MEET HIGHDIVE: THE RISING STARS OF TEXAS ALTERNATIVE ROCK

©Highdive

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

We are a Houston, TX based alternative rock band called HIGHDIVE.

What is the origin of your band name HighDive? What is the meaning behind it?

HIGHDIVE came about when tossing around ideas for the band name after we'd written our first single, The Deep End. While being sort of humorously related to the song title, HIGHDIVE to us also means we’re diving in and combining our inspirations drawn form previous acts we’ve all been apart. We all grew up in the same scene, in different bands, but we feel like we've come together and found our a solid sound with these new songs.

How long have you known each other? How did the band members meet?

Three of the four of us grew up in the same area and went through school together, but playing music in other bands ultimately brought us all together. 

Can you tell us about your music genre and the composition of your music?

We describe ourselves as an alternative rock band to leave it open ended for listeners, but all of us as individuals have eclectic musical influences so it's difficult to put ourselves in a box. I think as a band we have a mentality of “If its good, Its good”.

Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

We are all songwriters so it gets interesting. If one of us has an melody or riff idea, we'll usually record it on a voice memo with our phone and send it to everyone else for feedback, and then we'll hash out the structures and arrangements when we get together in our jam room. 

You recently released your album Forget I Called, can you tell us about the composition of this album?

This album began with Kyle writing some songs in a new style and then bringing them to the rest of us to compliment them. We quickly noticed that we were onto something good so we ran with it. Forget I Called is the product of that. 

What feelings are you trying to express through this album?

Music inspires us to share life experiences and stories that involve everyday emotions and hardships that everyone can relate to in some way.

Do you have a favorite track from this album?

We're always changing our minds on this topic. Kyle's has consistently said that he is most emotionally attached  to "Watch Your Back" and the rest of the guys usually say "Nightmare". Our mutual favorite song to play live at the moment is track 8, "Hold The Door". 

What mood do you want to set when performing in front of an audience?

Playing live gives us the opportunity to add energy to the emotions of our songs. We pride ourselves on performing in a way that leaves our listeners wanting more while portraying real life emotions. There’s a certain feeling pertaining to our live shows that you can’t get just from listening to the album. Our live shows are, and will always be about energy and emotion.

What are some of your major influences? Who inspires you in your music career?

As I mentioned before, we all have drastically different musical tastes and influences. But the bands that we compare our sound to when asked to do so are Mayday Parade, Jimmy Eat World and With Confidence. If you asked us each who our musical spirit animal was, we'd say Kyle's is John Mayer, Brian's is the Misfits, Collin's is Angels & Airwaves, and Zach's is Jimi Hendrix.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome challenges you have faced?

We're still very new, and thankfully haven't faced any large challenges so far. Prior to our last tour, we had travel arrangements lined up that ended up falling through the day before we were scheduled to leave. We were able to borrow a pickup truck and rent a trailer for the first stint, and then after crunching numbers and lots of "we can do make it work" thinking, we were able to rent a van to finish out the tour. This minor setback motivated us to be extremely frugal on the road which, in turn allowed us to maximize on promotion, interaction and performing and brought us closer as people.

Do you have any memorable performances you would like to share with us?

During our last tour in August, we played acoustically in multiple Urban Outfitters locations across the country. These performances were intimate and enjoyable for us, and we got to meet a ton of cool people as well.

©HighDive

What are your future plans with HighDive? 

We have lots of plans for 2019, including new music, lots of touring and some other fun things we can't quite mention yet. Stay on the look out for another little treat before the end of this year as well!

Lastly, do you have a message for our readers? 

We just want to thank all of our family and friends for being so supportive thus far and helping us accomplish more in the last 6 months with this band than we ever could've otherwise. If you're a new listener, please help us spread the message of love, heartbreak and facing difficulty by sharing our music with someone you think might enjoy. You can find "Forget I Called" on all streaming platforms and our music videos on YouTube.

🌹Links🌹

https://www.instagram.com/highdivemusic/

Special thanks to HIGHDIVE and Staff for allowing us to conduct this interview

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NYC J-POP SINGER SHIHORI

Shihori

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

I am a singer and songwriter who moved to NY from Japan on this January.

I have been working for Japanese Pop and Anime music industry for over decade,

have created many hits including 11 Gold Disks in my country.

But I felt Japanese market is getting more and more limited, less new opportunities because Japan's population itself is getting decrease these years. So I decided to challenge with "Share the American Dream Project" in order to encourage people, that we can still be brave.

