Galneryus (Producer interview) WeRock 025 translation
I forgot I translated this along with the band's interview =x So here's the take of RESURRECTION and PHOENIX RISING from Mr. Yorimasa Hisatake:
Q: From the perspective of a producer, was there anything particular in this album (Phoenix Rising) that you wanted to do?
H: Galneryus sure seems to have surpassed the standard of their previous work this time. This band truly has a lot of musical variety. To say it as such, the guys have many different musical personalities. Initially after having 2 members out of 5 leave, as a new lineup, we thought of narrowing our focus but this time, I think it was a good move to capitalize on the members' musical variety.
Q: Compared to the previous works, do you think there were any differences in the members' progress?
H: This time we have a really good combination of musicians who were more in sync with each other. In my opinion, though the previous works also have their special points, I felt that the band's musical potential was not fully exploited and communicated. But from the experience of the previous two tour events, I feel that this process is starting to take shape. Especially after considering the potential of each and every member, I feel that the band is more able to take on things such as more sophisticated phrases and reach an even higher level (laughs). Therefore the current members are able to produce something which is of surpassing skill, and in terms of the band's character... at this stage I'm certain that they are at the most collectively motivated stage? And I think that reflects well to this current work. Probably that's the main difference if you compare this present work to their past ones. Even though my focus was on the general direction of recording, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at Taka's sense of bass groove.
Q:Was there any trouble encountered during the making of this album?
H: In terms of the previous work “RESURRECTION”, every aspect was deemed very well done? Not just RESURRECTION but all the previous works before that, I believe that its “the best work that the band, in that time and circumstance could do”, but saying it this way, now I honestly get a bit confused. Of course, RESURRECTION and the previous works deserve the high evaluation they got and I remember that so much passion and hard work has been put into them. But this time, I was really able to feel a personal sense of achievement with the band for PHOENIX RISING. However, saying it like that, it’s like I suddenly went up 3 steps, but that’s the kind of feeling I have regarding the band’s rise of standard (laughs). So, frankly, I am thinking “can this band ever become better?~” (laughs). However, to say it selfishly, this time also, we had the hardest time and we were all exhausted. It was more about fighting “invisible pressures”.
Q: In that light, what would you say is the appeal point of this work?
H: If Galneryus were to stop activities immediately, perhaps this is the point where they would have gotten the most notice for their work? During the songwriting stage, I’ll often discuss things like “where should we take the direction of the music” with Syu. Then when that is decided, the feel of the songs, arranging and recording is done by everyone and naturally the whole picture falls into place. So as it turned out this time, while still retaining the root of our sound, after listening to this work I feel that I can proudly say that PHOENIX RISING has a refreshing artistic quality to it. Although following in the footsteps of our previous works, new challenges have emerged and one of those was how not to confuse our listeners. It’s about not repeating the same formula as our previous works but also not being carried away by the thrill of trying something new (laughs). Well, that also meant that I had to adopt a new understanding that when you are in “condition critical” stage, you go “turbo” (laughs). But that being said, taking this new direction also produces the most hardship!
Q: In your opinion, what kind of rock fans would like to listen to this album (PHOENIX RISING)?
H: Of course everyone who calls themselves a rock fan! In addition, probably, people who do not usually listen to Galneryus may even want to give this album a try because there is a chance that, due to the quality of the melodies, the songs might just be able to touch their heartstrings. There will be people who thought like me when I was younger, saying stuff like “if it’s not metal, it’s not music” and people who think more like myself at present where I’m like “music of any genre is alright ~ trying to classify everything into genres isn’t necessary”. And there would be some who would go “metal? What’s that?”. However, I am proud to say to everyone that PHOENIX RISING is an album of high quality! In terms of both policy and popularity, it’s an album that works successfully.
Q: And the best listening point is...?
H: Of course it goes without saying that this work follows in the footsteps of the previous work’s progress on developing on a new axis. Although I do think our previous works were innovative, this time we really let the creativity go free. I think the results in that direction, left everyone, including myself, without any doubt that this is the right point to go into. Come on, I’ll say its fresh (laughs).
Q: How about a bit more on the high points and low points of each member?
H: These guys are not only on the same level as some of the world’s greatest musicians but they’re also, my closest friends! I can’t imagine any other member line up than these guys. Everyone now carries with them mutual respect and, yup, I could say they are sworn mates. And I don’t think they are those types who have inflated egos… all in all, I would say they’re a dream team.
Q: In light of the current music scene, where would you place Galneryus as a band?
H: If I could put it this way, I’ll say that they are on progress to carving out a unique identity. But in terms of musicianship, maybe I could say that they rate much higher? (laughs) I believe the existence of this band is becoming something really valuable!
Q: Lastly, what challenges to you think the band has to face in the future?
H: This band has to, of course, on the musical front, continue to produce music that people would want to listen to and I am proud to say that Syu almost always get my back on that. In the near future, we would be releasing info on recording a tie-up that we were working on at from the end of last year. With this, I think I have talked deservingly about the growth of this band and from now on, please look forward to our future work!
