Saiichi Sugiyama Talks Musical Memories, His Voice And More

Saiichi Sugiyama is a guitarist, singer and composer who has been a friend of JLTT for many years. As he has been doing some UK shows this year including the forthcoming appearance as special guest to Chantel McGregor at Half Moon Putney in London it felt like the perfect time for a catch-up:

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Running around my parents’ house in Tokyo to a Glenn Miller LP when I was about four or five. I didn’t know what it was, but I just loved it — and I still do.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

There’s a reel-to-reel tape of me, aged five, singing a song I made up about whales. That was the first one. I kept inventing mostly comical songs all through junior school before I began writing melodic ones in early teens.

 

One of your tracks is called “Song of Joy.” What was the story or inspiration behind it?

During COVID I joined a video songwriting workshop run by Michelle [Willis]. Afterwards I had weekly zoom sessions on my writing with her in New York for a couple of years. I was demoing at least one new song a week to play to her at our sessions. This one came during that period. It began with the pedalled guitar chords in the intro; the melody arrived out of nowhere. Michelle suggested a modulated break, and I added the instrumental section. I wanted it to be one of the happiest, cosiest songs I’d ever written — a kind of domestic bliss after an impossibly bad patch, with a “la la” section for the audience to sing along to. They do, at most of my gigs now.

 

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

My recording sessions were in the studio my son and producer Muné [Sugiyama] built before leaving for Japan to pursue his oil painting. Ben [Reed] and Basia [Barts] overdubbed on my original voice-and-guitar demo. James [Raymond (ex-David Crosby)] – who is my producer for my recent tracks- then added the drums, synth, and that Stevie-like chromatic-harmonica part in his studio in New Mexico.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny, or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Everyone contributed something memorable. I sang the intro melody and the ascending parts to Basia, but she came up with the riff that sounds like Linda’s synth on “Band on the Run.” I’d always heard a bit of “Our House” in the song, but James somehow heard “Ebony and Ivory.” After playing the harmonica part, he added an extra bar and yet another modulation — then actually played that “together alive” melody over it.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, or recording equipment to get a specific tone?

Nothing exotic — just my regular tools: Martin guitars, condenser microphones and an ‘80s-era console. Working in Muné’s studio made me realise how much the acoustics of a room matter; he put enormous care into that space, and I’m grateful every time I record there.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest, and c) most reflective?

a) See above! b) Was it the Incredible Hulk who said, “You won’t like me when I’m angry”? No, I don’t do “angry” — there’s enough anger in the world already. c) They all tend to be reflective. I was born sentimental by nature and it’s getting worse as I get older!

 

Who were the musicians on the song with you?

So, as I mentioned, Ben on the bass – he has been playing for me for nearly 20 years now. Ben is just an amazing talent and I don’t know how I deserve sharing his playing with luminaries – Frank Ocean et al. Basha on the violin – again, an incredible, very special talent. And this is before I get to James – who was responsible for Croz’ Indian summer – on the everything else. These songs of mine have been extremely lucky!

 

Who is in your touring band?

I haven’t done a proper tour for some years, but the core lineup is Ben, Basia, and Si Hutchinson on guitar and harmony vocals. He can blend his high tenor voice with my lightweight baritone — something others once said was impossible — and sound coherent. He’s also one of the nicest people you could meet.

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

No — it felt given to me, as many of them do. I particularly enjoyed writing the imagery in the second verse.

 

Where is your hometown, and could you describe it in five words?

Farnham — “the home of Weyfest music festival.” That might be six words.

 

How do you look after your voice?

Olivia [Peck – the voice coach in New Orleans] is my secret weapon. My weekly video sessions with her since April have allowed me to find a way to make my voice get close to what I hear in my head – well, much closer than ever before – and do so easier.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

Yes — just coming up is my solo acoustic set at the Half Moon Putney this Saturday 1 November at 1pm supporting Chantel McGregor. Then a run of acoustic shows through 2026. We had a great audience in Newcastle, Aylesbury and Basingstoke earlier and can’t wait to get back to see them. The Newcastle show was recorded and the video of the complete sets was put up on YouTube a few days ago. Hopefully a tour can be planned once the album’s out.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That I’ve made someone feel less alone, and that I’ve reminded myself why I still do this.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, or microphones?

My Martin dreadnoughts and Gibson Les Pauls, these days through a Fender Champ. Less gear, more soul.

 

You’re given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I have developed an unfortunate inability to read fiction in the last ten years. I know I’m missing out, but I just can’t make myself read novels — only information, opinions or lyrics. I love going to a cinema, though. I still do that a lot. Some Carolyn Hax columns in the WaPo can inspire songs, I feel.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Any recommendations?

Bruno Major, Lucy Rose, Eloise, Billie Eilish, Jacob Collier, Lizzy McAlpine, Kacey Musgraves, Herbie Hancock, Nelson Riddle, Chet Baker, Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson, bosa nova, the Romantic composers, Francis Lai , Michel Legrand, Paul McCartney, CSNY, Stevie Wonder, Baroque, classic Motown, the American Songbook, Buddy Holly, Everlys, Little Richard, Sherman Brothers, Carole King.

 

Do you have any new music releases planned for 2025/2026?

I’ve got about two albums’ worth of material in progress — still recording, not yet at the release-planning stage.

 

What makes Saiichi Sugiyama happy, and what makes you unhappy?

Sharing music and seeing it touch someone — that’s happiness. Unhappiness is when the noise of the world drowns out that simple joy.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Christian Kyriacou

Saiichi Sugiyama will perform a solo acoustic set as special guest to Chantel McGregor (Solo) on Saturday 1st November 2025 at Half Moon Putney in London, United Kingdom. This is a daytime show with doors at 12.30pm and show starting at 1.00pm.

Tickets onsale here: https://tickets.halfmoon.co.uk/events/2025-11-01-chantel-mcgregor-solo-acoustic-daytime-show-half-moon-putney

Official Website: https://www.saiichi.uk/