Featuring an Uncompromising Collection of Tracks with Guest Appearances by Esteemed Artists

Furthermore, the album features tracks with guest appearances from esteemed artists such as Takeshi Hosomi of The HIATUS and MONOEYES, VERBAL of m-flo, SU of RIP SLYME, and BONNIE PINK, offering a comprehensive journey through FPM's career. This is a meticulously crafted best album that truly captures the essence of FPM's artistic trajectory.

OPENERS had the opportunity to speak with Tomoyuki Tanaka himself about the album's appeal. What is on his mind as he celebrates his 20th anniversary?

Page 0245 Tracks to Soundtrack Every Moment of Life

Life is Nothing More Than a Succession of Moments

—What inspired the concept of "a soundtrack to life"?

Even before starting FPM, I was part of a DJ collective in Kyoto called "SOUND IMPOSSIBLE" where we exclusively played movie soundtracks. I've always loved soundtracks and have been a collector. In fact, early in FPM's career, I even described our slogan as "a soundtrack for people living in the city."

I hoped that FPM's music would have colored various parts of my listeners' lives, and that sentiment led to the concept for this 20th-anniversary best album.


—What is the meaning behind the title "Moments"?

We decided on "Moments" as the title for the three-disc set, with the idea that the songs would color each individual moment of the listeners' lives. After all, life is nothing more than a succession of moments.

—Why did you choose to divide the album into three distinct albums with three themes, rather than compiling it into one?

It's a fortunate situation, but after 20 years of producing music, I've created a wide variety of tracks. When it came to selecting songs for the best album, it was simply impossible to fit them all onto a single disc. This led to the idea of compiling them into three distinct tastes: the calming and chill "Alone," the mid-tempo and pop "Lust," and the energetic and danceable "Rapture."



—What requests did you have for "groovisions," who handled the package design?

Since the release of "too" in 2003, it's become a tradition to produce the initial pressing with distinctive colored plastic cases. When I met with groovisions for this best album, the first thing we discussed was, "We definitely want to go with the special colored plastic case again."

I recall requesting a design that was simple and stoic, yet also colorful and luxurious.

Moreover, isn't the price of 4,000 yen (excluding tax) for this special edition three-disc CD set sensational? Honestly, the production run for the initial special edition is quite limited, but I sincerely hope people will get their hands on this special version. Of course, the individually sold titles also feature special colored plastic cases for their initial limited editions.


—In selecting and compiling your past works, did you discover anything new or have any new realizations?

The album includes 45 tracks, encompassing new unreleased songs and tracks from my indie days. I was also able to include songs from my early Japanese Columbia era, which were previously only available on CD and not included in digital releases.

While sound production reflecting the times is indeed a crucial aspect of dance music, I was personally surprised by how strongly each track possessed the distinct "FPM-ness" and a unique quality unmatched by others, even more so than the era's sound.

And as a result of the meticulous remastering process, the significant improvement in sound quality and volume, especially for the earlier recordings, made me incredibly happy.


—Looking back, what kind of 20 years has it been? And what are your future prospects?

When I first heard The Rolling Stones in the first year of junior high school, they had only been active for 18 years. I used to think that 20 years of activity was something only achieved by enka singers. But looking back on my own 20 years, it truly feels like it passed in the blink of an eye.

I believe the era when I started FPM was a very fortunate time for musicians, and I'm grateful for the many enjoyable experiences I've had because of it.

However, comparing myself now to when I first moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, completely lost, I don't feel much has changed. I still feel that FPM, as an entity, holds a certain uniqueness within the Japanese music scene, and the dance music scene as well, for better or worse.

As a contrarian, this sense of unease is precisely what fuels my creative drive and my desire to DJ. I believe I can continue my activities as FPM, and as DJ Tomoyuki Tanaka, with a fresh perspective for years to come.

"Moments Best 45 fabulous tracks by FPM"※ Limited Edition Special Package 3-Disc Set

Label | avex trax

Price | 4320 yen

Release Date | September 30th (Wednesday)



"Alone" "Rapture" "Lust"

Label | avex trax

Price | 2160 yen each

Release Date | September 30th (Wednesday)



<Track List>

"Alone"

01. I Was In Love feat. Takeshi Hosomi (the HIATUS / MONOEYES)

02. Wish You Were Here

03. Whistle Song feat. Shoko Suzuki

04. Honolulu, Calcutta feat. Lorrie Le Man & Honymink (Gentle)

05. Black Dada feat. Kirinji

06. Kimi Ga Hoshii feat. Genichi Tamura

07. On A Chair

08. A World Without Love feat. BONNIE PINK

09. Days And Days feat. Coralie Clèment

10. Bossa For Jackie (Dedicated To Mr. Kennedy) feat. Dimon Fisher Tumer

11. Ai No Yume feat. Yasuaki Shimizu

12. God Save The Mona Lisa feat. Bob Dorough

13. Other Stories

14. One Minute For Sleep

15. Pura Saudade (Nova Bossa Nova) feat. Pat Cerqueira



"Rapture"

01. Without You feat. MONKEY MAJIK

02. Reaching For The Stars feat. INCOGNITO

03. Tell Me feat. BENJAMIN DIAMOND

04. You

05. I Think feat. KISSOGRAM

06. Take Me To The Disco

07. Dance Dance Dance Dance feat. SU (RIP SLYME)

08. Paparuwa

09. Mr.Salesman

10. Paragon

11. Curiosity

12. Libido

13. Obsession

14. Never Ever (Extra Vocal Mix) feat. Maki Takamiya

15. Bachelor Pad (Version for "The Spy Who Shagged Me")



"Lust"

01. Why Not? feat. Ryohei Yamamoto

02. Beautiful Days feat. Haven L. Clayborne & Yoshie Nakano (EGO-WRAPPIN')

03. City Lights feat. Seth Timbs (Fluid Ounces)

04. Hey Ladies

05. Fanfare feat. TAHITI 80

06. We Are The Universe

07. There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) feat. Lorraine Bowen

08. Bolero feat. SAIGENJI

09. Steppin' Out feat. Dougee Dimensional (Gentle People)

10. Love IS Psychedelic

11. Can't You Feel It? feat. BENJIAMIN DIAMOND

12. Piano And Clock

13. Bring Da Noise

14. Spectacular feat. VERBAL (m-flo/PKC®)

15. L'aventure Fantastique feat. Honeymink & Laurie Le Mans (Gentle People)