The Underneath Interview!
Tuesday, July 29th 2008
the Underneath "Moon Flower" Item Info＿Could you introduce your band to HMV online users?
For the past 11 years we were working under the name TRANSTIC NERVE, but we changed it earlier on this year to start anew. Now we are looking to extend our base offshore as well. Our goal is to create a truly unique sound that is heavy, powerful and rocking but with very sensitive, Japanese feel to the melodies.
＿Congratulations on the announcement of the release of your new album "MOON FLOWER" in Japan. How did you feel when you completed the album recording?
Creating this album was at the same time about creating the Underneath. The recording took place in a short span of time but it was very intense. I think we managed to squeeze out the sound that could only emerge at this timing - starting off this new band. It is very fresh and dynamic sound-wise. Would be great if lots of people have chance to listen to it.
＿"MOON FLOWER" obviously is the first title for the Underneath. What was the concept of the album?
Well first and foremost we wanted to make the most of our melodies and the tone of Japanese lyrics. On top of that each of us had our favourite type of sound - in terms of dynamics and arrangements - so we adopted it. At the end of the day it's all down to whether we find the sound cool or not, and for that matter we managed to spew out all we've got on the album.
＿What exactly is your intention behind the title "MOON FLOWER"?
In our lyrics there are a lot of words like "flowers" and "the moon", those that are calm but convey a strong sense of life, so that's where the title derived from. MOON FLOWER is actually the Japanese "yu gao" flower but that has nothing to do with this title.
＿The Japanese edition contains 11 songs including the bonus track - each of the songs has its own character and is very strong. Can you pick up one particular song that you are most keen on?
The lead single is "GEKKOH" but personally I am particularly partial to the song called "WOMB IS PLANET". I think the lyrics and the sound match well together in this track. I would like our listeners to read the lyrics and feel what they mean.
＿You were selected as a Japanese representative to tour with a big, across-America loud rock fest "Rockster Taste of Chaos 2008" and played 34 shows on the tour. What did you reckon about the whole tour?
I had the time of my life on the American tour, not only as an artist but as a human being I had wonderful experiences one after another. Lots of Japanese bands have been out there in the States these days, but we were one of the luckiest to have been able to be on such a huge tour with so many non-Japanese bands. I want to make the most of the experience in my music and my life. It would also be great if we can tour other countries than America - to see many different people.
＿ At the "Hide Memorial Summit" you played your first-ever show in Japan. The show must have been a special occasion for you - as you had special thoughts about Hide, had chance to play with other bands and got to play a show for the first time in Japan. Could you tell us how you felt at the event?
We've had chance to participate in lots of events related to Hide-san, but I've never seen anything like the "memorial summit" - where so many artists and fans gathered together to share the love of Hide the artist. It was fairly moving to say the least. Hide-san still lives on in our hearts, and we felt really happy to spend time to share our feelings about Hide with such a lot of people. Also it was the first event in Japan for us to take part in, so it was sort of an occasion for us to show our determination of starting off the Underneath to Hide who must be in heaven. We want to be a band that Hide-san would think "Oh yeah they are a bit of alright!".
＿Are there any artists that you like or interested in recently?
Maximum the Hormone, who also played at the Hide Memorial.
＿Could you give us the names of the titles or artists who had huge influence on your music?
SEX PISTOLS were really shocking. If it's naff, hype or bluff or whatever, it just doesn't matter. That's what rock n' roll is all about you know. And I still feel the same.
＿What's your plan ahead?
We will be playing lots of events for the time being, to show our stage to as many people as possible. If you're interested you should go and check our website for our info.
＿Finally could you give your message to HMV online users?
I'm Taka, the vocalist from the Underneath. We are just starters but we want to spread out our music - our own unique music that no one's ever heard. We want to show however you look, or whether it's international or domestic, good music is good music. So check it out.
＿Thank you very much for your time!
With HMV Original Novelty! Check the following link for details! *Please be advised the novelty/initial limited edition is available in limited quantities.
the Underneath "Moon Flower" Item Info