Yusuke Hama in his Brooklyn studio
Tell us about your favorite childhood object...
I can't remember the exact Christmas that Santa brought me the Millenium Falcon, but I do know that it was the most badass thing I owned up to that point in my life. I was more of a collector and admirer of toys when I was a kid. I even kept the original boxes to things. I don't remember ever flying it around or playing with it like they did in the commercials. "I got you now Darth Vader, prepare to meet your doom! pweew pweew!" Also, for some reason, there are 2 identical Jedi Luke's sitting in it. No Han or Chewie.
When did you live in Atlanta? how did you end up there?
I was born and raised in ATL. I had a brief stint in LA when I was in 2nd and 3rd grade, but my parents moved us all back back to the ATL suburbs in 4th grade.
At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?
My parents made me play music since I was really young. It probably wasn't until my early teens that I really started to enjoy it.
And It wasn't till until my young adulthood that I realized that I didn't have to quit making music and get a 9-5 and play only on the weekends in a Jimmy Buffet cover band in Buckhead, and eventually end up like those guys jammin' out in the Viva Viagra commercials.
Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?
I don't know how to describe my sound. I would say that technology has greatly influenced the way I approach music, and in turn, the way my music sounds. It has allowed me to approach it in a way that is easier for me, like taking hours of film footage and editing it into a 4 minute short. Rather than trying to record the one ultimate performance, I am more comfortable piecing together different elements of several great performances. Sometimes all the different elements get really overwhelming in my brain, but somehow, I have to create some sort of structure out of it. Some say it is my Japanese-ness that seeks structure. Ha ha.
Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?
All of them. Of course vinyl sounds the best, but I use all of it. Music is music right?
How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?
Friends
Take us through your creative process.
I think I may have covered this in the earlier question
How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work?
The south is pretty laid back. As much as I like deadlines and working fast, my natural tendency is to take my time on things. Atlanta encouraged that.
Who/What are some of your inspirations?
Who: When I was younger, Badass Asian dudes like Christian Hosoi and Ryuichi Sakamoto. As I am getting older, I am really inspired by my peers and people who are making a living at what they love to do.
Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?
Not necessary in ATL right now, but:
Chris Vereen,
R. Land,
Lori Scacco,
Deerhunter
Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?
eats: Buford highway
drink: Bookstore Pub or anywhere that is not super loud or crowded.
just to hang out and do nothing: Videodrome
What music/album are you currently listening to?
Right this second? Adron - "Burdworld"
What is one thing you love about your life?
My new Haro Dave Mirra 540air bmx bike
Yusuke is finishing up work on a solo record under the name Hamacide check out the links.