BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER: JILUKA NORTH AMERICA DEBUT AT AWA

©JILUKA

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

Sena: I am Sena. Guitarist.

Ricko: I am vocalist, Ricko.

Zyean: I am Zyean, drummer.

Boogie: I am Boogie, bassist.

Jiluka started in 2013 and it is now 2023. Did you all decide to come to North America on your 10 year anniversary? Was this something that was planned or something that just happened?

Sena: The version of JILUKA that started in 2013 was a temporary version*. The current JILUKA which is the permanent, “real” band started in 2015. They haven’t hit 10 years quite yet.

Could you tell us more about your concept of ‘Electro-Gothic-Metal’? What is the story behind EGM and your new single, VENΦM?

Sena: For EGM, there were three JILUKAs. There was the Electro JILUKA, the gothic JILUKA, and the metal JILUKA. Since we wanted to take those three and make them into one unique concept, we mixed them together and that is where EGM came from. It is just to mix the three genres and it becomes something that is our own.

VENΦM is the third song after BLVCK and Overkill in the EGM concept. We wanted to make a third song that’s really strong and leaves a lasting impression so that you, as a fan, can know what EGM is.

After seeing Sena rap in VENΦM, can we expect to see more rap vocals in JILUKA’s future releases? 

Sena: If the members agree. 

Ricko: NO! 

So what are some of JILUKA’s favorite songs to perform and why?

Sena: BaLa-DeDa

Zyean: BLVCK, Overkill, &  VENΦM

Boogie: KUMARI.

If you were to choose a specific band or event that drew you into this industry, who would you give credit to?

Sena: Since I was a kid, being expressive and expressing myself is really fun so I wanted to do that.

Ricko: Since I was a kid, I loved to sing. I was always singing around the house, just getting the opportunity to sing is the reason I wanted to do this work.

Boogi: I like music and I like watching musicals so getting the opportunity to express myself through music is really important to me. It’s why I wanted to do this work.”

If you had just one sentence to capture your audience’s attention and convey “JILUKA”, what would it be?

Sena: E. G. M.

Ricko: Stronger!

Zyean: Greedy.

Boogie: E.G.M 

What can fans look forward to from JILUKA in terms of upcoming releases or projects?

Sena: We want to continue to expand and perform overseas more, and become more worldwide.

9. Let’s ask some more fun questions now. Do JILUKA’s band members have a favorite anime or TV show series they love?

Ricko: Naruto! Ninja!

Boogie: Death Note.

Zyean: Spy x Family.

Sena:  Stein’s;Gate

Are you all enjoying America so far?

Boogie: Yes 

Zyean: Yes

Ricko: Yes. I love the US.

Sena: Of course.

Are there any plans for a world tour in the near future?

Sena: Of course

Thank you! That is all I have but before we conclude, is there anything JILUKA has to say to the readers of Summon the Roses?

Sena: Mata Kimasu

Ricko: Mata Kimasu

Zyean: Mata Kimasu

Boogie: Mata Kimasu

🌹Links🌹

We want to give a special thanks to Jiluka Staff and Fakestar for allowing us to conduct this interview.

A special thanks to Anime Weekend Atlanta for this opportunity.

A ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH SINGER ANO AT AWA

 

©TOY'S FACTORY

Please introduce yourself to the readers of Summon the Roses

I'm Ano. Nice to meet you.

You will be releasing your first album “Neko Neko Getsu” this upcoming December. Are you excited about the release of your album? What can we expect from this release?

It's my first physical release as a CD and I'm really looking forward to it.

How was it like having your song “Chu, Tayousei” featured as Chainsaw Man's ending theme?

Chainsaw Man was a big hit and a lot of people watched it. I was very honored to be involved as a project in the ending theme.

What are the differences when you're performing as an artist compared to when you're modeling? We would like to know the best of both worlds, is there a big change when you switch from one to the other?

As an artist, I'm using words and sounds to express my emotions, whereas, as a model I concentrate more on the physical side of things. For example, how does the clothing I'm wearing fits or how does what I'm wearing express itself. It's not so much an internal emotion it's more of an external expression. 