Haha that's all for now! Hmm... IMO.... Not sure if idealistic/ ate too much chocolates and hence too happy/ marketing stunt/ if they are really happy to the point of puking rainbows. Hope to be able to work on more translation stuff soon =x
Q: From the perspective of a producer, was there anything particular in this album (Phoenix Rising) that you wanted to do?
H: Galneryus sure seems to have surpassed the standard of their previous work this time. This band truly has a lot of musical variety. To say it as such, the guys have many different musical personalities. Initially after having 2 members out of 5 leave, as a new lineup, we thought of narrowing our focus but this time, I think it was a good move to capitalize on the members' musical variety.
Q: Compared to the previous works, do you think there were any differences in the members' progress?
H: This time we have a really good combination of musicians who were more in sync with each other. In my opinion, though the previous works also have their special points, I felt that the band's musical potential was not fully exploited and communicated. But from the experience of the previous two tour events, I feel that this process is starting to take shape. Especially after considering the potential of each and every member, I feel that the band is more able to take on things such as more sophisticated phrases and reach an even higher level (laughs). Therefore the current members are able to produce something which is of surpassing skill, and in terms of the band's character... at this stage I'm certain that they are at the most collectively motivated stage? And I think that reflects well to this current work. Probably that's the main difference if you compare this present work to their past ones. Even though my focus was on the general direction of recording, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at Taka's sense of bass groove.
Q:Was there any trouble encountered during the making of this album?
H: In terms of the previous work “RESURRECTION”, every aspect was deemed very well done? Not just RESURRECTION but all the previous works before that, I believe that its “the best work that the band, in that time and circumstance could do”, but saying it this way, now I honestly get a bit confused. Of course, RESURRECTION and the previous works deserve the high evaluation they got and I remember that so much passion and hard work has been put into them. But this time, I was really able to feel a personal sense of achievement with the band for PHOENIX RISING. However, saying it like that, it’s like I suddenly went up 3 steps, but that’s the kind of feeling I have regarding the band’s rise of standard (laughs). So, frankly, I am thinking “can this band ever become better?~” (laughs). However, to say it selfishly, this time also, we had the hardest time and we were all exhausted. It was more about fighting “invisible pressures”.
Q: In that light, what would you say is the appeal point of this work?
H: If Galneryus were to stop activities immediately, perhaps this is the point where they would have gotten the most notice for their work? During the songwriting stage, I’ll often discuss things like “where should we take the direction of the music” with Syu. Then when that is decided, the feel of the songs, arranging and recording is done by everyone and naturally the whole picture falls into place. So as it turned out this time, while still retaining the root of our sound, after listening to this work I feel that I can proudly say that PHOENIX RISING has a refreshing artistic quality to it. Although following in the footsteps of our previous works, new challenges have emerged and one of those was how not to confuse our listeners. It’s about not repeating the same formula as our previous works but also not being carried away by the thrill of trying something new (laughs). Well, that also meant that I had to adopt a new understanding that when you are in “condition critical” stage, you go “turbo” (laughs). But that being said, taking this new direction also produces the most hardship!
Q: In your opinion, what kind of rock fans would like to listen to this album (PHOENIX RISING)?
H: Of course everyone who calls themselves a rock fan! In addition, probably, people who do not usually listen to Galneryus may even want to give this album a try because there is a chance that, due to the quality of the melodies, the songs might just be able to touch their heartstrings. There will be people who thought like me when I was younger, saying stuff like “if it’s not metal, it’s not music” and people who think more like myself at present where I’m like “music of any genre is alright ~ trying to classify everything into genres isn’t necessary”. And there would be some who would go “metal? What’s that?”. However, I am proud to say to everyone that PHOENIX RISING is an album of high quality! In terms of both policy and popularity, it’s an album that works successfully.
Q: And the best listening point is...?
H: Of course it goes without saying that this work follows in the footsteps of the previous work’s progress on developing on a new axis. Although I do think our previous works were innovative, this time we really let the creativity go free. I think the results in that direction, left everyone, including myself, without any doubt that this is the right point to go into. Come on, I’ll say its fresh (laughs).
Q: How about a bit more on the high points and low points of each member?
H: These guys are not only on the same level as some of the world’s greatest musicians but they’re also, my closest friends! I can’t imagine any other member line up than these guys. Everyone now carries with them mutual respect and, yup, I could say they are sworn mates. And I don’t think they are those types who have inflated egos… all in all, I would say they’re a dream team.
Q: In light of the current music scene, where would you place Galneryus as a band?
H: If I could put it this way, I’ll say that they are on progress to carving out a unique identity. But in terms of musicianship, maybe I could say that they rate much higher? (laughs) I believe the existence of this band is becoming something really valuable!
Q: Lastly, what challenges to you think the band has to face in the future?
H: This band has to, of course, on the musical front, continue to produce music that people would want to listen to and I am proud to say that Syu almost always get my back on that. In the near future, we would be releasing info on recording a tie-up that we were working on at from the end of last year. With this, I think I have talked deservingly about the growth of this band and from now on, please look forward to our future work!
Haha that's all for now! Hmm... IMO.... Not sure if idealistic/ ate too much chocolates and hence too happy/ marketing stunt/ if they are really happy to the point of puking rainbows. Hope to be able to work on more translation stuff soon =x