Guy Perryman Interviews

A conversation with Brian Auger - Hammond keyboardist and composer, who has performed with legends and created legendary rock, soul, funk, R&B, and jazz inspired music and been called “the inventor of the Acid Jazz sound”. Chatting online between LA and Tokyo in July 2023 Auger shares stories from his incredible musical journey starting in the UK, including the highs and the lows all with a ra...

A conversation with Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – siblings who play an array of instruments and create snazzy bluesy music who were in Japan for shows in Tokyo , Osaka and Asagiri Jam festival in October 2023. The three chat about performing at the "biblical" foot of Mt Fuji, sibling rivalry and chilli peppers!!

A conversation with Rega Dauna - harmonica playing virtuoso who performed at the Java Jazz Festival in his home country Indonesia at the age of 13, and has been on the stage at Ronnie Scott’s in London with Bluey from Incognito’s side project Citrus Sun who were in Japan for live shows at Blue Note Tokyo in July 2023. Dauna talks (in his first ever English interview!) with great energy about why h...

A conversation with Sulene Fleming - soulful singer who has featured on a vast array of soul, funk and house tracks and live shows including with my radio show regulars Stone Foundation, The Brand New Heavies, Incognito and Citrus Sun , who were in Japan for live shows at Blue Note Tokyo in July 2023. A ray of sunshine herself Fleming shares what she loves about singing and performing live plus en...

A conversation with Anna of the North - who is from the north - Norway, and creates uplifting and life inspired pop songs, and was in Tokyo in September 2023 for a live show. Anna talks openly about overcoming stage fright, how travel has helped her grow as an artist and a person, and shares a favourite spot in Norway.

A conversation with Jason and Steve from Kodaline - who create atmospheric and melancholy indie rock and pop who were in Japan for shows in Tokyo and Osaka in September 2023. The two talk (in their beautiful lilting Irish) about how they feel at the very end of a global tour, their love of making music for albums to be played in full, and for games.

A conversation with Adrian Sherwood - master of dub music - producer, remixer, DJ and On U Sound record label founder who has worked with legends in the genre including Lee Scratch Perry, Horace Andy, Tackhead, Gary Clail, and remixed for Depeche Mode, Primal Scream, Nine Inch Nails and many more, who was in Tokyo for sold out live and DJ sets at Ebisu Liquid Room in September 2023. Sherwood talks...

A conversation with Bluey - from acid jazz group Incognito, who was in Japan for live shows with his side project Citrus Sun at Blue Note Tokyo in July 2023.  Bluey shares thoughts about Citrus Sun being an extension of his personality, how the sound of rain has inspired his songwriting, what Japan can teach the world, and why his grandfather would be his chosen travel companion.

A conversation with Elijah, Josh, Robert and Ryan - all four members of Inhaler - rock stars who were in Tokyo for Summer Sonic music festival in August 2023. In our allocated five minute interview slot the four share what they were loving about being in Japan, and how their Irish roots inspire the magic of making music.

A conversation with Jacob, Ryan and Ari - all three members of Gabriels - creators of a unique blend of electro, r&b, gospel, pop - who were in Tokyo for Summer Sonic music festival in August 2023. The three talk about the joy of finding each other and making the music they love with one of the most unique singing voices in the world, not to mention how difficult it is to create the perfect ha...

A conversation with Sam and Kevin from Two Door Cinema Club - creators of snazzy upbeat synth pop who were in Tokyo for Summer Sonic music festival in August 2023. The two talk about making lucky, keep on smiling, wonderful life music and tell us what they'd really like their music to be used for, all in their beautiful lilting Irish accents.

A conversation with Charlie and Hugo of Pale Waves - British rock band who were in Japan for Summer Sonic music festival in August 2023. Over a virtual pale ale the two talk about how thrilled they were to be in a (very hot) Japanese stadium, Japanese politeness, Japanese loos, and a few other festival and music experiences.

A conversation with The Lounge Society - all four members - Archie, Cameron, Hani and Herbie who were in Japan for Summer Sonic music festival in August 2023. The four talk about sharing their own small town experience with fans in Japan and around the world also from small towns, and the concept of thinking and dancing.

A conversation with Stomp cast members - the thumping, drumming musical show from the Broadway and West End stages to Tokyo. The three share stories of how being on stage allows you to discover yourself, not to mention the joy of being in a show where it's OK to break things on stage.  

A conversation with David Hunter and Cassidy Janson - the two leading stars of Once, in concert, the Broadway stage musical from London’s West End season in Japan. The two share experiences of their stage and music journeys so far, and how music is a powerful tool to tell emotional stories.

A conversation with Coppe - pioneering singer/songwriter in a range of genres including electronic, jazz and classical, who won the major Japanese song writing award Nihon Record Taisho (equivalent to a Grammy) at the age of 7, and in 2023 was on the Fuji Rock Festival line-up. Coppe shares stories of her musical journey, life as an alien, and gives praise to her family for teaching her the power...

A conversation with Peabo Bryson - Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and king of the Disney duet. Bryson shares what it feels like to hear your voice up on the big screen, and in-studio stories of singing with some of the greatest vocalists of all time, all with a cheeky twinkle in his eye.

A conversation with Roberto Gatto - jazz drummer who has played with the greats including Chet Baker and for the past ten years with his drums, bass and piano group Perfectrio has toured the world with their expansive improvised performances, including at the Italian Cultural Institute Tokyo in June 2023. Gatto talks about his intimate, "economical" style of playing, what Chet Baker taug...

A conversation with Larry Carlton - legendary guitarist as a member of The Crusaders and Fourplay, plus the number one session guitarist in LA in the 70’s and 80’s recording with Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Quincy Jones and hundreds of other stars, then moving on to a successful solo career. Carlton shares stories from the studio, on the road, and the power of music and family helping him through a...

A conversation with Chisara Agor - singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and designer who was in Japan to perform at the British Embassy Tokyo reception celebrating King Charles III coronation and birthday. Agor talks passionately about creating art across all mediums to tell a narrative story and cathartic experience for artist and audience alike.

A conversation with Joey Alexander - jazz pianist who at the age of 19 has already performed with a range of huge names in the world of jazz at the Grammy’s, Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival, White House and more. Alexander shares his thoughts on how it feels to play jazz, the colour of jazz and how his childhood home of Bali keeps him calm.

A conversation with Poppy Ajudha - singer/songwriter who creates very cool, powerful, and passionate jazz, soul, London inspired music. Ajudha talks loud and proud about what inspires her songwriting and what makes her cry, including movies at 30,000 feet!

A conversation with Pattie Boyd - model, photographer and rock’n’roll’s most famous muse having inspired songs by former husbands George Harrison and Eric Clapton. In Tokyo for her photo exhibition My Life In Pictures at Tower Records Shibuya in June 2023, Boyd talks about life on both sides of the camera, candidly shares her survival instinct, and the joy of breathing deeply in the Meiji Shrine f...

A conversation with Paul Pacifico - harmonica playing bluesman and session musician, on the creative and commercial sides of the music biz, and now literally changing a whole nation through the power of music. Paul shares artistic and professional experiences and advice for anyone who is as passionate about being successful in music as he is.

A conversation with Ruel - singer/songwriter (and surfer) who was in Tokyo for a sold-out show to celebrate the release of his first full studio album "4th Wall". Ruel talks candidly about growing up in the music biz, what he loves about his many trips to Japan and shares a tip for surfers.