Entrevista original (Inglés):
Aquí
Los vanguardistas metaleros Dir en grey han demostrado con el tiempo una y otra vez que no necesitas cantar en inglés para ser reconocido en todo el mundo.
Habiendo
agotado entradas en su concierto en
Phoenix en el 2001, la banda está de vuelta para un concierto en Opera House,
el próximo 14 de Noviembre, esta vez con la unión de la banda francesa de metal
Dagoba. El año pasado tuvo sus más y sus menos para la banda, incluyendo un
periodo de tiempo en el cual el vocalista Kyo fue hospitalizado por problemas
en sus cuerdas vocales.
Ahora, de
nuevo en la carretera por su tour Ghoul, Kyo se tomó unos minutos para contestar
unas cuantas preguntas en cuanto a su tour actual, nuevos proyectos, su
reciente enfermedad y la posibilidad de colaborar con rockeros americanos.
Samantha: La última vez, hablé con Shinya de Dir en grey. Fue en diciembre de 2011, ¿En qué ha estado la banda ocupada desde entonces?
Kyo: Empezando el 2012, hicimos un concierto en el Osaka Jo Hall que fue una recopilación de canciones de "UROBOROS". En cuanto a la banda, somos los mismos Dir en grey de antes.
Samantha: Creo que habeís lanzado un nuevo EP, The Unraveling. ¿Puedes contarnos más sobre él?
Kyo: Ponemos el mismo esfuerzo cuando producimos un álbum nuevo que cuando reconstruimos canciones antiguas para el nuevo EP. En la edición deluxe de la versión japonesa, grabamos la canción "Macabre", que acabó durando cinco minutos más de lo que pretendíamos. Desafortunadamente, no está disponible en el extranjero. El Dir en grey de ahora está también satisfecho con las otras canciones.
Samantha: ¿Teneís planeado vuestro siguiente álbum de estudio?
Kyo: Lanzamos un nuevo single el próximo Enero. Sería genial si pudieramos lanzar un álbum a continuación del single.
Samantha: Tocareís en Toronto en Opera House el próximo 14 de Noviembre, ¿Qué pueden esperar los fans de ese concierto?
Kyo: Odio no cumplir las expectativas, así que me gustaría que no esperaran nada.
Samantha: Teneís a la banda francesa de metal Dagoba como teloneros en este tour. ¿Cómo será el tocar junto a ellos?
Kyo: No lo sé con certeza pero quiero animar al público con ellos (Dagoba)
Samantha: Leyendo lo que le ha estado pasando a Dir en grey en los últimos años, veo que te han diagnosticado con Disfonía en las cuerdas vocales. ¿Cómo te cuentras ahora?
Kyo: Fuí hospitalizado y tratado con medicinas cuando eso sucedió. Recientemente, estoy como soy normalmente.
Samantha: Cualquiera que sea fan de Dir en grey entiende el esfuerzo y la energía que todos poneís en vuestra música y actuaciones regularmente, ¿Qué haceís para prevenir el cansancio o el agotamiento?
Kyo: No pensar en lo que está por venir.
Samantha: Todos habeís estado en Dir en grey desde 1997, eso es hace más de 15 años. Muchas otras bandas metaleras han desaparecido en ese periodo de tiempo o han cambiado sus miembros. ¿Qué crees que es lo que ha mantenido a los miembros juntos durante tanto tiempo?
Kyo: No hablar.
Samantha: ¿Alguno de vosotros ha hecho o ha considerado hacer otros proyectos?
Kyo: Casi todos hemos estado involucrados en algún tipo de proyecto paralelo (a la banda). Personalmente, publiqué dos álbumnes de fotos en Junio.
Samantha:En vuestra página de Facebook, incluidas en la lista de vuestras influencias hay algunas bandas americas que son realmente necesarias de mencionar: Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins,
Pantera and Radiohead.....¿Alguna vez habeís tenido presiones para ser más atractivos a los fans americanos o europeos, por ejemplo, cantando en inglés?
