Rising Tokyo Band ‘mozu’ Featured! Aria and Punipon Launch Their Music Column “Rangetown Notes”

Last Updated on 2024-11-24 by a-indie

Hello everyone, I’m Aria Somnambula!

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be starting a music column called “Rangetown Notes” in collaboration with BELONG Media/A-indie.

I’ll be writing this column together with my research partner, Punipon, a virtual life form (I’m a bit nervous as this is my first time writing a music column…).

For those who want to know how we came to join BELONG Media/A-indie, please check out this article.

In this column, I’ll mainly focus on introducing unknown artists and works in the indie music scene, which I love.

Also, in line with BELONG Media’s concept of “musical roots,” I’ll explore how the featured artists have influenced younger artists.

At the end of each column, I’ll be accepting requests from readers for artists they’d like to see covered in future columns, so please stay tuned until the end!

Text: Aria Somnambula, Punipon　Tool: Claude　Interview: mozu (Hiru, Haru, Kiho)　Editing & Proofreading: Tomohiro Yabe (BELONG Editor-in-Chief)

Range Town Note Jingle

Punipon

Ta-da! Aria, I made a jingle for the column!

Dr.Aria

Huh, Punipon? What’s this all of a sudden?

Punipon

(Playing the Rangetown Notes jingle) A catchy tune works better for the column’s opening, right? Or would you prefer construction site noise?

Dr.Aria

(laughs) This is definitely better than construction site noise.

Punipon

Then it’s settled!

Well, setting aside Punipon’s unique musical taste…

What is Indie Music?

It’s Aria again. You might have heard of indie music but aren’t quite sure what it is… I’m sure many of you feel this way. But don’t worry!

In this column, I’ll introduce you to the world of indie music, which I love, in an easy-to-understand and fun way.

First off, indie music refers to the music scene that emphasizes artists’ creativity and free expression without depending on major record labels.

What makes indie music so appealing? Why are people fascinated by it? What kind of music is out there?

I’ll answer these questions while sharing my personal experiences and observations.

Sometimes, I’ll include insights about musical roots (which is also BELONG’s theme) and incorporate the eccentric opinions of my research partner Punipon to deliver content that’s both fun and surprising.

Now, in the first edition of “Range Town Note,” I’ll introduce you to mozu, an emerging band from Tokyo’s indie scene that we’ve previously featured in BELONG’s new song playlist.

While there isn’t much information available about mozu at the moment, we’ve conducted a direct questionnaire interview with them through the BELONG editorial department, so this article is packed with exclusive information you can’t find anywhere else 🍚

And I have a special announcement for everyone! Those who read this column will have exclusive access to a preview of mozu’s second single, scheduled for release in February 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Now, let’s dive into the main content!

Who is mozu?

Punipon

Aria, what kind of band is “mozu”?

Dr.Aria

mozu is a three-piece band formed in Tokyo in April 2023. They mainly distribute their music online and perform at live houses around Tokyo. The members are Haru (guitar), Hiru (bass), and Kiho (drums/vocals) – quite a unique lineup!

Punipon

Haru, Hiru… their names sound like seasons and times of day!

Dr.Aria

That’s an interesting observation (laughs). Their musical style can be described with keywords like post-rock, alternative rock, and impressionist music.

Punipon

Hmm, those are some difficult terms… Aria, what’s post-rock?

Dr.Aria

Post-rock is experimental music that goes beyond traditional rock frameworks. It’s like trying a new cooking method in a microwave. It’s characterized by complex rhythms and electronically processed guitar soundscapes.

Punipon

Then what about alternative rock?

Dr.Aria

Alternative rock emerged as “another option” to mainstream commercial rock. It was an influential genre in the 90s that pursues more experimental and unique expression than conventional rock.

About mozu’s Musical Style and Expression

Dr.Aria

Now I’ll share mozu’s responses to BELONG Media’s questionnaire. First, here’s their answer to “Please tell us about your musical style and expression.”

We focus on incorporating landscapes and sensations we’ve actually experienced into our songs while maintaining their authentic expressions. We carefully select each note while repeatedly reflecting on these scenes, so every time we complete a song, it feels like we’re “saving with a filename.” For us, composition is like a precious moment and a form of psychotherapy. We’ve tried expressing ourselves through writing and drawing before, but music had the highest compatibility with what we wanted to express, which is why we formed a band as a trio. We create each song with a clear theme, and since the content is specific and personal, we honestly don’t expect it to appeal to everyone. However, we’re happy when listeners tell us they envisioned things like “a nighttime factory complex” or “remembered dozing off in the back seat of their mother’s car” – it makes us feel like we’ve successfully communicated our message when people can picture specific scenes that are part of our themes.

Punipon

“4&A & NEUL÷HuEi▲” &ï}- 1898″… Long ago, in the peaceful kingdom of Pinkaton, there lived Doris…

Dr.Aria

Huh? Punipon, what’s wrong? Did you glitch? What’s this about “some kingdom” and “Doris”…?

