background img

Interview: Japanther is stoked about what the internet is doing for the human race

Japanther

Japanther’s been around for more than a decade now, but that hasn’t slowed down their output or their sound — and why should it? From the beginning, Ian Vanek and Matt Reilly have crafted hooky lo-fi punk that will either make you smile or run around kicking shit, or both, unabashedly. On the recently released Instant Money Magic, Japanther continues their run as sample-heavy punks while maintaining their get shit done (“Do It (Don’t Try)) and fall in love (“All We Got Is Each Other”) attitude throughout, or as Vanek likes to call it, “the glass is 60% full.” Read more about Instant Money Magic, Vanek’s thoughts on artists and dissent, and how you should listen to the new record below.

From listening to your music one would assume you are optimists. Is that an accurate assumption?

Yes! I like to say the glass is 60% full. Hope that catches on…

Ian, I’ve read you’re really into cultural phenomenons. Which one are you most interested in right now?

FUUCK, Maybe that film 12 O’Clock Boys. Graffiti is always high on my list. Drill Music, the demoscene… shit is going down creatively. So stoked about what the internet is doing for the human race.

I was at your Crossing Brooklyn Ferry show at BAM and you made some comments that were along the lines of “Fuck Obama” or something similar. It was interesting to hear you say that in a crowd of mostly white, middle class, (presumably) liberals that all seemed either mildly amused or taken aback by that. How did you perceive that reaction and what drew you to say that then?

Dissent is important among artist[s]. I for one was completely disappointed by our current administration’s lack of action on the anti war front. Especially after being so vocal during election time. I saw a window to speak to liberal woman in their 50’s and I took it. Opened up some nice conversation too. So mission accomplished. My on stage persona is a fuckin’ jerk.

What do you hope people get out of your music?

A sense of togetherness. Interesting guidance from shamans deep in a trance.

How do you feel about the current state of the music industry and the art world considering you’re involved in both?

Fuck, I dunno, It’s great, 60% full right? We’ve been lucky enough to sell our songs to HBO and Grand Theft and things like that time and time again. So we are one of the lucky ones. The fucked ones? That seems like a choice they make to explore that side of creativity. The blues…I think it’s really important to see curves coming and make the change before it makes you.

What details can you give us on Instant Money Magic?

It’s our best record yet. A classic to blast in your car and at your graffiti picnics.

Random story: I discovered you guys in like 2009 in Flagstaff, AZ when I walked into a show at a strip club/venue there and the kid who was DJing was playing “I-10.” Anyway, we became friends after that show so thanks for the music and the friendship!

Flag is a special place! Funny story. We recorded our record Yer Living Grave there and a couple singles. Love those Casebeer brothers!

Japanther’s Instant Money Magic is available for purchase here.

Japanther
Facebook
Twitter

Interview by Alex Martinez. Follow her on Twitter @xxalexm.



Other articles you may like

Leave a Comment