1. First off, tell us more about yourself and what you do!
I’m a science and science fiction enthusiast who loves to weave dystopian narratives about technology- or policy-gone-wrong into my music. Through my cyberpunk/steampunk band, Psyche Corporation, I’ve been able to do that while blending in elements of electronic rock music, trip-hop, and world music. My music appeals to a diverse crowd, including fans of Visual Kei style bands, because of the creative visuals and costuming I often incorporate into my performance.
2. What’s your favorite thing about Japan?
I’ve only ever been to the airport in Japan, on my way between America and China, but I have to say that airport had the best bathrooms I have ever experienced. If you’ve ever been to both Japan and America, you know what I mean (wink wink). Also, I flew Japan Air one time and they had the best food, and the best movie selection. Definitely my favorite thing about Japan is basically everything I’ve experienced in Japan (the airport and airline). I’d love to go for real some day and venture beyond the airport.
Do you have a favorite anime?
Serial Experiments Lain. It came out the year before the Matrix and I totally see elements the Matrix borrowed (knowingly or unknowingly) from SEL.
3. What was your first show that you performed?
I did my first live show in 2007 at a place in NYC called the Pussycat Lounge. It was actually on top of a strip club, strangely enough. I was so nervous, my hands were shaking, and I stood very, very still while singing. It was a good thing I had the forethought to work with two very talented dancers to put together dance choreography for them to do while I was singing. So people didn’t necessarily notice how totally still I was standing :)
4. Can you tell us more about one of your panels?
I’m giving a science panel at Anime USA called Neuro-Decoding, where I talk about present-day research in brain-machine interfaces that allow scientists to “read minds”. For example, decoding neural signals now allows people to figure out what your eyes are seeing based on brain activity in your visual cortex. Decoding neural signals via EEG allowed a quadriplegic man to do the kickoff at the World Cup in Brazil, in fact. I’ll talk more about that during my panel.
5. Finally, what are you most excited for at Anime USA?
I am MOST excited that my 5th album will likely be available just in time to bring to AnimeUSA for patrons to check out! The fundraising for the kickstarter just launched so people can even use it as a pre-order mechanism if they like and I’ll bring their stuff to AUSA if they prefer. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1097332101/romance-of-the-counter-elite-psyche-corp