Notes

TarO&JirO is a duet grouf of brothers (Kimitaro Fukae) and his younger one (Tomojiro Fukae) who plays instrumental music using guitar and bass. This will be they second time they perform in Indonesia on the same gig, JMusicLAB 2014.

popinasia had an exclusive chance to interview both. TarO&JirO told us about their experiences of having a live performane in Europe and their collaboration with Indonesia's local band.

Q: This is your second time in Indonesia, is there any special preparation for the fans here?
A: (TARO) We'll have a collaboration with Indonesian band, Pee Wee Gaskins.

Q: Can you tell us about that?
A: (TARO) Pee Wee Gaskins invited and told us they wanna play with us.

Q: What is Indonesian food that you like, and other things about Indonesia?
A: (JIRO) Fried Rice! (TARO) Among asian countries, Indonesia is the one with the highest enthusiasm about rock music.

Q: Is there any difference about playing as a band and as a duo?
A: (JIRO) Playing music as a duo is much easier, since we have the same taste and eaasier o play as one.

Q: You guys performed in many countries especially Europe, is there any special memories?
A: (TARO) Actually we came to Europe to learn, and as we learnt we also expanded our music and also performing on streets. The culture difference was also huge when we first came to Europe.

Q: You've spread your wings to England, is there any British music who inspired you?
A: (TARO) We did reached England, ut our inspiration mostly came from American bands.

Q: What kind of music you offer to the market?
A: (TARO&JIRO) We are mixing funk, j-pop, grunge, and folk, and therefore tarojirock!

Q: You were in one stage with Steve Vai, SteveMorse, and Joe Satriani. How did you feel?
A: (TARO) Actually we had no idea we would share stage with them. But of course, their techniques are very good.

Q: Favorite musician?
A: (TARO) Nirvana! (JIRO) Red Hot Chilli Pepers's bassist

Q: You performed on streets quite often, can you tell the differences about playing on street and on a big stage?
A: (JIRO) On street, we have to make people attracted to the music that we played. But on stage, the people watching are the people who attracted to our music.

Q: Any suggestion for beginner musicians?
A: (TARO) Make a band of four, haha! Play music that's fun and you like.

Q: How is the people in England and Japan respond to your music?
A: (TARO) No particular difference, people easpecially the fans like the music we play

Q: Your favorite song from the previous singles and albums, and why?
A: (TARO) The Single "Piranha" who will be released at the end of this year is our favorite.

Q: Any concept you wnna try?
A: (JIRO) I wanna try playing Shamisen (TARO) I wanna keep expanding tarojirock!

Q: Is there anything you wanna do beside playing music?
A: (TARO) Travelling the world while painting (JIRO) Making my own city

Q: WHat's your opinion on JMusicLAB?
A: (JIRO) Very cool, we hope that this kind of events will be held more often.