Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG) – the internationally acclaimed project formed by guitar virtuoso Tak Matsumoto with Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin (Mr. Big) – are pleased to share their new single “Crash Down Love” alongside a teaser video.
After a 20-year hiatus, TMG returns with original members Tak Matsumoto (guitarist and member of the Japanese rock superstars B’z), Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin (Mr. Big), reigniting the powerhouse trio’s signature rock sound. Originally launched in 2004, TMG wowed fans worldwide with their unique fusion of hard-hitting rock and oriental influences. Now, after two decades, they’re set to do it all again.
Tak Matsumoto explains how the project came to life:
“Twenty-one years ago, I met Jack and Eric at The Fillmore in San Francisco. I suggested we collaborate, and that’s how TMG was born. We came together in LA to write our first single, “OH JAPAN”, which sparked the creation of our debut album, ‘TMG I’
The track opens the band’s new studio album, ‘TMG II’ which is currently available digitally, with the physical CD release slated for December 6th, 2024.
AMFM Magazine: You must be so happy to unveil this to the world and you must be getting some great feedback right about now. It must be a dream band – and to work with a room full of legends that are also great people must have given you some great memories?
Tak Matsumoto: Reuniting with everyone after 20 years, making a record together, and being able to tour again—that in itself is a truly special memory.
AMFM Magazine: What was your greatest moment of joy working on this project?
Tak Matsumoto: Everyone was so busy, so I’d say the fact that the album was completed on schedule and that we successfully finished the tour without any setbacks.
AMFM Magazine: Where do you find the most inspiration these days?
Tak Matsumoto: Lately, I’ve been drawing more inspiration from bluesy and jazzy songs rather than straight-up rock.
AMFM Magazine: What was the big that bit you do to speak – was it a song, movie, play, or TV show that set you on this path when you were younger?
Tak Matsumoto: I’ve been influenced by all sorts of music, but I heavily listened to hard rock from the ’70s and ’80s. I was fascinated by the guitar sounds. As a guitarist, I’d say Michael Schenker influenced me the most. I also think Japanese pop music had an impact on me.
AMFM Magazine: What advice would you give to those looking up to you and thinking, “That’s what I want to do.”?
Tak Matsumoto: Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. But don’t forget to make an effort and work hard to get there.
AMFM Magazine: Our host, Drew Pearson, famously caught the Hail Mary and went into the Hall of Fame this year and he wanted me to make sure I asked you your Hail Mary Moment, the moment in your life or career where you just had to go for it and it worked out for you?
Tak Matsumoto: I’d say it was when I quit being a session musician to start my own band. I was 27 at the time, and it was a huge challenge. Leading that band to success could be it.
AMFM Magazine: On the show, we talk about that success mindset that you have to have to not only make it in the business but to stay in it. Is there something that you’ve always told yourself that’s kept you on the right path even when things seemed tough?
Tak Matsumoto: I believe it’s about perseverance. Life has its ups and downs, but the key is to never give up and to keep going. For me, it’s about continuing to create music.
AMFM Magazine: Of course there’s a lot of entertainment value here but depending on where you are in your life, you might get something different out of this album. What would you like the audience to feel?
Tak Matsumoto: I hope listeners enjoy the unique hard rock sound that comes from a Japan-U.S. collaboration, and the fact that a Japanese artist created music like this.
AMFM Magazine: After this, I can’t wait to see what’s next for you. What do you have coming up? Hopefully a tour?
Tak Matsumoto: There aren’t any specific plans right now, but I’d love to create more music with this lineup.
