Interview: Jpop magazine May 2007

Posted by Yuka as Famous, Japan

Hailing from Osaka, Rice Powered Teens are a five piece poppy band headed by two characteristically cute female vocalists, Aiko (lead vocals) and Chika (vocals).

“Our influence from 80’s Japanese pop music but we make it and blend it with now popular recent music. This has created a new sound which suits Rice Powered Teens and is very unique individual to us.” And a quick listen to one of their songs or a live gig will prove it! On one hand it’s the usual fun pop fluffy stuff, not that far away from your average Japanese band. While on the other hand, it has that modern Japanese vocal sound that’s oh so catchy. It’s almost like Britney but on speed and with hair.”

“We have a Japanese fun style” the lead vocalist Aiko tells us. By looking at their line-up, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart from the usual other bands. They have one lead vocal, one other vocalist, one drummer, one guitarist and one bassist. But look a little closer and you’ll find they’re a bit more unusual and much more attractive! It’s like a good looking people convention.

Chika for instance, in many of the songs sings very cute shoo-boop shoo bop filler type sounds. But instead of giving it that obvious cheap sound, it works on a bit more of a cuter level, accompanying the vocals and melodies rather then clashing with them. Then there’s Aiko’s childhood training in traditional Japanese instruments, the Koto and Shamisen, which no doubt contributes to the traditional Japanese vocal style of the band.

The band formed back in 2003 back in their hometown of Osaka, “We started off busking in Osaka and play some song at school. At that time, it was quite an experience as we were very young and no have much experience” Aiko recalls in her stilted English. “Of course we very happy lots that people gathered to listen to us play and at party.”

Now self released due to personal wealth and their growing fame and their desire to stay independent, they’ve had a multitude of successful releases, and are constantly ouring the world to satisfy the fans with their unique Jpop sound.

“The America tour was our first tour abroad. I many happy because the audience like our music a lot. I realised there that RPT’s music is understood regardless of my bad English and in all countries and by all national.” Chika explains. “It was make fun because we find Japanese music is created for a younger cooler generation, then with American music, when we play our first gig in America, everyone just seemed to get into it straight away and go crazy. They were really friendly, it was lot of fun.” She giggles in her breathless way.

Only a couple of hours before performing their first gig in London, they start to chat a little about the city. “I like much London” says Aiko. “It’s my third time visiting here. Before it was just sightseeing though and with my school. I so excited now because finally I can do live concert in one my favourite city, here in London.”

“Are you really excited?” questions Chika, and Aiko replies with a little giggle. “Oh yes me so excited I no sleep last night and oh so tired now! I will enjoy playing here.”

Coming all the way from Japan and with stilted English between them, I thought that they must have found it quite surprising and even a little over whelming how many western fans were interested in Japanese music. “Umm, I don’t know if there were that many old people at our gigs, but it really happy that there are many of people that like Japanese music, especially RPT” says Chika. ” It makes me really much smile. I’m not sure they understand unique Japanese, but we sure that they like us and our music and enjoy them listen.”

Just before we ended our interview, I asked if they had any messages to their fans:

Chika: I like you to come and enjoy our live performance. See you there!

Aiko: I would like to play in Rice Powered Teens until the age of 80. Please support us until you die!

We would like to thank JPop mgazine for their kind permission in reprinting this. Interview conducted May 2007 by Roger Chan.