Guy Perryman Interviews

A conversation with Sparks – Ron Mael and Russell Mael celebrating the release of their latest album MAD and preparing for the world tour launching from Japan in June 2025. The brothers discuss their cinematic music being inspired by their movie-loving father, creating radio drama narratives, other audio delights, and onsen in Japan!

A conversation with Kyota Ko - best-selling author and YouTubing "story-yeller" who discovers fascinating and quirky moments and characters from Japanese history and shares them for an international 21st century audience with his cheeky humour. Kyota-san tells his story of escaping the salaryman grind and finding his own voice, the similarities between samurai Japan and salaryman Japan, what was the "sound" of Edo (old Tokyo) and more.

A conversation with Che'Nelle – singer who I first met 15 years ago live on the air and now back again in Japan sharing life stories of living in Malaysia, Australia, New York and LA, past life stories, what she wants to communicate to an audience through her music and live shows, and the sound of trees.

A conversation with singer/songwriter Claude Fontaine - in Tokyo for the first time in April 2025 sharing stories of her musical journey including discovering a world of music at a magical record store in London and taking us to a magical destination via her sunny reggae and bossa nova tinged tunes.

A conversation with Neal Francis - singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who was in Japan for live shows in April 2025 - sharing life experiences including performing with some of the biggest Blues artists in the US, making spectacular new music inspired by legendary R&B, soul, rock, disco and more, plus we exchange our favourite city train sounds in Chicago and Tokyo!!

A conversation with Maya Delilah – singer/songwriter who was in Tokyo in March 2025 for the first time for live shows telling us about her love for her guitar, how dyslexia helps as a songwriter, busking on the streets of London, discovering her name is a popular Japanese name, and more.

A conversation with Brandi Carlile – singer/songwriter who in April 2025 together with Elton John released the album [Who Believes In Angels?]. Carlile shares in-studio behind the scenes moments writing and recording with John and Bernie Taupin, performing live with Joni Mitchell, what song of hers she thinks has had an impact on a fan, and answers a question she's never been asked before – “What did Carlile teach Elton John in the process of making the album?”. The conversation took place online, me in Tokyo, Carlile in LA, audio only, no pics.

A conversation with ReN - singer/songwriter who dropped in to my live morning show at the InterFM studio Hanzomon to share music from his latest EP [Early Project 2] and stories about learning new instruments, a change of direction musically, lyrically and live on stage, plus a favourite spot for the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. 

A conversation with Alan Grant – radio broadcaster and voice over artist who hosts a morning show on Juice FM Cork, Ireland and won the International Student Broadcasting Championships 2024 Best Voice Over category. The conversation took place live on the air online between Ireland and Japan on Guy's InterFM morning show as a lead up to St Patrick's Day 2025.

A conversation with Amya Miller – author of books inspired by her life experiences and learning, including being born and raised in Japan with American parents, volunteering - not for days, weeks or months, but for years in the Tohoku region after the 2011 triple disaster, finding and building a support network for parents after her child came out as bisexual nonbinary, and more. Miller shares her thoughts honestly and brings us with her on a continuing journey of discovery.

A conversation with Hermanos Gutierrez - siblings Alejandro and Estevan who create Latin infused guitar and electro cinematic aural landscapes and were in Tokyo for the first time for live shows in February 2025. The two share their music origins, giving their all to the audience when playing live, brotherly connection through music, favourite spots - in Ecuador inspired by their grandmother and Switzerland inspired by their music, a surprise in Japan, and more.

A conversation with Greg Penny - who has produced chart-topping studio albums for Elton John and k.d. lang, remixed legendary albums into surround sound, and is currently creating an immersive spatial music theatre experience for Tokyo and LA. Penny shares stories from his showbiz childhood, in-studio moments with the stars, and the emotional power of music.

A conversation with Allysha Joy - singer, songwriter, keyboardist and producer who creates smooth as silk soulful jazz, who was in Japan in January 2025 for live shows at Blue Note Tokyo. Joy discusses her album [The Making of Silk], building nurturing music communities, using the power of music as therapy, and recommends a cultural hub in her hometown Melbourne.

A conversation with Brigitte Calls Me Baby - fabulous new rock group blending eras of sound who were in Tokyo from Chicago for their first Japan live show in February 2025. Wes, Jack and Trevor - three of the group's five members discuss fashion and neon in Tokyo, lyrics and awards in music, and who would make a good conversation companion.

