Koji is one of the most forward thinking and active musicians in this small scene, and we’re more than happy to help spread Koji’s message at PropertyOfZack. In a new interview, Koji and I discussed his Resolve Tour, future activism, a possible new full-length release as well as other projects with Into It. Over It., and more touring plans. Read up and enjoy!

The Resolve Tour started about a month and a half ago and the east coast portion of the tour will officially be coming to an end this week. I know we’ve discussed the tour in the past, but can you walk us through the mission of the tour for those who don’t know?
The Resolve Tour is an art and activism tour. It’s been ten weeks in most of the Continental US. What we’re talking about is this issue of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Central Africa. They are a rebel group that has been abducting children and displacing communities for the last twenty-five years. They are currently active in Southern Sudan, Central African, and The Democratic Republic Of Congo. We’re raising awareness about the issue through film, photography, story telling, music, and discussion. The last piece of that, the discussion piece, is what really makes this tour special. The sort of tone and theme of this tour is community. We are trying to approach both art and activism from a community element and really involve letting people being a part of this movement and to really be able to take ownership of the issue with the sort of role that they can play. Over the course of ten weeks we’ve been able to give our presentation in college classrooms like in DIY art and music spaces, punk places, and all kinds of different rock clubs and art galleries. Nice big theatres and living rooms and basements. It’s been one of the most rewarding things to cast aside the trappings of the non-profit industry and the music industry and just do something very human. That is a very long explanation [Laughs] of the Resolve Tour.
 
You have always been an activist, but would you say that this tour has been the most important piece of work that you’ve ever done?
Yes, absolutely. It’s sort of a genesis of my work. It’s really great to feel like you’re doing something you believe in and that you’re doing something that is just the beginning. Last night we played in Philadelphia, which is the city where I found out about this issue and where I cut my teeth as a professional musician. It was really surreal and wonderful to come back to this place where I got my start and basically say to everyone that this is what I dreamed when I was 18 years old six years ago.  Here I am now six years later doing it. It was really meaningful to me.
 
Fans have obviously been coming out to the tour to just hear you play your songs, but have many been leaving with sound knowledge of what the Resolve Tour is all about?
Yeah, I’ve been really impressed. It’s amazing what happens when you invite people to speak. Often times people show up and they find everyone in the room to be strangers and they experience this moment with people and then they leave. For us, we want to connect the dots on this tour and really put people in touch with each other and ask them to talk about what’s important to them, not just in their music scene, but in their local communities and in our global community. I’ve been absolutely impressed with what people are taking away, but I’ve also been most impressed by what people have been able to give to each night.
 
Has it been taxing on your body and mind to be out on the road for so long?
This tour has been awesome. I will call people and like the first question is, “How is the tour,” and my answer is, “I’m not tired. I’m not tired.” I’ve been on the road for two months now, and I’m not tired. Physically there are days when I’m not 100%, but I think spiritually, intellectually, and creatively I’m the best I’ve ever been. It’s a really exciting time in my life because I’m having a new experience and we’re sharing it with other people who are energized and enthusiastic and confident in what we’re doing. I may break every nail I have because of my strumming style and I’ll be bleeding every night after the show and have a shredded voice, but if you asked me if I was really feeling it, no, I’m not, I’m feeling great.
 
Last time we spoke, Some Small Way and the IIOI/KOJI split were just released. Now that it has had some time to sit in, how has the general reaction to it been?
I think the reaction has been good. The Into It. Over It. split went out of print in I think just under two months. The second pressing is coming out. At all the shows, the songs I hear people singing the hardest to have been the songs from that split. Again, it’s been amazing to share something you care about with people. That was a really amazing record to make and it’s amazing to be able to play those songs for the first time on this full US tour.
 
Have you and Evan discussed the possibility of working together again?
We are definitely collaborating on some projects n the future. Those projects I cannot talk about at this point, but you’ll be seeing more from Into It. Over It. and Koji in the near future.
 
It was recently announced that you’d be releasing a split with La Dispute called Never Come Undone in May. How many tracks from you will that feature?
Those are two songs a piece. We did one new original each, and then they reimagined one of their songs and I covered one of my favorite songs in the world by Ted Leo. People will hear a really cool and very organic and honest record when we release that. We’re stoked on it
 
We’ve also discussed a possible full-length. How much writing do you currently have done?
I’m getting far into something; whether that’s a full-length or not, I have a lot of songs. They’re some of the best sons that I’ve written. You will be hearing them in the future. We’re hitting the studio after this tour and what sort of shape that will take, I don’t know, but we’ll see what happens.
 
Would you like a release out in the fall?
I’m working on a record that will be released in the fall. I’ve got to be stingy on the details, but you’ll be one of the first ones to know. I’m planning a big fall release, more tours. As far as a full-length or something a little more extensive, you won’t be seeing that until early next year.
 
Will that be on Run For Cover?
Jeff and I have actually been in discussion a lot about new releases and things like that, so you can expect it somehow. I think Run For Cover will definitely be a part of the picture.
 
It was just announced that you’d be heading over to the UK with Evan. Are you looking forward to that tour?
I am. That accidently got out, we’re not sure how, but we’re really amped that the two of us can go back together and we can celebrate a second pressing. It’s been months since we’ve had records. As two friends, to be able to go to another country and share a record with people, is awesome. That on the horizon is enough to make me think this year is awesome.
 
Should we expect any other sort of scattered plans?
I’m going to be doing some one-offs and one single tour in the summer. I’m spending most of my time regrouping and planning the next step. I’m going to be digging in and planning my next creative and activism project.
 
Thanks so much for your time, is there anything else you’d like to add or that we should be on the lookout for?
I just wanted to thank everybody who has been a part of the Resolve Tour. This tour is a testament to the power of a community and it wouldn’t be a success without all the awesome wonderful local communities we’ve visited.