The Songs Behind: MAN WITH A MISSION
Discover the songs that inspired MAN WITH A MISSION'S co-vocalist & guitarist Jean-Ken Johnny, and influenced the band's music.
Fresh off celebrating their 15th anniversary, Japanese rock phenomenon MAN WITH A MISSION are gearing up for the international physical release of the 'XV EP Across The Globe', out September 19th via Sony Music Japan/Century Media Records. This UK and European exclusive features a unique tracklist for both vinyl and CD editions, including two previously unreleased live recordings from their recent PLAY WHAT YOU WANT arena tour in Japan.
Known for their explosive live shows and their unique half man, half wolf personas, MAN WITH A MISSION will be bringing their HOWLING ACROSS THE WORLD tour to the UK this October, before heading across Europe for an additional 10 dates. The UK dates will feature shows at London's Shepherd’s Bush Empire on October 2nd, Manchester O2 Ritz on October 3rd, beofre finish up at Birmingham's XOYO on October 5th
To celebrate the pending release of 'XV EP Across The Globe', I caught up with guitarist and vocalist Jean-Ken Johnny to talk about the new EP, how they marked the band milestone anniversary, and what fans can expect when the band return to UK stages. All before discovering the songs that shaped Jean-Ken Johnny and the Band through my 'Songs Behind' feature.
Your recent XV EP celebrated MAN WITH A MISSIONS' 15th anniversary, how do you feel you've changed as a band during that time?
“I guess I’m appreciating and enjoying being a part of music more than I used to. The passion itself never changes and I don’t really think I’ve achieved anything, but the gratefulness and the gratitude I feel is growing more than I thought it would."
With September's international release of 'XV EP Across the Globe' you are adding two bonus tracks, what can fans expect from the new music?
“Every new song has came out from a different member, so you should be able to enjoy a new aspect from this band. The live recordings are also amazing and you’re able to feel the massive heat of our live shows. Hope you all enjoy it."
You also have an exciting UK & European tour coming up this October, how excited are you to be able to showcase the new music to this audience?
"[I'm excited] Not just because of our release, but [also because I] just can’t wait to meet you guys since it’s been quite a while."
What differences do you notice between the gigs in Japan compared to those in the UK and Europe?
"I guess people In UK and Europe react very instantly and open minded. Not that I’m saying they don’t do that in Japan, but the ratio of that kind of reaction among the people, more people are likely to react bigger and faster in UK and Europe."
Favourite Song to Play Live:
'Take Me Under' by MAN WITH A MISSION
“I love the emotional dropdown section and how it explodes after that and how the crowd reacts to that point."
Song That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
'Hoppípolla' by Sigur Rós
“Not that I listened to it when I was a kid but the sound just makes me feel like childhood and reckless and exciting but happy and youthful.”
First Album You Brought:
'Nevermind' by Nirvana or 'Pablo Honey' by Radiohead
“The one I purchased myself is probably one of these. I recall I borrowed a lot from people so I’m not sure which one I bought first."
Song That Made You Want to Be a Musician:
'Cherub Rock' by Smashing Pumpkins
“It was emotional, beautiful, furious and raging but also cynically sad, ephemeral but eternal. It sounded like everything in life and I was shocked and moved and told myself that this is what I want to feel and also this feeling is what I want everyone in the world to know."
Song That Gets You Through Hard Times:
'Hand in my Pocket' by Alanis Morissette
“I’m sad but I’m laughing. I’m brave but I’m chicken shit. I’m sick but I’m pretty baby...That’s the spirit"
A Song You Would Have Loved to Write:
'Everlong' by Foo Fighters
“The beautiful ennui tone of the add9th chord, the beat and the melody. It’s grungy but pop and just grabs your soul immediately but it doesn’t sound like an ordinary song. Just a masterpiece and an ideal shape of awesomeness in rock music."
Song You'd Put On at a Party:
'Party Hard' by Andrew WK
“Cause you gotta party hard."
Favourite Song of All Time:
'Nightswimming' by R.E.M.
“Too hard question, I need 5 more choices. As a musician sometimes we decorate too much and forget about the lyrics, the literature, the simplicity and deepness. Such a beautiful song."
Song You are Most Proud Of:
'Focus Light' by MAN WITH A MISSION
“It’s definitely a song that comes from my main influences in music and the lyrics, not telling you the real story of it, but is kind of a metaphor indicating the passion and gratitude to music and the people I met in my music life. Describing the ephemeral but eternal beauty and magic you can feel in music, I found out that 'that' is the main theme I wanted to deliver to the listeners, and as I already wrote some songs that includes this kind of message I believe this song critically determined my will of creating, especially writing lyrics."
