Q&A: The Richman Toy

November 29th, 2007

With their unique hybrid sound, the Richman Toy—vocalist Jap, guitarist Gibb, bassist Chae and drummer Eio—have flown the Grammy coup and are set to spread their country-rock wings with their debut album on Smallroom, Dan Sawan Koy You.

BK: Why "The Richman Toy"?

Jap: The rich man, who already has countless toys, may not pay attention to an insignificant toy like us. But if you spend more time with us, this toy is worth more than you think. Plus, we like the contrast of the word “Richman” with our retro/country rock music.

BK: Why did you leave Genie Records, which is under the umbrella of Grammy, for Smallroom?

Jap: We felt that a big record label wasn’t for us. We’d rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in the sea.

Gibb: Here, we get to freely exercise our creativity and work closely with the production team.

BK: Tell us about Dan Sawan Koy You.

Jap: Our style is country rock with a retro flavor. But “country” here isn’t like look thung. It’s all about big sounds, up-tempo and energetic tunes and sarcastic and nostalgic lyrics. The album is kinda hippie because we bring in the 60s-70s sounds and there are also songs about how we should open up, go out and meet new people, while at the same time reminisce about the good old days.

BK: Each of you has a different outfit. What’s the concept behind that?

Gibb: This band was born of the different backgrounds we all come from. We don’t have to dress the same, but in the end, music is the glue that holds us together.

BK: How do you like performing live?

Jep: We love it, though we didn’t do very well at first. We are a lot better now. Our trick is to watch the video clips of our shows and see what could be improved.
Chae: Besides The Richman Toy, I also play jazz at the Four Seasons nightly. With jazz, I can improvise. Playing with the band, however, involves patterns and notes I have to follow and we have to rehearse to make sure we get them right. But I love the vibe of a live concert.

BK: Any expectations?

Gibb: I don’t expect anything because my expectations have been fulfilled since the album came out. It’s enough to do what I love.

BK: Go ahead, promote yourself.

Jep: Just open your heart, listen to the album and, if you can, go to our concerts—heaven is close at hand.

Listen to The Richman Toy at www.myspace.com/therichmantoyband.