A conversation with Marika Takeuchi - pianist / composer who has created music for movies, TV, radio, commercials, games and her own solo releases. From Tokyo, now based in California Takeuchi talks about her musical journey including writing songs from the age of eight, how the piano got her through difficult times and creating music inspired by her first child.

A conversation with Alex From Tokyo - DJ, remixer, producer, curator who was back in Tokyo from Paris in January 2025 talking about how being raised in Tokyo, nightclubbing in his teens and Japanese electro shaped his music style, plus latest music projects and the power of music.

A conversation with Zane Carney - jazz & rock guitarist/singer/songwriter who has performed with a vast array of artists including John Mayer, Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Avril Lavigne, Justin Timberlake, Natasha Bedingfield, Foster The People and was in Tokyo in December 2024 for a series of intimate solo live shows. Carney shares life in showbiz moments (including being a child actor), the live and studio vibe of LA, the joy of communicating to an audience through guitar, and the power of music.

A conversation with Jonathan Katz - pianist, composer and orchestrator with various music projects, and leader of Tokyo Big Band sharing stories from his musical journey from New York to Tokyo, the joy of discovering jazz and how Japan has influenced not only his life but also his music.

A conversation with Rinocerose – electro pop duo discussing their new album inspired by sunny dispositions, heroes, awakenings, and despite the title Psychoanalysis and the couch on the cover – there is some fun and dancing too. Chatting online from the south of France Jean-Philippe Freu and Patrice Carrie also share how Tokyo inspired their latest music video and how much they loved performing at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

A conversation with Katsura Sunshine – rakugo comedy storyteller bringing some light into our lives and discussing the universality of laughter, his journey through showbiz from Toronto (via a yakitori restaurant in Yokohama) to the Japanese tradition of rakugo, the joy of performing every month in Tokyo and on Broadway, and we even get a fabulous spontaneous excerpt from his repertoire!!

A conversation with Cadejo – snazzy jazzy soulful trio from Seoul who were in Japan in November 2024 for live shows and in-store appearances, talking about their love of music, performing live, Tokyo nights, Seoul hot spots, and being inspired by Latin America.

A conversation with Ziggy Alberts – singer/songwriter (and surfer) who was in Japan in October 2024 for live shows together with Donavon Frankenreiter after the two collaborated on the song "I'll Come A-Runnin'". Alberts talks about his passion for music, words and writing, getting back to nature, and first time catching a wave in Japan.

A conversation with Mike Pruss – Hollywood producer of Ridley Scott's juggernaut Gladiator II who was in Japan in November 2024 for the red-carpet reception and screening at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Pruss shares behind the scenes stories of the “sword & sandal” epic, plus moments from his creative journey, and how Japan has had an impact on his producing and private life.

A conversation with Tom Daley – British diving Olympic gold medalist who was in Japan in November 2024 for his first ever Made with Love knitting exhibition. Daley talks about the meditative parallel between diving and knitting, being an advocate for mental health and marriage equality, and why Tokyo has a special place in his heart.

A conversation with Mikolas – pop star who represented the Czech Republic in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, and in 2024 was in Japan recording his new collaboration with J-rapper SKY-HI. Mikolas shares stories about his life journey starting out cleaning music studios in return for recording time, busking his way around Europe, the challenge of modeling, and getting back up on the horse when life dumps on you.

A conversation with Soness Stevens - voice actor, writer and stand-up comedian, who has been the voice of anime character Hello Kitty, written for TEDx talks, and made her debut appearance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2024. Stevens shares stories from her creative journey, how living in a car as a child with her mother shaped her writing and performing, the sense of community at a beachside town in Japan, and her love of skateboarding and surfing.

A conversation with Matthew Halsall - trumpeter and founder of Gondwana Records label who creates beautiful, dreamy ambient music and was in Japan for live shows at Peter Barakan's Live Magic and Blue Note Tokyo in October 2024. Halsall discusses being inspired by the spiritual side of Japan, recording  the sounds of nature for his music, the power of silence in music, and some recommended music and food spots in his hometown Manchester.

A conversation with Lisle Wilkerson - AKA Lisle Weapon, Blonde Geisha - former Tokyo and now Los Angeles based radio DJ, voice actor, game & animation convention MC, and red-carpet reporter. Wilkerson shares the time we first met as in-store DJ's in Tokyo back in the 90's, plus moments as a pioneering bi-lingual radio broadcaster, showbiz moments with Prince, Shaggy, Glenn Close, Christopher Cross, and how being brought-up in Japan has moulded her character.

