Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2014

Yo La Tengo (Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley, James McNew) from Hoboken, New Jersey have been playing together since 1984.  Last year saw the release of their 13th studio album—the excellent Fade—which draws from the numerous stylistic forays of their 30-year history. Yo La Tengo plays legendary concerts and are known for tossing out unexpected cover songs from their vast and diverse repertoire. Metropolis had the pleasure of an easygoing chat with easygoing bassist James McNew, who has “only” been with the band since 1992.

When was the last time you played in Japan?

We played at the Fuji Rock Festival last summer and we also played a show in Sapporo which was really, really fun. Yeah, it was a great trip. It’s always a great trip, so we’re really happy that we’re coming back.

Do you have regular things you enjoy doing when you are in Japan?

Oh yeah, absolutely. Mostly it’s to see our friends. We don’t really get to see them very often. Other than touring, we really don’t get much of an opportunity to see them at all. It’s really emotional, very exciting for us to come.

Do you have any Japanese bands that you like to see or play with?

Yeah, lots. We’re huge fans of Japanese music. Singer-composer Yamantaka Eye from the Boredoms—he remixed a song from our most recent album. Shintaro Sakamoto-san (formerly Yura Yura Teikoku) has a new album coming out very soon that I’m very excited about.

Do you play any Japanese cover songs?

We did cover “I am Just a Mops,” by the ’60s psychedelic band The Mops. That’s the only one so far.

Are you still teased about being the new guy in the band?

I’m at peace with it. 23 years later, there’s really nothing you can do about it! I’ve learned to live with it.

How does Yo La Tengo keep it fresh and inspired after all of these years playing together?

I think we don’t think about it, that’s the key. We don’t really worry so much. We enjoy playing together. We enjoy each other’s company, which counts for a lot. There were times in the 1960s when bands had to put out, like, three albums per year; and thank god we don’t have to do that. Our relationship with Matador Records has been extremely healthy for us in allowing us to work at our own speed and to really only start making new music when we feel it’s time for us to start—and that goes a long way. To be that fortunate, to have that kind of arrangement, it’s a godsend, very lucky for us.

Despite that—only putting an album out every few years—you have a vast catalog…

There’s no pressure! Take your time. It’s a lot to ask. I know! I never take that personally.

What can people expect from your upcoming shows in Tokyo?

We have very strong connections to our old songs and we’re able to make decisions at show time about the songs we would like to play that night. Every night is always different and the song list is always changing, so I don’t know.

What’s your philosophy for bass playing?

Personally, I’m a firm believer in less is more. Just in general, but especially when it comes to being economical with bass playing. Some of my favorite bass players are guys who can play a lot of notes and I think that’s awesome the way they do it… I’m more into hypnosis, I think, and meditation and trance rather than showing off.

So many musicians love to fill up all of the space with sound. Space is a privilege. No one should know that more than the people who live in Japan.

I was very influenced by a bass player named Sue Garner from NYC. She played in a band called Fish and Roses and I think she is the best bass player I’ve ever seen in my life. I would try to imitate her and it would come out all wrong, but I think that’s good. I think that’s how you start developing your own style—when your imitations are unsatisfactory.

Besides music, what else do you like to do?

I’m an artist I guess you could say. I draw and paint a lot. I’m a pretty good cook. I’m a very good driver. I’m not sure what else.

I think part of why your band is so well loved, is that your recordings and live performances feel so genuine and without pretension…

Thanks man, that’s really sweet! That makes me feel great. Thank you.

Ex Theater Roppongi, May 9 and Liquidroom, May 11. See concert listings for details.