BrenGun

not really a band search but I've added also a few bars etc recently

 

Today I added ~😘

 

 

nevermind lol

 

 

well...

Might they also think they are too old for vkei.

Misery seems to be end 30ties already. 

 

 

Ah I guess that's why they didn't want to be interviewed.... o.o

https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-aizawa-ayaka/3/

 

Aizawa Ayaka, thank you very much for this interview, firstly could you please introduce yourself a little bit?

- Hello, I am a singer-rock songwriter from Fukushima (Sendai), I write all my lyrics to my songs with a straightforward message.

 

Which kanji would you give your personality?

- 真 (shin) – Truth

 

Anyway, how did you enter this music world?

- I really wish to reach lot’s of people with my songs, so what if I would become something to deliver something to someone else? So I started to sing.

 

On stage you are supported by nice support members. Could you please introduce them by telling something interesting about them?

- Gt. Takaki Hisanaga → He is the manager of “Otsuka Welcome back”. When he plays his guitar he always has a happy face. He is a person who laughs easily.

- Ba.miyou→ Free bassist. You cannot find her without carrying her bass. She is a wonderful hairstylist and her own hair-styles are very beautiful and amazing!

- Dr.MAR→ He is my boss. He is an overwhelmingly consisted drummer. Everyone who sees him play the drums like him, also wants to play the drums!

 

 

You are supported by wonderful support members but how did you meet them and what made you decide to work with them?

- I met MAR(the boss) when I was performing in the north of Japan. Many different kinds of support players have supported me in the past. After a while I played much more frequently in Tokyo than in Sendai, so I was looking for support members located around Tokyo and so we found and settled on our current members. Well, before I knew it, I found my place in Tokyo. (smile)

 

Did you ever asked your support members how they would describe you? If so, how do they describe you as a person?

- Oh, I never have talked with them about such a topic, but I surely would like to hear it from them in the future, at some point! (smile)
However I guess they would say “Ayaka is a person who loves music”. 

 

Everyone writes and compose songs on his/her own pace, but what about you? Could you please tell us about how you write and compose your songs.

- In the past but also now “I want to make what I feel is breathtaking” But what has changed during the time, is that I want to put a bit of my own color and messages inside which I want to convey. The thing I want to convey is “straight and strong feelings”. So I’d be happy if those feelings were conveyed to you.

 

You released two MV’s earlier this year. Could you please tell us some more background about those videos?

- 「Be crazy」It’s the very first video and for that reason an important video which I made as a solo artist “Aizawa Ayaka”.

At live performance this song melody became a killer tune, so to me it felt that the content of the lyrics was often overlooked while performing it live.  So I told my team members that I wished to convey my message with the MV and so we created together an MV with the expression and worldview which also shows the story behind the lyrics. The team who filmed my MV are mainly movie filmers, so I’d be happy if you could enjoy my acting too which I tried for the first time. 

 

 

(Moshimo kyou sekai ga owaru to shite mo)
「もしも今日世界が終わるとしても」 This MV was fully shot in Osaka. In contrast to “Be crazy” it’s a work that you can see how I am isn’t? The shoot was done with our usual team so I guess the MV has a totally relaxed look. There is a part in the lyrics I hope you pay some attention too “Let’s live our lives laughing like there’s nothing left to do.”, However I hope you take that sentence in a positive way and get some life spirit from it!  

 

 

You released your first album “Search for” last year. Could you please tell us something about this album?

- It’s my first album and I remember that I really felt excited about it since a tour was also decided to promote the album. I only released “one” single before this album, after releasing that single it became clear to me what I wanted to express with my music, and so I wanted to make this album with lot’s of my expressions. Before the album release I’ve released 7 singles, but I guess the album shares a totally different taste. 

 

How do you prepare for the live shows?

- I think that there are various ways to prepare for live shows, but mostly I am careful about the condition of my throat. Last year I had a vocal cord polyps surgery…So I should pay attention to how I speak and laugh, so that it won’t get damaged again, also I don’t smoke passively and I also refrain from drinking alcohol before the show. It’s a trivial matter, but I think such kind of preparation is very important for any live show. 

 

We all love to go to a live show to feel and see you which make us feel exciting, but what’s the most exciting thing about live shows for you?

- That it’s possible to deliver songs by looking in the eyes of someone who came to the venue. You would like to ask that person while performing a song “How do you feel now?, what are you thinking about? Are you going crazy?” Anyway, it’s a place where you can feel the emotion of each person with your eyes, ears and skin. 

 

 

You released a bunch of songs already, you gotta have a favorite or two? So which song do you love yourself the most?

- That’s a really difficult question…
Every song has different feelings and charms, so I like every song. (laugh)
If you would like to try some strong songs, I would say;
“HELLO” if you like rock songs.
“go for it” if you like pop songs.

 

On your profile is written that you love Kirby and time to time you also share Kirby photos, anyway how many Kirby goods do you have? And what’s your favorite Kirby goodie?

hmm! I’ve no clue, they are countless! (laugh)
My fans gave Kirby goods as a gift often, so I really do have quite a few. (smile)
My favorite are “hand mirror”, “lamp” and a “plush toy, which was won at a game center for  ¥ 1,000” 

 

ELLEGARDEN seems to be your favorite band isn’t? What’s so good about them? Why do you love them so much?

