Music Brothers Records: Shugo, on your recordings we can hear wonderful, mesmarizing soundscapes. Can you please tell us which exactly instruments you use to create them?

Shugo Tokumaru It's different by tunes. I made them sometimes with piano, sometimes with guitar, sometimes with toys, sometimes with my voice..

MBR: What kind of guitar/guitars are you playing?

ST: Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster, Morris Acostic, Martin Acoustic, toy-acostic guitar. Nothing special..

MBR: Where and how did you record your albums?

ST: In my house, in my bed room. I played all the instruments. I recorded on Mac PowerBook G4 with many microphones. i just love the sound of the microphone.

MBR: The name of yout last album is L.S.T. What does it mean?

ST: It means nothing. But, I think it's "Local Standard Time". I don't know...

MBR: You sing in Japanese, which many of the listeners do not understand. I realize that it is impossible to describe lyrics just in a few words, but still can you give us a hint about the character of your lyrics?

ST: My lyrics are usually abstract images. Nothing special. Love songs or daily things.... except for my lyrics from the diary of my dreams.

MBR: Does the idea of the album's artwork belong to you?

ST: The designer of Onion Books did all the things for my album. He is great artist. You should check out all his works. www.geocities.jp/onion_bks/

MBR: Do you manage to play the songs from your albums live? If so, how?

ST: i usually play LIVE shows solo - electric guitar and my voice. So simple. Now, I have my own band to play my songs. There are eight people in my band - guitar, drums, woodbass, toy piano, accordion, toys, musical saw, percussion, etc..

MBR: MBR What is your musical background?

ST: I think classical music. And also classic rock and jazz music.

MBR: What music do you like to listen?

ST: ROCK. The Who and The Clash. I like to listen to them every morning. I also like to listen Miles Davis and Bill Evans in the morning. Haha. I don't know... I love any kind of music in this world.

MBR: Do you think the perception of music in Japan is different from that in America or Europe?

ST: Sometimes I feel that. But I can't answer how it's different... Well, maybe it's not so different. Music is music.

MBR: Are you working on more recordings or other musical projects?

ST: Yes. I'm working on my new songs and remixes and collaborations, etc.

MBR: Have you thought of recording with other musicians?

ST: Yes, I will, with many musicians by remixes or collaborations. I also want to record my new songs with other musicians. They will be released this year or next year, I don't know. But it would be great.

MBR: Are you planning to tour outside Japan?

ST: Not now. But I really want to!!

MBR: Thanks a lot, Shugo, and the best of luck with your music!

ST: Thank you so much.