Interviews: Ginger May

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Pop Rock/Alternative Rock band, Ginger May from Japan. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It may sound funny, but we have chosen several suitable names and drawn lots. Even though the name is significant (especially if you know that we have a song with the same name), we want to provide an opportunity for our listeners to think about it by themselves. For some, it will sound like a girl's name, for others like a girl with red hair. All of these will be true.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Hmm, never really thought about it. Maybe because of the music which influenced us when we were younger. Hard to say if we actually pick up the genre. It came out like this. We don't really like labels, considering the genre of the music. We love to experiment and mix different genres. Some describe us as an electronic-industrial act, although we have many songs with different sounds. Most of our melodies are pop-rock, and we have incorporated funk, alternative rock, and hip-hop into the sound.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

At the beginning (what was a really long time ago), Ginger May was an internet collaboration of Tanya, Satoshi, and some other musicians. Sometime after, the project began a new life in Tokyo, Japan. About 7 years passed since then. Ginger May today is the collaboration of four passionate musicians who came together because of the need to write and perform original music in different genres. Some of our members knew each other before the band was formed. But mostly we came together to form the band.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

It is hard to choose one band. But we will try. Although it is not a final choice. 

Satoshi: Static-X

Tanya: RHCP

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

People and situations. We only write songs about true events or feelings. Rather, say all of our songs are reactions to events that occur in our lives. We never write about something that we haven’t experienced.

6. Where was your last gig? 

In the center of Tokyo, Shibuya. It was our last single drop-off party.

7. Where would you like to perform? 

Where we haven’t performed yet. But to be honest, we would really like to perform in Europe and UK. And especially to be attended some rock festivals there. 

8. Whom would you like to perform with? 

Interesting question. We are happy to share the stage with everyone. Especially it would be cool to play the same event with Maneskin, RHCP, and maybe Rammstein. We are also pretty fond of Knotfest every line-up.

9. Whom not? 

It depends on a band’s members' personalities. But so far, we don't know any band we wouldn't like to perform with.

10. Have any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Tanya: I think I still have it from time to time. I am pretty serious about our live performances, and it brings me to this stage fight. But sometimes I feel confident and relaxed and no stage fight comes. I think to overcome this, you need to be confident in yourself. And go on stage like a king/queen. What should people with self-esteem problems do, I have no idea? Probably, a therapist can help. But what I know for sure is that you need to practice your material. Play your instrument every day and work on your skills.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

It is almost impossible to list everything that has influenced us. We love classical music, pop and rock music from the 50s and the 60s, and rock’n’roll. As for more modern music, maybe rock from the 90s is the biggest influence since we grew up in that era. If you ask about specific bands, we can only name a few. For Example, RHCP, Papa Roach, Evanescence, Blondie, and The Garbage. Radiohead, etc. And also we would like to mention a few industrial rock bands like Rammstein, Zeromancer, Oomph!, etc, which partially influenced our sound.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

To sign an autograph on his belly

13. What do you think of your fans? 

We love them. No words are needed. All of our songs are for them.

14. What do you think of our site? 

It looks metal.

15. Something to add?

We’d be very happy if our music helps listeners to cope with the difficulties in their lives. When our listeners tell us how our music has helped them, touched them from the heart, and influenced their lives, perhaps, this is the best compliment the musician can receive.