The Brooklyn band Asobi Seksu, (Japanese for “playful sex”) comprised of Yuki Chikudate (vocals, instrumentation), James Hanna (various instruments) and friends is one of our favorites here at The Walrus. Often compared to My Bloody Valentine, their melodic, ethereal noise-pop certainly has it’s roots in late-80’s/90’s Shoegaze, but its beauty is timeless.

I recently had a chance to speak with Yuki about the in-progress follow-up to 2006’s excellent album Citrus, as well a few other points of interest. Check it out:

Michael: Hi Yuki! How is the new record coming along?

Yuki: Good! We are mixing right now. It’s been an interesting and longer process, longer than we thought. But we’re are excited by the end result.

M: Awesome! Is it a change in direction from Citrus? If so, can you give us some hints? Are you working with any one of interest? Feel free to spill all the beans.

Y: I don’t think that it is too much of a departure from Citrus…it’s a natural progression, but who knows what people will think. We are recording at Gigantic Studios again with Chris Zane and Alex Aldi. It’s been fun! As far as “guests” go, we’re are using a lot of this organ that The Walkmen keep at the studio. Does that count!?

M: Oooh secret Walkmen organ…sounds cool! When you record is it a very meticulous process? Do you do any improv or is it more planned out?

Y: Yes, it’s an anal retentive, obsessive compulsive process, but a lot of this record was arranged and written on the spot. Citrus was written and arranged to the 98% mark before we went into the studio. We left more room for experimentation this time.

M: Does it disappoint you when your albums end up on file sharing networks? Would you ever consider using the “pay-what-you-want” / release when finished model, similar to what Radiohead and Girl Talk have done, in order to curb leaks?

Y: Yes and no. The Internet Machine has gotten us a lot of attention that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. But it is disappointing when people make entire albums available on ftp servers before they are even officially released. I definitely thought it was cool when Radiohead did the “pay-what-you-want” thing just as their album was released.

M: Yea, but then again, they are Radiohead and they can pretty much do anything they want and get away with it. In regards to remixes, I really love the Cassettes Wont Listen remix of “Strawberries” and The Twelves remix of “Thursday.” How did those come about? Do you plan on collaborating more with djs/electronic artists in the future? If so which ones would you like to hook up with?

Y: Thanks, I really like them too. The CWL mix was done by our friend Jay, and it’s probably may favorite remix. The Twelves one is dope too. That one was arranged by our UK label, One Little Indian. I would love to have Daft Punk remix our stuff!

M: That would be really cool. I’m a big fan of the lyrics on Citrus. I’m curious, are the lyrics of “Strawberry” referencing the Beatles?

Y: Kind of. I realized that after I wrote it. I like that it’s kind of a shout-out to them. It’s about a field of strawberries screaming, “Don’t forget about me!”

M: Haha, weird! The music and vocals on “Thursday” sound very bright and dreamy, almost uplifting, and yet the lyrics are sad. Was that a conscious decision to juxtapose the content of the lyrics with the feeling/tone of the music, in order to create balance? (ie, Beach Boys Pet Sounds)

Y: Yeah, we like to do that (smiles)

M: Without a doubt one of your influences must be My Bloody Valentine (probably sick of that reference!). It’s pretty crazy that they have gotten back together and are touring, possibly recording. Any thoughts on that? Are you going to see them live? Will you promise to wear earplugs if you do? I hear it’s INSANE!

Y: I know! It’s sick! We are there with bells on. I really hope they play “Lose My Breath.”

M: Me too! Another thing I love about you guys is your cover art. It’s really beautiful, especially the artwork for the Holiday EP and Stay Awake 7”. How did you hook up with the designer, Sean McCabe? Did you approach him?

Y: He just wrote to us one day out of the blue. He makes all of our stuff look amazing. Get ‘em all, if you know what’s good for ya!

M: How do you typically discover new music? What bands are you listening to at the moment? Are there any bands/albums old or new that we should know about, that are perhaps more obscure or lesser known?

Y: I guess I find out about new music the same way everyone else does. We recently found out that James’ old friend from Long Island is in this Hardcore band called Sex Vid. They are pretty sick! (note: they don’t seem to have a website or MySpace page)

M: What are your influences outside of music? Do you have favorite films, designers, trends at the moment? Ones that you dislike and feel like complaining about?

Y: Eh, we are not part of the “Hateratti.” James’ favorite movie is Stranger than Paradise and my favorite director is Herzog.

M: Do you have any thoughts on the current Presidential Race?

Y: I labu Obama! It is amazing that there is a Japanese city called “Obama” that goes absolutely crazy for him. I love how nuts Japanese people are.

M: If you could play on the same bill with any band that is currently active, whom would it be and why?

Y: Mogwai. We love the Scottish.

M: What are your thoughts on Philadelphia? Do you like playing here?

Y: You guys are pretty nuts! Buncha drunkards! I’m kidding, of course. The shows there have always been fun, although we hate the Phillies. We are Mets fans, but don’t hold it against us!

M: Don’t worry, you are still cool with me. I’ll turn my head, just this one time though. Finally, If Asobi Seksu was a fictitious/mythical creature, describe what it would look like. Maybe draw us a picture?

Y: James says “My Little Pony” and Chris, our producer, we would be a squash, but I don’t know what that means. Unfortunately, I can’t draw.

M: Aw, that’s ok Yuki, thanks for your time, and I’m definitely looking forward to the new record!

Y: Thanks, Michael, have a great summer!

Asobi Seksu’s debut album, as well as Citrus and their recent EPs and singles are available now from Insound.