INDEX
Perpetual Quest for Intrigue: Marion’s Aspiration
-The title of the album is “Gokigen. I thought we had found the right word to describe Merlion.
Merlion: Thank you very much.
-In addition to the album and 7-inch that we have talked about so far, you will be holding your 15th anniversary solo live concert at Shibuya WWW on June 27 and a jacket artwork exhibition “Gokigen Exhibition” at HMV record shop Shibuya at the same time.
Merlion: The “Gokigen Exhibition” will allow me to utilize the skills I have cultivated in working with art and illustrations, and I have always wanted to do an exhibition that I curate, so my wish came true.
-You are always prolific, and your output is diverse, from podcasts and merchandise to event planning. What kind of entity is Merlion aiming to become?
Merlion: It’s hard to say. But I want people to always think “Merlion makes the place tight” or “Merlion always does something interesting. I have gained confidence over my 15-year career that I can liven up a place no matter what is happening, no matter how away from home or in a poor environment, so maybe I want to always be a fun presence for many people.
-You are a singer-songwriter by title, but you are also a comedian and an entertainer in the sense that you want to entertain people.
Merlion: That’s good. There have been a few times in the past when I just talked and the gig was over. The staff got really mad at me afterwards.
[laughs]. When I last interviewed you a year and a half ago, you told me that you were working hard to continue your music even though you are in your 60s.
Merlion: It’s not so much that I want to keep on doing music that long, but more that there are so many things I want to do that it will probably take me until that age. I already have concrete ideas for the next two albums. The one I am working on now is a 24-song album with a 24-hour theme, and the recording is almost complete.
-You started in your teens, but now that you are in your 30s, your ideas just keep getting stuck in a jam unless you give them shape.
Merlion: Speaking of age, now that I am in my 30s, I also feel a responsibility to pass on my experiences to those of a younger generation. I myself have made it this far because I have learned a lot from my seniors. Recently, I would like to engage in creative activities while interacting with a wide range of people, including those who are younger than me.
-Lastly, do you have any challenges that you feel you need to overcome in order to continue your various activities?
Merlion： I have been saying this for a long time, but since I do everything by myself, I would like to have friends who can help me. This album was partly made to show the highest level of what I can do on my own, so I hope that someone will come along to help me go even higher from here.
-There are going to be a lot of students and young people and such who want to learn the know-how while helping out at Merlion.
Merlion： Can I use this article to call for staff recruitment? We are also looking for an office to which we can belong. Also, we are open to invitations to events or something interesting or whatever! We look forward to hearing from you!
Marlion Jacket Artwork Exhibition: ‘Genki Exhibition’
Exhibition Period: June 15 (Sat) – June 30 (Sun)
Venue: HMV record shop Shibuya 2F Bankrobber LABO
11:00-21:00 during the exhibition period
Admission free
Participating artists
- Oyasmur
- Kaga Sho
- Kazamari Sa
- Joto Ayumu
- Takashi Kurihara
- Shin’ya Komatsu
- Eri Sasaki
- Nozomi Tanaka
- Sakura Tamagawa
- Sako Totsukami
- Rika Tomomatsu
- Takashi Nakamura
- Taku Sakauchi
- Pe-ko
- 5ruruim (Fable)
- Makiko Minowa
- Kazu Miyashita
- Yoshimi
Merlion 15th Anniversary Commemorative One-Man Show 2024!!!
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Venue: Shibuya WWW
Doors open 19:00, Concert begins 20:00, Concert ends 21:40
3,500 yen for admission, 4,000 yen for the day of the show, free for students
The performance will include storytelling, rap, and band formation.
Performances
Merlion
Supporting members
Bass: Ootsuka (from Stereogirl)
Drums: Karaki (from Superyou)
Miss Heavenly
Tp: Hibiki Araya
Gt. Hirohisa Katoh (from Inokashira Gramophone)
Masho Izumi, banjo
Guest Appearances
Dreamcast
Ticket Information
Now on sale for general public: eplus.jp/ma-lion-15anniversary/
Free admission for students only (reservation required, student ID required, payment on the day)
maaraion.niyaniyarecords.com/liveform/
Merlion 6th Album “Gokigen”
Released on Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Included songs
1.Waiting for Spring
2.Ghost Tunnel
3.Ogenki desuka?
4.To the sea, to the sea, to the sea
5.Waiting at the Flower Shop
6.I’m about to fly away
7.Language of Flowers
8.between rain clouds and sunshine
9.Van Gogh and a Bouquet of Flowers
10.Skip Skip Skip
11.Flower Carpet
12.Love Pattern
7-inch record “Umi e Umi e Umi e Umi e Umi e – Miura Yasutsugu (□□□)Remix
Released on June 12
Item number: NYNY-032
Form: Record
Price: 2200 yen (tax included)
Label:NIYANIYA RECORDS
Distribution link: https://ultravybe.lnk.to/gokigen
