GIGANTOR!

Mach Pelican

Mach Pelican are a band you see once and then instantly fall in love with for their sound and their whole vibe in general, which I’m sure their loyal fanbase would heartily agree with! This super fun Japanese punk rock trio first hit Australia’s shores many moons ago, starting out in Perth and then eventually moving across the desert to the rain swept city of Melbourne (seriously, can it stop raining please!), and we’re so glad they decided to come play with us! Mach Pelican have recently reformed after spending a number of years apart, separated by the waters of the Pacific Ocean so we caught up with drummer, Toshi Maeda to find our what’s been going on..

For those who are new to the amazing Mach Pelican, please tell us a bit about the band – how did you all meet and how did the band get together?
Back in 1996, Perth, Western Australia, three Japanese English students with not much hope, met each other in a school. We started hanging around together, drinking beer and talking about how cool the Ramones, Buzzcocks and Radio Birdman are. Soon after we started having jams in a garage at my place in Cottesloe beach, recorded a couple songs at Dom Mariani’s Studio then we started giving demo tapes to the local bands, pubs and labels.

You’ve recently returned to playing live together after many years – how did that feel?
Fabulous! There’s nothing better than playing in a rock n roll band if you know what I mean.

How does the live music scene in Australia differ from Japan? (Or is there anything in Australia you find really weird compared to Japan?)
Australia is much more spacious and relaxed. Japan is much more compressed and intense.

What do you find inspires you both musically and personally?
Life itself. Everyone equally has time to spend but we never know when it ends. I would rather enjoy my life with friends and family as much as possible. After ages, I think I understand it well and
I live it.

What is coming up next for you?
As Mach Pelican, I would like to write real good rock n roll songs which everyone can instantly feel Yeah!!

As Toshi Maeda, I have restarted my music promotion company from this year, so I would like to bring over more amazing acts from Japan and I would like to introduce amazing acts from Australia to Japan also!

Please check out Mach Pelican on Instagram:
@mach_pelican_official
Please check below for upcoming Japanese band touring Australia
toshimaeda.com.au