Kyo: Una vez me dijeron que no podríamos salir en la radio americana sin cantar en inglés, pero recienmente nos han difundido con letras en japonés. No me he sentido presionado desde entonces.
Samantha: ¿Colaboraríais con alguna de estas bandas americanas?
Kyo: Definitivamente.
Samantha: Los fans más antiguos recordarán cuando solíais adoptar una imagen más visual y vanguardista (visual kei). ¿Qué os provocó alejaros de la etiqueta de visual kei?
Kyo: No entiendo realmente la idea del visual kei pero no hemos cambiado lo que estabamos haciendo antes a lo que estamos haciendo en el presente.
Samantha: Si pudieras describir vuestro sonido y estilo ahora...¿Cómo lo harías?
Kyo: Lo entenderás si ves los conciertos y escuchas los discos.
Samantha: Vuestra música ha sobrepasado las barreras culturales y de idioma, ¿Hay algún lugar en el mundo en el que aún no hayaís tocado pero te gustaría? ¿Y por qué?
Kyo: No sé con certeza a donde vamos hasta el día del viaje y no me importa mucho. En Japón o fuera, no sé realmente donde he estado hasta ahora así qué no me importa mucho.
Samantha: ¿Cuáles son vuestros planes despues del tour?
Kyo: El próximo Enero lanzaremos un nuevo single y tendremos nuestros conciertos más importantes en Japón en el Budokan, en Marzo.
Samantha: ¿Unas últimas palabras para los fans antes del concierto?
Kyo: La última vez que estuve en Canadá, me duché en la sala donde habíamos tocado y no había agua caliente. Me lavé la cabeza con agua fría. ¿Habeís experimentado algo similar? Iré a Canadá esperando que vuestra respuesta sea "no".
Japanese
avant garde metallers Dir En Grey have proven time and again that you
don't need to sing in English to be recognized throughout the world.
Having played for a sold out crowd at the Phoenix back in 2011, the guys
are back for a show at the Opera House on November 14th, this time with
French metal unit Dagoba. The past year came with its share of ups and
downs for the band including a period of time where lead vocalist Kyo
was hospitalized for damage to his vocal chords. Now, back on the road
for their Ghoul tour, Kyo took a moment to answer a few questions
regarding the current tour, new projects, his recent ailment, and the
possibility of collaborations with American rockers.
Samantha: Last time I spoke with Shinya from Dir En Grey it was in December of 2011, what has the band been up to since then?
Kyo: Entering 2012, we did a show at Osaka Jo Hall that was the
compilation of “UROBOROS.” As for the band, we’re the same old DEG.
Samantha: I understand you've released a new EP, The Unraveling. Can you tell me more about it?
Kyo: We put in the same effort we do when we produce a full album to
reconstruct songs from our previous ones into the new EP. In the fancy
(deluxe) version of the Japanese release we recorded the song “Macabre”
which ended up to be 5 minutes longer than intended. Unfortunately, it’s
unavailable overseas. The present DEG is satisfied with the other songs
as well.
Samantha: Any plans for your next studio album?
Kyo: We’re coming out with a new single next January. It’d be cool if we could release an album following the single.
Samantha: And you're playing in Toronto at the Opera House on November 14, what can Toronto fans expect for the show?
Kyo: I hate to disappoint expectations, so I’d like them not to expect anything.
Samantha: You have French metal band Dagoba opening for you this tour. What has it been like playing with them?
Kyo: I don’t really know down to the nitty-gritty stuff, but I want to enliven the crowd together with them.
Samantha: Reading up on the ‘what's been happening’ with Dir En Grey
in the past few years, I understand that you were diagnosed with vocal
nodule dysphonia last year. How are you doing now?
Kyo: I was hospitalized and treated with medicine when it happened. Recently I’ve been my usual self.
Samantha: Any Dir En Grey fan understands the effort and energy that
all of you put into your music and performance on a daily basis, what do
you guys do to prevent exhaustion or burning out?
Kyo: Not thinking of what’s to come ahead.
