What was the biggest difference when creating 80s/90s J-POP REVIVAL with your previous music?

H-B: It was really different! Basically, having [RiRi and LuLa] sing in Japanese instead of English was a big change. And also, we wanted to keep the vibe of the original songs but add FEMM’s essence to it. These are monster hit songs that so many people love, so we needed to take great care into it.

W-T: We really wanted to show respect to these artists. Imagining how these songs were born, what are the differences between the songs now and then, we were focusing on these kind of points, since 80s & 90s are a completely new era for FEMM.

Are there any female musicians you’d like to recruit to FEMM’S AGENCY SYNDICATE?

H-B: Sorry, but FEMM’s Agency Syndicate do not recruit human artists, but we do search for mannequins who have a potential as leaders like FEMM.

W-T: But if there are human artists who support FEMM’s movement and like to collaborate, we are more [than] welcome for that.

How do you feel about “Fxxk Boyz Get Money” being considered a feminist anthem? What is FEMM’S AGENCY SYNDICATE’s stance on feminism?

Riri: We have never used the word “Feminist” for this song, but it is the listeners who decide how they feel. It’s more like [a] “Girl Power” theme for us. For instance, if you are feeling down, like in your love life or anything sad happens, and if FEMM’s songs make to cheer up, nothing else makes us happier. FEMM usually sing in the character of a powerful woman, because we want to send this positive energy.

LuLa: Like H-B said, it’s not that we push “Feminism,” but if the listeners feel positive with FEMM’s songs, it’s an honor for us. These days, I feel like there are so many situations where [women] need to be strong, so if FEMM’s songs can push their strength, that’s what we are here for!

How do you feel about being a representative of female musicians in the music industry? Is there a goal of changing something for female musicians as FEMM‘S AGENCY SYNDICATE?

H-B: FEMM’s main focus is to deliver the message as mannequins and to spread it to the world. We have been doing this since day one, so we shall keep devoted.

W-T:Not just musicians, but as a woman it is sometimes hard to just be yourself. FEMM have pride of being mannequins and having their own style. If we can learn to “be ourselves” like FEMM, that would be a great thing.

Are there any Japanese female musicians who you are paying attention to?

RiRi:RiRi met a singer named RiRi!! Same name! She is still in high school, but is an amazing singer with a deep voice. FEMM love her!

LuLa:LuLa, of course loves her too! Same name as LuLa’s partner, but so different in style. It was a delightful surprise.

Perfume has been particularly successful overseas, so how do you feel about overseas audience who appreciate Japanese culture?

RiRi: We are so happy that Japan’s culture is really popular in other countries. FEMM has visited the US, Denmark, Taiwan, Indonesia and UK and wherever they go, there were people who have very deep understanding for Japan’s culture and even they could speak the language very well! We were so surprised.

LuLa:It’s so amazing. FEMM, being mannequins made in Japan, are so proud of their culture! When they meet FEMM agents who love Japan’s culture it really makes them happy. If they have an opportunity to perform their new album 80s/90s J-POP REVIVAL in other countries, we hope the audience love it!!

Are there special messages for overseas fans of FEMM‘S AGENCY SYNDICATE? What’s on FEMM’s schedule for 2018?

RiRi:Thank you for always sending love via SNS [social networking services]! We read all of your comments to FEMM every day and it makes us so happy. We would love to visit countries FEMM has never been to and perform there! We are in the process of new projects too, so please stay tuned!

LuLa:Thank you, FEMM agents for always supporting. We hope you love FEMM’s new album 80s/90s J-POP REVIVAL. It’s gonna be 2018 soon!! We hope we can deliver lots of new and fresh images and songs of FEMM to you. See you at FEMM shows!!

80s/90s J-POP REVIVAL can be purchased or steamed from all your favorite retailers including iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and CDjapan.

Keep up with FEMM via their official website, twitter, and Instagram. Interview courtesy of SheBops

 

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