Japan’s HOTEI recently released his new album Strangers via Spinefarm Records and after 35 years in the business, his music is still amazing as ever. The singer was known around the world for his original song Battle Without Honor or Humanity which was made famous by its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino’s blockbuster KILL BILL. The new album features an impressive array of guests including the godfather of punk Iggy Pop, Emigrate/Rammstein’s Richard Z. Kruspe, Bullet For My Valentine’s Matt Tuck, Noko from UK electronic band pioneers Apollo 440, and acclaimed Texan singer Shea Seger. You can listen to a song from the new album titled Move It below.
I managed to get an interview with the Japanese iconic singer where he talked about the new album, influences, shows and more!
What’s it like recording with IGGY Pop, Richard Z Kruspe and Matt Tuck?
It was a dream came true—working with Iggy in Miami, watching him losing himself in the groove as he was recording his vocals on the track! He’s such a smart gentleman. There’s bottomless genuiness in his eyes. As a legendary artist like himself, agreeing to unknown Japanese artist’s challenge to offer his support with his vocals, there’s not enough words to express my appreciation. I went to see him at Royal Albert Hall. It sure was one of my best show I’ve ever seen in my life. Had a catch up in backstage after show, and found out that he was a massive fan of The Ventures!
As for Richard and Matt, I got to know them via producer from the label. I had few meetings via skype, and exchanged files via internet. Very ‘now’ process. Met him for the first time when we shot video in Berlin. I had this perception of him from Rammstein, but meeting him in person totally wiped off my image of him. German rock fans really love ‘Move It’.
And then Matt Tuck. It was totally happy accident. The Bullet for My Valentine was recording their latest album at the same studio where I have my room. Introduced myself, and started off with casual chat, and both came to agree to make a track, ‘Tarantino directing James Bond movie..’ with flavours of spy and suspense. If there’s any director looking for a track for their movie, now is the chance! (smile)
Are you looking forward to the release of Strangers?
Again, my dream come true moment to have my music been released globally. Totally psyched! With great guests on board, I am really proud of its outcome, and now to deliver them, one step at a time to rock fans in the world.
Is this album any different from any of your other releases?
I’ve produced so many music in the past, but they were mainly having audience in Japan in my mind. Also, I’ve been singing in Japanese. But often time, I’ve heard my music has global leg. Since I moved to London 4 years ago, I stopped singing in Japanese and decided to focus on guitar play as well as sound design. I think that helped to emphasise my skills.
Was the song Battle Without Honor or Humanity a real turning point in your career?
Even if you don’t know my name, I’m 120% sure that you came across with this music somewhere. CM, sports programs on TV, etc. It is my gold ‘audio’ business card. Such a huge deal. Even those guest artists on the album thought, ‘oh, one of those big star from Japan’, but they have agreed to guest on the album because of this track. However, there are times at shows audience come up and said ‘ that cover was really great!!’. They don’t know I am the one who wrote that song. So cynically I am introducing that track, ‘now I’m going to play best ‘kill bill’ cover’ (smile)
What kind of influence to you take from Japanese music?
I never grew up listening to traditional Japanese music. I was more into international music like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Sex Pistols etc. That generation. However, if you noticed some sense of Japanese pop music in my music, it must be unconscious influence from my early age. Japanese is my identity. I would like to embrace it more.
Other than your two US shows, have you got any plans for touring this year?
This year is my 35th year of career anniversary year. Series of concerts will take me to the end of 2016. In the meantime, I’m due to guest on Italian superstar, Zucchero. There are so many offers but not enough time!
What’s next for you? Are you planning on writing more music?
Making music never stop! And share them with audience through live performance. That’s my mission and my job. Looking forward to touring around the world in 2017. I’m determined to connect one by one.