Samantha: You've all been with Dir En Grey since 1997, that's just
over 15 years. Many other metal bands have come in gone in that period
of time or have had drastic line up changes. What do you think has kept
all the members together for so long?
Kyo: Not talking.
Samantha: Have any of you done or have considered side projects?
Kyo: Almost all of us have been involved on some kind of side project. Personally, I published 2 photo albums in June.
Samantha: On your Facebook page, listed under your influences are
some pretty noteworthy American bands like Nine Inch Nails, Smashing
Pumpkins, Pantera and Radiohead, do you ever feel any pressure to do
more to appeal to American or European fans, for instance performing in
English?
Kyo: I’ve once been told that we wouldn’t be able to air on American
radio without English lyrics, but ultimately they aired us with Japanese
lyrics. I haven’t felt pressure since then.
Samantha: Would you ever collaborate with any of these American bands?
Kyo: Certainly.
Samantha: Your longtime fans will remember when you used to adopt a
more visually avant garde appearance – 'visual kei'. What prompted you
to step away from the 'visual kei' label?
Kyo: I don’t really understand the notion of ‘visual kei’ but we
haven’t changed what we were doing before and what we’re presently
doing.
Samantha: If you could describe your sound and style now, how would you?
Kyo: You’ll understand if you watch the shows and listen to the CDs.
Samantha: Your music has transcended cultural borders and language
barriers, is there any region in the world that you have yet to tour but
would like to and why?
Kyo: I don’t really know where we’re going till the day of travel and
I don’t really care much. In Japan or abroad, I don’t really know where
I’ve been so far so I don’t really care.
Samantha: What are you plans post tour?
Kyo: Next January we have a new single release and our biggest show at Japan Budokan in March.
Samantha: Any final words for Toronto fans before the show?
Kyo: Last time I was in Canada, I took a shower at the venue where we
were playing and the hot water ran out. I washed my head with cold
water. Have you guys experienced something similar? I’ll go to Canada
hoping that your answer is “no.”
- See more at: http://lithiummagazine.com/interview-kyo-dir-en-grey-%E2%80%93-september-26-2013#sthash.UWu823gM.dpuf
Japanese
avant garde metallers Dir En Grey have proven time and again that you
don't need to sing in English to be recognized throughout the world.
Having played for a sold out crowd at the Phoenix back in 2011, the guys
are back for a show at the Opera House on November 14th, this time with
French metal unit Dagoba. The past year came with its share of ups and
downs for the band including a period of time where lead vocalist Kyo
was hospitalized for damage to his vocal chords. Now, back on the road
for their Ghoul tour, Kyo took a moment to answer a few questions
regarding the current tour, new projects, his recent ailment, and the
possibility of collaborations with American rockers.
Samantha: Last time I spoke with Shinya from Dir En Grey it was in December of 2011, what has the band been up to since then?
Kyo: Entering 2012, we did a show at Osaka Jo Hall that was the
compilation of “UROBOROS.” As for the band, we’re the same old DEG.
Samantha: I understand you've released a new EP, The Unraveling. Can you tell me more about it?
Kyo: We put in the same effort we do when we produce a full album to
reconstruct songs from our previous ones into the new EP. In the fancy
(deluxe) version of the Japanese release we recorded the song “Macabre”
which ended up to be 5 minutes longer than intended. Unfortunately, it’s
unavailable overseas. The present DEG is satisfied with the other songs
as well.
Samantha: Any plans for your next studio album?
Kyo: We’re coming out with a new single next January. It’d be cool if we could release an album following the single.
Samantha: And you're playing in Toronto at the Opera House on November 14, what can Toronto fans expect for the show?
Kyo: I hate to disappoint expectations, so I’d like them not to expect anything.
Samantha: You have French metal band Dagoba opening for you this tour. What has it been like playing with them?
Kyo: I don’t really know down to the nitty-gritty stuff, but I want to enliven the crowd together with them.
Samantha: Reading up on the ‘what's been happening’ with Dir En Grey
in the past few years, I understand that you were diagnosed with vocal
nodule dysphonia last year. How are you doing now?
