHIBUYA TRUMP HOUSE