A conversation with Chris Mosdell – poet and lyricist who has written for a vast array of musicians including Yellow Magic Orchestra, Michael Jackson, Sarah Brightman, Tatsuro Yamashita and many more, and in 2023 was honoured with Japan's Classics Day Cultural Foundation Prize, presented by a member of the Imperial family. Mosdell shares the process of writing words for music, the story of why one of his most famous pieces was locked in Michael Jackson's vaults for decades, being inspired by Kyoto's 10th century "social media", and how the hum of cities has an impact on his words.

A conversation with Plush – all female rock group from the US on a mission to bring rock back to the forefront of the music industry, who were in Japan for the first time for live shows in October 2024. All four members talk about the joy of being in a band and getting inspiration from each other, supporting some legends in rock including KISS and Slash, and what from Japan they want to take back home with them.

A conversation with Timmy Byrne – dance music lover, DJ and owner of dance music radio station Kiss FM in Melbourne Australia who was in Japan in July 2024 to talk, walk, go clubbing and dance. Byrne expresses his love for the shared communal experience of listening to radio and being on a dance floor, and delight of being in Japan for the first time after studying the language and culture back in his school days.

A conversation with Jimmy Mullins – music loving teen student at the School of Rock in Portugal who is discovering the joys of becoming a future rock star and was in Japan for summer break in August 2024 together with his parents eating their way around the world. Mullins talks about why music is such a powerful way to make teen life and the world happier and healthier and spontaneously sings a bassline for us.

A conversation with Maisy Kay – singer inspired by fantasy worlds, the oceans of our real world, and emotions of the heart including challenging teen years moving from rural England to the hub of showbiz Los Angeles, who was in Japan for live shows in August 2024. Kay shares her thoughts on why adults need a little more whimsy, why we all need to take care of our oceans, and enjoying a spicy bowl of ramen in Tokyo.

A conversation with Jordan Dobson – stage / screen actor and musician whose Broadway debut was as the standby in the role of Tony in West Side Story, and movie debut was in Maestro the story of Leonard Bernstein West Side Story's composer, and was in Japan in August/September 2024 starring in the role of Angel in the Broadway and Japanese production of the stage musical Rent. Dobson shares serendipitous and painful showbiz moments, why musical theatre and music is so important for life, plus there's even an unscripted backstage moment minutes before Dobson is due on stage.

A conversation with Mikah - singer born and raised in Hawaii who moved to Japan after being scouted for boyband Intersection, then to China for audition reality show and joining the group Into1, now pursuing a solo career and was in Japan to perform live at Summer Sonic music festival in August 2024. Mikah shares thoughts on his musical journey so far including facing a stadium audience when being extremely shy, why he closes his eyes when singing, why music is therapy, and living life as a true internationalist.

A conversation with Olivia Dean – soulful singer/songwriter who creates some beautiful smooth soul, was named BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year 2023, and was in Japan to perform at Summer Sonic music festival in August 2024. In our allotted five minutes (standard for music festival press) Dean shares thoughts on her favourite theatre musical, how songwriting is about finding understanding between people, and being an "old soul" why she loves long-form music videos.

A conversation with Stephen Sanchez - singer inspired by the music of the 1950's & 60's with the swagger of Elvis to match, who was in Japan to perform at Summer Sonic music festival in August 2024. In our allotted five minutes (standard for music festival press) Sanchez shares his thoughts on performing with Elton John at Glastonbury Festival, why music, and indeed the world, needs to be more loving and less selfish, and what goes through his mind with eyes closed while singing.

A conversation with Ricardo Bacelar - composer and multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with an array of musicians and released a number of albums inspired by the vast range of Brazilian music who was in Japan for a series of live shows in July 2024. Bacelar talks passionately about how composers "feel" music flow, why the first take when recording is the best, and recommends some Brazilian music destinations. 

A conversation with Joao Caetano and Francis Hylton - percussionist and bassist respectively with legendary acid jazz group Incognito and side project Citrus Sun who were in Japan for shows at Blue Note Tokyo in July 2024. The two discuss how performing with Bluey's two major music groups has given them the chance to see the world and build a global community, provide them with a platform to launch their own solo projects and discover what soul music really means.

