From Tokyo, Japan, comes a group of musicians from different parts of the world to create the band Izmatik. In the lineup, Japan, the United States, Spain, and Australia are represented. With the release of their debut EP, “Volt Vein,” the band cemented their place in the Tokyo music scene and sparked interest in a full-length album. The full-length album entitled “Mystery Step” was released in October 2022. Both records were mixed and mastered by Enrico ‘Kikko’ Sesselego, who has worked extensively with Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Izmatik about favorite songs, dream collabs, the latest music and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?

My favorite song of all time is “Love and Happiness” by Al Green.

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I’m proud that I could finally show the full range of what Izmatik can do and how far we’ve
come. I think that with releasing a full-length album that covers a wide spectrum of expression
gives us a strong base to build upon and lets people know who we are and what we are about.
The goal with the release was pretty simple. To release a full-length album and get it into the
ears of people who like this kind of music. I think that part has been and continues to be
successful. It has been amazing to connect with so many folks around the world who are into
prog and what we are doing.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

The rush I get when I create something I think is worthy to share. It is so mysterious to me
where music comes from and why we create it. I think it is something profound that we
humans do. Like the most complex and simple language all at the same time given to us by the
universe for reasons that maybe we will never fully understand. Kind of mind-blowing really.
I’m motivated by the progress I see in myself and the band. I’m motivated to keep getting
better because I see progress. Also, it motivates me to see people who genuinely like what we
do. It is really difficult to catch peoples attention these days but I realized I can’t be the only
person out there actively searching for music that moves me. There are others and we are
connecting with them.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Funny you should ask this question because this has been on my mind for quite a while. I plan to record
a series of singles this year and I have one song in particular that I want keyboards on. I’d really like to
collaborate with Derek Sherinian if possible. He is a big influence on me from his Dream Theater days
and his solo stuff. That would be a dream come true!

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to was “Viridian” by Between the Buried and Me. My favorite band is
Voivod. I think they are the most creative band out there and they just keep getting better and
better. I also have always loved King’s X, Dream Theater, Anthrax, Faith no More.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

You can find all things Izmatik here: https://linktr.ee/izmatik

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

Thank you for your time! Just want to say that we appreciate everyone that has taken time to
check out our music. We won’t stop and can’t wait to start on the next round of recordings and
gigs. Looking forward to a great 2023!