ROOFTOP MUSIC: INTERVIEW WITH KAZ NOMURA, AKA PWRFL POWER

By Rooftop Films on 02/06/2009

"If I was Google, I would feel lonely. People come to me, ask questions, and leave me when they are done."

Kaz Nomura, aka PWRFL Power, is a vagabond musician who was born and raised in Japan. He studied music in Seattle and is known for his quirky lyrics and skilled Fahey-esque guitar playing. We spoke with Kaz via email about his upcoming travels, his blog, and the Google song.

Rooftop Films: How's Seattle treating you?

Kaz Nomura: Good! It's very mellow here and I am focused on writing lots of music. Usually in this time of the year it's gloomy out but surprisingly, it has been sunny for weeks.

RF: How was your short jaunt in Brooklyn?

KN: I loved it. I met a lot of great people I still keep in touch with. It was also nice to be able to visit cities nearby on the Chinatown bus.

RF: You move around a lot. Where are you headed next?

KN: My next destination is Tokyo. My plan is to spend March-September in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and the rest in Japan and Australia. I love meeting people and playing in different cities. I am solo, so it's easy to get around.

RF: Does moving inspire your creativity? Does your style change depending on where you're based?

KN: Certainly! Different culture/weather/people for sure inspires me to write different stuff. I change my guitar pretty often too. I bought 8 guitars and sold 7 already in this year. There is the best sounding position to each guitar and that also inspires me to write differently.

RF: Who are your favorite new artists?

KN: Oh man, so many, but a few of them made it to my top friends on Myspace ; ) Ed Askew, a NYC-based singer songwriter that has a release on ESP Disk in 70's, is amazing. I enjoy his honest songs. Cap Lori, a 17-years old singer songwriter out of Seattle, has amazing voice. we just started jamming and plan to record under "miin"i"s" (get it? Mean Eyes, but with "i"). Gabriel Mintz from Seattle is a character. He reminds me of John Lennon with a lot more humor.

RF: Can you recommend some Japanese music for me?

KN: Kaeru-san. That's it. He is a professor in anthropology that plays guitar and sings. His lyrics helps you find absolutely new perspectives on your life.

RF: Who are your influences?

KN: Elizabeth Cotten is my early influence. Songs with clear messages and logical-musical structure. When I write guitar parts, I always think of music of J.S Bach. My composition teacher at college was a hardcore Bach lover, that might be why. Listening to Bach's music is like being in an invisible music cathedral to me. While browsing recently, I realized how much I loved, and still love Joe Pass, a Jazz guitar legend. Very few can talk so strongly with solo guitar format.

So, Elizabeth Cotten, J.S Bach, and Joe Pass. Isn't this a great mix of musicians?

RF: Does improvisation figure into your playing? What other guitarists influence you in that respect?

KN: I don't improvise much in songs but often i draw ideas through improvising at home. Bill Frisell's country/americana harmony for sure influenced me alot.

RF: Your father is a musician- bass player- do you play together?

KN: Not much. He only played a little and I got too good to be playing with him!!!

RF: You have a unique sense of humor that informs your music. Your lyrics especially come off as tongue-and-cheek, but your music is so earnest. Are you looking to get a laugh?

KN: I never look to get a laugh but it's nice when people find my music funny and pay closer attentions. One thing I want to remind people is that this language isn't my 1st language, so even when I write serious but honest lyrics, people will still consider that as a joke or something. I have been "intentionally" writing some serious lyrics to see how people take it. It's a fine balance between two...

RF: Are you influenced by any comedians?

KN: I have watched a whole bunch of videos by The Whitest Kids You Know. I really like them. Their sketch comedies get very provocative sometimes, as you might know...

RF: You were in a band, and you've collaborated with a number of musicians. How is it different playing with a band and playing solo, do you prefer one over the other?

KN: It feels great to have a total control in making artistic decisions when I play solo. I love collaborating with others, they seem to stimulate different part of my brain I don't use when I am by myself. Over all, I prefer being solo though. It tends to be loud with other people involved and the most of music is too loud for me.

RF: How did you come up with the concept for your Google song?

KN: If I was Google, I would feel lonely. People come to me, ask questions, and leave me when they are done. I was dreaming something like that and decided to sing about it over a simple melody.

RF: What inspired you to start writing your blog Half Yogurt? What blogs do you like?

KN: I had been interested in writing and sharing them with people. I enjoy re-reading my posts as well. I spend more time walking around alone than most of people and see all those interesting things. So I bought a camera and immediately lost it! Don't worry though, I just ordered another one! I don't read other people's blogs much since i don't know how to find them. I would like to though.

RF: How was your experience playing at Rooftop Films?

KN: It was great! The rooftop setting was absolutely gorgeous and inspiring and i got to meet people I wouldn't normally meet at loft shows. I enjoyed various short films and can't wait to come back soon!

RF: What are some of your favorite films?

KN: I liked Control, which is about Ian Curtis of Joy Division. I have a club that watches cheesy movies exclusively and the last one we saw was August Rush, a story of an orphan that is a musical genius.

RF: Do you have any questions for our readers? We hope they'll post comments!

KN: Do you know blogs I should check out? Also, would it be possible to order a set of All Clad kitchenware on your credit card...? I am getting into cooking and I think it's very important to cook with the "right" pans and pots...