Certainly a first for PEV, Chatmonchy boasts an all-girl rock outfit, fresh from the mainstream of Japan (and for those of you as ignorant as me – Chatmonchy actually doesn’t mean a damn thing). Mainstream isn’t exactly the best word to describe the success of Eriko, Akiko and Kumiko – just read this insane timeline. They hit the scene in 2004, and by 2005 Sony Music Japan had gotten a hold of them, releasing their debut EP, “Chatmonchy has Come” through Sony's Ki/oon Records.

Their first full-length album, "Miminari" (Ear Ringing) arrived in July of 2006, garnering a Top 10 spot on the national Oricon chart, followed by "Seimeiryoku" (Life Force) in 2007, which landed at #2! They even performed a two-night solo concert at the Budokan in the spring of 2008 – that’s huge! Add all of this to the fact they seem to love the Beach Boys as much as I do, and they can’t miss in the states!

Chatmonchy will actually be making their U.S. debut later this month at SXSW 2010 at Japan Nite; one of the best events of the year for catching some of the best in music. They’ll have their latest Oricon chart-topping album, "Kokuhaku" (Confession) with them, a fine example of the band’s “raw, energy-infused melodic rock”. Their arrangements are unique to say the least, so definitely check out Chatmonchy. After some shows in the U.S. this spring, the ladies will be back in Japan for more touring, so look into the schedule. There’s a lot more below, so keep reading for the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Chatmonchy

PEV: How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

We feel that just simply creating music by our instruments and our voices is cool and crazy. We have interesting arrangements, and the lyrics (though in Japanese) are creating a different world.

PEV: What kind of music were the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

I saw an event with a lot of three piece bands playing at our hometown Tokushima. Felt “it’s awesome! I want to form a three piece band as well!” and right away formed a band.

PEV: Calling Japan home, tell us your take on the music scene is like there and what was it like trying to break into it?

In Japan, Rock bands are not major yet, we have been fighting against the trend. We will be creating good music, having good lives, as much as we can.

PEV: With that, what can fans expect from a live Chatmonchy?

Probably it’s hard to reach you by lyrics, but hope you could enjoy our music and unique arranges and feel the universe created by our sounds.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

I want to have fun with everybody!

PEV: You will be making your U.S. debut on March 19 at SXSW 2010, performing at Japan Nite (venue to be announced shortly), what are you thinking right now about this? Nervous? Excited? What are you expecting from the U.S. crowds?

We are so excited. It’s our first time going to US, so we definitely will enjoy. We are expecting the American way of enjoying lives.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?

We make all songs from writing lyrics, and then we get inspirations from lyrics and write songs, finally head to band sound arrangements. All three of us write lyrics, but it’s mostly made in our everyday lives.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back at your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

Before debuting, we went out touring by diving cars by ourselves. We talk about those past day memories, and laugh about it.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Chatmonchy?

Akiko (bs&cho) and Kumiko (dr&cho) have a teacher’s license.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you?

My senior year in high-school.

PEV: Tell us about your latest Oricon chart-topping album "Kokuhaku" (Confession). What can fans expect from this?

You could hear the latest Chatmonchy sounds.

PEV: How is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst parts?

Good: We have made so many new songs!!

Bad: We can only speak English a little.

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

We are going to several places after the SXSW Japan Nite, we are so excited!! We want to go to other Asian countries as well.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your careers? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?

They were worried but gave me cheers for my decision. When I lived near our hometown, my grandmother came and brought tons of lunch. It was a very suburban area, so the venue was filled with our relatives and neighbors. (Kumiko: dr&cho)

PEV: What can we find each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

Drinking!

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?

The Beach Boys! We want to harmonize with them!

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

NEON GRAVITY.

PEV: If you weren’t playing music now what do you think each of you would be doing as your career?

Bakery shop (Eriko: gtr&vo)

Coffee shop (Akiko: bs&cho)

Teacher (Kumiko: dr&cho)

PEV: So, what is next for Chatmonchy?

In May and June we will go for a tour in Japan. We might record another new song, maybe…