How would you describe your fashion and visual concept?

It's almost a changeling where I don't stick to just one genre, I wear a lot of different things. I don't stick to one thing, and I can change and express different things depending on what I'm wearing. 

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

Through lyrics and sound, what I wanted to do was try to let you forget about your anxiety and use my music as a weapon to go against the next tomorrow, so it can be a better day. 

Are you enjoying your time in North America so far?

I'm having a lot of fun

What are some hobbies you enjoy doing when you're not working on your music?

I play a lot of video games.

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

This is my first time in Atlanta, Georgia and I don't speak English at all, but I'm also not very good at communication or speaking in general, but with my music I feel like it crosses borders and nationalities do not matter. I'm using this opportunity for more fans to learn about my music and me. 

🌹Links🌹

We want to give a special thanks to Ano Staff and Fakestar for allowing us to conduct this interview.

A special thanks to Anime Weekend Atlanta for this opportunity.

ANIME SINGER ASAKA'S INTERVIEW AT AWA

 

©Mages

Please introduce yourself to the readers of Summon the Roses

I'm mainly an Anime singer and I used to live in the United States. 

Your new album “Who’s me? “ came out this year. Can you explain what you wanted your fans to feel while listening to it?

Because of Covid we couldn't hold any live performances and the music industry was affected as a whole, and I even caught Covid at one point. It affected us pretty heavily, so in making the album "Triple Crown" there are a lot of Anime songs in a lot of different genres. In purchasing this album, you will get to see many sides of me. I also love horse racing so I took a lot of inspiration from that.

Can you tell us about your visual concept for your music video “Triple Crown”. What is the theme you were going for in this video?

Within this world of Anime singers, it's really hard to succeed in this industry, but for me I wanted to prove I have what it takes and I'm prepared and have the willpower to go forward with this career and of course the image of the song is of a strong powerful woman. I prepared my outfit to show that strength so the visuals could impact the viewers as well. 

From your album “Whos me?” Do you have a favorite track from this album?

My favorite song is titled "No. 1".  The meaning of the track No.1 is that I want to become the number one Anime singer in the world. The meaning behind the lyrics is inspirational for my fans. I want to let them go so we can reach great heights together. This is also an inspiration from the horse racing world. 

How do you feel about meeting your fans in North America?

I haven't met my fans at Anime Weekend Atlanta yet but there's a lot of positive response on social media and I see the fan's reaction and I love to see that. For me being back in America, feels like coming back home. I am looking forward to the warm reception of fans and I'm excited about meeting my fans at the autograph session. 

Growing up, what made you decide to become a singer? Who inspired you on your music journey?

Originally, I really liked Anime and singing and I wanted to put those two together. I wanted to become an Anime song singer. The reason why that was even a possibility was because I heard May'n who is the singer for Macross Frontier and I heard her powerful songs and I thought this is a job I want to do in the future. It took a lot of different auditions and I participated in some competitions and took voice training. I eventually debuted. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of music?

I love to play games and watch horror movies. 

Do you have a favorite horror film that you love?

I really like OLD directed by M. Night Shyamalan. I've seen a lot of horror movies. 

What projects are you currently working on right now? 

Next year I'll be singing one of the theme songs for Laid Back Camp season 3 and that will be debuting in April of next year. Please look forward to the production of this song.

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

As an Anime song singer, I love when I go overseas to these events and I see how much love everyone has for Anime and Anime songs. It takes me by surprise and I want to live up the those expectations. My goal is I would love to do a stand alone show in the US in the future. I love to start here at conventions and maybe even join music festivals. Eventually I will have my own stage in the US and that is something  I am looking forward to. I have a lot of aspirations to come back and I want to do like six more shows. Big plans! 

🌹Links🌹

We want to give a special thanks to Asaka Staff and Fakestar for allowing us to conduct this interview.

A special thanks to Anime Weekend Atlanta for this opportunity.