Dirty. Sweet. Oh Yeah.
Baion ZOKU is the hottest drum band in Nagoya. Possibly the hottest drum band in all of Japan, and most definitely super funky. This collective of accomplished musicians absolutely rocks the house in every gig they play. They routinely get the crowd on their feet; people dance wildly at their shows, and they GET IT ON and GET IT IN at the same time. You’re going to sweat at a BAION ZOKU party. Guaranteed.
Bang A Gong.
Peep FUMI, Baion ZOKU’s leader/founder describe their style.
Africa meets Japan meets Nagoya. You should be listening.
Td: What’s up Fumi. Tell us what BAION ZOKU means.
BZ: “Baion” means overtone. “Zoku” means tribe.
Td: How did you think of the name?
BZ: Usually people use the African language for African bands. We used Japanese kanji, so I like this name.
TD: How long has the band been together?
BZ: Since 2007, four years.
Td: Who had the idea for BAION ZOKU?
BZ: Me. I wanted to make a special drum band.
Td: How did you find the band members?
BZ: I was playing bass in so many bands before. I called some drummers who have a good groove. I wanted them to play West African traditional music.
Td: How long have you been playing drums?
BZ: For 8 years. Djembe, dundun.
Td: Why make a drum band?
BZ: Because I love rhythms.
Td: How often do you practice?
BZ: We practice once a week for Baion Zoku.
I play many instruments. I practice almost everyday, because I use many instruments.
Td: What kind of music do you like?
BZ: West African music, North Indian classical music, flamenco, ambient music.
Td: Have you thought about adding other instruments? Guitar? Singer? Keyboard?
BZ: Yes. We want to have melodic instruments. We used Jews harp, balafon (xylophone), didgeridoo, flute, etc. We’re not using those now, though. Rhythm is the most important thing for us. We want to have more members, though.
Td: What is your best memory of playing live?
BZ: The last MISFITS regular show in July 2010. There were over 200 people in a small space. I couldn’t breathe, let alone sing.
Td: How is playing in Nagoya? How are Nagoya audiences?
BZ: It’s good to play in Nagoya. Some musicians say Nagoya is not good to play concerts, but I don’t think so.
Td: What do you like about Nagoya?
BZ: It’s not like Osaka or Tokyo. I think it’s a kind of strange town in Japan; like food, language, culture, history.
Td: What is your ‘regular’ job?
BZ: I teach many kinds of percussion instruments. I play concerts (flamenco, Indian classical, west African music), compose music for TV shows, commercials and animated shorts.
Td: What is your dream for BAION ZOKU?
BZ: To continue playing in this band for a long time.
Td: What makes you happy?
BZ: When I compose a really good song. When I play a good concert.
Let’s Dance To The Drummer’s Beat.
Baion Zoku.
Overtone Tribe.