Kyo: I was hospitalized and treated with medicine when it happened. Recently I’ve been my usual self.
Samantha: Any Dir En Grey fan understands the effort and energy that
all of you put into your music and performance on a daily basis, what do
you guys do to prevent exhaustion or burning out?
Kyo: Not thinking of what’s to come ahead.
Samantha: You've all been with Dir En Grey since 1997, that's just
over 15 years. Many other metal bands have come in gone in that period
of time or have had drastic line up changes. What do you think has kept
all the members together for so long?
Kyo: Not talking.
Samantha: Have any of you done or have considered side projects?
Kyo: Almost all of us have been involved on some kind of side project. Personally, I published 2 photo albums in June.
Samantha: On your Facebook page, listed under your influences are
some pretty noteworthy American bands like Nine Inch Nails, Smashing
Pumpkins, Pantera and Radiohead, do you ever feel any pressure to do
more to appeal to American or European fans, for instance performing in
English?
Kyo: I’ve once been told that we wouldn’t be able to air on American
radio without English lyrics, but ultimately they aired us with Japanese
lyrics. I haven’t felt pressure since then.
Samantha: Would you ever collaborate with any of these American bands?
Kyo: Certainly.
Samantha: Your longtime fans will remember when you used to adopt a
more visually avant garde appearance – 'visual kei'. What prompted you
to step away from the 'visual kei' label?
Kyo: I don’t really understand the notion of ‘visual kei’ but we
haven’t changed what we were doing before and what we’re presently
doing.
Samantha: If you could describe your sound and style now, how would you?
Kyo: You’ll understand if you watch the shows and listen to the CDs.
Samantha: Your music has transcended cultural borders and language
barriers, is there any region in the world that you have yet to tour but
would like to and why?
Kyo: I don’t really know where we’re going till the day of travel and
I don’t really care much. In Japan or abroad, I don’t really know where
I’ve been so far so I don’t really care.
Samantha: What are you plans post tour?
Kyo: Next January we have a new single release and our biggest show at Japan Budokan in March.
Samantha: Any final words for Toronto fans before the show?
Kyo: Last time I was in Canada, I took a shower at the venue where we
were playing and the hot water ran out. I washed my head with cold
water. Have you guys experienced something similar? I’ll go to Canada
hoping that your answer is “no.”
- See more at: http://lithiummagazine.com/interview-kyo-dir-en-grey-%E2%80%93-september-26-2013#sthash.UWu823gM.dpuf
Japanese
avant garde metallers Dir En Grey have proven time and again that you
don't need to sing in English to be recognized throughout the world.
Having played for a sold out crowd at the Phoenix back in 2011, the guys
are back for a show at the Opera House on November 14th, this time with
French metal unit Dagoba. The past year came with its share of ups and
downs for the band including a period of time where lead vocalist Kyo
was hospitalized for damage to his vocal chords. Now, back on the road
for their Ghoul tour, Kyo took a moment to answer a few questions
regarding the current tour, new projects, his recent ailment, and the
possibility of collaborations with American rockers.
Samantha: Last time I spoke with Shinya from Dir En Grey it was in December of 2011, what has the band been up to since then?
Kyo: Entering 2012, we did a show at Osaka Jo Hall that was the
compilation of “UROBOROS.” As for the band, we’re the same old DEG.
Samantha: I understand you've released a new EP, The Unraveling. Can you tell me more about it?
Kyo: We put in the same effort we do when we produce a full album to
reconstruct songs from our previous ones into the new EP. In the fancy
(deluxe) version of the Japanese release we recorded the song “Macabre”
which ended up to be 5 minutes longer than intended. Unfortunately, it’s
unavailable overseas. The present DEG is satisfied with the other songs
as well.
Samantha: Any plans for your next studio album?
Kyo: We’re coming out with a new single next January. It’d be cool if we could release an album following the single.
Samantha: And you're playing in Toronto at the Opera House on November 14, what can Toronto fans expect for the show?
Kyo: I hate to disappoint expectations, so I’d like them not to expect anything.
