Helsinki Lambda Club Talk Visiting America, Social Media Use As A Band, And More

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Japanese based band Helsinki Lambda Club talk us through their recent trip to America, how social media affects them as a band, and more

Helsinki Lambda Club are arguably one of the most famous and recognisable indie bands from Japan. Having been touring and playing since 2013, they’ve made quite the name for themselves. After getting our ears around the remixed single ‘Good News Is Bad News (Swim Deep Slowcore Remix)’ we were eager to find out more about the bands life.

So, we spoke to guitarist and vocalist Kaoru Hashimoto who spoke to us about their time in the America, social media use as a band, and more!

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Kieran: How has 2024 been treating you so far?

Kaoru: It’s been going well! We went to America for the first time in March, and we’re feeling more motivated than ever to perform live globally.

Kieran: You’ve had a very busy year already having played SXSW and more, what was that like and how do you find America? 

Kaoru: It’s been hectic but enjoyable. Compared to Japan, everything in America is on a bigger scale, and the people living there seem tougher. We sensed a strong culture of music being ingrained in daily life, which was very inspiring.

Kieran: So, you’ve been a touring band since 2013, which, scarily, is now over a decade. What’s changed since you first came to be? 

Kaoru: As we go on, the list of things we want to do keeps growing, which was unexpected.  In the past, songwriting was a very introspective process, but recently, we’ve been building songs more from a desire to share enjoyment.

Kieran: There’s a lot of discussion around social media and musicians of late and how it is possibly a negative thing, how do you feel about this?

Kaoru: While there are benefits, there are also times I personally want to quit. It can be both a blessing and a curse depending on how you use it. I believe that, regardless of your intentions, social media can expose you to unpleasant things or get you involved in problems, so I’ve become more cautious over the years.

Kieran: What are some common misconceptions about being a band from Japan?

Kaoru: Frankly, it feels like Japanese bands are still quite distant from the rest of the world, in terms of recognition and perception.

Kieran: What are 5 records you’ve got playing non-stop right now?

“Sounds Good” by Brainstory

“Levitations Sessions (Live)” by Babe Rainbow

“Mount Matsu” by Yin Yin

“Only God Was Above Us” by Vampire Weekend

“NJWMX” by NewJeans

Kieran: And lastly, if you could collab with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

Kaoru: Steve Lacy. I’d love to explore his innovative ideas and collaborate with him in a relaxed environment. It would be incredibly stimulating and fun. I’d even try making music with him using GarageBand on the iPhone, just for the experience.

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