At what age did you decide to become a singer and what made you want to choose singing as your professional career?

I started singing and song writing to be a singer when I was 7.

I was Asperger, had no friends, never be interested in others besides my own creative world.

But one day I found the other people and time stopped perfectly when I sang in public for the first time!

(And it happened every time I sang after that!!) It was stunning moment.

It was my first moment which I connected to other people.

Can you tell us about the music that you perform and write? How would you describe it in a few words?

My music is "borderless". My first priority is "melody" can move the emotion of listeners.

How would you describe your life as a professional singer? What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?

My life was try and error and progress with huge motivation. And was very funny story. I just wanted to be a singer first.

But it was difficult. So tried to be a J-Pop singer songwriter next.

But it was also difficult, but could be a professional studio singer. But I couldn't give up to be an artist.

Then I made my major debut as an Anime singer songwriter. I was small success but didn't last long unfortunately.

So I tried to succeed as a song writer. I achieved it! My career grew up year by year.

But I couldn't be satisfied because still longed for being successful as an artist.

I restarted my activity as an artist but I found it's difficult in Japan, because Japanese tend to hate strong character of female artist. They want female artists to be very soft, cute, like next-door type of appearance and personality.

Producer advised me that I had to casual-down, soften and weaken whole my image or character.

But it's not like me! I am so powerful woman and I am proud of my own strong personality!

Then I decided to try "American Dream". Many paths of failure lead me to here finally like a RPG fantasy story.

You released an album titled Angel in the Garden on 2018.8.12. What can you tell us about the composition of this album?

This EP is composed by 2 of my latest songs after moving to NY and 3 of my oldest songs which I wrote 16 years ago.

It represents my musical life from Japan to NY.

I mixed up whole my experiences as my original way of Americanized J-Pop through new life in NY,

and renewed 3 oldest songs which was difficult to be accepted in J-Pop at that time because they were too academic.

(They are based on classical and include gospel or jazzy elements. But gospel never can be hit in Japan, so producers forbid me to write like those music.) Actually I became successful by trying harder to make my music to be easier and more pop.

But I found my original music can fit to NY because NY is gospel, jazz and broadway place.

Then I renewed the them with NY musicians. So you can see my unique musical history through this first EP in U.S.

What current projects are you working on at the moment?

I am preparing for promoting this EP

and am creating a base environment for the next stage.

I also have a project which can teach American children the Japanese language through my music.

How would you describe your life in NYC? Do you find the big city to be an influence in your music?

It's JUNGLE!! So fun and dangerous. lol

Life in NY makes me tougher every time I got something new experiences.

Never be bored to find new topics to learn. But not just difficult, I get huge encouragement from how NY people react to my music or performance! It proves my idea and encourage me so much every time.

You sing and write songs as well as play the piano, do you have any other talents or play other musical instruments?

I also want to be an actor. It has been a big dream since I was 7! I used to play trumpet when I was child but no other instruments for now unfortunately.

What inspires you to write music? What motivates you when writing a new song?

To encourage people and to give messages of love through my life.

What musicians/artists have influenced you on your music career?

Beethoven , Japanese Anime songs (80's ),Yoko Kanno, Laura Nyro.

What are some of your favorite hobbies when you're not working on music?

Reading books in a bath tub!! Learning philosophy. Finding pretty cafes. Talking about love and soul.

Can you tell us about your best qualities as a J-POP singer? What are some unique aspects about yourself you would like to share with us?

I think it's a powerful existence. People are always surprised at my energy through my performance.

They describe it as "Shihori's singing shakes heart physically!!". I think it's not matter of skills, good or bad, beyond the logical. But I do on purpose. It's my big secret.

Do you have any exciting plans for the holidays?

The best thing is music. So it's been like every day is holiday!

What goals do you have for this upcoming year 2019?

Finish creating the environment for creation. Socialized to find partners for success in here.

Create new songs.

Finally, do you have a message for our readers?  

I am very new to U.S. and don't have specific career yet but I have many wonderful idea that can make you surprise!! So don't miss my adventure.

🌹Links🌹

A special thanks to Shihori for allowing us to conduct this interview

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Answer-ed: GET TO KNOW THE BAND

©Answer-ed

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

Hi, everyone. We are Japanese visual-kei alternative hard-rock band, Answer-ed. Very nice to meet you, and we are really glad to be here. We have been playing since September in 2017. Mainly, we have live-concerts around Tokyo. We are composed of three members. Toshi is the vocalist, guitarist, and he is the main composer of this band. Toki is the bassist. Hiro is the drums.