Samantha: You have French metal band Dagoba opening for you this tour. What has it been like playing with them?
Kyo: I don’t really know down to the nitty-gritty stuff, but I want to enliven the crowd together with them.
Samantha: Reading up on the ‘what's been happening’ with Dir En Grey
in the past few years, I understand that you were diagnosed with vocal
nodule dysphonia last year. How are you doing now?
Kyo: I was hospitalized and treated with medicine when it happened. Recently I’ve been my usual self.
Samantha: Any Dir En Grey fan understands the effort and energy that
all of you put into your music and performance on a daily basis, what do
you guys do to prevent exhaustion or burning out?
Kyo: Not thinking of what’s to come ahead.
Samantha: You've all been with Dir En Grey since 1997, that's just
over 15 years. Many other metal bands have come in gone in that period
of time or have had drastic line up changes. What do you think has kept
all the members together for so long?
Kyo: Not talking.
Samantha: Have any of you done or have considered side projects?
Kyo: Almost all of us have been involved on some kind of side project. Personally, I published 2 photo albums in June.
Samantha: On your Facebook page, listed under your influences are
some pretty noteworthy American bands like Nine Inch Nails, Smashing
Pumpkins, Pantera and Radiohead, do you ever feel any pressure to do
more to appeal to American or European fans, for instance performing in
English?
Kyo: I’ve once been told that we wouldn’t be able to air on American
radio without English lyrics, but ultimately they aired us with Japanese
lyrics. I haven’t felt pressure since then.
Samantha: Would you ever collaborate with any of these American bands?
Kyo: Certainly.
Samantha: Your longtime fans will remember when you used to adopt a
more visually avant garde appearance – 'visual kei'. What prompted you
to step away from the 'visual kei' label?
Kyo: I don’t really understand the notion of ‘visual kei’ but we
haven’t changed what we were doing before and what we’re presently
doing.
Samantha: If you could describe your sound and style now, how would you?
Kyo: You’ll understand if you watch the shows and listen to the CDs.
Samantha: Your music has transcended cultural borders and language
barriers, is there any region in the world that you have yet to tour but
would like to and why?
Kyo: I don’t really know where we’re going till the day of travel and
I don’t really care much. In Japan or abroad, I don’t really know where
I’ve been so far so I don’t really care.
Samantha: What are you plans post tour?
Kyo: Next January we have a new single release and our biggest show at Japan Budokan in March.
Samantha: Any final words for Toronto fans before the show?
Kyo: Last time I was in Canada, I took a shower at the venue where we
were playing and the hot water ran out. I washed my head with cold
water. Have you guys experienced something similar? I’ll go to Canada
hoping that your answer is “no.”
- See more at: http://lithiummagazine.com/interview-kyo-dir-en-grey-%E2%80%93-september-26-2013#sthash.UWu823gM.dpuf
Japanese
avant garde metallers Dir En Grey have proven time and again that you
don't need to sing in English to be recognized throughout the world.
Having played for a sold out crowd at the Phoenix back in 2011, the guys
are back for a show at the Opera House on November 14th, this time with
French metal unit Dagoba. The past year came with its share of ups and
downs for the band including a period of time where lead vocalist Kyo
was hospitalized for damage to his vocal chords. Now, back on the road
for their Ghoul tour, Kyo took a moment to answer a few questions
regarding the current tour, new projects, his recent ailment, and the
possibility of collaborations with American rockers.
Samantha: Last time I spoke with Shinya from Dir En Grey it was in December of 2011, what has the band been up to since then?
Kyo: Entering 2012, we did a show at Osaka Jo Hall that was the
compilation of “UROBOROS.” As for the band, we’re the same old DEG.
Samantha: I understand you've released a new EP, The Unraveling. Can you tell me more about it?
Kyo: We put in the same effort we do when we produce a full album to
reconstruct songs from our previous ones into the new EP. In the fancy
(deluxe) version of the Japanese release we recorded the song “Macabre”
which ended up to be 5 minutes longer than intended. Unfortunately, it’s
unavailable overseas. The present DEG is satisfied with the other songs
as well.
