Get to Know: Kyotoya
Kyotoya only played their debut gig back in April, but the Manchester post-punks have impressed with their debut recordings, and they'll join some of the most exciting acts in the North right now for Stay Fresh Fest, a new festival at Manchester's Deaf Institute on 24 September.
Catch them alongside Leeds' premier DIY crew Cowtown, Chester's ace pop trio Peaness, Liverpool's formidable Pink Kink, Glasgow's pop-happy Catholic Action and a clutch of other great Manchester artists (Shaking Chains, Francis Lung and Ethan & The Reformation); but before that, get to know 'em below.
When and how (and why!) did Kyotoya begin?
We started forming the band on a balcony in Whalley Range a few years ago, when Ethan played us a few of his demos. We finally got into a room together last year after we all visited Barcelona for Primavera Sound.
How would you describe your sound in one sentence?
We'd describe ourselves as a post-punk outfit, with shoegaze melodies and some heavy krautrock tendencies.
What are some live experiences that have been really influential on you as a band?
Ethan and Liam went to the Deerhunter-curated ATP together three years ago which was a sonic spark. We've all been to Primavera Sound for the past 3-5 years too, which never disappoints!
You’ve helpfully spelled out the pronunciation of your band name on your Facebook page (if only others were so considerate). What is your favourite hard-to-pronounce word? Bonus points for obscurity and broadening our lexicon.
Meervoudigepersoonlijkheidsstoornis – one of our singers is Dutch, so you can ask him how to pronounce that!
What does Manchester mean to you?
We've all called Manchester home for a good few years now and it's one of the best cities in the world. It's got everything but isn't as overbearing as places like London or New York.
We're really looking forward to seeing you play on 24 Sep, and to have several of the most exciting bands in the North right now all on one bill! Which of the other acts are you most looking forward to watching?
We're really excited to see Cowtown. Jarve played with them eight years ago with his old band Serpentine Pad. Ric saw Peaness at Fallow Cafe recently too and was suitably impressed.
What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
Brown leaves and Christmas. Can't wait.
And finally: What do you like to do outside of Kyotoya? Any projects we should know about?
We've all had various projects over years but have started to channel everything into Kyotoya now. Our drummer, Jarve, also plays for Gorgeous Bully. They're great.
Kyotoya play Stay Fresh Fest with Cowtown, Catholic Action, Pink Kink, Ethan & The Reformation, Francis Lung, Peaness and Shaking Chains, The Deaf Institute, Manchester, 24 Sep, 4pm, £6