Thanks so much to Masato Saito for this interview! I really enjoy Pervenche’s first album “Subtle Song”, it is a superb pop albumm! I heard that the band was releasing a second album very soon, an album that has waited for so many years and so I thought it was a great time to talk about this great Japanese indiepop band. Previously Masato had been in bands like Peatmos and Kactus (hopefully we can do interviews with him about them) and also ran the legendary Clover Records!
++ Hi Masato! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? Are you still involved with music?
Thank you for your interest in us.
2019. I released a cassette tape of “Rocky Mountain Broncos Power” on Galaxy Train.
2021. I released a cassette tape of “The Moment of Nightfall” on Galaxy Train.
“The Moment of Nightfall” is a group formed by members of Pervenche, Red Go-Cart, h-shallows (ex. Smokebees etc).
Current. Pervenche’s 2nd album has been completed. We will release a cassette tape from Galaxy Train this winter. After that, we will release a CD from Clover Records.
++ Let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what your first instrument was? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?
I remember singing nursery rhymes with my friends when I was a kid. When I was a student, I listened to Japanese hits and the top 20 American songs on the radio. And I liked “THE BEATLES 1962-1966”. In the 80’s I was fascinated by British new wave, electro pop and Japanese YMO. My first instrument was Roland’s cheap analog synthesizer. I started playing the guitar when I was an adult. My guitar playing is just playing chords.
++ Had you been in other bands before Pervenche If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?
When I was young, I used to do home recording on cassette tapes. Collage, and noise!
I joined the band since I was an adult.
I forgot the name of the first band. The band sounded like The Feelies, The Jesus & Mary Chain. The next band is Kactus. I sympathized with the sound like Galaxie 500’s 1st album, Butterglory and Pavement.We released cassette tapes from Clover Records and 7 inches from Sonorama Records and Fuzzy Box Records.
++ I wrote about Peatmos in the blog some time ago. Would love to talk about that band in detail later on, but what would you say were the main differences and similarities between Peatmos and Pervenche?
Peatmos is a Lo-Fi acoustic folk group. Pervenche is a more band sound.
Manami is a Peatmos vocalist and Masako is a Pervenche vocalist. The characteristics of the voice are different.
++ What about the other members?
The sound of Peatmos was made by me and Kotaro of Kactus. The vocal is Manami.
The first members of Pervenche
Vocal: Masako Kato (currently Masako Nagai)
Guitar: Masato Saito
Guitar: Michio Kawada
Base: Shintaro Kiyonari
Drum: Hiroshi Nagai
++ Where were you from originally?
I’m from Hokkaido. Masako and Hiroshi are from Tokyo. Michio is from Shikoku. Shintaro is from Kyushu. We gathered in Tokyo from the northern and southern ends of Japan.
Masako is a friend of Manami. Michio and Shintaro are seniors of Kactus bassist Julia. The two are members of the band Smiley. Hiroshi is a friend of smiley.
++ How was Tokyo at the time of Pervenche? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?
There were a lot of young fresh bands, but I had nothing to do with them.
My favorite was a band that was pop but had an introverted feel and wasn’t macho. Guitar pop includes Lucy Van Pelt (now Advantage Lucy), Drum Solo (now Sweet Vibration), and Apartment Star. Other than Tokyo, 800 cherries, Red Go-Cart, etc.
Record stores include Some of Us, Warsaw, Vinyl Japan, Rough Trade, Maximum Joy, Apple Crumble, and Lynus Records. The venues are Shinjuku Jam, Koenji UFO Club, Shimokitazawa QUE, Shibuya Nest, etc.
++ During your time there were many great Japanese bands, so I wonder if you have any recommendations for obscure bands that didn’t get a chance to make it?
We hope all the bands will enjoy it.
++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?
The recruitment of members has been published in a music magazine.
The important thing is that we have a common taste in music.
But it’s more important to be able to empathize with your feelings about music.