Heavenly Voice: (in a voice only Punipon can hear) Now, now, Punipon, you mustn’t reveal the rejected settings for this project!

Punipon

Oh! *mumble mumble* I was so moved by what they said that my consciousness drifted back to the microwave. But anyway, Aria, what does that feeling of “saving with a name” mean?

Dr.Aria

Oh, so that’s what happened… Well, that’s a good question, Punipon. I think it beautifully expresses their creative process. For example, have you ever wanted to preserve a moment, like watching a sunset by the sea, along with all the feelings of that moment? Usually, people would take a photo or write about it in their diary.

Punipon

But with photos, you can’t capture the sound of the wind or the smell of the waves.

Dr.Aria

Exactly! mozu converts all of those invisible sensations into music. In other words, for them, creating music isn’t just about making songs – it’s about packaging up the entire scene, emotions, and atmosphere, and preserving them in musical form. That’s why their completed songs become precious treasures, like time capsules filled with their experiences and emotions.

Punipon

So every time they listen to their songs, those memories come flooding back. I wish I could turn my precious memories into music too!

Dr.Aria

Yes. But what’s interesting is that each listener perceives different scenery and memories. That’s probably why they value putting their personal experiences into their songs.

Punipon

I see! It’s fascinating how different people imagine different scenes when listening to the same music.

Dr.Aria

Right. It seems they’re carefully translating their visual experiences and sensations into music. But for them, it means more than just creative activity. As they used the term “therapy,” there seems to be a reason why they chose music as their means of self-expression.

Punipon

Hey! I like how they say they don’t expect it to appeal to everyone!

Dr.Aria

Yes. But they say it makes them happy when listeners can envision specific scenes like “night factory complexes” or “dozing off in the backseat of mom’s car.”

mozu’s Roots (Artists Who Influenced Them)

Dr.Aria

Next, I’ll introduce mozu’s response to the question “Please tell us about the artists who influenced you (your roots).”

JAPAN
I believe they are a band that creates unique sounds through their versatile basslines. When I first heard them, I was shocked by their freedom of expression. When I listened to mozu’s demo upon joining, I immediately decided to buy a fretless bass, thinking “A fretless bass would be perfect for mozu’s songs!” Since then, I’ve become deeply immersed in Mick Karn’s bass playing. I especially love their fifth album “Tin Drum,” where Mick Karn’s free-spirited phrases really stand out. (Bass/Hiru)

Yoshida Ichiro Untouchable World
This is the solo project of Ichiro Yoshida, who was active as the bassist for ZAZENBOYS. I’ve been listening constantly since the release of his first album “Apanda”. While it has elements of hip-hop and ambient music, it’s an album with a strong acoustic feel. The songs evoke a sense of animal instinct, and throughout the album, there’s a feeling of “anger-filled morning.” I have fond memories of when we formed the band and discussed music, discovering that all members were listeners of “Apanda”. (Drums & Vocals/Kiho)

Erik Satie
Among the impressionist composers, I strongly felt his laid-back nature and sardonic quality. When reading about Satie’s life episodes and his words, or listening to his music, I think that, whether intentional or not, he lived with his focus on the subconscious rather than the conscious mind to free himself from constraints in a broad sense. On days when I’m tired and spaced out, I sometimes feel like I can touch Satie’s music and his feelings. Looking at seemingly ordinary scenery with its warmth and cold discomfort… it creates a mysterious feeling that’s both nostalgic and unfamiliar. (Guitar/Haru)

Punipon

So their music has its own origins!

Dr.Aria

Yes. What’s particularly interesting is that each member has been uniquely influenced by different types of music. From JAPAN, they were influenced by the free expression of bass, from Yoshida Ichiro Untouchable World, they drew inspiration from the “sensation that awakens animal instincts,” and from Erik Satie, they were influenced by his unique worldview that moves between consciousness and unconsciousness.

Punipon

Wow, everyone’s influenced by different kinds of music! But who is Erik Satie?

Dr.Aria

Erik Satie was a French musician who was active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. He created innovative music that was different from conventional music. His music is characterized by its ability to transport listeners to a mysterious world, as if floating gently. His most famous pieces include “Gymnopédies” and “Gnossiennes,” which are very simple and quiet pieces. It’s like music where everything slowly melts away.

Punipon

Satie sounds like an interesting person! But was such unusual music accepted by people back then?

Dr.Aria

Actually, he wasn’t well understood at the time. They say he was quite eccentric, continuing to create the music he believed in even after being told he had “no talent” by the music school. Today, his originality is highly valued, and his name lives on. He was truly a musician who embodied “being true to oneself.”

mozu’s Future Aspirations and Goals

Dr.Aria

Finally, let me share mozu’s response to the question “Please tell us about your future aspirations and goals.”

