Perfume might look and sound like the future, but they’re mostly focused on the present moment.
Two decades after their debut as local idols in Hiroshima, the forward-thinking Japanese pop trio – individually NOCCHi, KASHIYUKA and a-chan – are taking the next step in their prolific, boundary-breaking career with their eighth studio album Plasma, out on Wednesday (July 27).
Characterized by glitchy electronic beats courtesy of collaborator Yasutaka Nakata and mesmerizing, robot-like choreography by Japanese dancer Mikiko, the group known for their futuristic flair has gone on to become the first J-pop girl group to perform at Coachella, boasting a non-stop string of No. 1 albums in Japan over the years, as well as chart-topping hits like “Love the World, “Dream Fighter,” “One Room Disco,” “Spring of Life,” “Star Train,” Flow,” and “Time Warp,” among many others.
With their new record, including recently released tracks “Polygon Wave” and “Spinning World,” the group is intent on bringing their signature brand of fun while exploring various sonic textures, all while showcasing the human side of Perfume.
We spoke to the group about their thoughts on the J-pop industry today, how the group has changed over the years, their “desert island” album picks, their thoughts on the metaverse, and what the future looks like for Perfume.
Click through to read the interview…
