This fall, Tokyo (brkfstblend) and Bangkok (H3F) intersect at Shibuya WWW. On October 15, a special two-man show by brkfstblend and H3F will take place. Ahead of the night, the two sat down to talk—first impressions, how they create, their local scenes, and what they’re looking forward to in Japan.
— To start, could you both introduce yourselves?
Mikey (brkfstblend): We’re a Tokyo-based band, rooted in AOR, soul, and a touch of psychedelia. Lately I’ve been calling it “modern-filtered yacht rock.”
Gong (H3F): We’re from Bangkok, and blues and soul sit at our core. More than anything, we prioritize live performance. We often play blues bars and small venues—it suits us to keep things loose.
— What were your first impressions of each other?
Mikey: I’d been watching H3F’s live videos and thought they were awesome. In December last year, when I was recording in Bangkok, a local engineer introduced me to Gong, and I went to see their show. The venue felt like a warehouse; the lights and sound were incredible. I was shocked—“There’s a band like this in Asia!” We hit it off immediately.
Gong: The first song I heard from brkfstblend was “Ladyland.” Right then I thought, “These guys really understand music.” It grooves, it has a vintage feel yet sounds contemporary. There’s a hint of the Eagles, but it’s very smart. When I watched their live video, I was convinced: “This is the real deal.”
— You seem influenced by a similar era, but the textures of your sound are a bit different, right?
Gong: brkfstblend strikes me as very meticulous. The arrangements and production are top-notch. We, on the other hand, value a certain roughness—the feel of the moment (laughs). If Mikey is a suit, I’m a T-shirt.
Mikey: H3F has a solid core, so they don’t need to over-construct anything to make it work. Their rhythm section is rock-solid. We usually build things carefully in the studio, but lately, influenced by them, we’re trying to capture more of the in-the-room vibe and heat.
— What songs would you recommend from each other?
Gong → brkfstblend: “City Habits.” It carries the mood of Tokyo at night—sleek with a slight shadow. I love that feel.
Mikey → H3F: “Doubtful Sins.” I had it on repeat during a long drive in Thailand. The intro’s atmosphere is wonderful—it just sticks in your ears.
— How do you usually approach making music?
Gong: On our previous record, around 80–90% of the songs were born from jams. We start by playing, and when a good flow appears, we shape it from there.
Mikey: I generally start by building demos on my own. Our first album was quite constructed, but recently, under Gong and the band’s influence, I’m experimenting with a more live, performance-first approach.
— When did you first meet in person?
Mikey: Our keyboardist, Michael, invited me to an H3F show—that’s when we first properly met. Later at a blues bar in Bangkok, they happened to be short a member, so I jumped in for one song (laughs).
Gong: The bar is called Adhere 13th Blues Bar, and it’s the best. Nothing pretentious—just skilled blues players making sound naturally.
— What’s great about your hometown scenes?
Mikey: Tokyo’s scene may be small, but the underground layers are deep. Separate from the mainstream and trends, there are lots of people making cool music.
Gong: In Bangkok, it’s more like having live music is just normal. Bars, cafés, restaurants—live sets are commonplace. That environment is why the scene keeps going naturally, I think.
— And the challenges?
Gong: Sponsorship culture in Thailand is helpful, but support tends to favor big names and major artists. There are indie acts doing interesting things who don’t get enough spotlight.
Mikey: Japan can feel a bit closed off—people tend to chase trends and what’s hot, and fewer dig into the backgrounds and roots. If curiosity widened, I think freer works would get more chances.
— What are you excited about for the Japan show?
Gong: First, I’m excited to see Mikey again. And I’m really happy we can bring the new album to the stage in Tokyo.
Mikey: It’s the best that these two bands, after all this talking, get to share one stage for a night.
— A message to your fans in Japan!
Gong: Thanks for having us! See you at WWW. We’re going all out, so get ready. (I’ll bring a few records, too.) Let’s make it a special night!
— Lastly, what did you learn today?
Mikey: Gong’s top priority in Japan is… “to party.”
Gong: That Mikey’s down for a Thailand road trip. And the crucial fact that Michael’s room curtains are blue (laughs).
— Closing
On October 15 at Shibuya WWW, Tokyo and Bangkok cross—each city’s “now.”
How far will the distinct identities of brkfstblend and H3F meet through music?
Find the answer on-site.
[brkfstblend “Groove Revival Tour 2025” — Tour Details]
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Tokyo — Shibuya WWW
Cinema Rise B1F, 13-17 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
OPEN 18:15
START 19:00
[LIVE]
brkfstblend
H3F (from Thailand)
[TICKETS]
ADV. ¥4,500
DOOR ¥5,000
U-25 ¥3,000
Friday, October 17, 2025
Nagoya — Imaike TOKUZO
Blue Star Building 2F, 1-6-8 Imaike, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0850
OPEN 18:00
START 19:00
[LIVE]
brkfstblend
[TICKETS]
ADV. ¥4,000
DOOR ¥4,500
U-25 ¥3,000
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Osaka — Shinsaibashi CONPASS
Shinsaibashi Daiwa Building B1F, 1-12-20 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0083
OPEN 17:30
START 18:00
[LIVE]
brkfstblend
[TICKETS]
ADV. ¥4,000
DOOR ¥4,500
U-25 ¥3,000
Official Pre-sale: https://eplus.jp/brkfstblend/