Michael_D posted on February 08, 2010 10:16
Armed with enough synthesizers and sequencers to induce a seizure, Tokyo, Japan’s Polysics have spent the last thirteen years on a quest to take over the globe with their Devo-influenced, spaced-out spazz punk. On February 9th, 2010, the band will bring their maniacal live show to The Firebird. Inside STL recently caught up with Polysics ringleader, Hiro, to discuss their St. Louis gig and the upcoming departure of longtime Polysic, Kayo.
The Polysics just announced that March 14 is the final show for long-time Polysic, Kayo. You’re sending her off with a proper farewell show in Budokan. Any special festivities planned?
We don’t have any plans other than the Budokan [show]. We think that Budokan is the best place to celebrate her graduation. We are working on the farewell project with members and staffs.
You plan on going on hiatus following Kayo’s departure. What do you have planned during your hiatus? Should Polysics fans be worried that this may be the last chance they have to see you?
Even though Kayo graduates and [the band] will only consist of the three of us, we will continue Polysics. We don’t have any plans to have a new member for now. Rather than thinking that it’s our hiatus, please consider this our preparation period to start as a new Polysics. 
We are already starting our preparation, so we are sure to meet everyone again.
You released your last two albums on Myspace Records (U.S.). How did that relationship form and how has it worked out since?
The MySpace president Tom came to see our show, and came up to us with an excited face. Right away we entered into a contract. The MySpace staffs are very kind and fun people. We can try our best because of their support.
Your band has always worn their Devo influence on their sleeve. Have you had a chance to meet Devo? If so, could you explain that encounter?
The first time we met DEVO was in 2000. We went to Mutato Muzica—the music company that Mark (Mothersabugh) founded—without making any appointments. Very surprisingly, DEVO has welcomed us. Even more, they put our CD as their “on-hold” tone. Not only that, when Polysics have gigs in Los Angeles, DEVO will sometimes come to our shows. Gerald (V. Casale) actually showed up to our last show at The Roxy last week. Two years ago, when DEVO toured Japan, Polysics got to do the opening. It was very honorable, and we were very happy.
You guys are playing a show here in St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday, February 9th, which is a long way from Tokyo, Japan. What’s the transition like from playing huge Japanese shows, to playing more rural parts of the U.S.?
Even if it’s in Japan or in America, our basic motivations do not change. However the backline listings put limitations on our set list. We would [like to] have the same backline as Japan. We will not let you down on the St. Louis performance—we'll have high energetic live show.
Be sure to catch the Polysics at the Firebird on February 9th, 2010 with Glass Teeth and Spelling Bee.