In the latest QnA with world artists performing at Womad NZ 2014, keyboardist and vocalist Ryo Nakata tells us about his band from Japan, Osaka Monaurail.

Can you give a brief account of the idea behind your music?

In the latest QnA with world artists performing at Womad NZ 2014, keyboardist and vocalist Ryo Nakata tells us about his band from Japan, Osaka Monaurail.

Can you give a brief account of the idea behind your music?

We are a Japanese group playing American Soul/Funk music. (Some people say that’s interesting. ....Why not, some New Zealand bands do, too. ;D)
After our two decades of learning since 1992, I realised that there are many elements in us that are somewhat Japanese and I cannot really take them out (though I may want to take them out). So, again, we are a Japanese Soul/Funk band.

Do you have any upcoming releases (albums/ singles / videos) before March 2014?

I am working on our new album that’s coming out in summer, but not before March.

Will this be your first visit to New Zealand?

This will be our second visit to New Zealand. The Air New Zealand company was sponsoring a festival in Queenstown, and they flew us there in 2012. We flew in the business class. The moment I sat down in the seat, they served hot almonds. I was surprised. And they kept serving all delicious foods. So, I have very good impression on New Zealand. :D

Do you have any artist/cultural/personal connections with New Zealand already?

After the gig in Auckland I visited the record store in Auckland called Conch. I would say, it was one of those wonderful record shops you can find in each city all over the world. I was surprised they knew some names from Japan too.

What are you looking forward to most about coming to New Zealand?

I want to see how happy people are in New Zealand. It’s a wonderful feeling to come to a place where you find many happy people. New Zealand is known as one of the most successful countries. Not how rich the country is; but how happy and satisfied the people are. Seriously, I go to cities to play music, and there are cities where I see many homeless people. Sometimes street children too. That’s very discouraging to me especially when I am there to entertain people.

Also, I often discuss moving to somewhere out of Japan mostly because of the Fukushima accident. Plus, Japan is heading in a bad direction, especially after the earthquake and the Fukushima situation. The tax is going up. Today many people speak hate against China or South Korea. The Tokyo Olympic is nightmare to me. I think we stop it. How can they do this where we can’t be sure of the safety about the running water in Tokyo?
Anyway, I am excited.... I would love to find out about New Zealand.

Where do you live currently? Where did you grow up?

I live in Yokohama, which is a suburb in the Tokyo area. I originally grew up in Osaka.

What is your family background?

Japanese.

What languages do you speak?

Japanese. English

• Osaka Monaurail perform at Womad NZ, Taranaki, 14-16 March 2014.