Where are you from and when did you get started?
We are mostly from Tokyo, Japan. We started this band late 80s.
Cleanhead Gimura called up few of us and started Tokyo Ska.
His idea was to start a ska band yet combining ska music with what was happening in the Tokyo music scene then.
We were very underground when we first started.
Who are you and who does what in the band?
I’m Atsushi Yanaka and I play baritone sax. I’m one of the original members.
NARGO: Trumpet
Masahiko Kitahara: Trombone
GAMO:Tenor Sax
Atsushi Yanaka: Baritone Sax
Takashi Kato: Guitar
Tsuyoshi Kawakami : Bass
Yuichi Oki: Keyboards
Hajime Omori: Percussion
Kin-ichi Motegi: Drums
How would you best describe the sound?
We name the genre of our music, “Tokyo Ska”
Based on Ska beat, we play rock, jazz, punk, soul to any genre of music.
The band members all came from different background, some are jazz musicians, one came from a rock band, one from a dub band, one guy is an expert on Frankk Zapp and some are total authentic ska freak. We fuse all kinds of influences into our music. It is hard to describe our sound.
Dream rock moment (real or not)?
We love the moments to witness our audience with only smile on their faces during our show. We are totally united with music.
We have been saying “Paradise Has No Border” as in the title of our song or of the album we are releasing.
Looking at everyone’s faces from the stage, we are convinced that there are no borders when you are all united with music.
Everyone is happy. That’s our dream to see people smiling all over the world just like we see in the concert venues.
Still got day jobs?
No. Some members have different side bands.
Any regrets?
Don’t think so. Our motto is live 100% today. You may not have tomorrow (who knows!) so enjoy today and do everything you can do today with 100% of your energy!
Find out more: http://www.tokyoska.net/
