 |
| The Exclusive Steve Jansen Interview! |
| Steve Jansen is a truly rare breed of artist. Never having been one to do things "by the book", Steve got his major break as the drummer with innovative art rock/glam supergroup Japan (along with his Brother David Sylvian). At the height of their creative peak, Japan fell apart, but Steve continued to work with his Japan bandmates on several different projects (including a brief near-reunion of Japan minus guitarist Rob Dean called Rain Tree Crow). It is with his fellow Japan mates Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn that Medium Productions was born, an independent record label owned by the three. The label is helping to further the development of intelligent and creative music that otherwise would never see the light of day on any "major" label. Steve took some time from his extremely busy schedule to answer some questions for Me, a great moment for me, as I am a huge fan of Steve's drumming. Please enjoy the interview and be sure to visit the Medium Productions homepage for more info! |
| Q: Steve, thank You so much for taking the time to join Me here! I wanted to start off by asking You about Medium Productions, which You have formed with your former Japan bandmates Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn. Since it's formation in 1993, what have been some of highlights of the label's success for you? A: No label pressures, company bosses or undesirables trying to plug music they are at a loss to deal with. In terms of profile or record sales, 'success' can only be measured by the fact that Medium continues to exist. Q: Artist owned labels have been flourishing a bit lately it seems whereas major labels are seeing losses across the board. What have been some of the factors of success for labels such as Medium Productions lately? A: The majors have been hurt by cdr copying and free music downloads. As recording artists with an indie label we're also hurt by them but the majors have more at stake. Q: Being heavily influenced over the years by your drumming, I naturally wanted to ask you about your drums and background. When did you start playing and who were some of your earlier influences? A: I honestly cannot pin down my influences other than being inspired generally by bands or musicians that were trying to break the mould somewhat. Q: Do you still get to play much nowadays or have your production duties and the day to day operations of Medium allowed less time for drums? A: I only drum when the need arises i.e. recording or rehearsing for live work. Q: What kind of gear are you using these days? I know about your endorsement with Sabian cymbals but I wasn't sure about drum gear. A: Tama endorsee - although up until recently I used Sonor Hi-Lite Maple Snares. Q: Reflecting back on the days of Japan, You were definitely part of one of the most innovative and talented bands of the late 70 early 80's. What are your thoughts on the band and it's contributions to the music scene at the time? A: We didn't fit in well within the pop industry - we were an album band that were obliged to indulge in the fickle world of hit singles and dire videos. Left to our own devices I think we could have matured into a unique and timeless recording/live band but the pressures of commercially and public image broke us apart. Q: Just about any biography or synopsis that You find on the web compares Japan too heavily to Roxy Music, although Your music seemed to be deeper rooted to other influences than just Roxy Music. Do you recall any other bands or artists being particularly inspiring to Japan at the time? A: Velvet Underground/early Lou Reed (Particularly 'Berlin')/very early T. Rex, Bowie ('Low' and 'Heroes'), Talking Heads (particularly 'Remain In Light'..... Yes, early Roxy Music were a VERY inspiring band.... Burn and Eno's 'My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts' and Holger Czukay's 'Movies' were pivotal works..... but over time we absorbed influences from many different genres including world music. Q: I particularly loved Tin Drum a lot but I really enjoyed all of your albums. Which Japan album do you think best represented what the band was striving for as far as sound or style? A: Rain Tree Crow Q: Japan was all but reunited minus Rob Dean for the Rain Tree Crow project several years ago. How did that project come about? A: Water under the bridge and a desire to work together again. Didn't last because of too much baggage! Q: Steve, I wanted to thank You very much for your time again and I just wanted to wrap up here by asking what else is coming from Yourself and Medium Productions in the near future? A: I'll have to leave that one aside I'm afraid. If you follow the work you'll know soon enough. Thanks for your continued support. |
|