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Wander INTERVIEW


Q: What prompted you to form the band?
A: We formed the band back in 2010 and were inspired by the Japanese bands Mono, toe, te, and Zankyo Records bands in high school. Our band name is a reference to the videogame Shadow of the Colossus.

Q: What artists influenced you/created your style?
A: We were heavily influenced by instrumental post-rock bands, specifically Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, 65daysofstatic, and the Japanese bands Mono, toe, 9mm Bullet Parabellum and te'. We were also influenced by bands that released music through Zankyo Records. Our live energy was heavily inspired by American hardcore / post-hardcore bands like At the Drive-in and the Chariot.

Q: Release information (albums, singles, etc.)
A:

  • Mourning (Album 2016)
  • Glass (Album 2017)
  • March (Album 2019)
  • HOME (Album 2022)
Q: Your thoughts about your music
A: It's something that has brought us together.

Q: What made you decide to tour in Japan?
A: It was something that we always dreamed of doing. We're only playing a couple of shows this time around but we look forward to coming back and doing a larger tour next time.

Q: Please share your tour schedule.
A:

  • 4/9 Shimokitazawa at SPREAD with Salsa
  • 4/10-4/12 Music Bridge Tokyo (Exact date to be announced)
Q: Differences between live houses overseas and Japan.
A: They mic the cymbals better in Japan and the crowds are more polite.

Q: What is the current situation of live houses in your country?
A: A lot of independently owned venues are struggling very hard to stay open and many have closed or have been bought up by large corporations. Though in recent years, live music venues in our area have been making a comeback and the DIY music scene has been very active.

Q: Which live houses do you frequently perform at (domestic/international)?
A: Domestically, Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco is like our home venue. Recently we have also been performing at the Kilowatt and the Catalyst in Santa Cruz.

Q: Share a memorable live house experience.
A: Playing in a muddy basement on a rainy day in Portland, Oregon to a crowd of teenagers that were all moshing and dancing.

Q: Favorite anime or anime songs?
A: Thank you, my twilight by The Pillows / Smile Bomb from Yu Yu Hakusho / Simple and Clean by Utada Hikaru

Q: Sightseeing spots you'll be going to next
A: We want to visit Yoyogi park. We want to visit Hakone.

Q: Sightseeing spots you're glad you visited
A: Christian: My favorite spot was seeing Kiyomizu Dera.

Q: What was your favorite region in Japan (e.g., Kansai, Kanto)?
A: Christian: I visited last year and I loved hanging out in Shinjuku City but also loved Kyoto.

Q: What reactions do you hope to see from Japanese listeners?
A: I hope that they will connect since our music is instrumental. We hope to inspire and give hope.

Q: Favorite mode of transportation?
A: We wish the U.S. had high speed rail.

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