TAKESHI ABO: INSIGHTS FROM A COMPOSER

 

 ©Takeshi Abo

To start, could you please introduce yourself to the readers of Summon the Roses?

Hello everyone. My name is Takeshi Abo.
I entered the game industry in 1992, and after working at STARCRAFT and KID, I am currently with MAGES., where I handle music composition, arrangement, sound effects, and other audio-related production work.

Since the Super Famicom era, I have worked on music for games across many platforms, as well as anime soundtracks and music CDs.

My representative works include the Science Adventure Series such as STEINS;GATE, CHAOS;CHILD, ROBOTICS;NOTES, and ANONYMOUS;CODE, as well as the INFINITY series including Ever17 and Remember11, and the Memories Off series.

How did your career as a professional composer begin?

From around the age of 12, I loved programmed music from arcade games, PC games, and console games.
Using systems like the SHARP X1 and X68000, I enjoyed creating my own games while also composing music for them.

When I was about 19, I sent some of the music I had composed to a game company, and they replied saying they wanted to hire me. I joined the company as both a programmer and composer, and that was the start of my career.

Could you tell us about your usual process when starting to create a new piece of music?

There are various approaches, but the most common process for me begins with understanding the situation in which the music is needed.
I imagine where in the game the piece will play, how the story unfolds at that point, and consider the characters as well as the preceding and following scenes.

From that image, I jot down keywords and think about what kind of music would fit best.
I then consider suitable sounds, create them if necessary, and use them to produce the piece with an awareness of it as a “musical element of the scene.”

Over your many years of creating game music, how do you maintain motivation and creative drive?

I love making sounds and composing music, so I enjoy thinking about how to incorporate the music I want to create into a game.
In fact, my creative drive actually increases when I am not given instructions like “make music like this” or reference tracks.

That said, figuring out how to create something within given constraints reminds me of the traditional “programmed game music” approach.
Since I also work on sound effects, that process often fuels my enthusiasm, making me think, “I want to compose music as soon as possible!”

Steins;Gate has a very distinctive emotional tone. How did you express that world through music?

STEINS;GATE’s story is particularly striking, and even before production—while internalizing the story in my mind—I was filled with the feeling of “I want to read the next part already!” It was truly captivating.

As I read the story, I took notes of keywords while simultaneously thinking about the music that would be needed for the game. By the time I finished reading, I had a concrete list of musical ideas and a world view shaped from those keywords.

I remember creating the music driven by an impulse of “I want to compose the next track as soon as possible.”

“Gate of Steiner” is one of the most beloved themes in modern game music. How was this famous piece born?

After finishing the story, I decided to try expressing its grand flow as the main theme.

From the mysterious experiments onward, the story unfolds into the protagonist’s conflicts, sorrow, quick-witted decisions, the world lines he aims for, hope, and the future that awaits.

While consciously trying to pack all of these developments into the piece, I composed the music keeping close to the emotions I felt from the rich and intense story.

Which theme or track do you feel best represents the emotional core of Steins;Gate?

I believe it has to be “GATE OF STEINER,” which encapsulates the essence of the entire story.

Since this piece serves as the main theme, its motifs are incorporated into other tracks as well. Each arrangement expresses particular emotional states or plays an important role in presenting the story, so I can confidently say that the main theme is the true core.

The title of the track was also decided relatively early after I joined the project.

The Steins;Gate soundtrack is deeply loved by fans all around the world. How do you feel when you see the global response to your music?

I’m very happy and deeply grateful to hear feedback from overseas.
As a creator, receiving impressions of my music through games and anime is one of the greatest joys.

With the spread of the internet, we can now receive such feedback directly in a way that wasn’t possible in the past, and I truly think that makes the world a wonderful place.

This interview is also one of those joys!

What was the most difficult aspect of composing for Steins;Gate?

Looking back, I think the production process was actually quite smooth.
I had a clear idea of the music I wanted to create, and if anything was difficult, it was probably the schedule. It was a project that made me want to keep composing even more music.

How did you express the dark and psychological atmosphere when composing for Chaos;Head?

CHAOS;HEAD left a very strong impression of madness and a dark worldview.
Personally, I love creating dark and psychologically driven music, so I feel I was able to compose exactly as I intended.

I also enjoy synthesized, unreal sound textures, so designing sounds that help build a virtual world was one of the enjoyable aspects of this project.

You have composed music for many games and visual novels. How did your early works influence your later projects?

It depends on how far back we go with “early works,” but since each project has its own unique characteristics, they may not have a significant influence on each other.
Whenever I move on to a new project, I reset my mindset and approach it fresh.

On the other hand, for sequels or works that share the same world setting, those earlier pieces definitely influence the sounds I imagine and create.

In future projects, are there any types of stories or genres you would like to challenge musically?

I would like to try composing music for a fantasy-based, classic-style RPG, and I’m also interested in working on a shooting game.
I enjoy retro sound sources as well, so I’d love to create music for retro-style games and explore sound production across various genres.

Of course, I also want to continue composing soundtrack music that closely supports the story, as in visual novels.

Is there a message you would like to share with fans around the world?

It is truly an honor as a creator to have people enjoy the works along with my music and to receive their impressions.
Your kind words serve as a driving force for my creative activities, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude.

I hope that fans will continue to listen to my music, both old and new, and enjoy the works. Thank you very much for your continued support.

Website: VAL-SOUND

Social Media: https://x.com/valsound

A Special thanks to Takeshi Abo for allowing us to conduct this interview and have a conversation.

