Harrisburg, PA musician/activist Koji is hitting the weast coast for a two-week tour in support of fellow PA punks White Wives (featuring members of Anti-Flag). Koji is touring in support of his new single "Hemlock", which can be downloaded for free or by donation, along with his entire discography, at Koji's Bandcamp site: http://kojisaysaloha.bandcamp.com
Here's a recent interview with Koji.
Since last summer, he has turned in four (1,2,3,4!) records and toured the globe, while simultaneously spreading the word at his shows about the plight of child soldiers and their families suffering at the hands of the African rebel group The Lord's Resistance Army.
Recently signed to Boston’s Run For Cover Records (home to bands like Tigers Jaw, Transit and Fireworks), Koji spoke about his schedule, his involvement as a folk/punk rock activist and what’s slated for the rest of the year.
I don't think the word "prolific" gives justice to how busy you seem to be. You have turned in 4 records in less than a year - what do you attribute that pace to?
The energy it takes to do the amount of writing, recording, and touring I do comes from the fulfillment I get out of doing something true and from the heart. I get to be engaged with music, visual art, activism, travel, culture, and community in just about every single waking moment. This lifestyle feeds my soul in a way that no other could. It’s been a dream so far and I suppose that four records is what it took to document it.
Do you still live in Harrisburg? What is the music scene like there?
I will always consider myself a Pennsylvanian. I’ve lived in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, but now spend all my time traveling for my work. When I come home, I see family and ago to as many shows as possible. It’s so exciting to watch the success of bands like Balance and Composure, Title Fight, The Wonder Years, Algernon Cadwallader, Tigers Jaw and then be witness to a lot of diverse new talent like Dead End Path, White Wives, Doctor Destroyer, Code Orange Kids and so many others. I’ve definitely got that PA pride every day.
You just put out a release with a full band. Did that feel odd at all as your previous efforts have been more solo efforts?
My first official offering to the world was a live record called Spring Song Vol. 1 (Run For Cover) and the three records that followed were all full band efforts. My first studio release was Some Small Way which was an EP released in November on Run For Cover Records. Later that same month, the Into It. Over It. split came out on No Sleep Records. IIOI/KOJI was a huge progression in my songwriting that I felt continued with Never Come Undone, my split with La Dispute. My aim is to keep it honest, whether it’s just me and a guitar or playing with a bunch of friends.
You are much more than just a musician. Can you describe your stage show a bit?
I grew up doing two things, making art and serving others. My mother is an occupational therapist and my dad is a retired Navy Commander. Having parents that dedicated their lives to the service of other people alongside an amazing DIY-arts community, shaped the work that I do now and certainly the show I give every night. On my first full US tour this past spring, I was able to talk about the Lord’s Resistance Army’s use of child soldiers in central Africa. My company, Colormake, partnered with DC-based non-profit, Resolve, to collect signatures, letters, and put together lobby meetings to make a difference on this issue. I found my voice through music and now I’m using it to make a difference while encouraging others to do the same.
What can you tell me about Never Come Undone?
My friendship with La Dispute changed my life. They’re real people and in this world, authenticity and heart counts for a lot. My side is dedicated to a good friend and fellow activist, Nate “Oteka” Henn. He was killed in a terrorist attack on July 11th, 2010 in Kampala, Uganda during the final game of last year’s World Cup. This was right before we went into the studio and I can remember debating whether or not I could make the record. When I listen back to those songs now, imprinted on all of those vocal takes is the pain and grief I was going through along with all the love I felt and still feel for my friend and the amazing community of world changers he was a part of. Never Come Undone is a record that means more to me than anyone can ever know
Can you also talk a bit about The Amplify Peace Tour?
The Amplify Peace tour is a collaboration between Colormake and The Voice Project and a coalition of several other amazing groups. I’ll be touring in support of my Run For Cover and No Sleep releases and once again to raise awareness and call people to action to bring an end to the atrocities committed by the LRA in central Africa. This time we are sharing the story of the women of Uganda, many of whom are widows, rape survivors, or former abductees who began singing songs that aired on the radio. The lyrics told the child soldiers that they were forgiven and they should come home. The soldiers heard these broadcasts and through the power of music, many children found the courage to defect. We’re sharing this story and inviting audiences to be a part of a very special audio and video project to continue making positive change through art both in Africa and right here at home in the United States.
How did you first hear about the group Resolve?
I’ve been working on this issue since 2005, which was right around the time that Resolve began. I found them through my friends at Invisible Children. Resolve works with activists, policy makers, and civil society leaders to identify and build support for policy measures that can help end LRA atrocities and enable affected families and communities to survive and rebuild their lives. They are, in short, incredible.
What else are you working on?
We’ve put out four records, all EP’s and splits, in the last 10 months and I have one more small release on the table before the year is out. After the Amplify Peace tour, there’s the UK/Ireland dates with Into It. Over It. and possibly a tour down to Fest 10 in Gainesville, FL. I guess after that’s all said and done, it might be time to think about doing a full length. It’ll be my first time working on anything like that, so I’m very excited about the idea of it. We’ll see what the future brings! For now, I am as always, full of hope, gratitude, and love.
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