Samantha: Any plans for your next studio album?
Kyo: We’re coming out with a new single next January. It’d be cool if we could release an album following the single.
Samantha: And you're playing in Toronto at the Opera House on November 14, what can Toronto fans expect for the show?
Kyo: I hate to disappoint expectations, so I’d like them not to expect anything.
Samantha: You have French metal band Dagoba opening for you this tour. What has it been like playing with them?
Kyo: I don’t really know down to the nitty-gritty stuff, but I want to enliven the crowd together with them.
Samantha: Reading up on the ‘what's been happening’ with Dir En Grey
in the past few years, I understand that you were diagnosed with vocal
nodule dysphonia last year. How are you doing now?
Kyo: I was hospitalized and treated with medicine when it happened. Recently I’ve been my usual self.
Samantha: Any Dir En Grey fan understands the effort and energy that
all of you put into your music and performance on a daily basis, what do
you guys do to prevent exhaustion or burning out?
Kyo: Not thinking of what’s to come ahead.
Samantha: You've all been with Dir En Grey since 1997, that's just
over 15 years. Many other metal bands have come in gone in that period
of time or have had drastic line up changes. What do you think has kept
all the members together for so long?
Kyo: Not talking.
Samantha: Have any of you done or have considered side projects?
Kyo: Almost all of us have been involved on some kind of side project. Personally, I published 2 photo albums in June.
Samantha: On your Facebook page, listed under your influences are
some pretty noteworthy American bands like Nine Inch Nails, Smashing
Pumpkins, Pantera and Radiohead, do you ever feel any pressure to do
more to appeal to American or European fans, for instance performing in
English?
Kyo: I’ve once been told that we wouldn’t be able to air on American
radio without English lyrics, but ultimately they aired us with Japanese
lyrics. I haven’t felt pressure since then.
Samantha: Would you ever collaborate with any of these American bands?
Kyo: Certainly.
Samantha: Your longtime fans will remember when you used to adopt a
more visually avant garde appearance – 'visual kei'. What prompted you
to step away from the 'visual kei' label?
Kyo: I don’t really understand the notion of ‘visual kei’ but we
haven’t changed what we were doing before and what we’re presently
doing.
Samantha: If you could describe your sound and style now, how would you?
Kyo: You’ll understand if you watch the shows and listen to the CDs.
Samantha: Your music has transcended cultural borders and language
barriers, is there any region in the world that you have yet to tour but
would like to and why?
Kyo: I don’t really know where we’re going till the day of travel and
I don’t really care much. In Japan or abroad, I don’t really know where
I’ve been so far so I don’t really care.
Samantha: What are you plans post tour?
Kyo: Next January we have a new single release and our biggest show at Japan Budokan in March.
Samantha: Any final words for Toronto fans before the show?
Kyo: Last time I was in Canada, I took a shower at the venue where we
were playing and the hot water ran out. I washed my head with cold
water. Have you guys experienced something similar? I’ll go to Canada
hoping that your answer is “no.”
- See more at: http://lithiummagazine.com/interview-kyo-dir-en-grey-%E2%80%93-september-26-2013#sthash.8mtSLnJD.dpuf
Japanese
avant garde metallers Dir En Grey have proven time and again that you
don't need to sing in English to be recognized throughout the world.
Having played for a sold out crowd at the Phoenix back in 2011, the guys
are back for a show at the Opera House on November 14th, this time with
French metal unit Dagoba. The past year came with its share of ups and
downs for the band including a period of time where lead vocalist Kyo
was hospitalized for damage to his vocal chords. Now, back on the road
for their Ghoul tour, Kyo took a moment to answer a few questions
regarding the current tour, new projects, his recent ailment, and the
possibility of collaborations with American rockers.
Samantha: Last time I spoke with Shinya from Dir En Grey it was in December of 2011, what has the band been up to since then?
Kyo: Entering 2012, we did a show at Osaka Jo Hall that was the
compilation of “UROBOROS.” As for the band, we’re the same old DEG.