FATE GEAR'S FIRST TOUR ACROSS CANADA: CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW!

©FATEGEAR

Please introduce yourselves to the readers of Summon the Roses

Hello! I'm Captain Mina, guitarist of FATE GEAR. also I do songwriting, and playing bass guitar on recordings.

You're an all-female steampunk metal band. What inspired you to choose this theme and style for the band?

 

I discovered steampunk when I performed at convention in U.S. with my previous all-female band in 2013. I've always love fantasy, so I like steampunk too and decided to incorporate it into FATE GEAR.

Can you describe in a few words the sound of your music?

Female fronted steampunk melodic metal. Umm difficult to say in a few words! XD

Your latest release "The Vanguard Of Hades" album will be released nationwide this Summer, What can you tell us about this album?

This is a concept album based on a fantasy novel featuring angels and demons that I wrote as a child. It contains 4 new songs and 9 live recordings. The new songs have a gothic and symphonic feel.

the song  "Devil's Pact" is I sung for the first time!

You will be releasing a digital single titled "This Fate"  feat. NANA & Hashimura Hime which will be different from the track on your "The Vanguard of Hades" album. What can you tell us about this digital single? How is it different?

The single version has lines by my voice during the violin solo.

Translated into English, it means, "Now I just want to know what my future holds, rather than live in fear of not knowing what it will bring." The drums sound mixing is also different.

You will be embarking on your first Canada Tour as part of your Worldwide Live in Blood Tour this year. Are you excited you will be performing in different cities in Canada?

Yes, of course!

Do you have any sightseeing plans when visiting Canada?

We want to do some sightseeing. however, every tour is so busy with travel that we can't do much sightseeing. we hope we can!

What is the most exciting part about meeting your fans overseas?

Being able to actually meet fans I had only interacted with online.

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

Would you like to go on the adventure with FATE GEAR?

We look forward to seeing you this tour!

🌹Links🌹

A Special thanks to FATE GEAR for allowing us to conduct this interview.

TAKU TAKAHASHI'S INSIGHTS AS A DJ AND MUSIC PRODUCER

 

©TAKUTAKAHASHI

Please introduce yourself to the readers of Summon the Roses

My name is Taku Takahashi and I'm a member of a group called M-Flo. We started our group 24 years ago and next year it will be our 25th anniversary. 

I make tracks and beats and I also produce artists such as Crystal, aill, b-first, and recently did a remix for Utada Hikaru. I'm also the owner of radio station called block.fm.

In August, you released Gold ~Mata Au Hi Made ~ Taku’s Twice Upon A Time Remix for Utada Hikaru's latest single. What was it like working with singer song-writer Utada Hikaru?

Usually when I'm asked to do remix they send me the stems of the track and vocals and I just make the remix. For this case, I asked Utada Hikaru for a favor I wanted her to rap on top of it, I wanted her to say "Bring the beat back". She was very kind that she recorded that in her own studio and did more than that. That is how she came up with introductions voicemail, it was her idea. She likes listening to her singing but she doesn't listening to herself talking on the radio and was a bit shy about it. It was a very creative experience and the communication was fun too. The way she expresses herself and explains how she wants things to be done it's very unique. 

What were some of the challenges of releasing Japan’s first internet radio broadcast dedicated to dance music? What did you enjoy most about it? 

It cost money (laughs) I was very fornutate when I started my career, although we worked really hard, everything went smoothly so I never had to worry about money. I just had to concentrate on creativity. We were fortunate we were really successful, what we did was very different from the regular J-pop. My management company, let me focus on creating music. The reason why I started block.fm. went to Japanese music scene to change and back in that time it was very less progressive. There were so many great talents that were not exposed and I decided, I should start it. Problem was, I never had experience dealing with running a company. I learned in order to do something creative, and something you want, you need your mind and you also need money. 

M-flo is considered to be one of Japan's most iconic hip-hop groups. How did the idea for M-flo come about, and what would you say was the key to the group's success? 

Verbal and I went to same the school in Elementary, and in Highschool we were together and I knew Lisa from Junior High. We first started M-FLO with just Verbal and me, and we featured Lisa and that's how she became part of our group. in 1999, it's so different from now, R&B, House music and electronic music was not mainstream in Japan. US and Uk underground was becoming popular and it was entering the pop scene, but that wasn't happening in Japan. My main goal was to make that music more mainstream in Japan since I loved it. We worked hard and a lot of people helped us. We had a great team. There was a birth of Jpop in Japan, and Japan was going thru a new phase. J-pop became more experimental and we debuted at the right time. People wanted something different and a change.

Can you tell us about your time working as a music director for the anime, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt? What was that like?

I was the music producer, I was in charge of creative aspects. At first it was offered to me, but I was too busy with other productions, so I said I can't do it alone. I asked friends to join me. My made like half of the song in the soundtrack, when I'm working with Anime or Movies, it's all about giving confidence to the production team. Mr. Imaishi and I had a lot of discussions asked a lot of questions about how he wanted the audience to feel for this particular scene or the OP, he wanted the opening to be classical Japanese animation.

Do you prefer producing music or DJing?

I  like making music and concentrate on music but when I'm on stage, I forget that. The crowd going crazy and giving you support and love and adrenaline rush, and that makes me forget.

Lastly, do you have a message for the readers of Summon the Roses?

I am very happy that people listen to my music outside of Japan, and I notice a lot of people know my songs. I like that they listen to my music without any bias, but at the same time I love having conversations and communicating with people that listen to my music. I hope I will be able to come back more. 

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

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.