Tim Tsurutani - Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a rock band based out of North Carolina. They have just released their 3rd album titled "Juan Dissed the Cyclops Baby". Obviously the band has a sense of humor but they take their music very seriously. The collection of well written songs bring you emotions and tempos that go from one extreme to the other, but don't be fooled... they meant to do it. As guitarist Tim Tsurutani states " For me, playing these bombastic ridiculous songs helps me work out my need to be terrible." With help from local producer Nick Jones, the album was completed and is now officially released on Bandcamp. Look for Bulgogi to be performing at top notch clubs and festivals this summer.
R.V.B. -Congratulations on your new album "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby". Where did this baby come from and why was Juan so rude?
T.T. - Thank you very much! Originally the album was going to be called “Jaundiced Cyclops Baby” which we really liked because we all felt like slightly ill infants while writing these songs. Thematically it resonated because we think being adults is a terrible fate and we kind of feel like overgrown children. But then a friend said the album title was bad so we changed it…slightly.
R.V.B. - How long of a process was it to make this album. Were you gradually working on the songs and had them ready to knock them out in the studio?
T.T. - It’s definitely been a gradual process. We wrote these songs together over the course of the last year or two and only just got them recorded. It took us a long time to find a comfortable recording situation because we all probably have mad ADHD and are lazy. Finally we met a really smart kid who we liked a lot named Nick Jones who runs Retrofeed Studios which is close to town.
R.V.B. - Your music seems to jump around from sweet to in your face raunchy. Is this a reflection of your personalities?
T.T. - Ya we’re hella bipolar. For me, playing these bombastic ridiculous songs helps me work out my need to be terrible, vicious and sassy along with my need to show endless amounts of love. Sometimes these feelings build up in me like they’re gonna explode my head off. Playing the songs helps.
R.V.B. - How did this band form and can you briefly describe what each member brings to the table?
T.T. - I met the bass player Galen working for a terrible grocery store when I first moved to Asheville. Initially Galen was a keyboard player and didn’t play bass. It’s amazing how he taught himself to play and just got really good really fast. Galen is the diplomat of the band. He is “suave” I think is the word?
Hugh, the drummer, I knew through a friend. He hadn’t played drums in like 10 years when the band started but he was so into it he got good really fast. He’s definitely been the most creative in terms of making the visual elements of our shows (lights, projections) come together.
Ryan or “Ruru” (as we call him) I knew through my roommate. He’s probably the most chill which is very helpful under stressful situations. He may or may not be the “hot” one as well. I’m not certain.
R.V.B. - Speaking of table... what kind of food do you guys like to eat besides Bulgogi?
T.T. - We eat garbage. I’m actually trying to clean up my diet. I used to binge on ichiban noodles and kimchi as much as possible. The latter is probably good for you but not so much the former. Now that I’m older it’s starting not to agree with me anymore. I’m crazy about Korean food though, and I’m a sucker for cheap hole-in-the-wall type Chinese places. I like noodles and grease is what I’m trying to say. Things that are spicy that make your breath smell bad and give you the squirts.
R.V.B. - What are some of your standout performances so far in your career?
T.T. - We were invited to play at the Orange Peel with this awesome group called Protomenearlier this year. There was a good turn out and we played well. We’re pretty proud of that one. We also really enjoyed playing the Grey Eagle last year and we always love when the MOTHLIGHT will have us. We love those guys.
R.V.B. - Who would you say are the bands influences?
T.T. - A whole bunch of things probably. Queen, Ween, System of a Down, Radiohead. A mix of rock antics.
R.V.B. - In the dark promo picture with the lit colored faces, your teeth seem to be yellow. Is this from eating too much fire meat?
T.T. - Yes. And hot Cheetos.
R.V.B. - How is this album different from your previous releases?
T.T. - The previous releases-GIVEUPYOURGUTS and BIBIMBAP were just me recording in my bed room and making electronic beats. They’re actually pretty sweet albums but very different. We’re a four piece now and it’s a whole new band really.
R.V.B. - What are your plans to support the new record?
T.T. - Play as much as possible and hopefully someone cool will like us and make other cool people like us and then I’m buying a Maserati .
R.V.B. - Do you think extra-terrestrials would like to dance to "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby?"
T.T. - I would hope so. Actually, I hope they make love to it instead. That would be make me very, very proud.
R.V.B. - Who else helped out with the album?
T.T. - Nick Jones from Retrofeed Studios. Kyle Feldman, who does lights and visuals for us has always supported us and we love him. God, Vishnu, etc.
R.V.B. - Thanks for considering answering these questions.
T.T. - No thank you!
Interview conducted by Robert von Bernewitz
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