Tetsuji Kasuya of Yogee New Waves talks about fishing, music, and Gramichi. | feature

In this day and age, there must be something we can do.

Do you find fishing a refreshing change of pace during the production of your first album in two years, which will be released in October?

I am so glad we had the fishing. Many things have been happening for a while, and I think everyone has been troubled and bitter. Like everyone else, I have said to myself hundreds of times, "I have to think about what I can do in these times. Fishing was the one thing that refreshed my mind and made me feel positive that there was no need to be rotten. I think it was fishing that kept me from getting into a negative loop.

How did you spend your time during the Corona Disaster?

Under the emergency declaration, we had a project called "Yog Paint," in which people were asked to color in our logo, we made a playlist of our favorite songs, and so on...each of these things helped us to get back into production mode. And I spent more time in touch with music. I faced the drums head-on, and I feel that continues to this day.

Was it a time to nurture yourself?

Before, I used to do a lot of output, but after the Corona disaster, I spent a lot of time on input. I dug up videos, studied African rhythms...I went back to the basics of rhythm with the intention of putting it in from scratch again. Because I was worried that I might not be able to meet the members as it was, I started bringing microphones and computers into the studio to record sounds by myself, and I was also actively posting my own drum videos on social networking sites. I believe that there are things that I would not have been able to do or realize if nothing had happened.

Are there any new challenges you would like to take on?

I feel the expansion and possibilities. However, it is not easy to produce the sound in my head. I get frustrated when I can't get it just the way I want it, and that's what's troubling and interesting right now. I am very much looking forward to the tour to see how I can bring out the sound I have in my head from now on.

Your 1st to 3rd albums are also known as the island trilogy. What is the highlight of "WINDORGAN"?

This album is a "return to the city. Before the period of self-restraint, I absorbed a lot from my travels, and now I am yearning for the city and its people in the midst of the times. This album is filled with my current feelings.

What is the song "windorgan," which is included in the album and is also the name of the album?

This song was the last song that vocalist Kengo wrote. I think the appearance of the album has changed with the inclusion of this important song between "Ashita Tenki Nare" and "Toromi days feat. Kuo (Ochibi Sunset Rollercoaster).

Are there any songs that have a deep personal attachment to you?

JUST." This may sound strange, but the song is strangely tranquil. The drums were actually recorded with such a tone, but the lyrics are introspective and direct. The members put a lot of effort and time into this song.

You completed the album in the midst of difficult times.

I think we spent more time and energy on this album than any other album we have ever produced. During this pandemic, there were changes in our feelings about the music, and there were many discussions among the members. I hope everyone will listen to the album freely.