DMBQ formed around 1988 in Sapporo. In 1990 they moved to Tokyo and soon acquired a solid following that still grows to this day.
In 1995 they released their first album. Since 1995 DMBQ has lead a prolific recording career; releasing a total of 8 albums as of 2004.
In 2001 DMBQ released their first remix album featuring the likes of Buffalo Daughter and EYE of the Boredoms.
With 14 years under their belts they are true veterans of the Tokyo underground noise/garage scene.
When I met DMBQ in June of 2004 they had just kicked off another U.S. tour at the Hemlock Tavern(SF, CA). The live show was a non stop free
jam-dynamic and multilayered.
It was loud psychedelic guitar driven rock that had the audience transfixed and beaming. DMBQ has an incredible stage presence that transcends
language and culture.
They know what they are doing and they look damn cool doing it.
As the show reached its climax Matsui handed his guitar off to an audience member and proceeded to dismantle China Mana's drum kit.
The entire kit was dumped into the audience. One would guess that this should end the show. Nope. Without missing a beat China Mana
climbed through the wall of fans to get to her drum kit and continued to play.
Shinji Masuko Guitar/Vocals
Toru Matsui Guitar
China Mana Drums
Ryuichi Watanabe Bass
* * * * * *
KM: How did all of you meet and how was "DMBQ" formed?
Shinji: I formed this band at my home town, Sapporo. Then I moved to Tokyo in the early
90's and looked for new members. The present members were gathered gradually
from the Tokyo underground scene. We were the existence which can belong
nowhere completely.
KM: How did you come up with the name "DMBQ"?
Shinji: It has no meaning basically. I made the band members gather their favorite
letters of the alphabet and applied the word to it. Guitarist=D, Bassist=M, Drums=B, and
me=Q. Then, I applied D= Dynamite M=Masters B=Blues Q=Quartet. This is the
image of a third-rate country band.
KM: Are all of you the original members?
Shinji: No, only me.
KM: Can you tell us a little about DMBQ's creative process?
Shinji: ...
1. Sound a guitar with the loudest possible sound.
2. Push the Rec button and close the ears, and leave there.
3. The storm of feedback...about 10 min.
4. Here is a new song!
KM: Do you have any kind of philosophy behind your music?
Shinji: No, I don't have it!
KM: Do any of you have formal musical training?
Shinji: Noway... just listening to records.
KM: What are some of your musical interests and influences?
Shinji: 60's and 70's rock, Noise music, Free Jazz, and 80's hits.
KM: How long did it take you to record your last album?
Shinji: About 2 weeks or less.
KM: When are you recording your next album?
Shinji: Right now!
KM: You just toured America. How did that go?
Shinji: It was really fun and very worthy. We could see so many nice people and
could see so many good audiences. We love to play in the U.S. very much.
KM: How have your previous tours gone?
Shinji: Yeah, it was nice! We're always having a really good time in the U.S..
KM: Have you had any strange experiences on tour?
Shinji: I met this would-be Rolling Stones's ex-manager in Washington DC. He was a
homeless black guy, and he told me "I have a yahoo.com email account!"
KM: How have you been received so far on tour?
Shinji: Ummm, i think it is nice... I am not sure.
KM: How would you describe one of your live shows to someone who has never been to one?
Shinji: Our live show is effective against constipation or stomach reclining.
KM: Towards the end of your show at the Hemlock Tavern you really went wild
and the drum kit ended out in the audience. Is that a normal show for you?
Shinji: Yes. I love to make a drum tower and kick it. I recommend all the bands
should carry out like this. It makes anyone understand the end of show.
KM: What other bands do you recommend for people who like your music?
Shinji: The records for $3 or less. If you couldn't find your favorite, try reverse
playing, change the rpm, play 2 or more records simultaneously...etc.
KM: Do you have any advice for young musicians trying to break the scene?
Shinji: Before beginning a band, you should know how the "cool" thing is "cheesy"
thing.
KM: What are your hobbies?
Shinji: Restore the old motorcycles.
An interview with Shinji of DMBQ by Keith Martin
Photography: Keith Martin
