Isetan Men's Net's Christmas project, " 2018 ISETAN MEN'S Presents 'Our X'mas Stories' ," aims to liven up the Christmas season in 2018. It will introduce the individual "Christmas stories" of six women active in various fields.

GLIM SPANKY, a male-female duo and new-generation rock unit, plays music that blends 60s and 70s rock and blues with a modern sound. The vocalist and guitarist demonstrates that rock music exists alongside culture, including art, literature, and fashion. They made their major debut in 2014 with their first mini-album, "Shōsō" (Impatience). Matsuo Remi's uniquely husky voice has captivated many creators, leading to her singing in 11 commercials. Their latest release, "Orokamono-tachi" (Fools), released in January of this year and the theme song for the film "Funohan" (The Infallible) (starring Matsuzaka Tori), reached number one on the iTunes overall album chart. They also received exceptional opportunities as newcomers to sing the theme songs for the 2016 film "ONE PIECE FILM GOLD" ("Ikari o Kureyo") and the film "Shōjo" (Girl) ("Yami ni Me o Koraseba"). In May, they held their first-ever concert at the Nippon Budokan, a great success. This year at FUJI ROCK, they will be performing on the main stage, the GREEN STAGE.

---

---

The more you get to know her, the more you realize that Matsuo Remi of the male-female rock duo "GLIM SPANKY" is "undoubtedly a natural talent." Having collaborated with her on "The Flowers," the original song for the Mitsukoshi Isetan Group's " 2018 Flower Festival WILD FLOWERS ~People Who Love Flowers~ " campaign this spring, we strolled through Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building which she described as "chic and sophisticated, full of dreams," in search of a gift.

---

Wa1

What does Christmas mean to you?

---

As a child, I would select Christmas-themed records from my father's record collection, and music lovers would gather in the living room for Christmas and DJ parties. In middle and high school, I sang gospel music, so I would sing at church with candles... I have the image of Christmas as a warm day where everyone can have fun together.

My parents loved culture, especially music and fashion, and when I was in elementary school, I started to become interested in fashion by reading magazines they collected, such as "Soen," "Ryuko Tsushin," and "Olive." I also grew up listening to my father's records. On weekends, my family and I would go record hunting, visit雑貨屋 (general stores) and vintage clothing stores, and have tea at old-fashioned coffee shops (laughs).

What does the title of our fourth album, "LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC," released on the 21st, mean? I think we're all searching for little miracles and happiness in our lives. And the happiness we occasionally find is like magic, and we'll continue to search for it. The title conveys the meaning that "every day is wonderful, spent searching for happiness while occasionally being enchanted by magic."

This album was recorded in LA, and the cover photo was taken at Salvation Mountain, located in the desert about a four-hour drive from LA. Salvation Mountain is a mountain that artist Leonard Knight spent over 30 years creating. It's a place that feels like a utopia, a magical place that you finally find after a arduous journey, and I thought it was just like life itself, "LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC." It was a place I had always wanted to go, so I was very happy.

---

Question 2

What are some memorable Christmas episodes and presents you've received?

---

Christmas at my parents' house felt like "enjoying a traditional Christmas," but Tokyo is quite noisy. I used to perform live every Christmas even before my debut, so I have stronger memories of the past. Even now, when I go home, I listen to records with my dad and talk about culture. I value family communication.

One of the most memorable gifts I've received is a ring from my manager. I love rings, and I've worn it constantly since I got it, but a gift from someone who understands what I like is especially special. Also, a band member gave me a MONTBLANC ballpoint pen engraved with my name. Those kinds of everyday items are easy to use and bring a little joy to my daily life.

Whenever I give a gift, I always make a message card. I learned how to make pop-up books in the design department at university, and I love "paper," so I make pop-up cards, copy and paste my favorite fabrics together, and make envelopes out of tracing paper. I write a message on them and give them to the recipient.

---

Test3

Please tell me about the gift you chose at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

---

The first gift I'm planning is for a close friend I'm connected to through music, as a token of my gratitude. I received a ballpoint pen as a gift myself and really liked it, so I'm thinking of getting a pen for my friend as well. I realized how nice heavy pens are when I used my agency president's ballpoint pen before, and I've grown to like them because they make my handwriting look better. Writing with a heavy pen makes me feel like I'm taking a step up the ladder of adulthood, and if the things I use every day are nice, it makes everyday life more wonderful.

The other person wants to give a gift to an imaginary older brother who shares their hobbies. They actually have a younger sister, but have always longed for a brother and wished they had one. If they had a brother, they would enjoy talking about music and fashion, just like their parents do, so they want to find something that can be placed in the living room, or something they can enjoy together in the same space, something that brings them comfort.

What message does Remi Matsuo want to convey to the two of them?

---

Return to Top