ulma sound junction is a Japanese progressive rock band from Ishigaki island (Okinawa), Japan. The group members are Hisao Tamura (bass / vocal), Yoshitaka Yamazato (guitar), Shun Fukuzato (guitar), and Tamotsu Kasemoto (drums).
Their style is rooted in progressive metal rock, inspired by artists such as Tool, Dream Theater, SLIPKNOT, Deftones, and more.
Their music is unique and complex. It has a cinematic story to it with djent rhythm and avant-garde sound but catchy melody.
Even if you're not a big music fan, when you first listen to them, you can enjoy the unique and outstanding “ulma sound.” The power of the vocal, skilled technique of the drums, and cool twin guitar arrangements are world-class level.
1)You have participated in the Emergenza Festival Edition 2018/2019. What made you decide to take part in it?
Staff and fans pushed us to participate.
2) As you approach the world final, what is your state of mind?
We are just going to do our best as usual.
3) What is your best memory from your Emergenza experience?
Winning the Japan contest and enjoying that moment with all the fans.
4) What's behind your band's name? Any specific meaning?
We are from Ishigaki island in Okinawa, Japan. It is an island known for beautiful coral reefs. In Okinawa, people call the island “uruma”, so we took that not to forget our home. It’s an Okinawa dialect, “uru” means coral reefs and “ma” is an island. Meaning of “Sound junction” is to mix up the sound. Overall, we chose this band name to spread our sound to the world and represent our home island.
5) Can you tell us a funny story or anecdote about your experience on stage? And one which happened in backstage or during the preparation of a show ?
It’s not during the show but at the beginning of the year we always play the video game, “Street Fighter 2” to choose the leader of the band. Tamotsu wins all the time but he doesn’t want to lead the band, so we don’t really have a true leader.
Characters that we use are....
Tamotsu (drums) - Zangief
Hisao (bass / vocal) - Dhalsim
Shun (guitar) - Blanka
Yoshitaka (guitar) - Ryu
6) How would you describe your music ?
Our songs are progressive rock which is normally quite complex, however on the other hand we incorporate our solid melodies and the theme of the songs so the intensity and melodic phrase can co-exist.
7) What are your short to medium term plans after the Emergenza's world final?
Releasing new albums, concerts on our own, performing at festivals overseas, and releasing songs from overseas.
Biography
2005 Start of ulma sound junction
2010 Released a 1st album "Land a Scape"
2012 As a representative of Japan, performed at the street festival "KIZUNA" held in Seoul, Korea. It was hosted by the Foreign Ministry of Japan, China and Korea.
2017 Released a 3rd album “imargent theory”
2019 Won Emergenza Japan – became no.1 unsigned musician in Japan