Samantha: I understand you've released a new EP, The Unraveling. Can you tell me more about it?
Kyo: We put in the same effort we do when we produce a full album to
reconstruct songs from our previous ones into the new EP. In the fancy
(deluxe) version of the Japanese release we recorded the song “Macabre”
which ended up to be 5 minutes longer than intended. Unfortunately, it’s
unavailable overseas. The present DEG is satisfied with the other songs
as well.
Samantha: Any plans for your next studio album?
Kyo: We’re coming out with a new single next January. It’d be cool if we could release an album following the single.
Samantha: And you're playing in Toronto at the Opera House on November 14, what can Toronto fans expect for the show?
Kyo: I hate to disappoint expectations, so I’d like them not to expect anything.
Samantha: You have French metal band Dagoba opening for you this tour. What has it been like playing with them?
Kyo: I don’t really know down to the nitty-gritty stuff, but I want to enliven the crowd together with them.
Samantha: Reading up on the ‘what's been happening’ with Dir En Grey
in the past few years, I understand that you were diagnosed with vocal
nodule dysphonia last year. How are you doing now?
Kyo: I was hospitalized and treated with medicine when it happened. Recently I’ve been my usual self.
Samantha: Any Dir En Grey fan understands the effort and energy that
all of you put into your music and performance on a daily basis, what do
you guys do to prevent exhaustion or burning out?
Kyo: Not thinking of what’s to come ahead.
Samantha: You've all been with Dir En Grey since 1997, that's just
over 15 years. Many other metal bands have come in gone in that period
of time or have had drastic line up changes. What do you think has kept
all the members together for so long?
Kyo: Not talking.
Samantha: Have any of you done or have considered side projects?
Kyo: Almost all of us have been involved on some kind of side project. Personally, I published 2 photo albums in June.
Samantha: On your Facebook page, listed under your influences are
some pretty noteworthy American bands like Nine Inch Nails, Smashing
Pumpkins, Pantera and Radiohead, do you ever feel any pressure to do
more to appeal to American or European fans, for instance performing in
English?
Kyo: I’ve once been told that we wouldn’t be able to air on American
radio without English lyrics, but ultimately they aired us with Japanese
lyrics. I haven’t felt pressure since then.
Samantha: Would you ever collaborate with any of these American bands?
Kyo: Certainly.
Samantha: Your longtime fans will remember when you used to adopt a
more visually avant garde appearance – 'visual kei'. What prompted you
to step away from the 'visual kei' label?
Kyo: I don’t really understand the notion of ‘visual kei’ but we
haven’t changed what we were doing before and what we’re presently
doing.
Samantha: If you could describe your sound and style now, how would you?
Kyo: You’ll understand if you watch the shows and listen to the CDs.
Samantha: Your music has transcended cultural borders and language
barriers, is there any region in the world that you have yet to tour but
would like to and why?
Kyo: I don’t really know where we’re going till the day of travel and
I don’t really care much. In Japan or abroad, I don’t really know where
I’ve been so far so I don’t really care.
Samantha: What are you plans post tour?
Kyo: Next January we have a new single release and our biggest show at Japan Budokan in March.
Samantha: Any final words for Toronto fans before the show?
Kyo: Last time I was in Canada, I took a shower at the venue where we
were playing and the hot water ran out. I washed my head with cold
water. Have you guys experienced something similar? I’ll go to Canada
hoping that your answer is “no.”
- See more at: http://lithiummagazine.com/interview-kyo-dir-en-grey-%E2%80%93-september-26-2013#sthash.8mtSLnJD.dpuf
Japanese
avant garde metallers Dir En Grey have proven time and again that you
don't need to sing in English to be recognized throughout the world.
Having played for a sold out crowd at the Phoenix back in 2011, the guys
are back for a show at the Opera House on November 14th, this time with
French metal unit Dagoba. The past year came with its share of ups and
downs for the band including a period of time where lead vocalist Kyo
was hospitalized for damage to his vocal chords. Now, back on the road
for their Ghoul tour, Kyo took a moment to answer a few questions
regarding the current tour, new projects, his recent ailment, and the
possibility of collaborations with American rockers.
