Hiroshi Hasegawa | Interview
Hiroshi Hasegawa is a Japanese noise artist best known for forming C.C.C.C. formed in 1989 by actress Mayuko Hino.
Hasegawa continued releasing under different monikers countless noise and experimental records.
What was your very first band called?
Hiroshi Hasegawa: My first band was called “Kaitai Shiiku Dan” (in English “Demolition Breeders” or “Scrap Breeders”). I started my musical career late, when I was about 20 years old, around 1983. At the time I was inspired by free jazz and free improvisation, and the band’s style of playing was a combination of free jazz and junk rock.
“Even in the underground music scene in Tokyo we were always isolated”
What led to the formation of C.C.C.C. and what was the initial reaction from the audience when you played live music?
I started C.C.C.C. around 1990. At the time, noise music was still not recognised by the public and most people did not even know that such a musical style existed. We were treated like freaks when we played with a rock band, and when we played in an art gallery no one took us seriously because we were too loud. So few people understood us and even in the underground music scene in Tokyo we were always isolated. However, it also helped us to keep in touch actively with minority noise artists scattered all over Japan, and led to the formation of a network of noise and avant-garde musicians in Japan.
You must enjoy a lot of experimental music? Did you ever consider playing more commercial music?
Yes, I like experimental music so much. I particularly like the works of the INA-GRM label. I am not interested in commercial music, nor am I capable of producing such works.
Tell us more about your favourite artists.
For example, with INA-GRM artists I am interested in Iannis Xenakis, Giacinto Scelsi, François Bayle, Bernard Parmegiani, Francis Dhomont, Michel Chion, Michel Redolfi, and so on.
Will you be playing any live dates?
No gigs are planned at the moment. It will remain that way for some time. Because for the time being I have to concentrate on caring for my elderly mother.
Why has Japanese noise music become so popular?
Certainly there seems to be more people interested in noise music than when I started, but I still don’t think it is popular by any means.
How do people react to your music?
People’s reactions are different, but generally positive.
Any trends in experimental music that you prefer?
I prefer music that uses collage and cut-up techniques.
First story about C.C.C.C. that comes to your mind?
In the early days of C.C.C.C., member Mayuko Hino was doing Japanese bondage action, and the fusion of her performance and noise playing had a particularly strong impact on foreign audiences.
John Wisniewski
Hiroshi Hasegawa Facebook /Bandcamp
