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Who are you? Japanther

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Back in 2005, I was on tour with Brazil as a roadie and they played a show at the Northsix in Brooklyn. Downstairs, Japanther played. We thought about going to see them, but were tired and went back to stay at the drummer’s parents’ house in New Jersey instead. The need for sleep wins again!

Who are you? What position do you fill in your band?

I’m Ian Vanek. I play drums, tapes, vocals and samples in Japanther, a punk art project from Brooklyn, New York. We formed in 2001 and are still going strong.

Tell me a story from your childhood, please.

When I was five or six my dad brought home a drum kit from the Goodwill to match the snare we had already been rocking. It was sparkly blue and my mom was sparkly pissed. It was the best day of our lives, though. We all started bands right then and there.

When an older family member asks what kind of music you play, what do you tell her/him?

Rock and roll with art and cartoons. I’m blessed with a cool family from the Bay Area filled with hippies and radio personalities.

I’m sure you have been asked a number of times about how the band got together. So, could you please make up a story about how you all got together? No, really. Just make something up. Knock yourself out.

Legend has it an unknown tribal woman mated with a panther one summer under a full moon in the 80′s and gave birth to a set of twins. The bastards were separated at birth for fear of their joint power. Reunited in New York pre 9/11, the twins began prowling worldwide.

What was the first album you bought that ignited your love for music?

Maybe Minor Threat or Nirvana – I’m not sure. I really loved 2 Live Crew, Beastie Boys, Body Count, and Guns and Roses tapes because they felt like contraband.

It seems we all have that person who got us into non-mainstream music (punk/hardcore/indie/metal/emo)? Who was that person for you?

Lots of people helped me transition into listening to obscure underground punk and hip-hop. A few guys at a record store in my hometown of Olympia, Washington, threw parking lot shows with great acts like Karp and Unwound. A few other people had renowned record labels. There was a studio on my same alleyway. My dad gave us a drum kit and used to play a little himself. My brothers were older and got tons of new music all the time. So it’s a huge puzzle.

There is nothing new under the sun, so, let’s be honest: musically you’re ripping somebody off. Who is it?

Japanther is aping Ramones and Misfits, for sure. We are really simple music with catchy hooks and lyrical play. We offer an art school take on it with sculptures and water ballets though.

Why should I listen to your music?

Japanther can be a very fun time: dancing with beautiful girls and boys and smiling huge. Woman and men are at their absolute most beautiful when they are having a blast, dancing freely and singing along! If you’re into that type of thing Japanther deliver from time to time.

Where can someone go on the internet to listen to your songs?

www.japanther.com



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