Yes, I love them.
I guess they were the artist I listened to the most when I was in school.
Not to mention the songs, but I especially like the fact that the live show is so innocent and straightforward in its own way.

 

Your fans love you but how do you really wish that your fans support you?

I want you to be absorbed with me. I wish that you will be my number one fan forever .I would be very happy if I would gain your unwavering support.  Also, since it’s natural, I would really be happy if you could come and see me performing my live shows, if possible!

 

Some of us read books and or manga do you have any favorite?

I usually don’t read books or manga at all, so I don’t have a favorite one… Please let me know if you have any suggestions of books/manga I really should read. (smile)

 

We all love to watch movies so what’s your favorite movie?

I really do like movies, however recently I haven’t seen any. A movie which I’ve seen and that I do remember is the movie “Happy Death Day“. I really like to watch lots of suspenseful movies. 

 

Japan has many delicious local food, so what’s your favorite?

I could only think of my hometown, and my mother’s cooking. (laugh)
I really love my mother’s “唐揚げの卵とじ“. I often asked her to make it. 

 

Lately, what got your interest?

Recently, I’m starting to get more interest in beauty again. Such as Make-up and Skin Care. I always want to meet everyone in my best condition, so I’m studying every day how to take the best body care.

 

We all smile and laugh, so what makes you smile?

I guess it’s when I play live shows together with my friends. However these days I laughed the most when I was playing with soap bubbles.(laugh) 

 

 

Soap bubbles, yes that’s funny, anyway what’s your ultimate goal for the future?

Ultimate?… I guess my ultimate goal is that lot’s of people around the world will know my songs. But I always also hope to be able to play at bigger venues. My dream is to have a live show in a big venue to fill it up with my own fans only. 

 

Talking about venues, how do you actually deal with the global corona issue?

To me it feels that it’s really important for everyone to continue to cooperate with each other. currently there are many new rules for venues, so I hope that everyone will follow them so that we can keep up creating places where we can meet everyone.  

 

And we came to the end, please write your last message to your fans and readers. To those who have read this so far.

Thank you for reading it until the very end.
I really enjoyed this interview because it had uncommon questions.
So I’m glad that you learned lots more about me.
From now on I wish that you will know me even better!♪
So, see you at the venue!

 

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DAMMITLAND (ダミットランド) is a visual rock band based in Tokyo, formed in 2019. In June 2020 they released their limited edition mini-album 乱世(Ranse). Currently they cannot hold lives because of corona, however they regularly update fun youtube videos! 

 

Nice to meet you DAMMITLAND. How did you all actually meet?

 

KAZUKI: A mutual acquaintance told me about Kyuusuke and for the first half year we were looking for other members however we always ended up drinking in a izakaya. “If we will continue like this, we won’t ever be able to form a band!”  So we started searching seriously and then we found P, and P invited his acquaintance MAa to join us too, and so our current line-up was formed. 

 

DAMMITLAND is active as a visual kei band, however what’s the reason that did you form DAMMITLAND as a visual kei band?

 

KAZUKI: The other members’ past bands were Visual Kei bands, and we just wanted to challenge the visual system in terms of the music scene.

 

I’m glad to read that you guys want to rebel against the world with a taste of irony. What kind of things going on the world have influenced your lyrics the most?

 

Kyuusuke: Actually, I’m just writing about what’s happening around me and what I’m thinking and feel about it, so I’m not really influenced by anything.

 

Why did you become a musician? Could you name some artist that inspired you to become a musician?

 

Kyuusuke: I just wanted to be in a band, no other reason. I guess I am inspired by many various people.

 

KAZUKI: I just wanted to stand out and express myself. THE YELLOW MONKEY and LA★69 inspired me the most.

 

P: I started playing guitar in my free time, because I wasn’t in any high school club, also I found the joy of playing live.  BUMP OF CHICKEN and HIGH and MIGHTY Color inspired me the most.

 

MAa: When I saw Tomoyasu Hotei performing a show, he was surrounded by women, that made me think that I also wanted to be popular. Tomoyasu Hotei and Dir en Grey inspired me the most. 

 

We all get our inspiration from someone or something so what’s your biggest inspiration for making music?

 

Kyuusuke: Sleeping well

 

KAZYUKI: A crowded train and other frustrating and negative emotions in everyday life.

 

P: Drinking or taking a walk with a camera

 

MAa: Coffee Time

 

KAZUKI, your band history isn’t visual kei, why did you decide to follow the visual path? 

 

KAZUKI: Originally I was doing hard-rock and metal, I always played the music I wanted to play with my hard-rock band-mates. We have done one-man shows, various tours, support stuff and we even went overseas.  However this time I wanted to write my own music. Visual Kei is a genre made up of many different kinds of music and I thought it was a scene where I wanted to create my own songs and videos to present them. I’m not hiding who I am, whether it’s hard-rock or visual kei, I’m just me, so I’ll do whatever I want.

 

Recently some people say “Today’s visual kei is fake, just host-kei imitators etc”. How do you feel about those words?

