“The Princess of East”

Interview with the great Japanese violinist Miki Fujimoto

By Sergio Vilar


How Miki, thank you to be devoted your time. Could you give us an express summary of your career for people that doesn't know you? 
Yes. Fantasmagoria is a progressive violin rock band in Japan, formed by Violinist, Miki Fujimoto.
Miki, graduated from San Francisco Conservatory of Music majored in classical violin. Later, studied at Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia in Spain and after, studied composition and jazz harmony at music school in Japan where formed the members of the band.
Type of the music is progressive violin rock with some irregular rhythms with melodic melodies -from classical essence to king crimsonic and fusion.

How did you begin in the violin? 
My mother used to play the violin in childhood and I enjoyed  playing her violin at 4 years old.

Who were your references in that time? 
At the age of 4, I was immitating an orchestra's violinist on TV. Soon after, I started to take violin lessons with a private teacher.

How did you end up being interested in the symphonic rock?  
I have been playing classical music for a long time but also, I had a strong interest in rock music, too.
I listen to many of progressive rock and progressive metal music and I have always wanted to play instrumental rock music with my violin.

When did you have the idea of undertaking the Fantasmagoria project? 
When I formed the members of the band in music shool in Japan. They are: Masakazu Sato (drums), Kentaro Yoshida (bass), Ryuichi Odani (keyboards), Masatomo Nakashima (guitar) and Junpei Ozaki (guitar).

Could you give us a brief impression of the songs that they integrate your album debut?  
This CD is a Live recording album of  progressive violin rock which contains many style of the music; with some irregular rhythms with melodic melodies - From classical essence  to king crimsonic, fusion and symphonic.

From where did the inspiration come to write them? 
By imaging a story  from places where I have lived in (US, Spain, Japan) and have been influenced.

In the future you will continue in the same musical style or will there be changes? 
It may be or it may not be… but as we make new pieces, there are always a new element in the music .

Then, do you already have written material for a new discographic work of Fantasmagoria or even not? 
We are making new pieces right now and preparing Live for early March 2005.

Which are your reasons to make music? 
Music is my life!
Since, music is a universal language that can touch people's heart in all over the world, I want to create a new imagination for listners in my musical world.

Would you say that you live with passion your artistic career? 
Yes, of course!

A last question. When don't you make music to what you are devoted? 
Go to see foreign band's live and exercising and swimming. Also, visit many places like museum, too.

Thank you another time Miki. Do you have some message for who you read this interview?
I thank very much for Sergio for the interview and to the readers for their attention. I invite everyone to access Fantasmagoria's site www.fantasmagoria.info and Miki's site www.miki-fujimoto.com for info and live pictures.
In the April 2005, I , Miki will be playing as a guest violinist of the group Asturias at the Baja Prog Festival  in Mexico. 

Soon, I really wish to play at  your Buenos Aires too!

Nucleus interview: 22/01/05