What is the musical concept of Answer-ed? What was your biggest motivation in forming Answer-ed and how did you come up with the band name?

The principal concept of Answer-ed is that despite of the differences in religion, law, philosophy or language and the questions to the authenticity of the media in this modern society, “EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN YOUR LIFE ALREADY HAS BEEN ANSWERED”. The band also exemplifies what rock essentially has to offer: verve, violence, fierceness or madness.

We also seek to redefine “What is rock?” or “What is live performance?” to the recent-day audience who mainly listen to digital or pop music, created entirely by computer sounds. We believe that our music can be one of the tools to empathize with others and share someone’s feeling. If it happens, people are able to live much easier. That is our biggest motivation.

How would you describe your music? What musical aspects do you like using in your songs?

Answer-ed merges the basic band components of vocals, guitar, bass and drums with synthesizer, electronic drums and other digital sound effects. Our music features heavy guitar and bass riffs, decorative and powerful drum fill-ins. Lyrics and sound-wise, our combination of Japanese and English lyrics in single tune really breaks down the image of traditional J-ROCK’s sound and melodies. Answer-ed tries to position itself to be the only one as a hybrid of Japanese and the world’s mainstream music.

Can you tell us about the process of writing music? What inspires you to write?

Toshi
Basically, I get inspired by “People”. Since I was a child, I have many opportunities of going to different countries. I lived in New York about 10 years and met a lot of people from all over the world.  I realized that people are different. There are differences. Is it because of history, culture, law, religion or something else? I don’t know the exact reason, but we are different without exception. People fight each other. I think one of the reasons why people fight is that people deny the difference. We don’t need to agree with the difference, but we need to accept the fact that there are differences.

I like talking to people. I like meeting new people. People get into difficulties. It might be about job, money or relationship? People suffer from a gap between ideal and reality. When I think about those stuff, I get inspired, and it reflects my lyrics.

In musical process, I compose everything. I carefully think about every detail of every instrument. I do record the songs by myself also. When I compose a song, I always imagine the audience reaction in concert venues. People have different ideas, and I am sure some people have negative ideas about our music. However, I always believe myself.

What message are you trying to convey with your music?

We have already known how we can be better to live in this world, so if we want to change ourselves or something, we can change it. It’s all up to you.

You released a full album titled 'Will' that features 10 tracks. What can you tell us about the composition of this album?

Toshi
I think “CD album” must have a concept. That is one of the value of “CD album”. When people finish listening to all the tracks through an album, the album must tell us a concept or story through all the tracks. “WILL” is questioning us “How do you want to live your life?”, “Are you satisfied where things stand right now?” or “How would you change or make it better?”

Although each song has a specific message, you will find a key for those questions when you listen to all the songs. Honestly, ”WILL” is a statement that represents my figure also. I am still learning, and I am always questioning myself.

Are you currently working on any exciting new projects?

It’s been 1 year since the release of our 1st album “WILL”, and it’s been 3 months since the release of our latest single “Find A Way”. Obviously, we are working on a new album.

Do you have any routines before performing on stage?

Not really lol Washing teeth?

What is one unique characteristic of Answer-ed?

Answer-ed has both traditional rock-style aspect and visual-kei aspect. We play at different venues. Some venues feature Visual-Kei music, and some venues feature loud music. We don’t focus on one style. Our appearance might be close to visual-Kei, but music itself is closer to hard rock genre. We believe that is our biggest unique characteristic.

The cover of your album has cosmic and space elements. Where did the idea of of album cover come from? What is the meaning behind it?

The cover images the big bang in the space. It’s the beginning of everything. If it didn’t happen, human being would not exist. It is the origin of our life, and it starts everything.

Any plans of performing overseas? Perhaps America?

We don’t have any specific plans yet, but we are willing to have shows outside of Japan if we get opportunities. Toshi used to play in a band when he was in New York, so he really wants to go back to New York as Answer-ed. All the members are able to speak and communicate in English, so we must use this advantage!

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

Thank you so much for reading. Free full streaming is available at our SoundCloud, so please listen to our music if you are interested. Also, feel free to message us in English through our social media. Our goal is not only in Japan but in all over the world. Hope to see you everybody soon!!