Samantha: Last time I spoke with Shinya from Dir En Grey it was in December of 2011, what has the band been up to since then?
Kyo: Entering 2012, we did a show at Osaka Jo Hall that was the
compilation of “UROBOROS.” As for the band, we’re the same old DEG.
Samantha: I understand you've released a new EP, The Unraveling. Can you tell me more about it?
Kyo: We put in the same effort we do when we produce a full album to
reconstruct songs from our previous ones into the new EP. In the fancy
(deluxe) version of the Japanese release we recorded the song “Macabre”
which ended up to be 5 minutes longer than intended. Unfortunately, it’s
unavailable overseas. The present DEG is satisfied with the other songs
as well.
Samantha: Any plans for your next studio album?
Kyo: We’re coming out with a new single next January. It’d be cool if we could release an album following the single.
Samantha: And you're playing in Toronto at the Opera House on November 14, what can Toronto fans expect for the show?
Kyo: I hate to disappoint expectations, so I’d like them not to expect anything.
Samantha: You have French metal band Dagoba opening for you this tour. What has it been like playing with them?
Kyo: I don’t really know down to the nitty-gritty stuff, but I want to enliven the crowd together with them.
Samantha: Reading up on the ‘what's been happening’ with Dir En Grey
in the past few years, I understand that you were diagnosed with vocal
nodule dysphonia last year. How are you doing now?
Kyo: I was hospitalized and treated with medicine when it happened. Recently I’ve been my usual self.
Samantha: Any Dir En Grey fan understands the effort and energy that
all of you put into your music and performance on a daily basis, what do
you guys do to prevent exhaustion or burning out?
Kyo: Not thinking of what’s to come ahead.
Samantha: You've all been with Dir En Grey since 1997, that's just
over 15 years. Many other metal bands have come in gone in that period
of time or have had drastic line up changes. What do you think has kept
all the members together for so long?
Kyo: Not talking.
Samantha: Have any of you done or have considered side projects?
Kyo: Almost all of us have been involved on some kind of side project. Personally, I published 2 photo albums in June.
Samantha: On your Facebook page, listed under your influences are
some pretty noteworthy American bands like Nine Inch Nails, Smashing
Pumpkins, Pantera and Radiohead, do you ever feel any pressure to do
more to appeal to American or European fans, for instance performing in
English?
Kyo: I’ve once been told that we wouldn’t be able to air on American
radio without English lyrics, but ultimately they aired us with Japanese
lyrics. I haven’t felt pressure since then.
Samantha: Would you ever collaborate with any of these American bands?
Kyo: Certainly.
Samantha: Your longtime fans will remember when you used to adopt a
more visually avant garde appearance – 'visual kei'. What prompted you
to step away from the 'visual kei' label?
Kyo: I don’t really understand the notion of ‘visual kei’ but we
haven’t changed what we were doing before and what we’re presently
doing.
Samantha: If you could describe your sound and style now, how would you?
Kyo: You’ll understand if you watch the shows and listen to the CDs.
Samantha: Your music has transcended cultural borders and language
barriers, is there any region in the world that you have yet to tour but
would like to and why?
Kyo: I don’t really know where we’re going till the day of travel and
I don’t really care much. In Japan or abroad, I don’t really know where
I’ve been so far so I don’t really care.
Samantha: What are you plans post tour?
Kyo: Next January we have a new single release and our biggest show at Japan Budokan in March.
Samantha: Any final words for Toronto fans before the show?
Kyo: Last time I was in Canada, I took a shower at the venue where we
were playing and the hot water ran out. I washed my head with cold
water. Have you guys experienced something similar? I’ll go to Canada
hoping that your answer is “no.”
- See more at: http://lithiummagazine.com/interview-kyo-dir-en-grey-%E2%80%93-september-26-2013#sthash.8mtSLnJD.dpuf
