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Interview: Merda
by Ricardo Tibiu (tibiu@karasukiller.com | www.chiveta.wordpress.com)
Photos: 1 (chiveta), 2 (?) & 3 (Jozzu)
originally published in DOLL (Japan) #242
06.02.07

Almost Japanese
Merda is a power trio formed in the end of the nineties in Vila Velha (Espírito Santo/Brasil), by Japa (bass/vocals) and two members of Mukeka di Rato, Mozine (guitar/vocals) and Paulista (drums/vocals). Since the beginning they proved they were really influenced by Japanese hardcore, in fact, their side on the 7” split with Fuck On The Beach is called “Almost Japanese”. After three CDs (including “Carlos”, distributed in Japan by MCR and their newest “Eu Tenho Pena dos Insetos que me Picam” [I Feel Bad for the Bugs that Bite Me] released by Karasu Killer) they took advantage of Mukeka's tour in the Land of the Rising Sun and performed one show. Besides telling us how it went down, Mozine tells us about the band's following plans. 
by Ricardo Tibiu

How was Merda's show in Japan?
The show was really good. Our “fake Brazilian Japanese” couldn't go, but we found a member of the Japanese mafia who was his substitute and proved to be as disgusting as him. We were a bit anxious because the band is naturally crappy, but I think we've managed to pull out a nice and fun show, a bit short, but I don't think this is a bad thing. 
 
How was the reception Merda got in Japan?
We were very well received, I think because of the split EP with Fuck On The Beach, the “Carlos” CD (which was released by Sound Pollution and is distributed in Japan by MCR) and the new record (“Eu Tenho Pena dos Insetos que me Picam” [I Feel Bad for the Bugs that Bite Me]), released by Karasu Killer. A lot of people knew the songs and the audience's reception was better than what we expected, we were very happy. 
 
And their reaction towards the samba you sang in Japanese ?
We played only a small part, people were just looking and laughing. It was funny, we sing in this Japanese that's completely wrong but everybody ends up liking it.

Do you plan to go back to Japan with the full band? 
The intention is there and it has always been, but I don't know if it's possible. In 2005 for the South American tour, it was really hard for us, I'm not sure if there's anyone that's willing to do it again, but there's a plan, even if a small one. I think it's much easier for now if Fuck On The Beach and Vivisick come to Brazil, than for us to go back to Japan, be it with Mukeka di Rato or Merda.

So, how was the South American tour? You've traveled by car to Argentina and Uruguay, right?
Look, the tour was really hard, funny, dangerous, safe etc. Yeah, we've crossed half Brazil in a subcompact and got to two other countries and this is not easy, but it was really fun. 

Would you do that in another continent?
I don't know if I would have the guts to do it in such a simple car in another country, specially with me driving, but in a van with another band, that's the way it works!

Has Merda ever thought of recording something, like an EP, singing just in Portuguese? 
You've read our thoughts (laughs). We have a recorded split with Leptospirose, which will be out soon, and the next release should be a CD with things in that Japanese that doesn't exist, some incorrect Portuguese, all that stuff, we already have some pretty cool ideas.

Speaking about that split with Leptospirose, you're going to Europe this year, tell us more about that:
Yes, in October we'll play five shows in Brazil and 26 in Europe, it will be Merda's and Leptospirose's first time there. Both bands are really close and have similar styles, power trios, and we're all really ugly and strange. I think this tour will be guaranteed fun, a real freak show! 

Besides Japan, it sees the rest of the Asian continent has some interest in Merda, right?
According to Yuki from Vivisick we have a good audience in some Asian countries. They've toured with Fuck On The Beach some time ago and it seems that in several places people have asked about us. It made me very happy, who knows, maybe some day Merda goes to Japan and goes to the rest of Asian countries. There's a “Carlos” cassette tape I think in Singapore, but I'm not sure because it was released, but I've never seen it!! (laughs)

Related links:
www.laja.com.br
www.geocities.com/merdarock

www.fotolog.com/conjuntomerda
www.myspace.com/merdarock

www.fotolog.com/20eyes

www.purevolume.com/merda