Guy Perryman Interviews

A conversation with Wednesday – country, grungy, dreamy indie rock band who were in Tokyo for a live show at Shibuya Club Quattro in March 2024. The four members talk about songwriting inspired by friends and family, admiring the stamina of festival-goers, and being nourished in Japan.

A conversation with Christian Saville, guitarist and Simon Scott, drummer from Slowdive – dreamy indie rock band who were part of Britpop culture of the early 90’s, had a 20 year hiatus and returned with new albums and live shows for the 21st century. Recorded backstage at Toyosu Pit Tokyo in March 2024 the two share their thoughts on the power of music overcoming negative press, and the joy of quitting their day jobs.

A conversation with Cherri V and Natalie Duncan - soulful singers, and vocalists with acid jazz legends Incognito who were in Japan for a run of sold out shows at Blue Note Tokyo in March 2024. The two share stories about their solo music, why they love performing and recording with Bluey of Incognito, and the power of music celebrating International Women's Day.

A conversation with Izumi Thomas – Head of Programming Projects at Japan House London, who curates exhibitions and events at the High Street Kensington cultural venue. Thomas introduces us to what you can discover at Japan House London, and shares favourite destinations in Japan and the UK.

A conversation with Susie Vanner – singer, actor and Bond Girl starring with 007 Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977, who has just recorded her second album of very personal original songs and a very interesting selection of cover versions. The conversation took place at Vanner's Holland Park London home where I was invited to present her with a gold disc to commemorate three million music streams in February 2024, and we talk about why music has always been her first love.

A conversation with Mark “Bax” Baxter – writer, music video and documentary filmmaker, and co-curator of From the Caribbean to Coventry - plotting the rise of 2Tone music exhibition at the Barbican Library in London. Baxter shares stories from his south London youth discovering the music that combined cultures and beat racism.

A conversation with Andrew Flynn – founder and designer of POTR Japanese origami inspired indoor plant pots with a sustainable hassle-free concept. Flynn talks about bridging Scotland and Japan through creative business, challenging the concept of "shipping air", and the joy of powder snowboarding in Japan.

A conversation with Lenne Hardt – mixed martial arts ring announcer, voice narrator, actor and singer whose spectacular voice and personality have been part of Japanese showbiz for decades. Hardt reveals how she created her signature powerrrrful announcing voice, shares a tip for people who want to succeed in showbiz in Japan, and selects some favourite music including a song that has the power to make her cry. 

A conversation with The Japanese House - who makes blissful synthesiser, guitar vocal pop with personal melancholic lyrics who was in Japan for live shows in January 2024. We discuss the need to make music for selfish reasons, the joy of sharing the moment with an audience, taking your dog as a travel companion, and of course visiting a house while in Japan!!

A conversation with Elizabeth Bougerol and Evan Palazzo of The Hot Sardines – who remake vintage jazz and create their own snazzy jazz, with live shows that are a swinging good time made even more toe-tapping with a tap dancer. The two share thoughts on the dynamic New York jazz scene, connecting on a spiritual level through music, and the "art-making" harmony of Japan.