Tokyo Indie

Born out of the dimly lit, late-night watering holes which pepper the gay area of New York’s East Village, Scissor Sisters are a band which gave outrageously glam performances a much needed revival when they burst onto the scene back in 2001. Their success did not initially come in the States however, it was Great Britain and Australia who really fell in love with their larger than life performances. Since then they have sold out shows across the globe and have just released their fourth album, Magic Hour, which the band will be returning to Japan to showcase this September. Jake Shears, the band’s front man, had the time to talk to Tokyo Indie ahead of their shows here.

Jake, how does it feel to be heading back to Japan?

The band is virtually obsessed with Japan. It’s definitely one of our favorite places to play on earth. Baby Daddy loves Japanese art, I love Disney Sea, and the band loves our Japanese fans. 

What is your best memory of touring here so far?

Every show we play in Japan is always a blast. My personal favorite memories are of hanging with Nagi-Noda, who shot our video for Shes My Man in Tokyo. We became great friends and she was enormously talented. Sadly she passed away a few years ago. But I always think of her a lot when I’m there. 

How do you prepare for a live show? Do you have a pre-show routine?

Its pretty casual. Ana is usually doing her make up, Baby Daddy reading his Kindle, Del and I lift weights to pump up… And I usually run around hollering vocal warm ups. 

What’s the one thing on the Scissor Sisters rider you couldn’t do without?

Sugar free Red Bull!

What is the strangest rumor you have heard about yourself?

When we were first played on Radio One in the UK. Pete Tong actually said he heard we were a band of Japanese transsexuals. 

When you are not performing, how do you spend your time in Tokyo?

I always go straight to Disney Sea. Baby Daddy loves shopping in Shibuya.

Can we expect any surprises from the live show?

We usually surprise ourselves. I never have any idea what the hell is going on.

You have released 4 albums in 11 years, do you ever feel pressure to release more frequently?

Sometimes i wish we could release more music. But for us it really wouldn’t be humanly possible.  I think its important to try and give fans a break between records, so they are wanting more. 

You have written the score for a musical (Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City), how did it compare to writing Scissor Sisters material?

Its a very, very different beast. You have more flexibility in pop music. In a musical, every single word has to serve the story of the show. You can’t have any space to waste or indulge. 

Are there any other avenues in music you would like to explore?

Baby Daddy and I would love to score films.

Scissor Sisters play live in Tokyo on September 19th at Studio Coast and in Osaka on September 20th at Big Cat. For more information on their gigs and the new album, please visit the Smash website.

Words: Mark Birtles

Translation: Iona Nagata

September 3, 2012