©Answer-ed
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!!
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
Official Website
Soundcloud
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