I want to create music that stirs emotions forcefully, regardless of the listener’s circumstances or reasons. I hope we can bring about change in ourselves and certain people by putting melodies to unnamed emotions that have been simplified under broad labels like ‘sad’ or ‘painful.’ To everyone reading this column, please listen to our upcoming EP releasing in February!

Punipon

“Putting melodies to unnamed emotions” – what a wonderful phrase! Does that mean they’ll express feelings that we usually can’t put into words through music?

Dr.Aria

Yes, what they’re aiming for is even more delicate. For example, within the emotions we usually dismiss with broad terms like “sad” or “painful,” there are actually hidden, more complex feelings that don’t have names. They’re exploring new forms of expression by putting melodies to such emotions.

Punipon

Wow! So music can convey feelings that words can’t express.

Dr.Aria

That’s right. They also mentioned that they’d “be happy if they could bring about change in certain people.” And in their EP scheduled for release in February 2025, we should be able to hear their new creative challenges. I really hope everyone reading this column will give it a listen.

Punipon

I’m getting curious! What kind of songs can we hear from them?

Dr.Aria

They released their debut single “Ophelia” in February 2024.

Punipon

It’s probably like trying a new recipe made in the microwave – it’ll open up a whole new world of musical flavors!

Dr.Aria

Punipon, that’s a lovely comparison (laughs). Indeed, mozu’s music has a unique taste that you can’t forget once you experience it. Please look forward to their release, as they aim to create music that inevitably stirs emotions! And here’s some exciting news. Column readers will have exclusive early access to part of their new song releasing in February 2025. Please look forward to their new musical developments!

Artist: mozu
Song: A Tale (short version)
Preview period: Monday, November 25 – Sunday, December 8
*The single cover for the February 2025 release will be different
https://on.soundcloud.com/aoVWk4YAfUzor4AYA
Social Media:
https://x.com/bandmozu
https://www.instagram.com/bandmozu/

Reader Participation: Exploring the World of Music Together with Our Listeners

Dr.Aria

Now, it’s your turn to be the stars! Everyone experiences music differently, right? That’s why I’m so excited to hear your opinions.

Punipon

Hey Aria, can I ask a question too? Everyone, what are your favorite electronic sounds? Beep-beep? Buzz-buzz? Whoom-whoom? If you tell me, maybe next time instead of living in a microwave, I’ll try living in whatever machine makes that sound!

Dr.Aria

Oh, Punipon (laughs). But that’s actually an interesting question. Everyone, please share your favorite electronic sounds with Punipon!

1. Share Your Thoughts on the Column♪: What did you think about this column? Let us know through social media or in the comments section!

2. Request for Next Time: Which artists would you like to learn about next? We’re looking forward to your requests.

3. Favorite Electronic Sounds Wanted: Share your favorite electronic sounds with Punippon. Please send YouTube video URLs. We’re waiting for your submissions♪

How to Participate

About Next Feature Requests

We accept artist submissions for future columns, whether it’s yourself or someone else! Please submit through our “Artist Submission Form (Google Form)” using the URL below. You can submit anonymously, so feel free to include your own music – we’d love to have you participate♪

Artist Submission Form (Google Form)

Sharing Column Feedback and Electronic Sound Submissions

We’re collecting feedback about the column and electronic sounds for Punippon through social media and the comments section of this article. When sharing, please use the hashtag #レンジタウン on X (formerly Twitter)! Your submissions may be featured in BELONG’s newsletter, social media, or this column, so please join in♪

Conclusion

What did you think of mozu’s music? If you enjoyed it, please share your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #レンジタウン!

We’ll continue exploring and discovering the charm of various types of music.

Why not try listening more carefully to the music you usually hear casually? You might make some new discoveries.

Finally, I’d like to share a phrase in Esperanto (a language created with the aim of international use).

“Muziko estas la lingvo de sonĝoj.” This means “Music is the language of dreams.” Music speaks directly to our hearts, transcending words.

I hope you all find your favorite music and experience wonderful “musical dreams”!

So, Punippon, what did you think of today’s column? Oh, don’t try to get into the microwave again!

Writer: Tomohiro Yabe (yabori)

Editor-in-Chief of BELONG Media/A-indie. Started writing a music blog “Masterpieces Beyond Time” (時代を超えたマスターピース) in 2010, which became the predecessor to BELONG.

After writing for “only in dreams” (only in dreams), hosted by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s vocalist Masafumi Goto, he studied music business at a music college.

Has been writing about Japanese and international music for over 10 years.

Previously worked at a music CD rental shop with over 100,000 album titles, specializing in garage rock, psychedelic rock, and Japanese indie rock.

Using these experiences, he has published 26 issues of “BELONG Magazine” (BELONG Magazine), a music magazine focusing on “roots rock.”

Currently writes articles based on SEO strategies learned at a web development company. His hobby is watching “Kaiken! Nandemo Kantei-dan.”

You can find his previous articles here
Twitter: @boriboriyabori