I thought it was more than worthful to do an interview from this great Japanese artist. Definitely not comparable to the harsh noise hordes from the land of the rising Sun. Yukata Tanaka has always developed his own dark Industrial, and since a long time now. I hope this interview will enjoy the ones who appreciate his works and will create some interest in those who do not know him.

You’re writing that your music is describing anxiety, and that’s true the loads of loops create a real oppressive atmosphere, What influences you in that way?
I just try to create surrealistic world. I tie some short sound pieces, process and pile up sounds by multi-track recorder.

What kind of material do you use, what kind of sound sources?
In the old days, I used electric musical instruments (such as synthesiser, drum machine) with sound material by field recordings. But now I hardly use electric musical instruments. Sometimes I go outside with for field recordings.

How do you see the evolution of the scene especially Japanese one, in which you’re involved since the early 80ies when you’ve released "Dross" Tape?
In early 1980s, many industrial artists started to release tapes same as S CORE in Japan. Some years later, harsh noise artists have increased. Now I see the majority of Japanese industrial artists' sounds express similar style. Though I don't deny their style, I hope that the artist who has various styles of music will be active in Japan.

Do you think that changing from label for each release is a manner to keep a freedom?
I do not change label for each release on purpose. I just reward the labels for their proposals of releasing S.CORE product.

Why did you choose the name S core & often the butterfly as a logo?
I want to choose an unsubstantial name the same as my unsubstantial sound. The name S CORE implies a variety of meanings. S CORE is "core of sanctuary", "core of sacrarium", "core of singularity", "secret core" and "sacred core". The moth (not butterfly) is just one design of my artwork in 1980's.

You’re writing that your music is describing anxiety, and that’s true the loads of loops create a real oppressive atmosphere, What influences you in that way?
I just try to create surrealistic world. I tie some short sound pieces, process and pile up sounds by multi-track recorder.

What kind of material do you use, what kind of sound sources?
In the old days, I used electric musical instruments (such as synthesiser, drum machine) with sound material by field recordings. But now I hardly use electric musical instruments. Sometimes I go outside with for field recordings.

How do you see the evolution of the scene especially Japanese one, in which you’re involved since the early 80ies when you’ve released "Dross" Tape?
In early 1980s, many industrial artists started to release tapes same as S CORE in Japan. Some years later, harsh noise artists have increased. Now I see the majority of Japanese industrial artists' sounds express similar style. Though I don't deny their style, I hope that the artist who has various styles of music will be active in Japan.

Do you think that changing from label for each release is a manner to keep a freedom?
I do not change label for each release on purpose. I just reward the labels for their proposals of releasing S.CORE product.

How are the contacts between all the Japanese noise-industrial acts?
I have not contacted any Japanese industrial artists for a couple of years. S CORE is isolated from other industrial artists in Japan.

Majority of your titles contains no lyrics, don’t you have any messages or do you think the music do it by itself?
I do not have any massages. I just create surrealistic world by unusual sound.

What are your activities besides your project?
It's impossible for me to make my living by musical activities. I am the manager of a company that manufactures and sells lighting fixtures.

How do you see the economical crisis in Southeast Asia, & the growth of China’s power?
Japanese economy is now at its worst same as other Asian countries. The economic growth of China makes dull lately. I cannot afford to take thought for the economical crisis of other countries.

Some reports here in Europe show the Japanese society as a anthill under pressure, what are your reflections about these type of stupid messages & your own view on your country?
I have no comment.

What will be your future plans and projects? Any more comments?
Now I do not have any plans of release without contributing some compilations. I want to release one CD album in the meantime.

LP:

"MISSING VOLUME" (ZABRISKIE POINT),

"MY CANDLE HAS DIED" (PRAXIS DR BEARMANN 95),

CD:

SHEDDER (SOLIPSISM),

CRIME (DAFT),

SEDIMENT (GOD FACTORY94).

EP:

"A JEST OF NATURE" (AFFLICT 87),

"TARNISH" (DRAHT FUNK 95),

"VERMIN" PIC EP (PRAXIS DR BEARMANN),

"FINGER MARK" (DRONE 95).

TAPE:

"DROSS" (AFFLICT 85),

"UNDERSONG" (UNDERGROUND PROD 87),

"CAT-DOG" (NOP 1989),

"GUSH" (EXTREME 90),

"INFANT" (CORROSIVE TAPES 88),

"MORBID MUPPETS" (AFFLICT REC. 86),

"ALTER" (AFFLICT 86),

"DUMB CHAMBER" (BROKEN FLAG 87), ….

Collaboration: S.CORE/BOGART "pilgrim" tape (AFFLICT REC.), S.CORE/MERZBOW "collaboration" tape ltd.ed. (AFFLICT 1987), S CORE/ C.C.C.C./ Xer XPER EP, SCORE/TELEPHERIQUE "RESULT OF MAIL ART" (DRAHT FUNK) Tape.

And tons of compilations on various support (too many to mention here in fact)