Mitsune

Mitsune are a Japanese folk fusion band that are fronted by an all-female trio of shamisen players and backed by a rhythm section of percussion & double bass. They perform music influenced by Japanese culture aswell as rock, blues and jazz.

A unique formation that provides a balanced sound of familiarity with a hint of cinematic influence. The band's second album, Hazama was an experience to listen to and I had a chance to speak to them about their music endeavours.

You originate from Japan, Australia and Germany respectively, what inspired you to form the band?

Shiomi: "I'm always inspired by different musical and cultural approaches. We each have different backgrounds, so when we mix it’s like cooking, new spices, fusion cuisine. Something like that!"

Your music allows you to blend styles from both Western and Eastern culture, what is your typical approach for songwriting?

Tina: "There's no one typical approach. We've created songs and arrangements on many different paths. Sometimes someone has a rough idea and we work on it together, sometimes one of us comes with a fully developed arrangement. Or we start with a traditional folk song and play it in different styles. Sometimes the inspiration is a certain shamisen technique, or a snippet of a melody, or lyrics, or an image that is asking for some music."

The album features a selection of tracks that are instrumental, why was this important for you to record?

Tina: "Actually our previous work has always been far more instrumental. So having a few tracks that are purely instrumental is a continuation, the vocals are an addition. The Tsugaru shamisen is a gorgeous solo instrument, so it would be a pity not to give the stage to these lovely strings and percussive effects from time to time."

I recently watched your video for the single Maru, it's beautifully shot in Berlin, what went in to the shooting of that video of you all playing on a rooftop?

Tina: "We were very keen to shoot something that visually locates us in Berlin, where we all live, met and work together. Berlin rooftops are a very special thing. They're usually private with no public access, and since they're not constructed to be accessed all the time but rather occupied by the people living in the building, getting up there is usually a bit adventurous too – especially with all that gear and a double bass! We were happy to be invited to this special location by Alte Spiralfederfabrik. And we luckily caught the only sunny hours in a rainy week for the shoot." 

Who are your biggest influences when it comes to music?

Shiomi: "My calligraphy teacher. She took me to a traditional singing group, where they wanted to preserve the culture and pass it on to the new generation. I was not really into it, but they lured me with the promise of cakes! Now I appreciate her a lot. In Japan it's not so common for young people to get in touch with traditional music."

What do you like to do when you're not playing music?

Shiomi: "Traveling! And discovering local music, ways of thinking and living life!"

You've managed to fuse music from East and West, are there any artists you would love to collaborate with?

Youka: "I would love for us to collaborate with an interesting producer, who maybe sees/hears our music and the instrument of shamisen in a completely different way. Speaking ambitiously, someone like Rick Rubin, or an old school hip hop producer like DJ Premier or RZA, or even more experimental, Arca. I’d be curious to hear how that would turn out!"

Where's your favourite place to play live?

Tina: "My curiosity would say anywhere we haven't played before. We’ve played many different locations but it's always exciting to explore a new venue. I personally prefer open air locations because the sound of Tsugaru shamisen needs a bit of space. And it's always great to have some wind in the face when focussing completely on the music and audience."

Where do you see Mitsune in five years time?

Shiomi: "TV, radio, festivals, and of course new creations in our original way - I'm really excited about where we will go with our music!"

Final word: Mitsune take the mic

Youka: "We are releasing our album ‘Hazama’ on 18th February, 2022 - it will be available via our Bandcamp, iTunes, and streaming on all platforms. We’d love for you to check it out! And please keep in touch with us via social media, especially if you have any questions about the shamisen or anything we are doing, we love talking with people from all walks of life and we can’t wait to meet all of you somewhere out there!"

Presave ‘Hazama’ Album: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mitsune/hazama 

Bandcamp: https://mitsune.bandcamp.com/releases 

Website: http://www.mitsune.de/band

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitsune.music 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitsunemusic/ (@mitsunemusic)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Mitsune 

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mitsunemusic/ 

Such a pleasure speaking to Mitsune. Wishing them all the best with the new album!

If you would like to be featured on Taking the Mic, drop me an email at stewjones22@gmail.com