Return From The Wild With JACK MUZAK From OSAKA PUNCH

Interview by Kris Peters
Everyone's favourite masters of funk-infused mayhem, Osaka Punch,
are one of those rare bands that can entertain you just by walking
on stage. Dead set.
The charisma and boundless energy that accompany the band
everywhere they go translated beautifully on their 2023 album Mixed
Ape, an album years in the making and at times thought to be harder
to find than the elusive white whale. Fans had waited a decent
chunk of time for the album, but responded in kind upon its
release, solidifying Osaka Punch as a band for the people, by the…
apes?
After embarking on a national run of shows to support Mixed Ape,
Osaka Punch quietly retreated into the wilderness, family events
and accidents superseding the need for public adulation. It has
been a dark period for fans of the band wanting to get their funk
on, but Osaka Punch this weekend come out of hibernation for what
could very well be their only show of the year when they play with
Mood Swing And Chevy Bass plus Versace Boys at The Triffid this
Saturday, June 5.
I must admit that I am one of those people who missed the boys
ripping it up live, so when the chance came to grill vocalist Jack
Muzak as to why the band have seemingly deserted their fans, I took
it with both hands, armed and ready for battle.
"It's been a while, for sure," he almost apologized when we
question their tardiness, catching us off guard. "We've got a
couple of cobwebs to blow out, but we've been jamming for a while.
We had a little bit of a hiatus because our guitarist had a newborn
at the end of last year, and it's his third kid. So he's got two,
three boys now, but two kids and a newborn and in the interest of
everyone's safety, we thought we'd let him just be a dad for six
months. We were planning on recording by the end of this year,
which we still want to do. But this'll be probably the one show of
the year, I'd say, so we wanted to make it a big one. I think the
Triffid's a good way to go. If you're gonna do one show, that's the
place to do it."
In the full interview, Jack further discussed Osaka Punch's
upcoming performance at The Triffid on July 5, where they will
perform alongside Mood Swing and Chevy Bass. Jack highlighted the
unique line up, featuring a live saxophonist and a keytar player,
and expressed excitement about returning to the stage after a
hiatus. He also mentioned their guitarist Chrispy's recovery from a
car accident and his commitment to performing.
The discussion included recommendations for newcomers to their
music, with Jack suggesting three songs to help familiarize them
with their style. He noted the band's ongoing work on new material
and the evolving music landscape, which is shifting towards singles
over full albums. We talked about the reaction to Mixed Ape and if
all of the songs went down as well live as the band expected, their
genuine love for their fans and more.


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