Shingo Sekiguchi

Name, where are you from?
Shingo Sekiguchi, Tokyo.

What do you do？
Guitarist/Producer.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Eric Clapton at the Nippon Budokan over 10 years ago, which was my first time to see his gig. That was a time when I was really into blues back then and the fact that Clapton, who I had seen on a screen was there in real life, plus that I was able to be there to see him live was very moving, really. It was also interesting to see everyone getting up for 'Layla' (laughs). I think I started listening to him after seeing the Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute video and also via the Beatles. I do really like him as a guitarist.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
To be honest, I didn't go through much punk or techno until now. When I was in my late teens, wanting to be older and all, my older brother rented Trainspotting and I felt the difference from American movies in many aspects such as the rebel sense of style with the contrast of the sophisticated image despite the dirty and messy scenes. Lately, I’m really into UK jazz, thanks to Tom Misch for guiding me into it. My own take, but UK jazz sounds sophisticated but edgy. Again, that makes me feel about the UK vibe.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
'Guitars - The Museum' in Sweden (in the city of Umeå). I've performed overseas several times with Ovall, the band I'm a part of, but I was given the opportunity to perform there solo as part of an outdoor festival in Sweden. The capacity of the hall was about 500 people and there were chairs in the front of the auditorium for the elderly people to sit on. I don’t think anyone knew about me, but the response was great when I played a song inspired by the Swedish jazz trio E.S.T. that I wrote or a guitar solo of Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time'.

If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Ozzy Osbourne. I've loved him since I started playing the guitar. I'd like to play twin guitars on stage with Randy Rose, the first guitarist in Ozzy's band. Ozzy must come close to me when I play my guitar solo (laughs).

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to go into the studio with Paul McCartney, of the mid to late Beatles era to try out all kinds of experimental stuff. Hopefully, I would like to see what kind of wacky ideas Paul would come up with in the current equipment environment.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Jordan Rakai is already well known to those who listen to recent UK jazz, but I think he should be better known to the wider general public. During the current Covid-19 situation, he has been posting production videos on the internet but, his use of music production software and working speed is extraordinary! His ideas are amazing, and I believe he will eventually get even bigger. Then there is Bibio. Bibio has a long career and is rather a country musician, but he has a very soothing sound that only he can produce. I think he should be better known in Japan.