Kagrra, - Omou Interview
They could unleash a great form while sticking to their Japanese style.
They've been holding their concept of "Neo-Japanesque" from their indies era, in pursuit of a unique "Wa" taste. Because of their persistence with that, they unleashed their individuality and grew to produce magnificent works with a harmony of rock and Japanese style.
They've been holding their concept of "Neo-Japanesque" from their indies era, in pursuit of a unique "Wa" taste. Because of their persistence with that, they unleashed their individuality and grew to produce magnificent works with a harmony of rock and Japanese style.
―Last September 9th, Kagrra launched their first national tour after 2 years, "Touhon Seisou Jungyou". I think with that tour, you've finally established your unique style as a rock band. You have a dynamic and thrilling sound inlaid with the Wa taste as your essence. For the semi-final at SHIBUYA-AX you've magnificently blended Western culture and the beautiful atmosphere of ancient Japan together as rock.
Isshi: I think so far we've certainly had a lot of parts where we clung to 'Wa'. So this time we're unleashing a better form.
―Along the lines of Isshi's words, your new single "Omou" releasing on October 27 has the trinity of a rhythm that flows within the group, tough rock guitar and naive acoustic guitar, and of course the melody and lyrics which can make you feel sorrow. It perfectly opens up to a world which can only be created by Kagrra.
Izumi: For this one I tried writing the drum score for the first time. Conversely, that's something done by the group.
Nao: And for playing the bass too, former me wouldn't have been able to play like this, so I've grown a little, I think.
Shin: Lately my sense of moving forward as a guitarist is getting stronger, so I've been improving toward having a balance with rock and Wa taste.
Akiya: I stood up to play during recording. It's absolutely easier to play while sitting, but it feels really good, and I think that kind of thing is left behind on the CD.
Isshi: Ah, but recording itself was finished before we went on tour wasn't it? (laughs) But I think going forward we can play more with this ratio of rock and Wa taste.
―From here on it seems that you're resolved to be perfectly balanced between Wa-style songs and songs that are thoroughly rock. Along with the title tune which proves to be Kagrra's standard, this single is completed by "Metsu" which has the heavy guitar and loud rhythm that warns of a cataclysm, and the aggressive "Sou" which can be an inevitable climax at lives. You'll be taking the stage with this single on December 20th and on March 3rd at Shibuya Koukaido.
Isshi: After our previous live at Shibuko, of course we want to have a great live there again, so that we'll be able to show how much we've grown.
Isshi: I think so far we've certainly had a lot of parts where we clung to 'Wa'. So this time we're unleashing a better form.
―Along the lines of Isshi's words, your new single "Omou" releasing on October 27 has the trinity of a rhythm that flows within the group, tough rock guitar and naive acoustic guitar, and of course the melody and lyrics which can make you feel sorrow. It perfectly opens up to a world which can only be created by Kagrra.
Izumi: For this one I tried writing the drum score for the first time. Conversely, that's something done by the group.
Nao: And for playing the bass too, former me wouldn't have been able to play like this, so I've grown a little, I think.
Shin: Lately my sense of moving forward as a guitarist is getting stronger, so I've been improving toward having a balance with rock and Wa taste.
Akiya: I stood up to play during recording. It's absolutely easier to play while sitting, but it feels really good, and I think that kind of thing is left behind on the CD.
Isshi: Ah, but recording itself was finished before we went on tour wasn't it? (laughs) But I think going forward we can play more with this ratio of rock and Wa taste.
―From here on it seems that you're resolved to be perfectly balanced between Wa-style songs and songs that are thoroughly rock. Along with the title tune which proves to be Kagrra's standard, this single is completed by "Metsu" which has the heavy guitar and loud rhythm that warns of a cataclysm, and the aggressive "Sou" which can be an inevitable climax at lives. You'll be taking the stage with this single on December 20th and on March 3rd at Shibuya Koukaido.
Isshi: After our previous live at Shibuko, of course we want to have a great live there again, so that we'll be able to show how much we've grown.
Things you think about on long nights...
This work has imagery of "Autumn", so what is it that you think about on long autumn nights?
"The autumn makes me want to go back to my parents' house. I've wanted to see the faces of my grandma and grandpa again for a long time." -Nao
"I also want to go visit my parents' house (Hokkaido). I want to eat Genghis Khan at my parents' house." -Izumi
"I want to read books all the way through." -Isshi
"I'm into Gundam now, so I want to devote myself to watching the DVDs." -Shin
"I'll go on a diet. (wry smile)" -Akiya
This work has imagery of "Autumn", so what is it that you think about on long autumn nights?
"The autumn makes me want to go back to my parents' house. I've wanted to see the faces of my grandma and grandpa again for a long time." -Nao
"I also want to go visit my parents' house (Hokkaido). I want to eat Genghis Khan at my parents' house." -Izumi
"I want to read books all the way through." -Isshi
"I'm into Gundam now, so I want to devote myself to watching the DVDs." -Shin
"I'll go on a diet. (wry smile)" -Akiya