The Suzan Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 10th 2010 10:30AM by Tim K Harlow
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The Suzan are a Japanese riot-girl band featuring sisters Rie [keyboards and vocals] and Saori [guitar and vocals], along with friends Nico and Ikue. The band plays a wildly infectious pop sound mixing guitars and looping organs and jungle-jazz dance beats. The band toured extensively throughout Europe and the UK before coming to the attention of Sweden's Peter, Bjorn and John. Bjorn recently produced the band's upcoming record, which is to be released in July. The Suzan recently returned to Japan after a three-month trip to New York City. Spinner interviewed the group about their sound and their first trip to Texas, in anticipation of SXSW.

How did the band start?

We started in Tokyo in the summer of 2004. Rie and Saori started making tracks at home in 2003. We weren't planning on playing any gigs, but then we got a record contract and the label said we needed to play some gigs. So we got our friends together [Nico and Ikue] and started the Suzan.

How did the band decide on the name the Suzan? What is the meaning of the name?

The name of the band came from the sisters' nickname, which is a family name.

Could you describe the sound of the band?

It is really hard to categorize or describe our music, but we could say its catchy pop involving rock, dance, jazz and soul.

What musicians or bands inspired you?

Peter Bjorn and John and the Go! Team are really good friends, and they have given us lots of good advice. The Go! Team mixes old school hip-hop with sampling that makes for an interesting sound. We also like the style and attitude of Chicks On Speed. They also make their own costumes. We also like the music of Au Revoir Simone. We have played with them before and they are nice girls.

How did you enjoy your trip to New York? Was this your first visit?

Actually, we had been to New York before a few years ago. We played then at the Knitting Factory and CBGB. This time, we stayed for three months. The audience was so enthusiastic, which made us feel great and gave us confidence. We also enjoyed living in Brooklyn. We loved walking across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan.

How does it make you feel when you play somewhere far from home and the audience is familiar with your music thanks to the Internet?

We believe it is great! It makes the gigs more enjoyable if the audience knows your music. It also proves that it doesn't matter where you are from -- if you play good music then you will have a chance to go far.

Are you looking forward to your first trip to Texas?

Yes, very much! We have never been to Texas or played at any big festival in the U.S., so we are very excited.

Could you tell me about the new record that is going to be released?

Our next record will be released in the July in the US. It's highly diverse and is going be a great record.

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