Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2011

The profusion of rock festivals continues into the fall. Launched in 2009 boasting a “borderless, neutral” music policy, Neutral Nation enters its third year with an all-day event at Odaiba.

Like last year, the 2011 edition pairs one hip North American act with a slew of taste-making Japanese indie-rock units. After 2010’s headliners Gang Gang Dance played with acts like Buffalo Daughter, this year downtempo veteran Prefuse 73—favored here for mind-melding productions like his signature One Word Extinguisher—fronts a bill featuring acts such as neo-folk instrumental virtuoso Shugo Tokumaru and abstract hip-hop producer O.N.O.

In the run up to Neutral Nation, Metropolis chatted with Prefuse 73—aka American producer Guillermo Scott Herren—about his new album The Only She Chapters and his decade-long relationship with Japan.

Why did you decide to work with only female vocalists on The Only She Chapters?

If felt like it was time for me to do something different as far as my output with Prefuse 73 is concerned. There has always been room for various concepts and experimentation in my music. This record is simply an exploration of something I had in my head and I went for it. I put less boundaries and expectations on myself when it comes to music these days.

How did “the female touch” bring out a new side to your music?

It was a collaborative process. Before anything was recorded, I wanted this album to be more “textural” rather than “beat driven.” Therefore, the “female touch” (as referenced) is how I felt the music would stay consistent on this album.

Tell us how your compositional process was different from previous albums.

On previous albums, I was pretty loyal to my tools that I am used to making “beats” and sampling on. On this album, I experimented with a lot of nontraditional recording methods and less sequencing or looping. For the most part it was more of a live process.

You’ve been to Japan many times. Tell us about the evolution of your relationship with the country.

I feel really close to Japan due to all of the projects that I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with there. Not to mention, all of the shows I’ve been able to play there. I think that some of the most loyal people that listen and accept what I do musically
are in Japan. That’s a very special relationship as far as I see it.

What kind of set will you bring to Neutral Nation?

I’m playing with my partner for the past 10 years: “Ryan Rasheed” (a.k.a Leb Laze) and with my current drummer (Gaetano Licata) who has played with tons of people: everyone from Bill Laswell and Santigold to Cold Cave. He’s very diverse in his style and one of the most talented musicians I have ever had the chance to play live shows with. The set at Neutral Nation will be a combination of sounds from all my records; it should be very diverse.

Tell us about the single biggest influence on your music at present.

Right now, I’m simply inspired by all the younger people out there that dedicate themselves to making original music of all kinds. Despite the financial hardships involved, they keep going and that keeps me going.

Neutral Nation@Tokyo Odaiba Seaside Court, Sep 19 (listing).