Japanese Popstars – DazedDigital.com: Japanese Popstars: Destroy (PRESS, UK)

4 June 2010 dazeddigital.com n/a
NOTES:
Short interview with The Japanese Popstars about working with Jon Spencer on Destroy.

The article with photos and the complete music video can be viewed at the following address:
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Music/article/7673/1/The_Japanese_Popstars_Destroy

TEXT:
Some guys just look good what ever they do, and whenever. That’s the measurement of a true rock star. Point in case is the appearance of Jon Spencer from the Blues Explosion in the new video from The Japanese Popstars. Shot in black and white, Destroy features Spencer on an urban walkabout, looking very serious. But the hardcore attitude of the clip’s star is luckily matched by the thumping bass sound track from Declan McLaughlin, Gary Curran, and Gareth Donoghue AKA The Japanese Popstars. Dazed spoke to them about the collaboration and music in general….


– What is your new video all about?


The video is about Jon Spencer who seems very dragged down by society, he reminds me of something similar to Michael Douglas in the movie ‘Falling Down’ and as the video moves on, he starts to see random ‘strange things’ in the world around him. It’s all very B-movie and we think it looks extremely cool. Jon is an absolute legend and from the video, plays a great character too!


– What was it like working with Jon Spencer?


He was a gentleman. When we sent him over the track idea we mistakenly labelled it ‘Destroy Jon Spencer’, which must have set the whole premise and tone of what he produced! He went into the studio with his guitar and basically knocked out the track first go WITH loads of extra guitar hooks and riffs. He actually gave us so much more material to work with that just didn’t make the edit of the track because of the layout. We’ve been so lucky and honored to have him on one of our tracks…especially ‘Destroy’ – no one else could have done what he did.


– WHAT’S…


…so special about you, then?


Aren’t we all special?


…the story behind your name?


Westlife and Boyzone were already taken and ‘The Irish Popstars’ just doesn’t have the same ring to it…


…the world coming to?


Some say its coming to 2012. Only two years left, apparently.


…your worst fashion secret?


I once owned a bandana and actually wore it out in public once. But does it count as bad if it was back in 1992? I’m still ashamed…


…your favourite website?


Awkward Family Photos – People seem to post the worst pictures of their families in the most compromising positions. Quite funny and also disturbing at times. Great to past a few hours.


…did you dream about last night?


I had a dream about touring the USA with Deadmau5 and I kept calling him ‘Alvin’ accidentally, which was pissing him off. I then was on the set of a movie with Christian Bale and Abraham Lincoln giving them sandwiches and diluted orange juice when they had breaks from filming but the kept asking for more ice. Bizarre.


…at the top of your shit list?


I can’t say I really have a top ‘shit list’, to be honest. I tend to stay away from things that annoy me, which stops me from being too shallow.


…are you listening to now?


Blur’s ‘Parklife’ and Kasabian’s first album. I normally only get a chance to listen to music properly when I’m driving, so these are the CD’s on rotation in the car, at the minute.