++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?
I write songs in my room using the guitar.
Repeat the same sounds, rhythms, inspirations and simple melodies.
The moment the song is completed. I feel that this song already existed.
Masako imagines the lyrics from the melody of my demo. We make lyrics in English. Why? Only the Buddha knows.
The band practiced at a local rehearsal studio. We don’t use drum sets. Only floor toms and snares. Also, an old and noisy guitar amp in the studio. Oh, I wish it wasn’t a jazz chorus.
++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?
Not masculine. Inspiration from nature, bluish colors, a word.
++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?
The Velvet Underground 、Beat Happning、Young Marble Giants。
++ The band started in 1995 but you didn’t release your album until 2001. I was wondering between these years, did you release anything? Maybe demo tapes?
At that time, I was devoted to Kactus. I was a Kactus drummer. And I was a recording engineer at Kactus. I practiced drums for the first time for Kactus. Every night after work. Before becoming Pervenche. To be precise, Peatmos since 1995 and Pervenche since 1997. Peatmos cassette tape, 7 inches from Sonorama Records, and the compilation “Pop Jingu”. After that, I started recording Pervenche.
The current members are
Vocal: Masako Nagai
Guitar and vocals: Masato Saito
Guitar: Masayuki Takahashi
Percussion and Bass: Hiroshi Nagai
++ You surely appeared on the CD compilation “6661” that came with Beikoku-Ongaku magazine during that time. This was the most important Japanese magazine for music fans then. How did you end up contributing with them?
I remember that Asako Koide introduced me.
++ Speaking of compilations, you appeared on a compilation that was part of The Lucksmiths Japanese tour. Did you play with them during these tour? Many nights? How was that experience?
They were great. Of course playing! They brought us a happy time. A big gin bottle in the backpack!
++ As I was saying your album came out in 2001. It was called “Subtle Song” and was released by Clover Records. You already had a relationship with Clover, right? How did that start? And how do you like working with this label?
Clover Records was started by myself as a hand-copied cassette tape label. After that, I started to release CDs. Recently I have been inactive.
++ Was there any interest from any other labels?
Not at all.
++ The album was recorded and mixed by Akifumi Ikeda from the band Feed. How was that experience? How was Studio Uen?
Akifumi was an experienced and talented musician. He was patiently involved in our immature performance. UEN is a rehearsal studio near our house. We had our own microphone and recorder.
++ Did you have much experience at recording studios? How do you remember the recording sessions? What was for drinking? Beer? And for food?
We have no experience in professional recording studios. Everything is DIY and home recording. Lots of beer after recording!
++ A song in the album is titled “Snufkin”. Of course, you were Moomin fans? Is that your favourite character?
Yes. Of course I love it. In Japan, TV animation is more famous than the original.
++ You also worked with the great Bart Cummings of The Cat’s Miaow on a song called “Ano Neko”. How was working with him?
I and Masako loved their 7 inches. A simple and accurate ensemble with a necessary and sufficient melody in a short song. And an unobtrusive but wonderful experimental spirit!
When Bart Cummings came to Japan and played live with us, he played the guitar in Akifumi’s room.
++ Another song I want to ask about, is the wonderful cover of The Field Mice’s “September’s Not So Far Away”. Is that your fave Field Mice song? What other covers did you use to do?
Of course, it’s our favorite song!
When Masako went on a trip to England, she visited Sarah Records and stayed in their room. She is a big fan of Sarah Records. She has a complete collection of 7 inches. We contacted them for their consent when recording “September’s Not So Far Away”.
Other covers include “Ride Into The Sun” by The Velvet Underground and “Death of a Disco Dancer” by The Smiths. etc.
++ The artwork is really nice, done by Masako. What was the idea behind this pretty illustrations?
That is Masako’s creation, so it’s my guess.
British sensations, loneliness and healing, empathy for sadness and tenderness, they may be the same as the existence of a cat.
