"Our relationship with Japan runs a lot deeper than a few gigs..." 

Since getting together almost 10 years ago, Nathan, Todd, Adam, and Piers haven't exactly had the easiest of rides in the music 'game'. Support slot setbacks, disappearing record labels and chart politics would have been enough to make many a band call it a day. But not these guys.

Determination, self-belief, real talent and bloody hard work is what sets them apart from most of the bands out there, and 2009 saw The Boxer Rebellion getting more of the credit they truly deserve... and their latest album, Union, was voted the 'No.1 Alternative Album' by iTunes US. 

You should already know all about The Boxer Rebellion...if not, get to know!

ModernFuss were lucky enough to catch the Tokyo leg of their Japan tour, after which we hooked-up with Nathan, the 'shortest member of the band', to talk all things Japan (and more)! Check it out!

1- Hi guys. Welcome to Japan! Can you let our readers know a bit about the band... how it all started and what it is you do.

We started in late 2000. Todd, our guitarist had just moved over from Adelaide, Australia, and I from Tennessee. We started playing fairly basic acoustic songs together which eventually developed into a full band. Adam, our bass player, and Piers, our drummer, were both students at the London Music School and were the only people to reply to our ad. I'm the singer, rhythm guitarist and shortest member of the band.

2- So, you just played Tokyo, how was it? Did you get to party afterwards?

The gig was fantastic and the longest we have ever played. This was our second time playing Japan and we absolutely love it. We are lucky enough to be surrounded by great people when we visit and they really look after us. Afterwards we had a nice little dinner at a wonderful place overlooking the city. I consumed far too much Sake.

3- Whats your impression of Japan?

We first played Japan a few years ago playing as part of a small festival. The first thing we noticed as an international band is how well looked after we are. The local crews are wonderful and wonderfully organised. I'm also a big fan of the resealable Coke can.

4- You're basically a self financed band, and after having a rough time with the majors, and maybe the industry in general, things seemed to go very nicely in 2009. Was it a good year? Any highlights?

Last year was a fantastic year for us. It's always a great thing to be busy doing what you love. Our album, however, was partly self financed and partly financed by our Japanese promoters Kyodo, so our relationship with Japan runs a lot deeper than a few gigs. My highlight of the year would have to be playing our first ever LA and New York gigs. They were pretty special.

5- What are your plans for 2010?

In a few weeks we are over in Texas for SXSW followed by a small trip to Mexico. After that we are pretty much writing and recording a third album.

6- Your work ethos, self financing and the relationship you've built with your fans is a great example to new bands. What advice do you have for new starters?

With the advent of iTunes, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc... it's a lot easier to get songs out into the ether and is something everyone should take full advantage of. And the relationships a band makes with fans and promotors is really important and is something that should never go unnoticed. Two things that have always helped us are firstly selling our own merch after gigs, signing CDs and what not and secondly, simply thanking them for being there.

7- It seems as though you work very, very hard...touring and recording. What do you do to relax?

I tend to watch a lot of TV series and am quite a dork about it. Presently I cannot wait for the final season of Lost.

8- You worked with Alan Mcgee at Poptones after being signed following your Glastonbury performance in 2003. How was it/he? What was it like at Poptones before he called it quits?

Usually he was very busy with other projects so we did not see him much. He was basically the father that wasn't there. I think he's a very nice chap and we will always be grateful that he gave us our first shot, but he was just a bit preoccupied to get us where we needed to go.

9- Any plans for a physical release of 'Union' in Japan?

We actually released it physically a few months back on Yoshimoto. They are a great group of people that we enjoyed meeting on our trip.

10- Todd, we heard that you were very involved in the arty side of the band. Please draw us a picture!

As much as I’d love to draw you a picture, I feel it would be more suitable to attach two photos from our trip.  The first is a picture of us meeting our new fans in Tokyo.  We love to meet the crowds after our shows, and be able to get to know them and make ourselves available to sign and take pictures.  We are ourselves fans of many great bands and it’s always a wonderful thing when you can meet artists you admire and say Hi, even if for a brief moment.  The second picture is of all of us, our promoter in Japan Mr. Yuuki Tamura, and our new friend Moss, taken just before we boarded the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka (see the photos below).  The show in Osaka was great – we played at a club called SOMA – and once again spent time meeting everyone after a great gig.  Can’t wait to get back... (Todd).

11- What is the best song you've ever recorded? What's it about?

One of my favourites would be 'World Without End' off of our first album (watch the video here). It was a last minute idea that we decided to put down and ended up becoming much better than expected. It's all about watching the world go by and watching its' unraveling.

12- We always ask our featured musicians to recommend a new band or artist, as a way of giving them some exposure here in Japan. Who are your recommendations?

Fink is probably the first thing that comes to mind. He is like a brother to us and an extremely talented singer/songwriter that could relax the most hardened of souls. (Check out Fink on myspace)

Quickfire on Japan...

1- Karaoke is massive here...what are your karaoke songs?

During this most recent trip I sang some Starship ('We Built This City'), John Lennon ('Jealous Guy'), and INXS ('Precious Heart'). Our manager, however, topped us all with his rendition of 'You Are Not Alone' by Michael Jackson

2- What have you bought in Japan? 

Something truly exciting, a crochet kit for my wife. Very rock n' roll indeed.

3- Are you into any Japanese music?

I really dig the band Mono. (Check out Mono on myspace)

4- Seen anything cool?

One could not visit Japan and leave without seeing something cool. The place itself and everywhere I've looked is unique and inspiring.

5- Met any cool people?

Our promoter Yuuki and our interpreter/guide Moss are about as cool as it gets.

Finally, what do you never leave your house without?

I never leave without turning off all of the lights and the heating.

Thanks a lot guys! Keep doing what you do, and get back to Japan asap!

Get 'Union' now at iTunes. Follow The Boxer Rebellion on twitter, myspace and facebook.