The members in Los Angeles-based band Pink Mochi promise a surprise new song for Montreal fans as they get ready for their first international tour.
When asked for an exclusive preview of the song they had prepared for their Canadian concerts, Michael, the guitarist and vocalist only revealed “there won’t be any singing.” Ai, the vocalist and keyboardist added, “It is just music. It will mostly be guitar and piano.” Their laughs assured it would be a show not to be missed. “You will just have to wait and see,” all the members said with enthusiasm.
The band’s approach to music is highlighted by their ethnic heritage. Ai’s Japanese roots and upbringing influenced the band’s name and much of the music. Pink Mochi refers to a Japanese dessert, even though Ai also confessed her infatuation with the colour pink. “Well, it’s just that I really like the colour,” she said.
The band members take pride in their multicultural style. They have written several songs in Japanese. “Because I grew up in a Japanese-American home, sometimes there are words I can say in Japanese that I just can’t think of in English and at times English words that I don’t know how to say in Japanese,” said Ai.
Ai’s childhood also affected the ideas the vocalists integrate in their songs. “There is one song that talks about how the world is one man’s head and other planets are the heads of other men and women,” Ai explained. She said that the idea had come from her childhood visions, some of which still remain vivid memories.
One of the visions she is still infatuated by is cannibalism. “I know you think that is weird.” Ai laughed. She assured it was only a theoretical appeal, helping her to create a rush in their music. “I hope people don’t run away,” she said with concern.
The band members agreed that their themes make their music distinctive. Ai expressed, “I would have to say that our music is visceral.” Michael also explained that their songs do not follow a certain lyrical structure. Verses, bridges, and choruses are not always placed in a certain order, but change rather according to how good the song will sound. “We are very sympathetic to ourselves and of the people who will listen to our songs,”
Michael said. For their new album, that’s the kind of songs they want to write; songs both they and their audience can relate to. This will be their first album, and is expected to be released next year.
To play live on stage is always a rush for the band. “I have to have at least two drinks before I go on stage,” Lisa, keyboardist and bassist, said. The band always handles different types of equipment and instruments on stage, so nervousness is inevitable. “We have all sorts of devices,” Michael stated. “We have our instruments.we have a laptop and once we even used a pink cell phone.” Almost always, the band classifies their musical effects through their use of the theremin, played by Ai. This electronic instrument creates sound as the player’s hands move around two antennas. It is one of the lead ways of developing the band’s distinct sound.
The band’s multitude of instruments can however be a burden when it comes to practical arrangements. The shear physical volume prevents them from taking all their devices on tour. The band is saddened by their inability to bring all their equipment to their Montreal performance, but has not lost their enthusiasm, “We have what we need to work with.thank you for having us.I hope people come, we know it will be a great show!”
Pink Mochi plays Les Saintes Oct. 14. Headlining act: Suicide Girls
Tickets are $16.50
