I don’t know… what are aliens like?
I imagine that aliens are attracted to drum beats and they always wonder into some kind of a party. They are the ones that put too much Tabasco on their Pizzas and are surprised by it when they go to take a bite. Then they take a bite of the sushi that’s next to the pizza, and is again surprised by the Wasabi. It screams “Oh my Spielberg!!” but they don’t really like Spielberg movies because it gives them a bad rep.

Hahaha… cool. Your songs are certainly one of a kind..
We have some serious songs too. They are written in Japanese. Like the song called Ocue. It’s about these two presidents; president of The United States and Iraq. Basically the song is about these two presidents who have too much oil in their heads and need to be treated. To slim away the surplus of greed, we need to get them a moxa treatment (pronounced ‘okyu’ in Japanese) and cleanse their souls!! Moxa is a treatment in traditional eastern medicine where this medicinal herb called moxa is placed on the patient’s body and lit on fire. It’s like incense on your body, but it’s painful because the moxa is lit directly on top of your skin. It’s like torture and treatment at the same time. It works, and the two presidents need it bad!!

How about that song where you play a tennis racket like a guitar..
The tennis guitar.. yeah, I get asked about that song all the time. The song is called “0 Game” (pronounced “love game”) It’s about women’s tennis match. Men’s tennis ended with John McEnroe. His play was so rock n’ roll. No other male players after him really strike me as anything. I think women’s tennis is much more interesting these days, and it’s NOT because of their short skirts!! The questions people ask me regarding this song always have to do with me having a fetish over female tennis players. I also make these noises during the song, and people always think that it’s about this dirty old man getting off while watching a female tennis match.

I am glad you clarified that.. To be honest, I was a little worried.
Shame on you! It’s a dedication to the player Martina Hinges who retired so young. She was so rock n’ roll because she would fight all these bigger players like Davenport and the Williams sisters and for her, it was such a mental game.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I usually write songs as a tribute to a friend or I’ll write about someone I know or respect. I wished that someone would write one for me. (hahaha) The important thing is for each one of my audiences to have fun. That’s all I care about. Rock n’ Roll is such a powerful force. I want to use that force to the benefit of my audience.

What kind of a band is Fantasy’s Core in your mind?
This is a band that requires a lot of energy and fitness. My dances are not really dances. They are all these weird contortions and jerks of the body, so it requires a lot of flexibility. Took me years to do it. I think at times we are more of athletes than musicians. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m making music or if I’m working out. (hahaha) Our live shows are unique in that typically they consist of 5-6 song medleys. That means 5-6 songs singing straight through with no break. At the end of the set, which is about 45 minutes long, I am totally burned out. But I think that’s the least I can do for the people that come to see us. That’s just manners as a performer. Fantasy’s Core is supposed to ease the audiences… with loud and offensive music….??? (hahaha)
The other important thing about FC is that “songs” and “sounds” are kind of like the same thing to us. Obviously words have meaning, but we don’t expect the audiences to grasp every subtle nuances at our live shows. I mean I didn’t understand everything Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen said in their concerts…(hahaha)

Yeah, well perhaps there is a different reason for that.. …? (hahaha)
Hahaha….Anyway, my point is, people from all over the world go to record stores to get their CDs, because they are drawn to the uniqueness of the sound, and captured by their energy, the one and only-ness about them.
That’s why I listen to all sorts of things including traditional Bulgarian music, Pakistani religious music, and so on. I don’t look for meaning. I just listen to them having in mind of the fact that sound is an expression. Rock n’ Roll is such an emotional style, and I think the sound really is suppose to convey the emotions and the thoughts. If you want nice words, get a book!!
With that being said though, I don’t think that lyrics are unimportant at all. That’s not what I’m trying to say. I just believe that those who can write great tunes, also write great lyrics.

Do you find that all your efforts playing in SXSW for 4 consecutive years and going on tours are paying off?
In Japan Nite 2003, we had people lined up outside the venue waiting to see us. Unfortunately not all were allowed in due to capacity rules. This year at SXSW 2004, we were not on a showcase that is as well known as Japan Nite. We played with other American bands, and a band from New Zealand, but still our show was packed. We had the most people for that showcase. I am extremely appreciative of the fans and press in Texas that have been supporting us. I want to thank SXSW too.

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