Interview: South Penguin
Music of Japan #9
In conversation with South Penguin’s lead singer, Akatsuka 🐧
Hi everyone,
This week, I’ve written this edition whilst visiting the wonderful city of Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹. Did you know that the first Europeans to visit Japan were three Portuguese gentlemen sailing on a Chinese ship?
In this issue, we feature an exclusive interview with Akatsuka, the lead vocalist and guitarist of South Penguin, an innovative band within Japan’s blossoming indie music scene. We dive into South Penguin’s influences, creative process and plans for the future. Plus, I have selected four songs from the band’s growing catalogue.
Also included are two additional selections - both heavily folk-inspired songs with different moods, nuances and tones.
音楽を楽しんでください (Ongaku o tanoshimi ni kudasai) - Please enjoy the music!
Akatsuka of South Penguin - Interview
What are South Penguin’s core musical influences?
“My biggest influence has been Talking Heads. They introduced me to New Wave and I went through a lot of different music, but my roots are in David Byrne's (lead singer of Talking Heads) music.
I was also heavily influenced by the tight ensemble of the Japanese alternative band 54-71. I also very much admire the freaky and mellow style of Connan Mockasin.”
🎶“Idol” by South Penguin (2019)
A nostalgia-tinged indie pop song about the pursuit of fame from the band’s first album.
Where was South Penguin’s first show?
“Our first show was in Shimokitazawa, Japan.
Since then, we have played in Taiwan, China and other Asian countries, and we definitely want to play in the UK one day!”
Check out a short documentary of South Penguin’s Taiwan show below!
Please tell us about your creative process when composing your music. Do you start with music or lyrics?
“What is important to me in composing music is the music rather than the lyrics. I think about the lyrics last.
When we compose, I first make a rough demo (a demo with a simple drum pattern, chord progression, bass line and melody at least).
I then share this with the band members and we have a series of sessions in the studio to build up the strength of the ensemble and complete the song. The bass line is basically created by me, and sometimes I make a demo from the bass. (This is the case with the songs “Alaska” and “Alpaca”).”
🎶“Alaska” by South Penguin (2019)
A catchy and dreamy folk-inspired song from the band’s first album.
“R” (the band’s latest album) was a fantastic album with some beautifully complex musical arrangements. What are you planning for your next release/material?
“I'm glad you complimented R! The next album is planned for release in 2024.
The year 2024 marks 10 years since South Penguin was formed, so I think we will be able to release a great album that will sum up our career. Please look forward to it!”
🎶“luv revolution” by South Penguin (2022)
A psychedelic example of the band’s unique sound from their second album.
🎶“night walker” by South Penguin (2022)
A dark and atmospheric electronic track with a driving beat from the band’s second album.
What has inspired your signature album artwork?
“The album artwork always features penguins, which was inspired by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. We love their work and borrowed the band name 'Penguin' from them.
All the artwork is by Japanese illustrator Machida Hirochika. He is an old friend and a very good illustrator!”
🙏 Many thanks to Akatsuka for kindly taking the time for the interview!
Check out South Penguin’s website here and listen to their music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Like what you’re reading? 😃 If so, please share this newsletter with your friends, enemies, family, dogs, cats, as well as friendly strangers of the internet.
“Space Orphans” by Ichiko Aoba
🎶 folk📍chiba + kyoto 🗓️ released on 23rd may 2023
Born in Urayasu, Chiba and raised in Kyoto Prefecture, Ichiko Aoba is an internationally renowned singer-songwriter. A leading figure in the Japanese folk scene, Aoba is a unique and talented artist who has created a distinctive sound that has won her a loyal following around the world.
Citing Nick Drake and Japanese singer-songwriter Anmi Yamada among her influences, Aoba’s sound is often described as a blend of folk, dream pop and ambient, characterised by delicate, minimalist arrangement that often feature just her voice and her guitar. Her 2013 album, “0” was named one of the best albums of the year by several publications.
One of her recent singles, “Space Orphans” is a beautiful yet haunting piece about loss, longing and the search for home. Aoba’s fragile, expressive vocals unravel lyrics that evoke a sense of space and emptiness, supported by her dissonant guitar playing. Alongside the acoustic guitar, a piano provides some elegance, strings add some ambient depth and a sparingly used synth builds atmosphere and movement within the song. Upon first listening, I immediately likened this song to the kind of beautifully melancholy pieces that Icelandic band Sigur Ros create.
To learn more about Ichiko Aoba, check out her beautiful official website here, follow her on Instagram here and discover more of her music via her YouTube channel here.
“みまちがい” (Misjudgement) by Ribet towns
🎶 indie pop, celtic📍chiba + kyoto 🗓️ released on 24th july 2019
Kyoto 12-piece Ribet towns create music that blends elements of acoustic pop, indie rock and folk with Celtic and Scandinavian folk influences. Their unique name is a play on the word “Rabbit” and reflects their playful and whimsical attitude towards their work. They often use humour and wordplay within the lyrics of their often feel-good and uplifting songs.
Released as the lead single from their third album, “The Way We Are” (2019), “Misjudgement” is a beautiful song about the power of love and acceptance of imperfections. The honest and introspective lyrics, sung by vocalist Hitomi Yamamoto, outline how the singer is not perfect but always trying her best to be the person she wants to be.
The instrumentation is warm and heartfelt, with the band’s guitar lines supported by joyful melodies from wider folk instrumentation.
Check out Ribet towns’ website here, follow the band on Instagram here and discover more their music via their YouTube channel here.
Thank you for reading! I hope you discovered some music you may have liked in this edition.
If you have any thoughts on how I can improve this newsletter and your experience with it, please get in touch at musicofjapan@gmail.com.