 

KAZUKI: There are times when songs have similar chord progressions and riffs, but I think the band’s power is being tested by how to make it a song full of originality.

 

Kyuusuke, why did you switch from guitar to vocals?

 

Kyuusuke: Well, I like singing. Also if I loved to dance, I would be a dancer. 

 

I saw the cover of LUNA SEA ROSIER, Why did you record a cover this song? Do you all like LUNA SEA? Or did  you just choose this “one song”?

 

KAZUKI: We are going to release a cover song every month as one of our YouTube projects. ROSIER by LUNA SEA is a famous song and we like LUNA SEA, so we thought it would be a good first song for this project.

 

You said that you have recorded your last single at home. Because corona makes it more difficult to record stuff at a studio, but will you continue to record your releases at home? 

 

KAZUKI: If possible, we would like to share all our songs on YouTube and streaming media. Recording at home is a good way to keep the costs low, so we probably will continue to do it in the future.

 

What other struggles do you face because of Corona?

 

KAZUKI: It’s difficult to perform a live show, however instead we think of doing other fun things which we couldn’t do before, like shooting videos for YouTube.

Anyway you said that you did choose not to use electronic sounds? However Such sounds are very popular these days isn’t, so why do you omit them?

 

KAZUKI: It’s not that we are omitting them, but I don’t use it in our existing songs because it’s not necessary. I might like to use synthesizers and other electronic sounds in the future, if we feel that they are necessary to improve the quality of the song, but we don’t need them for our existing songs.

 

Your YouTube channel is filled with variety of videos channel. Such as rate this beer, without know which beer you are actually drinking. Will you continue to create these fun videos?

 

KAZUKI: We surely will continue to share more of these kinds of videos in the future. It would be good if people would discover DAMMITLAND through live shows and YouTube.

 

What about digital music distribution? Will you continue to distribute your music digitally?

 

KAZUKI: If we are going to release more songs in the future, I guess we will mainly distribute them to YouTube and streaming sites, because I think it’s a good way to introduce DAMMITLAND to people who might enjoy listening to us.

 

If you write brand new songs… where is your favorite place to write them?

 

Kyuusuke: I guess in my bed

 

KAZUKI: In my room, in front of my computer.

 

P: On my sofa.

 

Is it difficult to be an artist? if so what’s difficult about it?

 

Kyuusuke: As long as you enjoy it, nothing is difficult.

 

KAZUKI: To find the right izakayas after the shows to share your thoughts together afterwards.

 

P: To be on time for meetings, studio and live shows.

 

MAa: Human relations.

 

Is there any valuable moment in your music career so far?

 

Kyuusuke: Receiving fan letters.

 

KAZUKI: Being in the band DAMMITLAND with members who share the same way of thinking.  

 

P: The very first live show I played in my life, it was the day that I found the joy in performing live.

 

MAa: Being cheered by the high-pitched voices of our fans

 

We all know age is secret, but still we would like to know who is the youngest and who is the oldest in the band?

 

KAZUKI: I’ll leave that to your imagination!

 

If someone would ask you, “why should I listen to your band” what would you tell this person?

 

KAZUKI: I would tell this person: I think that all the songs which Kyuuske created and wrote are amazing, so please check them out and listen to them often.

 

Do you have any Ultimate goal for the future?

 

Kyuusuke: To stay healthy and enjoy life for a long time.

 

KAZUKI: To be able to enjoy music activities for a long time.

 

P: To play a one-man show at OSAKA-JO-HALL.

 

MAa: To play at Fuji Rock.

 

Beliefs and Mottoes, please share yours.

 

Kyuusuke: If there is something you want to do, you should do it right away!

 

KAZUKI: I want to be the bassist that the 20-year old me would adore and think “he is cool!”. 

 

P: Always keep the strongest image of yourself in your mind.

 

MAa: Forever Young

 

We came to the end, so please give a message to your fans and readers.

 

Kyuusuke: Please don’t forget to subscribe to our youtube channel and to follow me and us on Twitter.

 

KAZUKI: Thank you very much for reading this interview. I like to continue to share various interesting things on youtube,  I also would like to try TwitCasting, so please keep up following me and us!

 

P: Thank you for reading until the end. I will continue to do whatever I want, however I’ll avoid the inconvenience.

 

MAa: Everyone, Let’s keep on living!

 

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DAMMITLAND, thank you for this great and fun and interesting interview!

 

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DAMMITLAND (ダミットランド) BAND SEARCH

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-dammitland/3/

 

Questions discussed together with  @Katt

Of course of course another bandman who wish to break contact with his bandmates...

 

 

Quote

 

MOB intends to represent the emotions of “zako” in various situations.
With that in mind, MOB wants to show the feelings and scenes that people who are defined as “zako” might imagine and feel in society, relationships with friends, school life and their position in a hypothetical world of devastation.
 

MOB Thank you very much for the opportunity of this interview!

MOB are:
Vo. 祐 (U)
Gt. 千尋 (CHIHIRO)
Gt. MAST
Ba. 奏 (KANADE)

You also can read it on JROCKNROLL 
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-mob/

 

 

 

The world of MOB is very interesting so could you please tell us more about the world of MOB?

The word MOB(crowd) is a connotation of “zako(a nobody)”. Originally, the word referred to a crowd or other people. We decided to express the feelings that a “zako” has inside his heart if he is in the middle of a crowd. 

Also our lyrical worldview is:
We intend to represent the emotions of “zako” in various situations. With that in mind, we want to show the feelings and scenes that people who are defined as “zako” might imagine and feel in society, relationships with friends, school life and their position in a hypothetical world of devastation.

We try to create a sound that gives a melodious impression while emphasizing a heavy bass.

 

Anyway let’s learn a bit more about each member. Don’t we all have a single Kanji which fit our personality or just keeps or own attention? So what’s your favorite?

U: 新 (shin)(new)
Because new things are wonderful.

CHIHIRO: 千 (chi/sen)(thousand)
Because it’s a part of my name.

MAST: 初 (hatsu)(first)
You don’t forget your original intentions

KANADE: 響 (hibiki)(sound)
I like to make sounds by singing and playing an instrument.

 

We all do have hobbies isn’t? So besides music, what are your hobbies?

U: I love to drink and to watch various videos.

CHIHIRO: I like to travel around. 

MAST: I like to travel around. 

KANADE: I like to play around with gatchets. 

Anyway what about your musical background, do you have any?

U: I’ve been through a lot of bands. 

CHIHIRO: Actually I don’t have a long band history,… so 

MAST: I’ve been in the visual world for a long time.

KANADE: I tried punk and rock, changed the guitar to vocals and then I became a bass player.

Are there any artists and / or events which have influenced you the most?

U: DEAD END. The live of “1989/09/09 HYPER d. at Tokyo Hibiya Yagai Daiongakudou” is the best!

CHIHIRO: L’arc’en’ciel. When I saw the flower PV, hyde left an impression on me.

MAST: LINKIN PARK. I was fascinated by the band’s musical skills, Chesters voice is my favorite and it’s a band that incorporated various genres. 

KANADE: 蜉蝣 (Kagerou). I like their sound, lyrics and worldview, I still do listen to them.

You all love visual kei isn’t? But how did you encounter it?

U: I like Japanese metal, so it grew with me.

CHIHIRO: It was l’arc’en’ciel

MAST: When I saw Luna Sea on TV, I was impressed and thought they were so cool.

KANADE: It started with Dir En Grey and started listening to other bands from there. 

Anyway what is visual kei? Is their any connection between music and visual?

U: The band’s appearances look like artworks, the sound is like art pseudo-sense.

CHIHIRO: It requires  make-up and an over-the-top hairstyle. 

MAST: I still don’t know.

KANADE: It’s a bundle of fun. Also the music will never age. 

Being an artist isn’t always easy so what’s most difficult thing for being an artist?

U: Just the feeling of wanting to do it.

CHIHIRO: Feelings

MAST: The difference between your vision and reality.

KANADE: It’s a fight with yourself. If you are satisfied or give up, it will end just there.

Let’s talk about MOB’s image, style and music.

Could you tell us something about your costumes 

 

It’s an image of a decadent worldview.

 

Please tell us something about the CD jackets. What’s the idea behind all jackets?

 

 

 

1st single: Gomibako (ゴミバコ)
It represents the members of MOB thrown into a garbage can. 
The jacket is covered with the mask which we use in our live shows.

Live limited: HUMAN DEBRIS
As the title suggests, it’s ragged with human scum in mind.
The jacket is a doll with a deformed mask which we also use at our live shows.
The jacket also reflects the image of the recorded songs. 

 

Live limited: Gizensha NA kimi O Bokusatsu (偽善者ナ君ヲ撲殺)

We were inspired by a scene of a person beaten to death, so we created a jacket with a photo of the band member holding a baseball bat.

It’s also our first release after new members joined MOB, so that’s also a reason why we used a band photo as a cover.

 

To learn a bit more about each song, could you give some nice self-liner-notes to each MOB song? 

 

* KILL ME WONDERLAND

It’s a song with the story; living in a small world is a paradise for some people wile for others it’s a hell. 

 

*  Gomibako (ゴミバコ)

It’s the SE of our 1st single.
It expresses the world feeling of the current MOB.

 

* Signal (シグナル) 

The title already suggests it, but it’s a song about how no matter how many signals you shouted out with the message of “help me”, you won’t receive it.
It’s a song about a life that ends up ugly, no matter how hard someone tried. 

 

* Karma (カルマ)

This song let’s you realize the karma of being born as a mob. 
It depicts the struggle to find an escape route.

 

* BOKU NO NAKA Deco Lolita (ボクノナカデコロシタアイツ)

Are you the killer?
It’s a song packed with envy and grudge.
With other words, a song about “someone in the way”. 
It can be described as the highest (or lowest) grade.

 

* BOKU NO TSUKUE NO ICHIRINKA (ボクノツクエノイチリンカ)

This song answers the song BOKU NO NAKA DE KOROSHITA AITSU (ボクノナカデコロシタアイツ).
Hate or grudge the result, it’s a song which made you choose to disappear. 

 

* RYOUKI NARU RIDDLE (リョウキナルリドル)

It’s a song inspired by a tragic incident.
It’s a story that tells the story of a young man who couldn’t maintain his mental health.

 

* OVERDOSE

The theme of this song is destruction and imagination.
The song is about a person who misunderstood the idea of becoming a new self by destroying himself by relying on scientific things.

 

* Gizensha NA Kimi O Bokusatsu (偽善者ナ君ヲ撲殺)

It’s inspired by scenes of “beat to death”, so we wrote a song with this theme.
You thought to be protected, however nobody is protecting you, after all it’s only about oneself pleasure, isn’t it? That’s the message.

 

* Kankin My Room (監禁マイルーム)

How did she spend her days after being trapped for two and a half years?
We wrote this song with that question in mind. 

 

THE MV of “シグナル” has a really nice cool atmosphere. Could you tell us something more about the idea behind?

 

The world of BOKU NO NAKA DE KOROSHITA AITSU (ボクノナカデコロシタアイツ) is very much like a school, so we shot it in that kind of atmosphere. 

 

 

 

 

If a new song has been created how do you actually decide the title of this new song?

 

The lyrics to a song will be written after creating the melody of a song. 

 

What do you enjoy the most about playing live shows?

 

U: That you are surrounded by music to which you are able to express yourself.

 

CHIHIRO: It’s about going wild in the middle of an explosion!

 

MAST: To make MOB as a complete piece by matching our music with our appearance. Also to express yourself with music.  

 

KANADE: The ability to express yourself with music. 

 

 

Since a band is always writing new songs, can we expect a new release this year?

We have recorded a bunch of songs, we will let you know shortly when we will release them.

 

Until now what’s the most valuable thing that has happened to you in your music career?

 

U: I’ve felt the feelings of various people better than I would in normal life. 

 

CHIHIRO: Everything.

 

MAST: To be able to play a show in front of a big crowd

 

KANADE: Everything is valuable, because it’s stuff which I cannot experience in a normal life.

 

 

We face a worldwide problem now named corona, how do you as an artist face it?

 

U: I’ll do what I can do to express myself, however I don’t want to cause trouble.

 

CHIHIRO: We just have to do what we can do.

 

MAST: I love music, so we just have to take measures against corona and that’s all we can do.

 

KANADE: We’ll do what we can do, while taking the necessary precautions. 

 

 

What’s MOB’s ultimate goal for the future?

 

U: Living  a fun life.

 

CHIHIRO: I would be happy if you would continue to enjoy our music forever.

 

MAST: I hope that I can play music with these guys forever.

 

KANADE: living my life without no regrets. 

 

 

We came to an end, so please share your message to your fans and readers.

 

U: Please enjoy the world of MOB. That’s all. Everyone, please be careful about your health and take the path you think is fun!

 

CHIHIRO: Currently we cannot perform live because of the current situation, but I’ll send out messages in other ways, so please support us!

 

MAST:  It’s a tough time right now, but I’m sure the future will be bright, and that we are able to live the life we wish to live. Until then, we won’t give up and look forward to the future, so please keep your head up!

 

KANADE: It’s a tough situation, but MOB will continue to move forward, so I would like to ask you for your continued support!

 

 

Thank you very much for this interview, we wish the band all luck for the future!

 

Learn much more about MOB via jrocknroll band search!

Check it here

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-mob/3/

phone and desktop

 

 

Interview can also be read on jrockrnoll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-bebop/3/

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BEBOP is a punk band who is mainly active in Shinjuku and Koenji and formed in 1998. After some member changes the band is mainly active as a live band. In January 2019, BEBOP’s 20th anniversary ONE-MAN was held at Shinjuku Antiknock. Currently, the members of BEBOP are Vo. Tommy and Dr. TsutomuUSA and support members.

 

BEBOP we are very thankful that you took the time to answer this interview! thank you very much!

 

 

Quote

Let's start to know a little bit more about BEBOP with just a single Kanji, which Kanji would you give BEBOP? 

 

和 (wa)(harmony)

We don’t like that Punk has an aggressive image. There is a saying in Japan that goes “Respect with harmony”, which means that it;s important to not just get along with each other, but also to discuss and talk with each other firmly. We feel this is also important as a “band” as well, which is why we chose the kanji for “harmony”. 

 

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I see, harmony, its a nice gentle choice, also what about yourself? With which kanji would you name yourself?

 

Tommy: 鮫 (same)(shark)
A shark is strong, beautiful and disliked.

 

TsutomuUSA: 笑 (wara)(smile)
Because I always want to give my smile to anything. 

 

Quote

We are all inspired by something or someone, what about you?

Tommy: A musician can convey a lot of information at a glance, for example, melody, lyrics, style and expression. I thought it’s wonderful.

I started to play the guitar after I saw a live video of THE BLUE HEARTS, I was immediately impressed by their amazing guitar performance.

 

TsutomuUSA: I just enjoy playing. I was inspired by NOFX

 

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What about your band background anything we should know?

Tommy: I’ve been in BEBOP since my high school years.

 

TsutomuUSA: I have played in a band since I was 17, I played in three bands before joining BEBOP.

 

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What about band experience over the years, did it had some influence on you during the years?

It did teach us that you never should give up, even when a band comes to a standstill, there is always someone who will share a helping hand. We’ve learned that friendship is very important and that you shouldn’t lose it.

 

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Your music style, how would you describe it?

Tommy: Old-fashioned and clumsy.

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Are there any artist and events which had lots influence on you?

Tommy: When I saw “The High-Lows” at their first live tour in my hometown of Niigata, Japan.

I saw the artist of my dreams in front of me, I was amazed that it was “real”. 

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Anyway you have been active in the music industry for a long time.

It their anything changed a lot since the start of your career?

 

Tommy: I switched from guitar to vocals, and I started to laugh/smile on stage.

Back in the days, I tried not to laugh, nowadays I wonder why I refused it.

 

Tsutomu USA: That’s it’s gotten more dynamic.

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Let's talk about song writing. If you write a new song, what's your biggest inspiration for writing a cool brand new song?

Tommy: I write songs based on the lyrics, So when I have a lyric that feels good, I’ll start writing the melody. 

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And what is your inspiration for writing lyrics?

Tommy: To escape into memories, which leads into creating lyrics.

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So when writing a new song you start with the lyrics and then writing the Melody right? 

Yes, Tommy writes the lyrics and melody, and the rest is left to the band.

We arrange the songs in the way we want, and after that we complete it together at the studio. 

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Then where is your favorite place to write new songs?

Tommy: A place where you can drink alcohol endlessly. 

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Anyway we all have challenges in life, so Is there actually still a big challenge for you to continue your career as an artist?

Yes, since we are a band, we're doing it in that style so it’s a challenge to find a member who can keep up with us.

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On the day you perform a live show, when you are on stage, what do you enjoy the most? 

Tommy: The moment of when the ad-lib melody gets you hooked. Probably because you never can’t do it again.

 

TsutomuUSA: What do you mean? playing? (Laughs)

 

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Then if a show has ended are you open to chat and drink with your fans at the lobby? 

For some reason, we used to be stubborn about it. But now we are open to it, so if you see us on the floor, be free to have a chat with us. 

 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5Fs1iclSKw7EIvsM9tuSld

 

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The world is in a big corona crisis, is still a global problem, how do you as an artist deal with it?

It’s not something we can interfere with. We try to keep up our life as normal as possible, and if we get an invite to play a gig, we will try our best!

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Anyway what makes you smile?

Tommy: Whiskey, especially Nikka Whisky.

 

TsutomuUSA: When I’m staring at my Shiba dog. 

 

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Let's go back to your most precious moment in your music career, what would it be?

The last live show with Fuzzy.

It was a memorable and precious experience for Tommy to see his childhood friend, with whom he came to Tokyo together, leaving the band. The live performance was so memorable and valuable because the audience loved it and enjoyed it so much.

 

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When someone would ask you, why should I listen to "BEBOP" what would you tell this person?  

Unlike some other punk bands, BEBOP are not an aggressive band at all, we do have good melodies and lyrics filled with lots of ups, downs and shadows. We hope that people who saw us live for the first time that they will leave with a positive one phrase in their mind.

 

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We are almost at the end, anyway what’s your ultimate goal for the future?

Tommy: Co-star with Johnny Rotten, Mercy and Hiroto!

 

TsutomuUSA: Living on as a drummer

 

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We all have beliefs and mottoes, please share us yours. 

Tommy: Just keep going! It’s not that difficult.

 

TsutomuUSA: Everything is fun!

 

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We came to the end, please share some heartwarming words to your fans and readers.

Tommy: It’s alright to believe in what you feel it’s amazing. 

 

TsutomuUSA: Just have fun in your life. 

 

 

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BEBOP thank you very much for this heartwarming and interesting interview! 

 

 

 

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You can learn even more about BEBOP please check their own written BAND SEARCH profile over here:

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-bebop/3/

The search also tells you more about Fuzzy.

 

 

 

 

 

You can read this interview also directly on jrocknroll

https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-ranze/3/

 

 

Today an interview with Ranze, you might know him from La Madame Rochas, MAGIER SEXALICE or DRESS or NUDE. He was kind enough to answer some quick to go answers with some strong powerful words. Please enjoy reading it.

 

---

 

Please introduce yourself to your readers. 

I’m RANZE(ランゼ) from DRESS or NUDE

 

Please describe yourself as a Kanji.

美 (Bi)(beauty)
Doesn’t make something beautiful make you somehow nervous? 

 

Could you confirm and complete this band history?

○ La Madame Rochas(1987~1991) 
○ MAGIER SEXALICE -> Waltz Veronica (2008~2014)  
○ DRESS or NUDE(2017/08~)  
○ POISON D’HERMÈS(2016~2019)

 

Why did you want to become a vocalist?

Well, I was actually a guitarist. Back then the vocalist was ill, so I decided to sing our songs. Also I was singing while I was playing the guitar.

 

When you started your first band, “Visual Kei” was still not named. How did you call your own style?

I didn’t transmit anything from myself. I left it up to the sensitivity of the fans’ perception.

 

Back in the days, which bands or things inspired you the most?

Pete Burns

 

Why did you decide to wear strong make-up? 

I was able to transform into the other me. 

 

I’ve seen that “地下室の旋律” was an inspiration for “La Madame Rochas”. (a one shot manga from 1994). Why did you like this manga so much?

A part of the story is about me. (laugh)

 

Later when the term Visual Kei was used for bands who wear makeup. Did you embrace that term? Or did you dislike the term?

I hate the word “visual kei” 

 

Visual Kei has really changed completely in the years hasn’t? 

The current scene is rotten. Everything is imitating. It’s just fake.

 

Do you mind if people call you a “visual kei” band/artist? Please tell us the reason.

As I said before, it’s up to my fans and third parties.

 

When you look at visual kei nowadays, what do you think and feel? 

It’s over. I can’t look at it. 

 

You are already long in the music world, what changed the most in all those years?

There are really less musicians who really play music with the heart. 
They only can say “We are the coolest!”. But only a few people really put effort in their own music to be really the coolest. 

 

What’s the most difficult thing about being an artist? 

SNS

 

Are there more instruments which you can play?

Guitar

 

You formed DRESS or NUDE in 2017/8, what’s the biggest difference from your past bands?

Making a sound which also gives sex appeal to adults. 

 

How did you meet the members of DRESS or NUDE? 

We are all acquaintances

 

Why did you choose to name your mini album “PARADOX UNDERGROUND“? 

This one came to my mind straight away. So we chose this one.

 

What was your biggest inspiration for creating 「PARADOX UNDERGROUND」?

We’ve put on the most popular songs of that time. It’s like a business card. 

 

Please tell me the concept of each lyric of “PARADOX UNDERGROUND.

揚羽  / It expresses the mind’s dependence.

歪に曲がる  / The madness which is hidden within you.

SWEET SLAVES  / A complete play on words.

TANZANITE  / A song about dependence and madness.

 

DRESS or NUDE 1st mini album “PARADOX UNDERGROUND”, is it possible for an overseas fan to obtain it?

Yes

 

What is your inspiration for writing lyrics?

It depends on how I feel at the time I write a song.

 

Are you planning to release a new CD?

I want to release a new CD as fast as possible.

 

Do you have planned activities for the near future? Or will you wait until covid-19 is over?

We will adjust our activity to the world’s situation.

 

You have many tattoos. Are you still happy with all of them? Or do you regret a few?

I will get some new ones!

 

What does tattooing mean to you?

To be able to express myself

 

What’s your favorite tattoo?

Butterfly

 

What’s your most beautiful memory?

That I was born into this world.

 

What is your biggest loss?

Also that I was born into this world.

 

What’s your favorite place to write new songs?

In my car or inside my room.

 

What’s your biggest future goal?

To stay beautiful

 

Please tell me some words of wisdom.

Wolves live and pigs die.

 

Please say some words to your fans and readers. 

Let’s do our best to be able to stand on stage again as soon as possible in this world.

Read fully on JROCKNROLL

https://jrocknroll.com/an-interview-with-einsvier/3/

 

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Eins:Vier one of the Japanese bands who changed the world, were kind enough to answer some questions with some straightforward quick answers.
Please enjoy it, and don’t forget to check their music out. And oh, they say that they never were a visual kei band. 

We would like to thank Eins:Vier for answering the questions.

 

Which Kanji character would you choose to describe Eins:Vier and what’s your own favorite Kanji? 

HIROFUMI ・ Eins:Vier: 想 (sou) | Thought
Myself: 空 (Sky)(sora) | Sometimes vast, sometimes empty.

In all those years how did all the experience affect the band?

HIROFUMI ・Enhancing our living Genes.

LUNA・Nourishment.

YOSHITSUGU・ To stand where we stand now. 
 

What makes you smile?

HIROFUMI ・People smile and laughter.

LUNA・Alcohol!!

YOSHITSUGU・Of course the smiles and laughs of our fans.

 

How would you describe your musical style?

LUNA・Obsession.
 

Has the influences of Eins:Vier changed since you first formed?

HIROFUMI ・ We have changed. Instead of being stuck by rock, I(we) also learned to play/create music acoustic. 

LUNA・It’s always changing. I’m still unbounded by anything!

YOSHITSUGU・It’s not that we changed, but that we have expanded ourselves.
 

What has changed the most since you started your career?

HIROFUMI ・Own pace.

LUNA・My skills grew. 

YOSHITSUGU・I think to be a little bit more expressive.
 

The word visual became a common word for makeup bands. Did you adopt that word? Or do you feel uncomfortable with the words?

HIROFUMI ・I never really was aware of it, and now I don’t mind it anymore.

LUNA・I’ve never used it myself. I don’t care about genre division. 

YOSHITSUGU・I never called myself visual kei. But in the past it was common. 

You have been wearing make-up since the days when the word visual kei didn’t exist yet. What made you choose to be a visual kei band?

HIROFUMI ・Because it was something everybody around me was doing.

LUNA・Back then, I thought it was cool.

YOSHITSUGU・I was influenced by my friends at that time, and I really liked the idea

Has the process for making music changed since you started making music again?

HIROFUMI ・Roughly speaking, it doesn’t change. 

LUNA・Everyone continues to make music!

YOSHITSUGU・Not really. 

 

Has touring as a band changed from when you first formed?

HIROFUMI ・Emotionally it doesn’t change

LUNA・We’d be screwed if we didn’t!

YOSHITSUGU・It’s not just the momentum.

 

What’s your favorite place to write new songs?

HIROFUMI ・Home

LUNA・Home.

YOSHITSUGU・ I only write at home.

 

Where do you draw your inspiration for your own work, both musically and lyrically? 

HIROFUMI ・ Stuff what happens in our daily life. 

LUNA・Accidental impulse!

YOSHITSUGU・daily life happenings

 

Which Eins:Vier song is your favorite?

HIROFUMI ・I can’t choose.

LUNA・Impossible to choose.

YOSHITSUGU・ I guess these are the two new songs that have been released now.

 

Which song to you is most loved by fans of Eins:Vier?

HIROFUMI ・Please ask our fans.

LUNA・I don’t know, please ask our fans.

YOSHITSUGU・I don’t know which song our fans rank as the number one.

 

Do you plan to continue online streaming?

HIROFUMI ・ I don’t know what the future will bring. But it won’t be our priority. 

LUNA・I don’t know our future plans.

YOSHITSUGU・I don’t know, but if we have the chance, we could do it. 

 

Since the mini-album has been postponed, is there a chance we’ll see this music in digital distribution?

HIROFUMI ・We will not release the songs as digital before releasing the actual CD.

LUNA・Advance sales have already begun!

YOSHITSUGU・Only two songs are distributed in advance.

 

The first press of your upcoming release will include a bonus disc containing MV’s of [To the FLAT].

LUNA・There is no plan to include [To the FLAT], but the recorded songs of this mini-album will be recorded as an MV.

 

Corona is currently a global issue. How do you face as an artist?

HIROFUMI ・We are trying to find a way to be secure and do our best to stay in between the realities.

LUNA・We fear no more than necessary! We are careful and following the rules!

YOSHITSUGU・We do what we can do.

 

What is the most difficult thing for being an artist?

HIROFUMI ・For me being an artist isn’t difficult at all. 

LUNA・To keep up your motivation.

YOSHITSUGU・Various stuff.

 

What is the most precious event in your music activities?

HIROFUMI ・All!

LUNA・That we formed Eins:Vier.

YOSHITSUGU・There are many events which are unique.

 

What is your ultimate goal for the future?

HIROFUMI ・To be able to die happily. 

LUNA・To live a happy life.

YOSHITSUGU・A peaceful life.

 

Please tell us about your beliefs as an artist and inspiration for your fans.

LUNA・Let’s live as freely as possible. 

 

And please write a message to your fans and readers!

LUNA・Thank you very much for your support.

YOSHITSUGU・Please listen to our upcoming mini album! And please come to our live shows which will be held next year. 

 

Check their great search here

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-dammitland/

 

It's a visual band with also a true heart for making great songs. 

 

You also can check the interview on https://vk.gy.

september 11th ^^
and they prefer to call it " The Human Anthem' 

 

 

EASTBAY was also kind enough to answer a bunch of interview questions, so please also check their interview out!

 

 

https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-eastbay/

Let's up add MOB

 

There wil be a full interview next month too!

look forward to it!

 

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-mob/

 

2 minutes ago, patientZERO said:

There's also a mild typo in his response to his musical background:

I think you mean to say "live" or it sounds like Ray has resurrected and is living his second life.

Yeah, that's a typo.

fixed!

 

btw, maybe this band has more overseas fans than Japanse...

usually interviews are more read by Japanese, but it's kinda 50/50 now...😅

 

6 minutes ago, patientZERO said:

You can't seem to decide how you want to spell Ray.

ah.. dammit, I thought I edited everything in Ray. lol. missed a few.

 

fixed it, thanks for the notice. 

 

 

 

 

Let's learn more about LOOSE RIDER and EASTBAY.

 

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-loose-rider/

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-eastbay/

 

EASTBAY's full interview will drop NEXT week.

There won't be an interview with LOOSE RIDER in the near future. (But hopefully someday in the future)

 

Enjoy pure ROCK ^^

 

 

 

 

Please enjoy it!~

7 hours ago, hopefully_benign said:

Basically if they're dramatically shaking and looking side-to-side in PVs it's true VK

haha I'm talking about "music only" not looks or how PV's effects are made. 

I sold most of my collection, but I'm sure I still have about 250 CD's.  I'm sure I had around 500 or more tho. 

Also I have lots of chekis... more than 100... maybe even more than 200 lol 

I still do have posters... and other things.

 

Someday, I will also make a room, full of my stuff  

room of Japanese stuff.

METALIC is formed by Kenichi Fujisaki, who has gone through many bands and units. The band “METALIC” can been seen as a “life work”. The members of the band aren’t limited to just one genre, styles and categories. They create music and perform live performances based on the members’ ideas of what is “AMAZING“.

 

 

Check it out and choose if you want to read it in Japanese or English

https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-metalic/

 

It's a very nice interview!

 

ROCK/PUNK/FREE STYLE from the heart

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-bebop/

Sadly not really famous band, so please check them out if you love rock music! They really make a nice sound of rock!

 

 

 

This band was very famous in the past.

Nowadays the members are busy with their main jobs. Still if they hold lives they are well visited.

The band is most famous in Osaka and around Osaka.

https://jrocknroll.com/band-search-gyozadaioh/