Giving back to the scene with Lost in Japan

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: ALEXANDER LAM
Lost in Japan will play to a hometown crowd at Rum Runners on Nov. 21.

It’s been a whirlwind of success for Lost in Japan since the London locals graduated from Fanshawe’s music industry arts (MIA) program three years ago. They’ve embarked on three successful tours, released an EP and a full-length debut album. With new songs in the works already, these young Londoners show no sign of slowing down.

The foursome will play Rum Runners on Nov. 21, and despite playing in various cities across Canada, singer Addison Johnson said there’s a distinct feeling that comes with playing in London.

“It definitely feels like coming home,” he said. “Seeing how much we’ve grown since we’ve gotten together, and how many people we’ve brought together with our music. It’s awesome.”

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Bringing people together with their music has been a goal of Lost in Japan since their inception. They accomplished this with their song “Animals” off their debut EP, which was specially selected to advertise the 2019 Juno Awards in London.

Off the back of the success of “Animals”, the band set to work putting together their debut LP.

“To record the record, we actually had to go record three songs at a time, because we didn’t have it all written as a collective,” said Johnson. “We just would write three songs and then go in and record them.”

He admitted that recording can be expensive, which had much to do with the slow production process. However, the band was lucky enough to receive a $7,500 grant through local radio station Classic Rock 98.1’s Made in London competition, which allowed them to record three songs with Moe Berg at EMAC studios. The rest of the record was recorded at Sugar Shack Studios, produced by the band’s socalled ‘fifth member’, Kyle Ashbourne.

The result was the diverse sound and catchy tunes of their self-titled LP.

The band doesn’t just experiment with their music though; their live shows are often also full of surprises. For those attending the upcoming London show, Johnson said, “expect the unexpected”.

“We’re always trying new things with our showmanship. I could pour a glass of water on Chris’ [bandmate Chris Hoekstra’s] guitar for no reason. It just kind of happens sometimes. You just gotta come to a show to find out.”

In the three short years since their departure from Fanshawe, Lost in Japan have become synonymous with the growing London music scene. Johnson said the community in London fosters a lot of support for local bands.

“The London scene has definitely grown since we started. You can be a touring band coming through here, and the amount of support you get is insane,” he said. “If you go to a local show, you’re going to see how many bands will watch other bands play. I don’t really see that same thing in Toronto or Guelph or Waterloo. The London bands here want to go to shows, they want to see what’s going on and who’s doing well.”

He said many London bands even helped get Lost in Japan to where they are now, including local legends Ivory Hours and Texas King.

For local bands that are going through the MIA program right now, Johnson said that community engagement is the best way to grow a band.

“Go to shows. That’s how you meet people. It’s all about networking. If you’re going to play a show, make sure you stay till the end. Support the scene and then the scene will come back to you.”

He advised those in MIA to listen to their profs and focus on their music. Lost in Japan toured twice while in school, something Johnson said is possible for those willing to apply themselves to their craft.

Johnson shared one more piece of advice.

“Let Shawn Mendes write a song about you,” he joked, referring to the popular Canadian’s hit song coincidentally called, ‘Lost in Japan’. “I mean, it definitely helped us out. But, I mean, what are the odds?”

Jokes aside, Lost in Japan are proof that hard work and networking are keys to musical success. Their upcoming show in London will feature special guests Brighter Green, Huttch, and Dime. Lost in Japan will be selling limited edition merchandise, so get there early, support the scene, and be prepared for antics.