Breaking the Sound Barrier: JILUKA’s North American Debut at AWA

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.

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?

SenaThe 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.

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

We want to give a special thanks to Jiluka Staff and Fakestar for allowing us to conduct this interview. Special thanks to Anime Weekend Atlanta for this opportunity.