INDEX
Techno at Heart, Yet Staying True to Pop
How do the two groups describe their own music?
Nishiyama: I was once told that Pasocom Music Club seems to be avoiding genres, and I agreed with that. However, looking back, I see that ‘techno’ is a core element in our music. While “techno” can be interpreted in broad or narrow terms, if I had to describe it simply, I’d say we’re making techno music.
We aimed for “Love Flutter” to show our future direction. What we’re passionate about and striving for appears to be ‘techno,’ though I’m not sure if Shibata feels the same way.
Formed in 2015, this DTM unit consists of Aoi Shibata and Manto Nishiyama, both from Osaka. They create electronic music based on a sound that makes extensive use of hardware synthesizers. In 2018, they released their first nationwide album, “DREAM WALK.” Their second album, Night Flow, released in 2019, won an award at the 12th CD Shop Awards 2020, drawing attention. They released their third album, “See-Voice,” in October 2021, and their fourth album, “FINE LINE,” in May 2023. Their fifth album, “Love Flutter,” was released on August 7, 2024.
Shibata: While I mostly agree, I think Pasocom Music Club also incorporates elements of pop music. So if someone asked about our music, I might describe it as ‘popular music created with synthesizer sounds that also features elements of dance music.
Nishiyama: So, Shibata believes that Pasocom Music Club is fundamentally pop music.
Shibata: It’s difficult to define what counts as pop music, but I do think there’s always a desire for everyone to listen to it. There’s an aspect of composing where you translate your music into something that resonates with others.
Taking all that into account, if I had to sum it up in one word, it would be “techno.” How about LAUSBUB?
Iwai: I completely agree with what the members of Pasocom Music Club are saying. I’ve recently been reminded of the broad scope of the term ‘techno.’ It seems that LAUSBUB is also engaged in translating their desired music into a pop format, similar to what Shibata mentioned. I hope to maintain that sense of balance moving forward.
LAUSBUB is often introduced as a ‘new wave techno pop band,’ isn’t it?
Iwai: We initially identified as a ‘new wave techno pop band,’ but I’ve started to feel that we’re drifting away from new wave [laughs]. It’s not quite experimental either, but when you take a step back and listen, there is a sense that LAUSBUB can still be appreciated as pop music.
Formed in March 2020 by Riko Iwai and Mei Takahashi, who were in the same high school light music club in Sapporo, Hokkaido. They are a new wave techno pop band. On January 18, 2021, they gained explosive attention through a Twitter post and reached number one on the worldwide weekly charts on SoundCloud. They have expanded their activities, taking on roles such as hosting the original program “Far East Disco” on AIR-G’ FM Hokkaido and contributing the theme song for the Sapporo International Art Festival 2024. They released their first album, “ROMP,” in July 2024.
Takahashi： I also have a sense of uncertainty about whether LAUSBUB should be classified as new wave or pop music.
Shibata： When browsing through Bandcamp, you come across tracks that sound like they were just recorded with a sine wave, but they’re still really great. I enjoy that kind of ‘experimental progress’ music, but I also admire those who go beyond that and work on translating their music so that a wider audience can enjoy it.
