So-net Music: ONE OK ROCK Interview [POWER PUSH！]
Article: http://music.blog.so-net.ne.jp/powerpush08_087
Comment: http://www.so-net.ne.jp/music/powerpush/081112music_power_oneokrock.asx
ONE OK ROCK who just released their second album in may, "BEAM OF LIGHT", are already releasing their 3rd album "Kanjou Effect" soon. Pushing forth with this album, by the completion they were insistant that this album be both emo and loud, expressing real emotion with serious lyrics too is excellence. They've set a pace of 3 albums in only one year and a half since their major debut. Some feel that it may be a little too hasty. Even still, the quality of each disc continues to rise up. However, without being satisfied with their present state, they continue to try to raise the bar for themselves. Soon nobody will be able to stop ONE OK ROCK...
- During an exchange with other bands, various things were learned.
Taka (Vo/Photograph left) : "BEAM OF LIGHT" was the tour to follow up the release. The goal was to "raise awareness of the live performance" in our own way. Even if we felt out lives weren't up to 100% just yet. I think the result was decent. I was glad that there were more guys in the audience. Of course we're glad the girls come too. It's just that seeing the same gender is encouraging for us.
Toru (Vo.G/Photograph second from right) : Well, the tour at that time was not a one-man, it was a taiban1 tour, and was good as a result. Various bands perform together, it feels different each time. I take that kind of stimulus in a positive way.
Ryota (B/Photograph second from left) : Certainly the bands from the taiban taught me a lot of things. Hanging out with other bands, they showed me what is necessary for us to do after this. New goals and such, it all became clearer.
Tomoya (Dr/Photograph center) : I had a personal problem that challenged this tour from the start. However, it seemed to clear up just enough for me to do it. But I'm inexperienced and still have a long way to go, so I need to make a greater effort from now on.
Alex (G/Photograph right) : I felt as a live band performer I was average, or rather, I had to consider raising the level from minimum. As it is, I think I only showed that average level. But it was an important point to realize I have to get to the next level.
So-net : Comparing to all of you in the past, would you say the motivation has increased for the band? It seems you've come to watch yourselves carefully.
Alex : All of the other bands in on the tour with us are our seniors, with great technique. And on that level, I think about the live performances not being good, I can't help but to be severe.
Taka : Seriously, we're fighting with real swords2. Plus, we've had more oppertunities to play in larger venues recently. We can't do it half-heartedly. However, having been given such an environment, I think we should be pleased. And let these lessons carry us forward.
- Its the emotional sound that is now garnering the most interest.
Toru : Yes. Before now the melodies were more POP oriented. Now we have a sound that I really like and have really wanted to do. Is this a sound that really harnesses all of our best talents? And I really had to think about what "emo" is. Also about creating a sound. The steps of making the framework of this album were exactly that. We also engineered it ourselves, too.
So-net : Incidentally, the album is titled "Kanjou Effect", what kind of meaning is behind that?
Taka : The meaning of effect is "what builds up from the original foundation". For example, on the 1st ONE OK ROCK [album] "Zeitakubyou", we wanted it to be melodious with an easy to listen to type of effect. And we decided that "BEAM OF LIGHT" should have more of a live feeling type of effect. Thusly, this time emotions (emo) were the effecter, so we came to the conclusion it should be "Kanjou Effect"3. ONE OK ROCK is definitely the stem, and various sounds will bloom from it.
So-net : What would be considered the essence of ONE OK ROCK?
Taka : All of ONE OK ROCK won't change. Therefore, it won't negate the album released before it. But, it won't be a complete continuation of the album before, either. As a band, we want it to be a step to progress foward with a certain feeling. And I certainly think the sound of the band will vary over time. At least, "right now"'s ONE OK ROCK is this album, and I hope you will think it's good.
So-net : There are quite a lot of serious lyrics this time around.
Taka : The lyrical content was presented differently. The fundamental theme of of the songs remained consistent since "Zeitakubyou". However, we didn't really have any mellow songs this time. To listeners it might seem like we've taken on a more serious, stronger image.
So-net : You recently became 20 years old, did your mental state change or strengthen? The songs make it seem that way...
Taka : I don't usually pay any mind to things like age. But, when I turned 20, I felt like I had changed inside little by little somehow. To clearify, its like, as a kid you don't think liquor tastes good. It's something only an adult can enjoy. Its a change in taste. I feel similarly about this; I feel a change beginning within myself.
So-net : What changes do you feel, specifically?
Taka : Because 20 years old is considered to be an adult. But is growing up really a good thing? Is it better to deny it and keep living as you are? I've been thinking along those lines recently. It reminds me that there is still a lot I don't really know about myself (laugh). The question and conflict of "Who am I?" is reflected in this album, I feel.
- Overflowing impulse and power are our driving forces.
Toru : Just after the last album was released, we started recording new songs. We were in the studio whenever there was a a break in our touring schedule.
So-net : Such a limited amount of time for 12 new songs. Wasn't it difficult to complete and not sacrifice quality?
Alex : This time we had the framework set with the an emo theme, creating the instrument tracks went comparitively well. And then Taka wrote all of the lyrics for the songs.
Taka : Just because we were busy didn't mean we could make something we'd be ashamed of. It was intense. We had to cover a broader scope. And because we consider ourselves to be a live band, [the music] has to be good live too. This was a bit of a dilemma for me.
So-net : Still, 3 full albums in just 1 and a half years is considered a fast pace.
Alex : We intend to have even more impulse and power. As soon as one album is completed, I'm not satisfied and want to get back to work immediately on something even better. Honestly, we wanted even more of a live feeling. Maybe not so much now (laugh). But, I still really want to perform in a small live house. Of course, our present situation when many people are attending isn't bad, either. Once in a while Toru calls the live houses himself, and it makes me remember back when we did the booking.
Toru : That's right. I still enjoy music now the same way I did back in those days. When the lives are fighting with real swords, it's a great pressure. If possible, we try to relax as much as we can at the big assembly halls, but it's still kind of mortifying.
So-net : Speaking of, the live in January will kick off a new nation-wide tour to support the new album. Can you each share your thoughts about it?
Toru : This tour will be lengthy, how much can the band grow in that time? I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I'll prepare to give all my effort from the first day, please expect it.
Ryota : Because this is a one-man tour, unlike last time, not just strength but technique must be developed. I'm always tired by the second half (laugh). I'll do my best to work on that.
Tomoya : Since we haven't had a complete one-man tour before, I'm looking forward to it. I plan on the lives being better than ever before. Hopefully [you all] can come out and see us.
Alex : "Kaimu" and "CONVINCING" are the only ones played live yet, so there is pressure about the rest of the new songs. Therefore, I'll give it nothing but my best effort.
Taka : I said before that we ideally wanted to be a cool band in another interview, and I feel like we've finally reached the starting point for that. At this time we'll carry on, and I think you'll absolutely be able to enjoy the live. Everyone, please wait for us!
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Notes:
1. "Taiban" is a type of concert or tour where there are multiple bands each night.
2. "Fighting with real swords" seems to be a common phrase that means "game played in real earnest". I can't really find a good English counterpart for it. In sword fighting you practice with wooden swords/sticks. So when you are fighting with the real weapon you are not only expected to be at a certain level with your craft, but, essentially, in a real fight. Same goes for them at this point in their careers. I honestly don't know if it has any more relevance than that.
3. I'm going to assume not everyone knows what Kanjou means. Just in case. Kanjou is the word for feelings/emotion.
Corrections are muchly appreciated. I'm new at this and doing it for the practice.