Hello, JAPAYORK. How is your leather jacket today?
It’s good. I’ve painted the words LUST & FOUND on it.

I am much more inclined to jump a turnstile with mine on. Does it affect you? Do you feel more like Prince, perhaps?
When I wear mine I like to listen to the Misfits and look menacing!

Yea. A good leather jacket should say “fuck you” to everyone so you don’t have to. Do people call you JAPAYORK or do you still answer to Stephanie like Gaga does?
Even my family call me Japa, but there are still some people close to me that call me Stephanie.

When did you realize “I Need It All” is in fact perfect?
Thanks a lot! “I Need It All” was one of those songs that just flew out ‘o me; I sat down and wrote it in less than two hours. The best songs don’t take long to write, they are there waiting.

Why did you choose “Our Now” as your first single?
Well we haven’t really decided on a single… “Our Now” is just the first song I’m sharing but I haven’t showed the big guns yet.

What was the goal when you started recording?
To have loads of fun.

Do you think your tracks will be included on your first record?
We’ll see, there is every chance.

Honestly, do you think your identity is at stake when dealing with a big label pop-glamsquad?
No, not at all. I’ve got quite a strong view of who I am whichever label we go with, and the kind of songs I write and the artwork I create help portray me as an individual.

What is the best thing you’re ever done?
Giving it all up for music.

Blond or brunette?
Pink hair dyed with Kool Aid?

UPDATE – Latest Japa York single, Teenagers, is set for release 12/05/10 on Popjustice Hi-Fi