++ Then you would appear on a compilation in Australia, “Songs for Nao”. How did your music ended so far away?
Guy Blackman of Chapter Music stayed at Michio’s house for several months. During that period, he, Pervenche, and Smiley played together. And after returning to Australia, he invited us to his compilation. I’m glad he invited me to a great compilation.
++ And how come there were no more releases by the band at the time? No singles, no EPs?
We recorded our second album but didn’t release it. Some songs were satisfying. However, I didn’t have enough songs to satisfy. The reason is that at that time the band was no longer united.
++ Are there more recordings by the band? Unreleased tracks?
There is no recording by the band, but there is a sound source for home recording with me and Masako. This is a cover of “Not Like I Was Doing Anything” by The Cat ’s Miaow. This was recorded at the invitation of their cover compilation project, but it wasn’t released.
++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Picnic”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?
This is the first song that made me happy. Simple, easy-to-remember, easy code that anyone can play. A crossover of British post-punk, Simon & Garfunkel, and Japanese nursery rhymes. The Lucksmiths also liked this song. The lyrics were created by Manami of Peatmos.
++ If you were to choose your favorite Pervenche song, which one would that be and why?
“Out of the room”. The end of a long journey, the bitterness of life, a little melody. That’s enough.
++ What about gigs? Did you play many?
We planned an event every month. However, the performance did not improve. But that is a fun memory.
++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?
This is an event planned by the record shop “Some of Us”. Their event was very cool with hardcore fans of post-rock and emo. Our performance wasn’t powerful, but we heard people from the audience saying, “The song is cool.” I’m happy with that.
++ And were there any bad ones?
There is one audience.
++ When and why did Pervenche stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?
What each member wants to do is different. My work has become busy. The members returned to their hometown. I like home recording better than bands.
++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?
Michio is working solo as Smiley.
++ But now you are recording a new album, right? How did this reunion happen after 20 years of the first album?
2010. I recorded with Masayuki Takahashi. Masayuki was a member of 800 cherries.
We recorded with just two guitars and my song. It was very good, but I didn’t release it. Eight master tracks are sleeping.
October 9, 2016, Sendai. Red Go-Cart and Masako planned “Melody Cat Vol.1”.
There, I was impressed with the performance of Red Go-Cart. Pure and powerful performance! And a good song. Switched on! Pervenche will restart. We welcomed Masayuki as a guitarist.
++ Tell us a bit about this new album. Do you have a name yet? How many songs? Will the sound change a bit? Who will release it?
“Quite Small Happiness”
Contains 12 songs. Re-recorded 3 songs from 1st album, 7 new songs, cover of Bob Dylan and Peter Ivers. It’s darker than the 1st, but it’s getting warmer. We are planning to release a cassette tape from Galaxy Train and a CD from Clover Records. We do not contact overseas labels.
++ And so far, for Pervenche, was there any interest from the radio? TV?
Not at all.
++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?
20 years ago. Beikoku Ongaku.
And the cookie scene! Hidetsugu Ito posted an interview with Pervenche. I am grateful. Several other music magazines have also taken care of me.
For now, I don’t think any media outlet knows us.
++ What about fanzines?
At that time, many zines cared about us. I appreciate it very much.
Unfortunately, there is no current connection with ZIN. Some people may be interested.
++ Looking back in retrospect, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?
1998 France tour.
Interacting with European streets, indie music bands, fans, and the general public is a precious memory.
++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?
I grow cactus plants and Air plants. It overflows on the balcony.
++ Never been to Toky so I would ask a native about it, what are your recommendations. I want to know what would you suggest doing there, like what are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?
Take a walk through the Yanaka area where the old town remains, Kanda’s musical instrument district, yakitori at the standing bar, and sake.
++ Anything else you’d like to add?
We will be happy if our music reaches your ears sometime and somewhere. Thank you for giving me this valuable opportunity.
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Listen
Pervenche – Picnic