A conversation with Kitty Liv – one third of sibling music trio Kitty, Daisy & Lewis who released her debut solo album Easy Tiger the same week as her live show at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan in July 2024. Kitty shares thoughts on her solo venture, music festivals, why she loves Fuji Rock and how a bad relationship can inspire good music.

A conversation with Carlos O'Connell guitarist of Fontaines D.C. – UK chart-topping, Brit Award-winning Irish rock stars who were in Japan for Fuji Rock Festival 2024. Three days before their Red Marquee set at the festival O'Connell shares his favourite music festival moment, thoughts on purposely not looking at the band's global tour schedule, walking up stairs in Japan, and a lucky horseshoe on his skin.

A conversation with Mark Johnson – co-founder of Playing For Change, a foundation and global collective of musicians who offer education and opportunities through the power of music. Johnson shares human success stories from his travels and how music is used not only for education, entertainment and healing but also in an African village for conflict resolution, something the world could learn from.

A conversation with Ai Futaki – Guinness World Record holding free diver, speaker, documentary maker and oceans advocate who talked at a World Ocean Day 2024 event at the Canadian Embassy Tokyo and in summer 2024 has an exhibition creating an ocean in an inland town in Japan. Chatting on the beach at Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo Futaki shares her observation of sea lions being like little puppies, dolphins cool teenagers and whales wise shaman, and gives advice about how we can all help the oceans and how the oceans can help us.

A conversation with Nick Wood – musician, composer, music producer and SYN Studio in Tokyo founder who has created the audio for a vast array of projects and collaborated with artists including Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, Julian Lennon, Maxi Priest, Bebel Gilberto, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and more. Wood shares stories of the joys and challenges of the creative and business sides of music, a "happy accident" success story in Japan, and the undervalued perception of music.

A conversation with Margaret Glaspy - singer/songwriter inspired by a wide range of American music including blues and folk, and stories inspired by life experiences who has released a number of critically acclaimed self-produced solo albums and EP's. Backstage at Blue Note Tokyo before two live shows in June 2024 Glaspy shares stories about writing music that takes her to a vulnerable place, enjoying music from different angles as a musician and a fan, and discovering macrobiotic food in Japan.

A conversation with Rob Dickinson – singer/songwriter with 90's Brit rock band Catherine Wheel plus solo projects, and founder of Singer Vehicle Design a company that remodels and re-imagines Porsche 911's. Dickinson shares experiences on songwriting inspired by the ocean's horizon to escape a small English town, literally walking away from a pop career at it's peak, and creating act two of life turning the passion for cars from a hobby into a business on the boulevards of West Hollywood.

A conversation with Mami Kikuchi – City Pop singer / songwriter who's 1982 albums have been re-released in 2024; TV commercial singer; TV show host; and interpreter for international stars visiting Japan. Kikuchi shares stories about working with music legends including Mick Jagger, J-pop legends including Akiko Yano and experiences as a woman in the Japanese music and media business.

A conversation with Cautious Clay – singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist who makes soulful music, had the courage to quit his day job and pursue music full time, has collaborated with John Mayer and been sampled by Taylor Swift.  Backstage at Duo Music Exchange Shibuya Tokyo during soundcheck in May 2024 Clay shares thoughts on why he couldn't ignore his passion for music, creating a tribute to his parents, which one of all of the instruments he plays is a favourite, and a quirky thing about Japan he loves.

A conversation with Jungle – all three core members Josh Lloyd-Watson, Tom McFarland and Lydia Kitto – who make the smoothest dance music and coolest accompanying videos and were in Japan for sold out shows in May 2024. The three discuss the best and worst of a live show,  the latest album Volcano long-form music movie with spectacular choreography by Shay Latukolan, and choosing a famous cartoon character as a travel companion.

A conversation with L'Rain – singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and curator from New York who was in Tokyo for live shows featuring the unique dreamy, rhythm driven music at Billboard Live in May 2024. L'Rain shares thoughts on how performing music and dance makes her feel, how there are no bad ideas in creativity, and how live shows are all-encompassing multi-sensory experiences.

A conversation  with Leslie Kee – Singapore born photographer based in Japan for most of his career who has photographed a vast array of Japanese and international stars of fashion, film, music and the arts, also creating pioneering shoots with the LGBTQ+ community together with global brand collaborators. Kee talks candidly about his childhood, how he built his career in the face of doubters, and shares deeper thoughts on giving back to community, the place of photography in a visually saturated world, and the power of music.