In a previous interview, we invited the three membersâKaoru, Kodai, and Taikiâto discuss their new studio album, which unexpectedly shares the same title as their debut release, ããŦã·ãģããĐã ããŊãĐããļãããã (Welcome to Helsinki Lambda Club) for the fact that they will be traveling to Thailand to perform as artists, with not just one but two consecutive shows!
In this interview, the band reveals their songwriting secrets, their love for dub and reggae, their admiration for Chandler Bing from the sitcom Friends, and their excitement about bringing their signature fun-filled styles of music experience to Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
Speaking of your latest album âWelcome to Helsinki Lambda Clubâ in a previous interview with us. You mentioned that most of the music in the album gives a fun and lively atmosphere. However, the lyrics tell stories of lifeâs pain, the strangeness of the world, and feelings of alienation from society. What helped you overcome those difficult situations?
Kaoru Hashimoto: I feel that the presence of friends and close, important people, as well as the connections I share with them, have been my greatest support. As long as Iâm surrounded by such wonderful people, I believe my own situation and mindset wonât take a negative turn. By encouraging one another, Iâm hopeful that we can all achieve our own goals or, at the very least, maintain happiness within our immediate surroundings.
Although Helsinki Lambda Clubâs music is categorized as alternative rock and modern indie pop, but, the bandâs work reflects a wide variety of influences from each member, ranging from new wave, psychedelic, surf rock, acid jazz, to black music. Weâd like to know â what are your tips or personal approach to songwriting in your unique style? And do you think itâs necessary for artists to listen to a lot of music?
Kaoru Hashimoto: I fully understand the beauty of mastering one thing, but over the years, Iâve come to realize that my natural tendency is to be interested in all sorts of things and want to try my hand at them. For me, absorbing all kinds of music and culture is essential, though I donât think this applies to every musician. I believe that what truly matters isnât the quantity of what you explore but rather how deeply you engage with and connect to the essence of what inspires you.
When it comes to my songwriting approach, even if Iâm inspired by a specific track, my focus isnât on tracing its phrases or melodies. Instead, I try to capture its abstract elementsâits mood, its mindset, its “temperature.” If I have any particular talent, it would be my ability to combine different things. So, I often enjoy thinking about unique combinations and channeling that process into creating music.
Kodai Inaba: I often hum a lot of ideas and record them in voice memos, then transcribe the ones that seem good. Recently, Iâve been making more demos using Logic and other DAWs, so Iâve been creating multiple patterns and refining them. I listen to a wide range of music across genres because I believe that any good song can offer inspiration for my own songwriting. It also influences my playing, so I think itâs a great thing for artists to listen to a lot of music.
Taiki Kumagai: When coming up with guitar phrases or tones, I try not to listen to references too much because I feel like it can influence me and take away from the originality. In those moments, I think the more music youâve been listening to on a regular basis, the more naturally different ideas will come to you. Thatâs why I believe artists should listen to as much music as possible.
Hashimoto-san told us that his favorite song on this album was âChandler Bingâ. The song title makes us think of a character from the sitcom Friends. Have you guys ever watched it? Some aspects of the character might actually describe the bandâs personality well â a mix of humor and lightness, but also seriousness at times, using hanging out with friends as a way to escape pain while being empathetic toward others sometimes.Â
Kaoru Hashimoto: “Friends” is one of my favorite TV shows, and while all the characters are compelling, Chandler is the one I resonate with the most and like the best. Although he sadly passed away recently, I feel that Matthew Perry, who portrayed him, shared many aspects of his personality and struggles that I can relate to.
As you mentioned, I believe that those parts of him resonate not just with me personally, but also deeply with the mindset of this band. It’s through our weaknesses and struggles that we are truly human, and Iâm grateful that, like Chandler and myself, we have friends and important people who will stand by us when we have the courage to speak up.
Kodai Inaba: Actually, Iâve never watched “Friends”, and I donât know much about the plot, but I do think there are parts of this characterâs personality that really resonate with Helsinki Lambda Club. Thatâs because we value being serious while still having humor and focusing on enjoying the process.
Taiki Kumagai: I havenât seen it yet, but Iâd love to watch it if I get the chance.
Could you recommend Helsinki Lambda Clubâs song that gives an elated feel-good vibe in your true style?
Kaoru Hashimoto: How about “PIZZASHAKE” ? The vibe is upbeat and bright, with a tempo thatâs not too fast but groovy. No matter what mood you’re in, once you start moving your hips and dancing, I donât think youâll stay in a serious or downbeat state of mind.
Kodai Inaba: The song that personally lifts my spirits the most is “By My Wordsâ. It’s a magical track that makes my body move instinctively whenever I listen to it. Before I know it, I feel like going for a little walk. Give it a try, even if you’re skeptical. I guarantee it’ll get your body moving!
Taiki Kumagai: Listening to âMitsubishi Macchiatoâ while walking outside on a sunny day is sure to lift your mood without question!
As you guys who previously collaborated with FORD TRIO on the songs âãŠããŦãâ and âA Cold Breakâ. Are they any Thai artists or bands you would like to collaborate with in the near future?
Kaoru Hashimoto: There are so many artists in Thailand that I love and respect, so it’s hard to choose. Last year, I was deeply impressed by Soft Pine‘s live performance in Japan, so I would love to perform as Helsinki Lambda Club with them. I’ve also been a huge fan of YONLAPA for a long time, and I’ve seen their live shows both in Japan and in Chiang Mai.
Additionally, I really love reggae and dub, so it would be amazing to have artists like INLEGAL LASER, Srirajah Rockers, or Rootsman Creation do dub remixes for me.
Kodai Inaba: I think it would be so much fun to create a song together with YONLAPA and H3F.
Taiki Kumagai: I really like an artist called Numcha, and I listen to her music often. If the opportunity arises, Iâd love to collaborate with her.
So this is the first time for Helsinki Lambda Club as an artist to perform a solo concert in Thailand, both at âBlueprint Livehouseâ and also at âFolk Khang Wat 5â in Ayutthaya right? How do you feel about it? Did you prepare any special performances or setlists to surprise your Thai fans?
Kaoru Hashimoto: Iâve loved Thailand ever since I visited on a trip 10 years ago, and the kindness everyone showed me during the recording with Ford Trio has really stayed with me. Itâs a special country, so Iâm truly excited to finally perform there. Honestly, Iâm not sure how many people in Thailand know our music, but regardless of that, I hope to play a lot of songs that make people want to dance and create some kind of connection, even if just a small one. Iâm really looking forward to it.
Taiki Kumagai: Thailand is one of my favorite countries, and itâs the only country we’ve all traveled to together as a band, so Iâm really excited to perform there. There are a few songs that were inspired by Thailand, so weâre planning to include them in the setlist.
Kodai Inaba: About 10 years ago, I traveled to Thailand with Kaoru and Taiki, and the places we visited were Bangkok and Ayutthaya. It’s such an honor to have the chance to perform in those very places now.
We’re currently in the middle of a tour in Japan, so we’re planning to give it our all and play the polished songs we’ve been working on. It would mean so much to us if our fans in Thailand enjoy the show.
We’ll do our best! Let’s have a great time together!
In case you missed: ėĪëĶŽėđīęē Silica Gel: A Dive Deep Into Sound, Diversity, and Their Upcoming Show at Maho Rasop Festival.
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