Getting to Know… TramstonValley | Interview 🎤

For the 104^th interview in our Getting to Know series, we get the lowdown on Japanese rock band TramstonValley from front man, Haruki.

“We don’t think about popularity, we just pursue originality.” That is a great mantra to have by all means; a mantra that The Musical Hype can easily get behind! 2020 continues to be an eventful year not only worldwide, but also specific to this site! The interviews just keep on rolling in and we are up to our 104^th – can you believe it?

The aforementioned, brilliantly stated philosophical quote hails from Haruki, who answers our burning questions about his band, TramstonValley – what a cool name! The band is a Japanese three-piece rock band formed in Tokyo. In addition to Haruki on vocals and guitar, there’s Wallaby (bass) and Nogi (drums).  So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know… TramstonValley: Interview #104!

Let’s get this started off right. For those who may not be familiar with TramstonValley, what would you say makes your band distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?  

We [are] flexible about [the] music we make, so it’s sometimes playing heavy and loud, sometimes catchy and groovy, sometimes [a] sweet, acoustic style. And about genre, we [range from] playing modern alternative rock to classic blues rock. Also, jam style by improvisation.  So, our good point is we don’t think about popularity, we just pursue to originality.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did your band form and what were some of the goals or the visions you had as a band early on?  

I was singing solo in an open mic at a small book shop when I met Wallaby(bass).  Then, we played [as a] two-piece acoustic duo for a while – maybe it was 3-4 years ago. Also, me and Nogi (drums), already played on other jam session, and one day, Nogi came to the book shop. So, we played [as a] three-piece style. That time, we had really good feeling, so, we formed the band very naturally.

Also, our first vision was to make a 1st single – “Are you ready” and “Drag me down”. These two songs had a really good response to members since initially formed the band, so we wanted to release the 1st single as soon as possible.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

Yes of course, because of coronavirus. I was thinking [about] performing live many times and releasing 1st album after we released the 1st single on this year. But we can’t meet too much, so, I’m writing songs for myself – I’m gonna release a solo EP.  It’s my goal of this year for now.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential? 

I think I’m most influenced by 90’s, 00’s U.S rock regarding my vocal style. I’m influenced by my uncle regarding my guitar style. He was guitarist of blues and old music. I think my guitar tone is the same as him, especially clean tone. So, I do a mix of those musical styles in this band.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

The craziest thing is always performing on stage sober. I can’t drink alcohol since I broke my neck, I have to get medicine. It’s really the craziest, because I had drunk on stage since I was 16 years old, haha.

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

Absolutely “Are you ready” from the 1st single. This song is a really simple and cool tune.  And when I wrote this song, it felt original. I thought it [sounded] different [than] other bands – This is the TramstonValley sound! I’m really happy to be playing this song with Wallaby and Nogi. 

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

Sometimes I’m shooting photos of stars, I like the universe.  And I’m a big eater, I think I have black hole in my stomach maybe.

Closing things out, what are you or Tramston Valley currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

We released a 2nd single, “From inside of me stayhome edit.,” on July 25th. We had remote self-recording for this song. It’s a really catchy and heavy, I think If you like rock you like it!  Please check this out on any download and streaming site! Also, video is on YouTube!

Thank you so much for sharing taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

Thank you too! And please stay safe.

Photo Credits: Tramston Valley, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype