It’s extremely rare that we get the opportunity to listen to new music from Japan, so I was very excited to discover Suzomeno Tears. They specialise in a form of folk music that combines traditional Japanese sounds with Balkan music, such as new release, Akita Daikokumai. Find out more in our interview with Agatha from the duo below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new track titled Akita Daikokumai. What can you tell us about the track?
This song is a very famous traditional Japanese folk song (min’yo). So there have been lots of versions/covers already, which means I could say this was quite a challenge to pick this song.
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can it be purchased?
I have received lots of positive feedback so far. You can buy or stream this from almost the all kinds of platforms. The album on CD including this track will come out soon. You can order it from our label’s online store: projectbeatlish….7aaaae
Do you have any plans to release an album/EP anytime soon?
As I mentioned, we are going to release our first full album called Sparrow’s Arrows Fly so High on 24th March.
Do you have any more singles lined up in the near future?
We have released another single Itokuri Bushi on 23rd February.
How did the duo get together?
I had some friends who are into Tuvan music (especially throat singing) back in 2014 or so, and one of them had a joint concert with Miyuki’s Bulgarian trad. duo and I went there and we got to know each other. As she was such an outstanding singer, I had a desire to sing with her, but at that time we had so little in common musically, I could not sing Bulgarian songs, you know. A few years later, I joined a team to learn Goshu Ondo, which is a kind of traditional Japanese singing style and Miyuki followed. Now, we have something in common, finally.
Your music has a unique folk sound. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?
Difficult question, but maybe I can say my biggest influence is the Beatles.
You’re from Japan. What is the local music scene like in your area?
I don’t grasp the whole music scene, but what I can say is that min’yo (Japanese traditional folk songs) is now very much spotlighted.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
Our 1st album release!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No, not yet. Maybe in a few years!