Japanese electro-rocker Galaxy7, known to Japan’s National Tax Agency as Tsutsui Daisuke, has been quiet of late. Despite a growing international fanbase, it’s been almost three years since the release of his excellent second album, The Eye Of The Dragon Who Wished To Be A Man. But now, he’s back with the new digital single, the people who walk on the star lights, a release that sees Galaxy7 move into poppier territory, with synthesizers usurping guitars as the dominant instrument.
From the off, a tidal wave of undulating synths washes over the listener, underpinned by an energetic repeating backbeat that persists for most of the song. Tsutsui’s vocals soon follow, although the heavy distortion and overpowering melody can make the lyrics difficult to hear; not that this is any reason to complain. The music here is so infectiously catchy, you’ll be too busy spinning in your chair to care. Around the halfway point, the synths abate for a calmer bridge, but the respite is brief. The same bombardment of electronics picks up where it left off, and carries through to the end.
As with all Galaxy7’s singles, the people who walk on the star lights includes a remix of the title track, provided on this occasion by noted DJ MaZDA, known for his collaborations with SUGIZO. Naturally, synthesizers still dominate this rendering of the song, but everything proceeds at a slower, more deliberate tempo. On one hand, this makes the track a little less danceable, but on the other, you can now make out what Daisuke’s singing.
Another upside to MaZDA’s remix is that it’s a full minute longer than the original, the brevity of which is just about the only legitimate criticism that can be made against the people who walk on the star lights. Hopefully, any DJs thinking of adding this track to their playlists will have the good sense to spin it twice.
Interview
What was the inspiration behind the people who walk on the star lights?
Galaxy7: Since it is the first release after a three-year break, I asked myself: “What do I really want to do? What should I do as Galaxy7?” After thinking a lot about the band during these three years, I decided to return to my origins. I composed this song quite a long time ago, when I was doing music while just enjoying myself, not really thinking about anything.
The arrangement, the progression of the chords are also very straight. Usually, musicians tend to avoid composing simple, easy-to-understand songs, but I deliberately wanted to release that kind of track. On the contrary, I feel that if you manage to express it in an interesting way, it becomes really cool.
What are your thoughts on the EDM remix of the people who walk on the star lights by MaZDA? How did this collaboration between you come about?
Galaxy7: MaZDA has been a friend of mine for eight years; he was the one that did the remix versions of my previous releases super explosions and the star never shines. I am also a board member of his music company Eclipse, so I guess we can say our relationship is both business and friendship.
the people who walk on the star lights has a very catchy melody, so I thought that an EDM remix would really fit. I knew that MaZDA’s dance music remixes are always very good, and since I needed some impact for this new release after such a long time, I immediately contacted him.
What can fans expect from your upcoming album?
Galaxy7: In preparation for a new album that I would like to release in the summer, I am currently rearranging songs that I wrote when I was in my twenties. It will be released digitally under my independent label Bug Screaming. You can expect to discover a new face of Galaxy7!
Please leave a message for JaME readers.
Galaxy7: Hi everybody, it’s Galaxy7!
Due to some circumstances, I was away from the stage for quite a long time, but thanks to the people around me – the staff, the members, the promoters and the fans – I was able to start all over again. There was even a time when I had thoughts of putting an end to these many years of music life, so I am very grateful for the support I received. Thank you very much to all of these people. I will have a new start with music, so please wait for the third album with great expectations!
Also, I started a second project as Daisuke Tsutsui; a band called Psychic President that has a more industrial, hard electro-rock edge. I’d be happy if you check it out. I’m looking forward to meeting you all on tour!