🌹Links🌹

WILL” Album preview

https://youtu.be/NTmUvYVBBjE

Official Website

www.answeredxxx.com

Soundcloud

www.soundcloud.com/answer-ed-official

Instagram

www.soundcloud.com/answer-ed-official

Twitter

www.twitter.com/Answered_xxx

Facebook

www.facebook.com/Answeredofficial/ 

A CONVERSATION WITH NECLOS

© NECLOS

Can you introduce yourself to the readers of Summon the Roses?
Nice to meet you !We are 「NECLOS」 that active based in Tokyo.

How did you come together and decide to form your band NECLOS? Did you previously know each other before forming the band?

VaN&Gill,怜衣(rei)&愁(syuu)were separately active.

VaN&Gill invited 怜衣(rei),怜衣(rei) invited 愁(syuu)for NECLOS.

How would you describe your music?

In a nutshell, classic. We think we can to let people who haven't had much involvement so far for world of visual rock. Of course people who like visual rock band too!

How would you describe the feeling of performing in front of an audience?

Please pay attention for melody that remains in the ear, human tasteful lyrics. appealed guitar riffs and bass line , it's one of the attractions.

What do you want your fans to feel during a live performance?

We are visual rock band, so maybe you can find each member's charm. But first we wish to have fun thoughts for everyone. It would be great if all the people who saw the NECLOS live were able to make a live smiley face.

You currently have four band members. Any plans of adding an additional band member in a near future?

VaN

GiIl

愁(Syu)

怜衣(Rei)

Of course！Now, there are no member for drums. So, If you are reading this article, please feel free to contact me if you want to do drums at NECLOS! lol

You released a mini-album last May titled Ace of Trigger. Tell us a bit about this mini-album?

Ace of trigger is meaning "First trigger" in Japan. Of course it is as it is, we had a live "Next NECLOS" when 「Ace of trigger」's release day. The first song of the live was a song called "Ace" recorded in this album. It will be multiplied with this live title, which means "trigger to the next evolution". By the way, I can not return because I pulled the trigger.

What message are you trying to express through this mini-album?

I dare put various songs of color. This is "NECLOS will do any songs" message. Just not simply doing various songs, it would be nice if you could find out NECLOS 's likeness in that.

Are you currently working on releasing a full album?

I understand that I have to tackle it, but the feeling of "I want to announce it soon!" Will go ahead of us and I will produce only single singles. I am not good at to endure.

If you could describe what sets you apart from other bands in the same music scene, what would you say is a unique trait that NECLOS has that other bands don't?

Various rich songs, ornamental melodies, as it is interesting and cool live performance. The visual system has an image that a human being has passed away by all means, but it is something that puts "humanity" more than anywhere among them.

Any other projects you are currently working on?

I am constantly thinking about various things, but unfortunately it is a secret.

Many bands perform overseas. Is performing outside of Japan in your future plans?

Western tour is also one of NECLOS 's dreams, We absolutely want to do it.

What artists/bands have influenced you in your music career?

Music that touched all the members is different, but those who like "Nightmare", "ViViD", "vistlip" in Japanese visual rock bands surely will also like NECLOS.

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

Messages to fans are spelled out with songs, so I will not say them here.

🌹Links🌹

Great thanks to NECLOS for allowing Summon the Roses to conduct this interview.

THE JOURNEY OF HARUKA YAMADA: A MUST-READ INTERVIEW

Haruka Yamada portraying four different members.

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

Haruka Yamada, contemporary artist performs in a VK band 華妖.viju(Kayo.viju), making a music video playing four roles. I am influenced by VK and Japanese popular songs so that I remake the old hit song to VK. I found MALICE MIZER on TV when I was a elementary school student, I was very shocked. They influence me a lot my creations. I can't perform live show because playing four roles. Making music and videos are actions of 華妖.viju. The view point of the music video is band members never gather in the same shot.

What made you decide to start a musical project in playing four roles by yourself? 

I wore a disguise myself and make a disguise with my contemporary art project. "Disguise" is a one of my way of describing because i disguised middle aged men in womans costume at drag salon. Those experiences gave me a idea of four roles by myself. To be somebody else but nobody is point in doing, so that it is completely different from a ordinary cos-players who disguise as characters of anime or games. Normally men act VK band. Some people gather and play band. These are fixed ideas but i wanted to break and shake them to doing opposite way. I couldn't be convinced that the society put us the sexuality such as i was said "be quiet, because you are a girl", "wear a pink, because you are a girl"... that is the reason of I create disguising project.
So, I want to ask to the world that just judging the book by its cover.

