I have to thank you for taking the time to do this first of all. I guess I will start out with this question, what led to the band's departure from Century Media to Prosthetic?

Jim: We licensed our last record to Century, one album, no further releases. Century has a great crew, but it wasn't a permanent home for us. Prosthetic is way more behind what we do. They're not afraid.

With SAMSARA I notice that you are blending the genres you dabble in with a more pronounced feel this time out as opposed to your debut. That record was a little more aggressive and focused a bit more on the all out metal side of things, but still had your core elements in place. This time though, they seem to be apparent on a grander scale. Was this a conscious decision when writing began for the record, or did it just take shape on it's own and happen naturally?

Jim: The sound we have is a natural evolution; we don't preconceive or really even discuss it. We try to stay out of the way and just let it out.

Bruce: This record was the next logical step for us, as the next should be the same.

I know that Yakuza is often considered a metal band, but I find that to be misleading, as you also have world beat, jazz and post/indie rock meanderings. How would you describe Yakuza's music without categorizing it completely?

Jim: Like you said, it would be misleading to categorize it. Just listen.

Bruce: Categories are in existence to make it easier for some marketing department. We take in everything that is nothing...no limits...no boundaries...This is a really refreshing sort of freedom. We are not bound by any restrictions.

Given the fact that you are all obviously incredibly talented musicians, does it ever become a challenge to write a song for Yakuza? By that I mean, with everything that goes on in each song, how do you know when a part works or when it's "not Yakuza"?

Jim: We don't really force anything, so when it works it works, when it doesn't, we move on.

Bruce: Lately, things haven't been better. We have already written half of our next record and have a dozen riff ideas. We seem to be firing on all cylinders creatively.

One of the first things I picked up on was the cover art and layout for the new disc SAMSARA. Can you give our readers a little bit of insight as to what is going on there with all the imagery and the album title itself?

Jim: Samsara means "birth, suffering, death and rebirth." The photos used were from an old cemetery I found by accident in Hawaii. My friend and I just started shooting film. When I was putting the art together, those photos kept creeping into my head. They really represent what the title means and what the record sounds like. The overlaid graphics represent the elements, with suffering in the middle.

Which is more important to Yakuza, the music or the lyrics? Speaking of lyrics, what are some of the basic concepts you touch upon for the new album?

Bruce: It's all part of the whole experience. Everything is related to each other throughout the entire recording. Lyric content is sort of vague abstract references to personal experiences, some social commentary, etc. Nothing too terribly concrete. I have always liked writings and lyrics where a reader or listener can interpret different ideas. It makes it a bit more personal.

Many of our readers who are fans of the band may not be familiar with some of your non-metal influences. What records would you tell them to check out that influenced you, and why?

Jim: There are so many, I don't really know where to begin. Sun Ra? Nausrat fateh ali kahn? Fela Kuti? Zakir Hussein? The list is endless.

Bruce: Man, you're talking about hundreds. Here's a couple "must haves" that any music fan should own: Eric Dolphy "Out to Lunch," Joe Harriot "Indo-Jazz Suite," any Kodo recording, Albert Ayler "Holy Ghost" box set. E-mail us and I can recommend a whole lot more.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone using a clarinet in this type of music since the first two Galactic Cowboys' records. How on earth did you?

Bruce: I play reed instruments...a friend gave me his clarinet. I like the sound of a wood horn. It worked well through a flanger pedal effect.

Are there heavy touring plans scheduled for the US to promote SAMSARA?

Jim: We are in the van now and probably will be when you read this.

Lastly, thank you once again for taking the time to do this. Do you have any parting words of wisdom, comments, snide remarks?

Bruce: Just that 'Samsara' is a recording that does not focus on the single or hit or whatever. It works as a whole, moving around stylistically, dynamically, shifting moods, etc. Take it in, take it all in...It’s tough these days. Much of the mainstream music mediums are attempting to sell you their latest product: yes, a slick 3.5 minute product, the video, the single, wait sorry, sorry the "ipod/i tunes $.99 single" (which by the way while convenient, its major flaw is that it does not recognize a full length recording. Nothing more ridiculous than having a gap during the Roger Waters scream in "Another Brick in The Wall II." What the fuck?) Thanks for your time.

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