Next, I will introduce the answer to the question “Please tell us about the artists who influenced you.”
“3) Could you tell us about the music that has influenced Tapeworms?
It has evolved greatly with time. But some basic and elements are french touch (the obvious ones Daft Punk, Mr Oizo, Cassius), shibuya-kei and pico-pop (Cornelius, Pizzicato Five as well as Usagi Chang label with Sonic Coaster Pop and Plus-Tech Squeeze Box), Bossa-nova, glitch pop, club music, shoegaze, video game music. We are lovers of childish, frantic productions and beautiful chord progressions.”
Dr.Aria
Tapeworms gave me a lot of artists about the roots of their music! What’s particularly interesting is that they are influenced by both French electronic music (French touch) and Japanese Shibuya-kei music. This may be a sign that they are deeply involved in both French and Japanese cultures.
Punipon
French touch? Is that cooking? Do you touch French bread? I’m confused, Aria🤯!
Dr.Aria
Punipon, are you okay 😅? Then I’ll introduce Daft Punk, the most famous French artist among them.
Punipon
What does “Daft Punk” mean? Is it a punk band?
Dr.Aria
Daft Punk is not a punk band. They are pioneers of electronic music, a duo formed in Paris, France in 1993. “Daft” means “foolish” in English, and it has an ironic origin that they chose the name because they were harshly criticized as “foolish punk” by a music magazine during their predecessor band era.
Punipon
It’s amazing humor to make a terrible review the band name! I like it! But is electronic music music made with a computer?
Dr.Aria
Yes, it’s basically music made using electronic devices and computers. Daft Punk is especially famous for their visuals of covering their entire bodies with robot-like helmets and gloves, and they disbanded in 2021 after 28 years of activity. Their “One More Time” and “Get Lucky” are worldwide hits. Tapeworms also seem to be influenced by this French electronic music.
Punipon
They were playing electronic music looking like robots! Cool! By the way, what are French touch, Shibuya-kei, and picopop?
Dr.Aria
To put it simply, French touch is electronic music that originated in France, and Shibuya-kei is sophisticated pop music that was born in Japan in the 1990s. Picopop is music that uses cute, high-pitched electronic sounds and is influenced by Japanese anime and game music. Tapeworms are influenced by these genres and are making their own music.
About the New Album “Grand Voyage”
Dr.Aria
Next, I will introduce a comment about Tapeworms’ new album “Grand Voyage.”
“4) Could you share any stories about the making of ‘Grand Voyage’?
‘Grand Voyage’ took a long time to be completed. But it is the first time that we get the feeling to be in control of what we wanted to achieve. The very first song written for the album, IRL, was made in Antwerp (Belgium) and the last one was finished in Tokyo. So, in a way, it is definitely an album about traveling. It is also a first time for us to use French for a song or album name (Grand Voyage means ‘Long Journey’ in French).”
Dr.Aria
Punipon, Tapeworms’ new album “Grand Voyage” is exactly an album with the theme of “journey.” With the title meaning “long journey” in French, the album was literally made while traveling, starting in Belgium and ending in Tokyo.
Punipon
Wow, they made an album while traveling? Me, that’s amazing! Aria, how do you read “Grand Voyage”? Grand Voyage?
Dr.Aria
The French pronunciation is closer to “Grahn Voyazh.” In French, the consonants at the end of words are often not pronounced. Their album is scheduled to be released on April 11th.
Punipon
Grahn Voyazh… It’s hard to pronounce, but the sound is beautiful. Hey Aria, what kind of music is this album? I want to listen to it, but I can’t imagine what it’s like.
Dr.Aria
Their new album seems to be shifting from the previous shoegaze and indie pop-based sound to a catchier synth-pop and club sound. According to the album information, it has a colorful world view reminiscent of Kero Kero Bonito. Specifically, the song “IRL” was produced under the influence of Haruhi Suzumiya. You can feel the respect for Japanese anime and pop culture.
Punipon
Haruhi Suzumiya? That’s anime! It’s interesting that music and anime are connected!
A-indie - Good indie music in Asia - is a music media platform run by BELONG, a Japanese music organization. We publish music articles with a focus on indie music.
- is a music media platform run by BELONG, a Japanese music organization. We publish music articles with a focus on indie music.