Full Transcript, Not Aired on Radio!

The Live Performance in Japan Was So Much Fun!

—Now, let's introduce tonight's guests on TOKYO MOON. We have Stefan Leisering and Axel Reinemer from Jazzanova, and vocalist Paul Randolph, who are here for their 'Jazzanova Live featuring Paul Randolph' performances in Japan. Welcome to the show.

Hello.

—First, as you just finished your first show last night, could you share your impressions?

JazzanovaIt was incredibly fun! We had two shows, and the energy was amazing from the first stage. The audience was so responsive, standing up and grooving even before we prompted them. The second show flowed directly from the energy of the first, allowing us to play with full intensity from the start.

—It seems the band members have become somewhat fixed with this album. Including the recording, how long have you been working together?

Paul Randolph (hereinafter, Paul)Not continuously since the recording, but the lineup has become quite stable since the tour began. Previously, we had multiple options for the backing band, like Team A, B, and C, but that gradually narrowed down to about Team A and Team B (laughs), and now we mostly perform with a fixed set of members.

—When Jazzanova emerged from Germany in the mid-90s, it was quite a shock. Until then, DJs were DJs and musicians were musicians, separate entities, but Jazzanova fused them into one, which was very fresh. Now, it has evolved into a band format. What led to that transition?

JazzanovaIf you look at Jazzanova's releases chronologically, you can see the evolution. Initially, we focused on soul and sampled obsessively (laughs). At that time, we were still creating from a DJ's perspective, but as we began producing for other artists over time, our recording techniques and skills improved. These advancements gradually began to be reflected in our own work.



In that sense, 'Funkhaus Studio Sessions' (2012/Sonar Kellektiv), released this May, is also a product born from the process of 'Of All The Things' (2008/Verve). It reflects the band-format sound honed during the live tour for 'Of All The Things'. Looking back, all these developments have occurred naturally.

We Aim to Enjoy Playing Ourselves First

—On the previous album, Paul (Randolph) participated in three songs, but this time, as a featured vocalist, he has, in a sense, become part of the band and is participating in the tour. So, could the two of you from Jazzanova explain the reason for inviting Paul, and Paul, what did you feel when you received the offer?

JazzanovaThe request to invite Paul came from our fans. They felt it was a shame that the live recordings could only be heard during the performances, so we decided to release them as an album. Since Paul had been the lead vocalist on most of the songs we had performed before, it naturally led to this format.

PaulI was deeply honored when I was asked. Initially, it was just for a single live performance, but we had such great chemistry that we continued to perform together. It expanded to 50 shows, and after the first year, it turned into a second, then a third, and now it's our fourth year.

JazzanovaPaul is a phenomenal singer who can adapt even songs previously performed with other vocalists into his own style. We are honored to have him as a vocalist for Jazzanova.

—Watching the second show yesterday, I felt that the members on stage seemed to be enjoying themselves the most. I think the audience, who might have been a bit reserved at first, gradually felt that enjoyment spreading, and by the end, the entire venue transformed into a dance floor.



Jazzanova & PaulThat's right. As long as we're making music, we aim to create music that naturally makes us groove, so we definitely have the intention to enjoy playing ourselves first. I feel the same when watching other artists' live performances. If the performers are enjoying themselves, it transmits to the audience. By consciously focusing on that and maintaining an attitude of 'we are also welcoming the audience,' I believe they will eventually open up.

We Now Truly Appreciate the Wonder of Direct Interaction with the Audience

—Stefan and Axel, I have a question for both of you. You were originally producers, working more 'behind the scenes.' Has your mindset changed at all by becoming active 'on stage'?

JazzanovaIt's great to be on stage and feel the audience's reaction directly. When we were behind the scenes, we could only see the audience dancing to the music we played. But performing live on stage is like playing table tennis; we express our emotions, and in return, we receive different emotions back from the audience. We now truly appreciate the wonder of this direct interaction.



—You've produced, collaborated with, and remixed for various artists, including Finn Silver. In a nutshell, what's the difference between your activities as Jazzanova and your other work?

JazzanovaWe've been involved with various artists for a long time, but until now, it was mostly providing beats as DJs or doing programming in the studio. However, during the Finn Silver recording, we stepped out of our usual Berlin studio and went through a process of direct interaction with them. It was very fresh, and we still maintain a good relationship with them.

—This summer, you'll be touring various places with this lineup, correct?

PaulI don't have the exact schedule memorized, but as far as I know, we're planning to visit Croatia, Vienna, Paris, Italy, Amsterdam... many places, mainly in Europe.

—As a fan, I'm already looking forward to what's next. How do you see Jazzanova evolving in the future?

JazzanovaWe're currently starting to work on a new album, but the musical direction is not yet decided. However, we want to continue performing live, so we aim to create something that can be expressed effectively in a live setting, regardless of the sound.

—The fusion of DJs and musicians, the transition to a band format, and operating on an independent label – what you've accomplished, Jazzanova, gives immense courage to people like myself and others who are active in similar fields. I eagerly anticipate your future endeavors.

JazzanovaThank you.

—Lastly, could you tell us about one song that significantly changed your life?

PaulIf I had to pick, it would be either Jimi Hendrix's 'Axis: Bold As Love' or 'Machine Gun'.

JazzanovaFor both of us, late 80s and early 90s hip-hop had a significant influence. It's essentially the foundation of Jazzanova. Artists like A Tribe Called Quest and DJ Premier. Also, Eric B. & Rakim's 'Paid in Full.' The Coldcut Remix, in particular, is an indispensable track in our lives.

(Cooperation: Blue Note Tokyo / P-VINE)