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Invercargill-based band Shunkan, from left Reese Jensen, Sonny Heremia, Josepth Boath, Marina Sakimoto and Andy Gibbs.

Southland has proved a positive inspiration for United States-born songwriter Marina Sakimoto of Invercargill-based band Shunkan.

Sakimoto, 21, moved to the deep south from Los Angeles in February, 2014 to be closer her boyfriend - now bandmate - Joseph Boath, who she met online through friends.

"Invercargill is really nice. it took me a little while to settle down into a quieter lifestyle, but that's what I wanted," Sakimoto said.

"It's been really nice knowing neighbours and the community and having friends you can rely on."

After signing to UK-based record label Art is Hard last year, Shunkan's current line-up was finalised in January when they completed recording for their debut album The Pink Noise.

"The music is pop-indie rock at the moment but people tell us it's like 90s throwback, alternative guitar rock."

All the songs on the album were written by Sakimoto, who said the Southland lifestyle contributed to a softening of her style.

"Mostly my inspiration comes from the people here, and the stories I've heard from them. In LA my songs were very complex and fast, but coming here I wanted to mix it up and slow it down a bit more."

Now the line-up of Shunkan was finalised, Sakimoto wanted to get the band working together to develop their music.

Sakimoto translates the band's name, Japanese word 'Shunkan', to mean 'in the moment' and it was a nod to her own Japanese heritage.

"I wanted a name to reflect my heritage because I'm proud of it. My father is Japanese and I've been to Japan every year of my life.

"My goal for being here in New Zealand is to always try and be in the moment and take life day-by-day."

Since making the massive move to the bottom of the world last year, Sakimoto is certain she had made the right choice.

"It seemed pretty ridiculous to move to a random country that I knew nothing about, but I've decided to own it.

"I really love it in New Zealand and I'm very fond of the New Zealand community. It's very welcoming and warm," she said.

Shunkan's single 'Our Names' is available to listen to and pre-order on noisey.vice.com/en_uk/blog/premiere-shunkan-our-names. It is set for release on April 13, with the album The Pink Noise following in mid-2015.

Shunkan's next Invercargill show is on April 19 at Players with Caroles and Greenfog.

Visit www.facebook.com/shunkanmusic for more information about the band.

 - The Southland Times