Morning Glory
Interview by Kathy Chee
January 10, 2010
Since 2003, MORNING GLORY has been telling stories with pop-punk finesse. Honest problems meets honest music that might not have been able to grow in Tokyo, but flourishes in their home-base of Nagoya.
How has your musical style changed since you first formed the band in 2003?
RIMINA (guitar, vocals): I’ve never tried to change intentionally, but I think it’s become more pop because I started to try to make music that the listeners would remember.
KANAKO (bass, chorus): In the beginning, I just tried to make music that sounded cool and made me feel good. That was it! (laugh) Now, I think about how I can make a certain part better or what I can do with the rest in order to make the whole thing sound cool.
How do you feel being female affects your performance as a punk musician?
RIMINA: I think that males and females each have a different attraction or charm and that there’s no pro or con. I’m just me. I’m not sure if my female aspects affect my performance.
KANAKO: Hmm. Since there are not many female punk bands in Japan, I’d like to be the one and the only.
What is the meaning of the name “MORNING GLORY”? Why did you choose this name?
RIMINA: When our first live was scheduled, they asked our band name. That’s when I realized that we need a name! Our former drummer came up with MORNING GLORY. I didn’t know the meaning of it, but we decided on that because of how it sounded.
KANAKO: It was a quick decision because each word sounded cool.
RIMINA: Later, I found out that it’s a flower, morning glory, and I thought that’s great because it’s fresh.
You wrote a song for the Gifu soccer team FC GIFU. If Rimina or Kanako played soccer against each other, who would win?
RIMINA: Kanako, because she’s athletic!
KANAKO: Of course, I would!
RIMINA: You have to kick the ball while you’re running, right? It’s just impossible! (laugh)
Morning Glory – Remember (MV)
Why do you choose to include English in some of your lyrics?
RIMINA: I’ve listened to foreign music since I was a child, because of my father. It was natural for me to use English when I started the band. Now any language can be mixed. (laugh)
KANAKO: I naturally choose English, because all the music I like and listen to is in English.
In your live show, you perform a punk version of “Puff The Magic Dragon.” Why did you record this folk song?
RIMINA: The biggest reason is simply because I like it. Also I thought it’d be more interesting because of the contrast of style.
KANAKO: It was Rimina’s idea and it turned out to be exciting. It’s become a -must- during our live shows now.
How do you feel when you see your fans form a mosh pit to dance to your music?
RIMINA: I think some people like it and others don’t, but I can easily see that they are having fun and it lets me have fun too. But sometimes I worry if they get hurt. (laugh)
KANAKO: I’m worried too! But I’m glad because it shows that they are enjoying our music 100%.
What’s the difference between the live-house audiences in Tokyo compared to Gifu/Nagoya?
RIMINA: Gifu is our home and Nagoya is our home-base as musicians, so of course more people know about MORNING GLORY there than in Tokyo. But the audience is the same. They are all friendly and warm.
KANAKO: Since we have less live shows in Tokyo than in Nagoya, I think the fans in Tokyo look forward to the shows even more.
What places or activities give you creative ideas?
RIMINA: I read books, watch movies, or play RPG games to feel everything from happiness to sadness. I also go for a walk to feel the season.
KANAKO: I make time just for myself to relax or look at my favorite photo books.
What is the meaning of the video for “Remember?”
RIMINA: The lyrics of “Remember” include feelings of confusion and insecurity. I think it starts with realizing those feelings yourself before you can do anything about them. In the video, it is a story of a family where each member expresses unclear feelings and then starts to become a happy family.
KANAKO: For me, the message is to re-examine myself, rejuvenate, and smile.
There are so many indies bands in Japan. What is your strategy for finding new fans and sticking out from the crowd?
RIMINA: Please tell me how! (laugh) The objective plus strategy of MORNING GLORY is just to make good music and have fun shows!
KANAKO: I just think about making really cool music.
What books or movies do you like?
RIMINA: I don’t really like stories where everything goes well in the end, though it feels good at the time. I like stories that leave me with sad, painful or confused feelings. Even if it’s a fantasy, that’s more realistic. Also, I love animation movies!
KANAKO: I really like fantasies.
Please tell us about your next release.
KANAKO: It’s a MORNING GLORY-style collection of cover songs.
RIMINA: MORNING GLORY will take all of you on a music tour! It is a super fun cover album. It’s a surprise where we’ll take you.
Official MORNING GLORY Website – http://www.morningglory.jp/
Originally published by purple SKY magazine.
Morning Glory Homepage: http://morninggloryjapan.com
Morning Glory Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorningGloryJAP
