Sunday, August 30, 2015

Interview with Imari Tones Japanese Christian Rock Band

©Imari Tones

Summon the Roses had the pleasure of interviewing Japan's first Christian rock band! We had a small talk with Tak from Imari Tones, and he shared with us some awesome information.

Can you tell us a bit about how you all became Christians and decided to form a Christian rock band?

It's a long story but it happened in 2007-2008. We were just a "normal" rock band based in Japan, but we decided to "dedicate our music to God". We met this particular Christian singer/songwriter and that person inspired us. Soon later the drummer back then left the band because he could not agree to the "religious" direction the band was going. One thing I want to emphasize is we didn't became a Christian rock to play boring music. We became a Christian rock band to play more exciting, more awesome rock music. We believe that "Faith" is very important to heavy metal music. It's all about what you believe in.

How has Imari Tones evolved since the formation of the band?

This band started as my (Tak - singer/guitarist) personal project. I recorded some music just by myself. In 2004 we actually became a band, consisted of 3 persons. Back then we were more like Japanese alternative band. Somewhere between Japanese alternative, hard rock, and J-pop. We made some awesome music but soon later the band broke up, I mean almost broke up. However, somehow we were found by some famous Japanese producer and they took us to Germany to record an album. That's when we started to sing in English, aiming to reach for an international market. Also that was when we started to play "classic hard rock" like 1980's style, which was our musical root. In spite of making an album with famous producer(s), we could not get signed to any major label. The band members gone and I considered quitting music. But eventually I started the band again, real small with local boys. I was not thinking about going big at all. But that's when we met this Christian singer/songwriter and I think we found the reason to play music. After that, we have been trying to make this "Japan-Metal-Jesus" music, which no other band is able to make. We are not commercially successful or anything but it does not matter, because that's not our purpose anymore.

You have performed in America before, any plans of coming back?

We'd love to come back to USA and play. It's almost 3 years since we visited USA last time. At this point, we are talking about the possibility of going to Nashville TN next year, to attend a Christian music meeting called "The Objective" in May. We hope we can book some shows around that area.

You seem to be very successful here in America. Is targeting the American audience very important to you?

Somehow our musical direction, musical taste is more suited for international audience. But that's not something we planned. We just happened to play that kind of heavy metal / hard rock. (You probably know the difference between Japanese domestic music market and international music market. Japanese music scene is very unique and different.) Also it was our "homework" to go out and reach for international audience after our Germany/USA experience in 2006/2007. At the same time we have been trying to reach Japanese audience. It may sound funny but it is easier when you have some success in USA, because people now see us differently and they will appreciate our hard rock style even though we are singing in English. Things are getting better in Japan and more and more we are able to reach Japanese people. We will write more in Japanese language in our next project.

What are some routines you do before a live performance? Do you pray before going up on stage?

We occasionally pray before stage, but not every time. We do it less often than we used to. Throughout the years it became more of "trusting each other and trusting God" and things became more natural. However, at weekly band rehearsal we do some prayer before practice. It's really "casual", though. If we play some "big shows", yes we will pray. Because we certainly will get nervous. Other than that, we make sure we had enough cup of coffee before shows.

How important is it for you as a band to share a positive message with the world?

All of us, we always loved "positive" music, rather than "darker" bands. They were not necessarily Christian music. For me, it was Van Halen. For our bassist Hassy, it was Mr.Big. For our drummer Jake, I don't know, he is really a mysterious guy. But he is really funny. We love playing positive music, because we need hope to live and we need it ourselves badly. No matter what kind of music we play, we love to entertain and our goal is to make people smile.

Can you describe in your own words the meaning of "Faith"?

Wow that's a really difficult question. Let me put it this way. There are so many things in this world. So many styles of music. So many people and so many opinions. For example, because I'm a guitar player, there are so many guitars out there. So many styles and so many sounds. However, you can pick just one and say "This is mine. This is my style. This is me." How can you do that? It's incredible. How can you choose one from millions and say "This is it!"? There is no doubt, no regret and no distraction. Our life is pretty much the same. So many people, so many life. But you can choose your own life and you say "This is my life. This is my mission." I think that's the power of Faith, and there I believe in God's guidance. 

In your biography, you have mentioned you would like for Japan to become a better country. What are some changes you would like to see in your own country?

This is another difficult question. Japan is a good place. But we need just a little bit more of "freedom" here. Freedom of mind, soul and spirit. Also we need some more courage to say right things. Other than that, well, maybe we need less Pachinko places and instead we want more churches. Good, Christian, Churches. Also we need more churches where we can play rock music. Most churches in Japan, we can't play loud music!

You have performed at clubs and churches before. Can you describe the difference between playing in front of a church VS playing at a regular show?


Playing churches: Getting up in early morning.
Playing clubs: Coming home in early morning.

What song would you say has a special meaning to you?

We have so many songs and all of them are special. However, at this point, I mention this particular song called "Unknown Road". It's a song from our new album "Revive The World". It has a special message. We are living in a world where things are so uncertain. Nobody knows what the future holds. Even more so in Japan after 2011 nuclear power plant disaster. I think each day each moment is miracle and this is a song about living this unknown future. 

What projects are you currently working on? 

We soon will release the new album titled "Revive The World". We recorded it last year and finally we are ready to release, in September 2015. We are now working on the next project called "Jesus Wind", which is a concept album about Japanese history. We are already playing a couple of songs from that album at our local shows. We probably will record it next year. After that, actually we have already written all the songs for our "next next" project. That will be more "Japanese traditional" direction in musical style. Language wise it will be half Japanese and half English. It will be a challenge for us, musically speaking. But we can't wait to work on those songs. 

Can you give us a message for your fans? 

Thank you very much for finding us. We are just a small independent band in this big world. But we are trying to do something special and something to make you happy. Every person is special, no matter who you are and where you are from. We are just some ordinary Japanese boys but we have found this "Japan-Metal-Jesus" music we can make. I believe God has a plan for all of us. So God bless you and keep on rocking! 

🌹Links🌹


Thursday, August 20, 2015

Interview with "Neosexual" Rock duo from Japan ADAMS!

©Highfeel Japan


Photo Credit: Taliana Chastaya 2015

Summon the Roses had the pleasure of interview "Neosexual" rock duo from Japan ADAMS. Check out our awesome interview with these two awesome Jrockers who are impacting the world with their amazing talent. The duo announced that they will perform at North Carolina’s Ichibancon on January 1st, 2016, and will put on a  New Year’s Eve show in Tennessee, USA. More information will be released soon and we will keep you updated.

Could you introduce yourselves to the readers of Summon the Roses?

Hello, we are ADAMS, a “Neosexual” rock duo from Japan.

Can you explain to us what  is the meaning of ADAMS and the main reason why you decided to form?

We decided to form ADAMS after a first experience together in another band. We played together, but it didn’t last. So we decided to create something new. At first it was supposed to be a solo project for ADAM (the vocalist), and I (Shota) was the producer. But finally, as I’m also a guitarist, we formed a duo, and we chose this specific concept. The name “ADAMS” comes from the Genesis, the story of Adam and Eve. We are “ADAM”, but actually we are 2, so we are “ADAMS”, and we share an universal love with “EVES”. EVES are, actually, our fans. This is for the concept.

I think I must be clear and honest: I’m a musician, and I want to spread my music. But all over the world, you can find great (and unknown) music. You go on Youtube, there if you type ANY keyword, you can find good music. The only way to be really “listened” is to find a specific market, a “free spot” in the music industry. It’s what we did with ADAMS. We have a specific concept, we are boys with makeup, using a BL imagery, we have something original, different, “wrong”. So it’s interesting. I think. And I think it’s the only way to make the difference with the other bands… I do that for everything. When I chose the title “Dizzy Love”, it was important for me to create a new expression. “Dizzy Love” was never used before…

Can you explain the term NEOSEXUAL for those who are not familiar with it?

For us, NEOSEXUAL means “across genders”. We share a message of love which is a universal feeling, whatever your gender, identity, sexuality. This is how we feel love and music should be.

You want to express love through your music and lyrics. Why do you feel expressing love is so important?

Love is everywhere. Everything in the world is only about love.

How do you collaborate with each when composing songs?

Shota: I write all the music and most of the lyrics. ADAM wrote also some lyrics. Actually I compose and record most of the tracks, then we add ADAM’s vocals. It’s very simple. I like to compose and create alone, in my studio.

Can you talk a little bit about your most recent album SEXPLOSION. What feelings and emotions are you trying to express through this album?

SEXPLOSION is our most danceable album. We wanted to add some club/dance sound to our work, and also some “dangerous” feeling. That’s why both sound and lyrics are strong and deep.

You have an outstanding fan-base. What do you think fans love most about ADAMS?

Shota: Our fanbase is a mix between visual kei fans and BL (Boys Love) fans. Step by step we gather other types of people but at first, I clearly targeted this 2 groups of people, especially in Japan. They are hot scenes, both. Always looking for originality and new trends. That’s why I chose to express art and music in these specific scenes. They like us because we offer something different and an original concept, and also because we reach them with our message. Love is universal!

Who has been your greatest influence in the music industry?

Clearly Kiyoharu (Kuroyume), for both of us.

What goes through your mind when you're performing in front of your fans?

We always want to give the best. We receive very warm feelings while on stage, smiling faces, sometimes crying from joy, it’s an achievement and a great satisfaction.

What is your favorite atmosphere when writing a song?

Shota: I need to be alone, in silence, in my room. With sometimes a glass of bourbon, and that’s all. I create mostly at night.

Is there a special song that brings deep memories into your mind?

Dizzy Love, our first song, because it reminds us the beginning of our project and the first steps. It’s our main song and the “entrance” to our world.

Can you explain to us a little bit about your fashion style and what are some of your favorite brands?

ADAM is a big fan of Vivienne Westwood. I wear it too, especially for the accessories, but I’m more casual. My style never changed with the time: classic, stylish, white and black mostly.

What are some projects that you have in mind for the future?

We will release a best of album at the end of 2015, featuring new songs and remixes. We will work with some DJ’s and producers from Japan. Among them is KALM, a great composer active in the electro and VK scene. We’ll promote this CD, called “Original Love”, all around the world.

What has been ADAMS greatest achievement so far?

Our international activities, probably. This is clearly not something we planned at the beginning, but it came by “accident” and grew fast.

Do you have any plans of performing in American anytime soon?

Yes, we’ll be there for New year. For now we plan 2 shows in Tennessee and North Carolina but we expect more! We also hope to go back to Mexico and play in Latin America.

Do you have a message for your devoted fans?


Thank you for reading us, and please come to meet us on tour! Love!

🌹Links🌹

We would like to give a special thanks to ADAMS and Aurelie Vandecasteele for making this interview a possibility. Make sure to follow ADAMS's official Twitter account https://twitter.com/adamshota

 ©Summon the Roses

Monday, August 17, 2015

Interview with SANA (Translated in French)

©Sana
Summon the Roses a eu le plaisir d'interviewer Sana dans le milieu de son World Tour 2015 !

Pouvez-vous vous présenter aux lecteurs de Summon the Roses ?

Salut, ravi de vous rencontrer, lecteurs de Summon the Roses !! Mon nom est SANA. S'il vous plaît appelez-moi SANA SAMA (sama signifie 様) Je suis un musicien de Visual kei. J'adore ce monde.

Vous êtes maintenant au milieu d'un tour du monde. Récemment vous avez joué en Russie. Comment fut cette expérience ? Comment les fans russes vous ont reçu ?

J'ai vraiment apprécié la tournée en Russie. Les fans sont gentils, le personnel local est drôle, et la nourriture est délicieuse. J'aime la Russie. Cette fois, chaque spectacle m'a donné beaucoup de clés pour mes futures paroles. C'est le meilleur cadeau pour moi de la Russie. Eh bien, la Russie est vraiment énorme. La réaction du public dans chaque ville est différente. C'était beaucoup plus amusant pour moi.

Dans quel pays avez-vous le plus hâte de jouer ?

En ce moment en Ukraine parce que je l'ai déjà eu de nombreux spectacles dans ce pays.

Lorsque vous êtes en tournée, est-il difficile de vous adapter au climat des différents pays ?

C'est mon premier été passé à l'étranger. C'est très-très confortable pour un japonais Lol. Mais si vous parler de l'hiver, les pays étrangers sont trop froid pour moi. Mais ils ont une très bonne ambiance.

Comment vous préparez-vous lors de tournées ? Êtes-vous parfois nerveux avant d'entrer sur scène ?

J'avais l'habitude d'aller au studio pour faire des enregistrements tous les jours avant ce tour. Oui, c'est toujours effrayant et ça me rend nerveux.

Allez-vous ajoutez des dates de tournée ? Ou toutes les dates de tournée sont déjà annoncées ?

Toutes les dates de la tournée sont déjà annoncées.

Quelle est la chose la plus excitante qui se soit passé jusqu'à présent sur cette tournée ?

Pour moi, c'est d'avoir un spectacle J-rock en Lettonie pour la première fois. C'est un honneur pour moi et je suis fier d'y prendre part. Merci beaucoup aux fans d'Unicon et Riga de me donner une telle expérience et un super boost dans ma carrière !!

Que diriez-vous de votre image ? Pouvez-vous nous en dire un peu plus sur le concept de votre image ?

Un beau garçon. Haha. Je veux devenir beau comme, par exemple, un coucher de soleil, un arc en ciel, la pleine lune, la nature et les diamants. Ce sont de belles choses. Je veux donc devenir beau.

Pouvez-vous nous parler de votre nouveau mini album Three Words For ? Quel est le concept de ce mini-album ?

 Ces chansons ont été inspirées par la dernière tournée de l'année. En outre, de mes fans, j'ai appris beaucoup de mots étrangers de la scène. Bien sûr, je ne pouvais pas me rappeler les mots longs. Mais je pouvais me souvenir et dire que trois mots. Ce mini-album est à ce sujet et il contient aussi les souvenirs de ma dernière année.

Quelle piste du mini-album fut l'enregistrement le plus amusant ?

La chanson intitulée Wake me up. Pendant l'enregistrement, je pensais à la réaction de mes fans et leurs sourires.

Que voulez-vous que vos fans ressentent quand vous êtes sur scène ?

Je veux qu'ils sourient et crient mon nom. Eeeeeeet profiter de ma musique avec moi.

Que pensez-vous être votre qualité propre en tant que musicien ?

Je la cherche toujours. Pourriez-vous me dire laquelle est-ce quand vous verrez mon show.

Outre ce tour du monde, avez-vous des projets pour la fin de cette année ?

Je vais rejoindre des événements musicaux à la fin de cette année. Eh bien, ma tournée solo sera terminé en Septembre. Mais j'espère pouvoir rejoindre quelques événements de plus cette année.

Avez-vous un message pour vos fans ?

Merci de toujours me soutenir et de m'envoyer des messages. Tout cela contribue à ma créativité et me donne la motivation. Et je suis impatient de vous rencontrer un jour.

Summon the Roses aimerait remercier Sana et le personnel d'avoir permi de mener à bien cette belle entrevue.
 ©Summon the Roses

Friday, August 14, 2015

B.P. RECORDS FAIR 2015 @ XENON LA


August 12 - August 30, 2015
 B.P. Records Fair (KIRYU/Royz/Codomo Dragon)
12.03-12.14 CDs,DVDs, & Rare Official Tour Merchandises lined up at the store 

Fourth album from visual kei band Kiryu includes 11 tracks total. This edition includes a bonus DVD with a music video for "Kyoka Suigetsu." Also comes with two trading cards randomly selected from 10 kinds and an application card (valid only in Japan). *The DVD disc is encoded for region 2 (Japan, Europe, and Middle east no subtitles included. 


For more information, please check out http://xenon-la.com/

Monday, August 10, 2015

Interview with Guts and Death

©Guts and Death

Summon the Roses had the amazing opportunity of interviewing the new band Guts and Death of ex - The KIDDIE members, Yusa, Yousei and Yudai. Enjoy the interview.

First let us start by asking, how did you come up with your unique band name Guts and Death?

Guts and Death sounds like “Gottsan-desu” in Japanese. It means thank you in Sumo wrestling language. We also love heavy metal, so we wanted it to sound like a brutal death metal band.

How did the three of you decide to form Guts and Death?


We still wanted to have fun together, after THE KIDDIE disbanded.

Right now you have your own Youtube channel, both Japanese and International. You have been updating it with a lot of funny videos. Who decided to create this Youtube channel with all these funny videos, what is the main purpose?


I guess I did. Since everyone uses YouTube, I thought it would be the best place to set ourselves. The main purpose is really to spread our music, and to reach out to the world.

All three of you came from The Kiddie which is a highly successful band. Guts and Death is very different from your original band. How did you decide to incorporate comedy with music?


 It’s not actually comedy. We’ve been doing stupid stuff everyday since back then, and it’s just that we decided to show the people out there, how we have fun in Tokyo.

 In the past where you always interested in filming funny videos and releasing them? Or did this idea happen all of a sudden?


 We’ve been filming a lot but we couldn’t show it to our fans mainly because our labels would stop us. haha.

You have a video that you are getting slapped in public. We love this video by the way!! Who came up with the idea of getting slapped by random people? Was it painful?


I think this was Yousay’s idea. It was painful but I guess we had more fun than just pain.

You have announced your first live performance. What can fans expect from this live?


We’ll be having guests from a lot of different bands, we might not just play our songs…it’s more like a party.

Who created your logo? Did you design it yourselves? 


Yusa did. He does all the artwork by the way.

Will you be releasing an official music video anytime soon?


Maybe yes maybe no. We might have to crowd fund for that.

Can you explain the concept on your music?


We do whatever we want to do.

 Who is the master mind behind all these videos? Who comes up with the craziest ideas?


 I guess I am.

 Who else is collaborating with you in these videos you have been posting on your official Youtube Channel?


 Tora from A9, Dasoku, comedians, and mainly our close friends are all in our video.

What reaction have you been receiving from your fans ever since you came up with this unique concept?


Some didn’t like it, but who cares…we want to do what we want.

Will you keep Guts and Death just three members or do you plan in adding a new member to the band?


Adding members….hmm...sounds great.

 Out of all your videos you have released, which did you have the most fun filming?


Real Splatoon was fun for sure.

 How about a tour with Guts and Death? Any plans of coming overseas?


No plans yet, but we’d love to. Please invite us!! Somebody!! We won’t need translators:)

 I am sure fans are anticipating a mini-album, do you have any information you want to share on that?


 We’re planning to release an app for iOS and Android which plays all of our music. Wait for the app!!

Finally, Do you have a message for your fans?


We love you all!! Hope to see you people out there.Peace!


🌹Links🌹

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Interview with Sana

©SANA

Summon the Roses had the pleasure of interviewing Sana in the middle of his 2015 World Tour!

Can you introduce yourself to the readers of Summon the Roses?

Hi, Nice to meet you Summon the Roses readers!! My name is SANA. Please call me SANA SAMA (sama means 様) I’m a Visual kei musician. I love this world.

You are right now in the middle of a world tour. Recently you performed in Russia. How was this experience? How did the Russian fans receive you?


I really enjoyed Russia tour. Fans are kind, local staff is funny, and food is tasty. I like Russia. This time every show gave me many key words for my future lyrics. It is the best present for me from Russia. Well, Russia is really huge. The reaction of the audience in each and every city is different. It was much fun for me.

​Which country are you most excited to perform in?


Right now it is Ukraine because I’ve already had many shows in this country.

When you tour, is it difficult for you to adapt to the climate of different countries?


​It is my first time spending summer abroad. It's very-very comfortable for Japanese Lol. But if talking about winter, foreign countries are too cold for me. But they have a really good atmosphere.

How do you prepare when touring? Do you ever become nervous before performing on stage?


​I used to go to the studio and did recordings everyday before this tour. Yes, It is always scary and makes me nervous.

Will you be adding anymore tour dates? Or are all the tour dates set already?


All the tour dates are already announced.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened so far on this tour?

 
​For me it is having a J-rock show in Latvia for the first time. It is an honor for me and I’m proud to take part in it. Thank Unicon and RIGA fans very much for giving me such a super experience and career boost
!!

How about your image? Can you tell us a bit about your image concept?

 
​Beautiful boy. Haha. I want to became beautiful like, for example, sunset, rainbow, full moon, nature and diamonds. Those are beautiful things. So I want to became beautiful.

​Can you tell us about your new mini album Three Words For? What is the concept of this mini-album?


 Those songs were inspired by the last year tour. Furthermore, from my fans I have learned many foreign words from the stage. Of course I could not remember long words. But I could remember and say only three words. This mini album is about that and it also contains my last year's memories.

Which track from the mini-album did you have the most fun recording?


Song called Wake me up. While recording I was thinking of my fans’ reaction and their smiles.

​What do you want your fans to feel when you are on stage performing?


I want them to smile and scream my name. Annnnnnd enjoy my music with me.

What do you feel is your most unique quality as a musician?


​I am always looking for it. Could you tell me what it is when you see my show?

​Besides this world tour, do you have any more plans for the end of this year?


I will join some music events at the end of this year. Well, my solo tour will be finished in September. But I hope I can join few more events this year.

Do you have a message for your fans?


Thank you for always supporting me and sending messages to me. All this helps my creativity and gives me motivation. And I'm looking forward to meeting you one day.

🌹Links🌹