What is the meaning behind your band name? How did you decide on that band name? 

the name of 華妖.viju(Kayou dot viju) means VK covers Kayou-kyoku(japanese pop songs) and Viju is shorted word from Visual Kei. mixed with Kanji and English name is suitable for VK, I think.

Can you explain to us your music concept?

華妖.viju covers japanese pops which is 30-40 years ago to visual kei. The reason why I love Japanese old songs. And i love V kei as well. 華妖.viju is made by mixed up those two styles. The purpose of 華妖.viju is making music video by playing four roles by one person, so i dont mind musicality.

The original version:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video

Cover version
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=42DZHwUV6Hw

Excursus. First of all I decide the style of the music video, then i arrange the music.

What message are you trying to express through your music and lyrics? 

Noyhing special. It is just covering of japanese popular songs. The most important thing is l play what i made, more than giving a message with music and lyrics. The music is just a tool.

How are you choosing songs you're covering?

I choose the music that i would cover is from its lyrics. I imagine how i make the music video from its lyrics. And i try to every original music that i covers are different the mood and released time.

Do you think it's hard to have a Visual Kei project? Why?

It is hard that i play four roles on the shooting in just a day. Changing clothes, makeup, shooting and take off the makeup, changing clothes, makeup, shooting and take off the makeup...four times. It takes much time and get painful my skin. But i think it is the worth of this project through those hard things. I will keep it up.

What visual kei artists have inspired you?

MALICE MIZER influenced me very much since I was 12 years old. The very first band I was inspired is MALICE MIZER.

What is your ultimate goal with your project?

I want make many music videos and everybody to know attachment to my works. I want many people to watch my works, and hope to make them bravery and happiness. I'm so happy that watching my music videos makes them to know about contemporary art. So I continue to making music videos.

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

I would like people to be interested in doing 4 roles alone. Through what I am doing, I'd be happy if you could be a flexible idea that is not captured by stereotypes.

🌹Links🌹

A special thanks to Anima Kurayami for conducting this interview

A DEEP DIVE INTO La'veil MizeriA's MUSICAL JOURNEY

©La'veil MizeriA

Can you introduce yourselves to the readers of Summon the Roses? Kikyo: I'm Kikyo on vocals. Jaki: I'm Jaki on guitar. Nice to meet you. Milia: I'm Milia on bass. How would you describe La'veil MizeriA’s world? How do you want to impress your audience? Kikyo: It's a world of sorrow and madness, made of cruel stories. What is the meaning behind your band name? How did you decide on that band name?Kikyo: It represents the things we want to express and our world. Your album, “Jakumetsu Kyouen”, was release last June. What’s your favorite song in this album why? Kikyo: I like all songs but the title track is my favorite. It's the beginning of the end. Jaki: It's hard to play live because of the many changes in the sound, but Utakata is my favorite. I dig the vocal lines. Milia: Necrosphere, because it's the closest to the style of La'veil MizeriA and it's fun to get wild live. Tell us about your new video, “Jubaku Gou”. What’s the meaning of that song and video?Kikyo: It's about the affliction of keeping wandering without being able to die, carrying sins that cannot be forgiven. What artists have inspired you?Kikyo: Madeth gray'll Jaki: most artists of the 90's, and I respect HIDE and SUGIZO both as musicians and people. Milia: DIR EN GREY What feelings do you want to bring in people who listen to your music?Kikyo: Everybody will find a different answer by listening to our music and getting in touch with our world. Jaki: Unfortunately it's hard for fans from overseas to see our concerts and be impressed by our world, but I hope everybody will be able to understand part of it by listening to our songs. But I really hope you will be able to see us at least once. Milia: I think the unrealistic feeling of our looks and music is one of the strong points. Where do you find the inspiration for your lyrics?Kikyo: I write lyrics from my memories. I don't find much inspiration from outside, but I really like watching movies and I guess some influence might come from that too. Do you have any travel plans in the future to perform in another country?Kikyo: It will be possible if we receive many requests. If I could I would go right away. Jaki: I would like to go if somebody invited us! I really want to see how far we can go. Milia: We do not have plans at the moment, but a world tour would be a great challenge for me personally. Lastly, do you have a message for our readers?Kikyo: Let's create our heaven together...where we can forget all the pain we feel everyday…† Jaki: Our CD is available overseas too so please try to get in touch with our world! Milia: I am looking forward to meeting you at our concerts somewhere! Let's get crazy! 🌹Links🌹 https://www.youtube.com/channel/