eX-Girl formed in 1997 and have since gained a huge cult following. There is no proof that they have had any former and formal musical training.
However, after seeing their sold-out live performance at The Bottom of the Hill I am now a firm believer in Kero Kero Magic. I am convinced that Kirilola was telling me the truth when she told me that prior
to relocating to Tokyo they had rigorous training on their home planet "Planet Kero Kero" with the Frog King. This is a tight group.
eX-Girl's musical arrangements bombard the senses, spins you out of control, and then softly sets you back down. Leaving you with the only option of putting the album back on and taking another ride.
And that is just the recorded stuff. Take all of the complex arrangements that eX-Girl weaves then add three extraordinarily animated girls in fluorescent outfits topped with inflatable head gear.
eX-Girl puts on one of the best shows I have ever seen. I can't imagine that I will be so impressed again in the near future.
In addition to all of the sensory stimulation there is what seems to be a conscience. A message of community and even a
feeling of spirituality. In describing eX-Girl's latest album "Endangered Species" Kirilola states: "Our latest album
"Endangered Species" is a concept album. Its about how one's daily private life can be connected with the lives of all the
people in the world. Today-maybe everyone is endangered."
This year(2004) Kirilola has released a solo album with Renge. In Kirilola's words: "Renge is a healer". This album "Akasau" is minimalist and is compiled mostly of chanting and a few
traditional Japanese instruments. There are eight tracks. Seven of the eight tracks are designed to heal the seven Chakras of the body. The eighth is for the entire body.
From left to right;
Kirilola: Bass, Guitar, Vocals, Casio Tone, KORG synthesizer
Chapple: Drums, Vocals
Zorek: Guitar,Vocals
* * * * * *
KM: What part of Japan are you from?
Kirilola: We are from Planet Kero Kero but now we live in Tokyo.
KM: What part of Tokyo?
Kirilola: The middle middle of Tokyo.
KM: How did all of you meet and how was eX-Girl formed?
Kirilola: We met on Planet Kero Kero where the Frog King told us to make music. Kero Kero means "ribbet, ribbet." Like a frog.
KM: Are all of you the original members?
Kirilola: I am the only original member. Four other former members finished their mission with eX-Girl. Now they are sleeping tadpoles on Planet Kero Kero.
KM: Your music has some very interesting arrangements. Can you tell us a little about eX-Girls creative process?
Kirilola: We make new songs together with the Frog King.
KM: Do you have any kind of philosophy behind your music?
Kirilola: We are not afraid to mix strange ideas. We like strong contrasts.
KM: Do any of you have formal musical training?
Kirilola: We used to with the Frog on Planet Kero Kero. The teacher was very difficult.
KM: What are some of your musical interests and influences?
Kirilola: We are influinced by Kero magic. Hoppy Kamiyama gives us powerful vibrations for our music.
KM: Who is Hoppy Kamiyama?
Kirilola: He is our producer. The Frog King.
KM: Who else does Hoppy Kamiyama produce?
Kirilola: Recently Bill Laswell of Praxis...Pugs. Many bands from Major J-POP bands to the underground. He has an independent label-Kamiyama. Kamiyama means "God Mountain."
KM: How long did it take you to record Endangered Species?
Kirilola: I'm sorry. That is a secret.
KM: Oh. Well, when did you record your previous album?
Kirilola: 2 years ago.
KM: When are you recording your next album?
Kirilola: I'm sorry. That is a secret.
KM: Oh, that was the secret!
KM: How long did it take you to record Endangered Species?
Kirilola: Almost 2 years.
KM: What are your stops in America this tour?
Kirilola: Minneapolis, Chicago, Boston, New York, Chapel Hill, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Houston, Austin, Denver, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and LA.
KM: How was Kansas City?
Kirilola: We were very excited because there were tornado warnings. It rained very hard, we heard thunder and saw lightning showers but no tornados.
KM: How have your previous American tours gone?
Kirilola: We always have a good time on tour.
KM: Have you had any strange experiences on tour?
Kirilola: One time we played at a fish market in Seattle. The fish were very happy.
KM: How have you been received by American audiences?
Kirilola: They are always happy to see our show.
KM: How would you describe one of your live shows to someone who has never been to one?
Kirilola: We will give you high powered entertainment rock. If you want strange and exciting music please come see eX-Girl
KM: Who designs your costumes?
Kirilola: Rainbow Satan.
KM: Who is Rainbow Satan?
Kirilola: I am Rainbow Satan. I give my ideas to the people who make the costumes.
KM: Most of your songs are in Japanese. So for the most part Americans don't understand your lyrics. Could you tell us about your latest album and maybe some recurring topics in your recordings?
Kirilola: Our latest album "Endangered Species" is a concept album. Its about how one's daily private life can be connected with the lives of all the people in the world. Today-maybe everyone is endangered.
KM: Some of your songs are in English. Do you write them in English yourselves or do you write them in Japanese and have them translated?
Kirilola: Different words have different vibrations. We always use the words with the best vibration.
KM: What other Japanese bands do you recommend for people who like your music?
Kirilola: Rings, Diamonds, Shonen Knife. To many bands to mention.
KM: What non-Japanese bands do you recommend?
Kirilola: Magume from France. Gong...many bands.
KM: What are your hobbies?
Kirilola: If we are not recording or rehearsing we are sleeping tadpoles.
You can order eX-Girl's "Endangered Species"(2004) and "Kero Kero Kero"(2004) online at alternativetentacles.
An interview with Kirilola of eX-Girl by Keith Martin
Photography: Keith Martin
