A trip through Boris’ catalog will have you drowning in fuzz-laden drone one minute, and floating on a buttery smooth beat the next. Known for unpredictability in all aspects of their art, the experimental rock band from Japan is altogether bizarre, fearless and wholly satisfying. Visually, too, Boris is peculiar. Guitarist Wata’s small frame contrasts with the massive voice of her instrument, which she commands with grace amidst the heavy attack of distortion. Drummer Atsuo is an animated vision behind the kit. And singer/bassist/rhythm guitarist Takeshi lends his pipes as he stands with his signature double neck bass and six-string guitar in one, harnessing the trio’s energy and channeling it into an oftentimes baffled crowd. This is a Boris show – and there’s absolutely nothing else like it.
Let’s not forget Boris’s tendency to confuse the very people who worship them. In 2011, they released Heavy Rocks, an album of the same name as one they’d released nine years prior. In tandem with the release of the new Heavy Rocks, they dropped Attention Please, on which Wata unexpectedly took over vocal duties. Boris keep listeners on their toes, which is one of the many reasons why the band has attracted and held an international cult following throughout their long history together.
Atsuo recently gave us a glimpse into his creative headspace as he answered our questions about the writing and recording process, the importance of vinyl and riding the fine line between music and chaos.
You recently concluded a lengthy US tour, which included a series of two-night stands in various cities. What are your thoughts post-trek?
It was incredible, the best Boris tour ever in our long history. We really appreciate our loyal fans who have been supporting us. And one of the other purposes of the tour was to meet up with our long time and old friends who we became familiar with over there too. I met the fan who saw our show eight times during this tour. This is unbelievable. We are encouraged by those people and made it totally successful.
What’s the story of your formation as a band?
This band was begun just for fun. Our former drummer practiced a lot though he could not form a band, so we gathered the members for him.
How would you describe your music to a total stranger who’s interested in what you do?
INGREDIENTS: Almost chaos, music just a little bit.
You’re bold and unabashed when it comes to your art. To what extent to you think about the fans when you’re writing music?
I recall great views from the stage and fans’ faces, though I don’t think about them too much during a writing process. To take our own pleasure is our primal urge, which is the best manner for the fans I think, so that we can share great stuff only we and fans feel.
You decided to do another vinyl-only release with Präparat. What’s the reasoning behind releasing your music on this medium alone?
I’m pretty sick of thinking about digital distribution, web streaming or possible variants of physical format these days. It seemed to be cool to focus only on vinyl sometimes.
Tell us about your most memorable music collaboration.
Everything. I have had very special memories of each and every one of them. What’s your ideal setting for writing music?
How varied has the setting been throughout your catalog, which spans nearly 20 years?
From tracking to mastering, it’s a big process of our songwriting. We have tried several strategies for recording every time. Nowadays we don’t book a quality recording studio any more, just work and track in our rehearsal space for years because this is the most comfortable way for us so far. Things are not determined even though we tried to do the best that we can. Usually we jam in the studio naturally then we have found we can unintentionally write decent songs, most of our “good” songs are written in that process. They have a feeling of an internal special secret, or a puzzle that can never be solved. It is a good sign of our favorite song.
Who, or what, has been influencing you the most lately?
The world itself, and my physical body.
How have the relationships within the band evolved over the years? Were there tumultuous times? You’ve been together for a long time.
Nothing in particular really, everything is good. This tour was hard physically because we played lots of older songs.
What do you believe we should see more of in the music scene today?
The thing that we feel is excitement – that is the only thing we trust in to move forward. Everyone should do whatever they would really like to do. Also they should learn how they share particular things and visions with others, and then it will lead to further possibilities.
Words and interview by Julia Nueman