The Green Flyers – Red Hot Soup: “Heat! Wind!” on wax
Music stories from clients who trusted Mind The Wax to press their music on vinyl!
The Green Flyers is an 8-piece band from Tokyo, Japan specialized in Far East ska, Reggae, and Pacific sounds. They represent the power that takes flight from the green earth.
What genres, artists, or life experiences have shaped your sound the most?
From artists mainly Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, The Skatalites, The Paragons, Alton Ellis, John Holt and Ganja Plant to name few.
From genres mostly American oldies from the 50s and 60s, Doo-wop, Rockabilly, Big Band, Country, Bluegrass and many more.
Formed a rockabilly band in my 20s, then joined a rustic band before leaving.Formed a new three-piece band. Fused rockabilly and punk to create a punkabilly sound. At this time, an offer for an American tour came up, but the band had already decided to disband, so they declined. After some time, while influenced by big bands, they heard rocksteady and ska, which inspired them to form a ska band, which later disbanded.
To start over from scratch, THE GREEN FLYERS was formed by Yasuhiro (Gt. Leader)
What’s one unexpected influence that might surprise listeners?
Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Kicks, Def Leppard, Thunder, Rainbow. This music, which I was obsessed with listening to when I was in junior high school, was also part of my roots by Yasuhiro (Gt. Leader)
What’s the heart of this album — the story or theme that ties it together?
It all started when I recorded my favorite author, Charles Bukowski.From there, inspired by the red-hot soup we ate when we gathered at a member’s house, we created Red Soup.
Full Moon Ska was born while riding a motorcycle on a full moon night.
Kiro was created while walking through a mix of emotions such as sadness, excitement, loneliness, and hope.
Walking through Asakusa’s Nakamise Street, Den’en-dori, and Komagata-dori while drinking led to “Walk in Asakusa.”
The Toyota Corona Mark II my father drove when I was a child, his Ivy League-style fashion, and the area of Honmoku where I used to hang out in my twenties.
The culture I see around me inspired the “News Style Pants.”
All these songs are born from my roots.
Each has its own story, scattered here and there, but from the first sip of Red Hot Soup to the News Style Pants course, I made this album flow so you can feel the heat, emotion, night, and sunlight.
The jacket artwork was also created from a single obsession, and I never imagined meeting the person who brought it to life.
There’s a story here all the way to completion.
“Heat! Wind!”
Was there a specific moment or turning point that sparked its creation?
Since becoming a member, I’ve been making songs, and I want more people to hear the songs that I’ve completed.
There are many special moments, each with its own experiences and emotions.
If you had to describe this album in one quote or phrase, what would it be — and why?
Heat! Wind!
What’s one track on this album that feels the most personal to you — and why?
Charles Bukowski and New Style Pants.
What gear, instruments, or software were central to the sound of this record?
UAD Luna with Apollo twin
Any memorable or unexpected moments from the recording process?
It took one year to record all the songs of album – Red Hot Soup.
Did you collaborate with anyone on this project — musically or visually?
No.
Why did you choose to press this release on vinyl — what does the format mean to you?
We had a query about 10 different companies worldwide, and we found Mind The Wax to be the fastest in responding. Also, the online interview gave us confidence that we could see each other’s faces. Last, I had a fundamental trust in the Polish work from my past work experiences.
Was there a moment when you knew this album had to be on vinyl?
The leader initially wanted to release it on a CD format, but we disagreed that it was not the time since we are listed on multiple online music streaming sites. Then, we came across the idea that small lots of vinyl records make both listeners and us feel special. Thus, we decided to press Vinyl records.
How do you feel hearing your music on vinyl for the first time?
Super cool!
Can you share some details about the final product — the vinyl color, weight, packaging, or any custom features?
I could not expect more!
What’s the ideal setting for someone to drop the needle on this record for the first time?
Hot summer on the beach at sunset.
What was your experience like working with Mind The Wax on this pressing?
Thinking loudly about the cost of press, I did not expect quality help and support from Giorgos. He is super helpful, and his responses were fast and very detailed. I could not press Red Hot Soup if I asked another company.
What advice would you give to other artists considering a vinyl release?
Just trust Mind The Wax, you will get quality records.
Where can fans buy the vinyl or stream the album?
You can find it on Disk Union Japan and at THE GREEN FLYERS Web shop. (Coming soon) and off course on all major digital platforms.
How important is physical media to you in an age of streaming?
It is precisely because we live in such a convenient world that we believe records are special.
Are there any special editions, merch bundles, or upcoming live shows tied to the release?
Two upcoming shows for the Vinyl Records release party live:
- On 10th July 2025, Machida Flava, Tokyo, Japan
- On 19th July 2025, Roppongi School, Tokyo, Japan.
Any upcoming news or releases fans should watch for?
Since January 2025, we have a new Keyboard Player “Omiki” who has joined us, and we are stepping up to the next stage of THE GREEN FLYERS. So, stay tuned!!
Do you want to know more about The Green Flyers?
Click on the below links to stay connected and support their music!
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