Archive for the ‘Otakon 2009’ Category

IW @ Otakon – Wakeshima Kanon Interview (Day 2)

By Nicole in Otakon 2009 on July 27, 2009

My interview with singer and cello player Wakeshima Kanon was definitely the most nervewracking part of Otakon. Not only was I nervous about sitting down with a musician that I was a fan of–I had the same jitters with BECCA, too–I had just seen Kanon in concert only a few hours prior, and had rewritten almost half my questions afterwards so I would avoid repetition. (I mean, I’m sure everyone asked “how did you start playing the cello?”… a question she pretty much answered during a concert MC.) I was also worried about somehow offending her, or her translator, or pronouncing something wrong, or… you get the idea.

But… despite Kanon certainly being tired, the interview went very smoothly. She was very sweet and polite, and answered all my questions thoughtfully, without hesitation. I am extremely grateful to the Otakon staff, and to Sony, for allowing me to represent International Wota for this interview. I hope everyone enjoys reading it, because I certainly enjoyed conducting it!

Legend: P = pengie, K/T: Kanon via translator, K = Kanon without translator.

P: I’d like to start by asking what your favorite part of today’s concert was.

K/T: This was my first time performing in America. It was great to see the audience here, especially with all the cute cosplayers that [showed] up.

P: Is this your first visit to America, and are you excited about visiting California next?

K/T: Yes, it’s the first time. I haven’t yet been to [Los Angeles or San Francisco], so I’m looking forward to it.

P: How did you meet your producer, Mana?

otakon_kanon1K/T: It was through an audition. I performed with my cello, and produced a demo tape. Then Mana-sama saw a video of me performing. At the time, he was already planning on a female project, and that’s how–through the video, that’s how I got started.

P: Why did you choose a classical style of music, as opposed to rock or pop? Are you interesting in experimenting with different styles in the future?

K/T: I’ve been playing the cello since I was three, and started with a classical style, so that’s what I’m used to–it’s comfortable. (laughter) Right now, I think my songs are a mix of pop and classical. I don’t have a backing band, so that would be nice to experiment with later on.

P: In one of the songs you performed at the concert, “L’espoir~Mahou no Akai Ito~”, there are two [stanzas] performed in French. And you also spoke English during the MC portions. Are you interested in learning French or English, or any other language?

K/T: I was trying my best with the French and the English during the MCs. I practiced a lot. (laughs a little) For communicating with this interview, or with staff members, or fans, I would love to speak in English.

P: Now, a more personal question… What are your favorite bands or musicians?

K/T: For Japanese, it’s Kojima Mayumi. She’s a jazz singer. For American, Lady Gaga. I like her fashion and music. And for French, it’s Emilie Simon.

Translator: You know of Kojima Mayumi?

P: Yes.

Translator: (relates this to Kanon)

K/T: (surprised) How do you know Kojima Mayumi?

P: She had a song on a Nintendo commercial, actually, a number of years ago…

Translator: (tells Kanon)

K: (thoughtfully, starts humming) … (suddenly) kodomotachi–

Translator: Where the kids are playing and running around?

P: Yes! (laughs)

K: (claps her hands happily, laughing)

P: I don’t remember the name of the song, but that was it! [ed. note--the song is actually called "Hatsukoi"--I remembered it five minutes after the interview. I was kicking myself for a while, but Kanon did hum the right one!]

Translator: Great.

P: Okay. The first line in the song “still doll” is “Hi Miss Alice.” Is there a story behind this song [that relates to this lyric]?

K: Sou desu ne… (speaks for approximately two and a half minutes.)

Translator: (pauses) … um …

K: … gomen nasai!!

P: (laughing)

Translator: I’m just trying to think where to start… Well, you know the story of Alice in Wonderland. So that’s where “Miss Alice” is from–that world. [Kanon] is trying to express that wondering through that world. I don’t know if you’ve seen the music video, but the girl in it feels a sort of emptiness, and is trying to express that through [a] doll. She is trying to be more human. [ed. note--He got most of it. :) ]

P: Okay! At the concert, you mentioned that the cello you were using is named Mikazuki. Do you have more than one cello, and do they all have names?

otakon_kanon2K/T: I have three. The one I’ve always used for recording, and practicing, is named Yaeharu. The other, which I used in “still doll,” and for lives [photoshoots?], is Nanachie.

P: (not hearing it) Nanachi… Nanachiru?

K: Nanachie. Chi, e.

P: (laughing) Okay.

K/T: Mikazuki is the one I brought in today.

P: In your picture diary online, you post a number of original drawings, and you have an art exhibit coming up. Have you ever given any thought to publishing an artbook, or even becoming an illustrator for comic books?

K/T: There’s nothing planned yet. But I’d like to have something printed soon.

P: Your art is very good.

K: (in English) Thank you.

P: Okay, last question. Is there a particular message you would like to give to your international fans?

K/T: “I’m Wakeshima Kanon.” I hope you enjoy my songs more and more. Please listen to my album, if you haven’t, and view my blog–

K: (interjecting) nikki?

Translator: Yes, diary, rather.

K/T: … I would like it if more people would be able to view Wakeshima Kanon as an artist–not just for music, but as a more diverse person.

P: Thank you very much!

Very special thanks to Sony Music’s Takahashi Ryu for acting as translator for Kanon!

The concert images above were provided by Dave Wujcik, copyright © by Otakorp Inc., 2009. Used with permission.

This interview is copyright © Nicole Utz for International Wota, 2009. Reposting of this interview (or Otakorp’s concert photos) on other websites not permitted.

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IW @ Otakon – BECCA Interview (Day 2)

By Nicole in Otakon 2009, Rock on July 26, 2009

On the second day of Otakon, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit down with BECCA. Despite being born and raised in the United States, BECCA has become a Japanese phenomenon. Her first album, ALIVE!!, was released in 2008; she is currently working on a second release, which will include some Japanese lyrics. Wanna know more about her? Check out this interview  for some interesting facts!

Legend: P = pengie, B = BECCA. No translation involved!

P: Just to start things off, when did you realize that you wanted to be a musician? Was it at a very young age, or…?

B: It was at a very young age… you know, I was making up melodies from when I was two years old, and I think it was something I knew I always wanted to do, because it was always present in my life. My dad’s side of the family was very musical theatre-esque, and they would sing to me all the time, and that inspired me.

binterview3P: And was being considered a Japanese artist, or on a Japanese record label, part of the plan, or was that just what came up?

B: It really came up. We always thought it would be a cool opportunity if I was able to go to Japan, that I would fit well with the market–I have the same kinds of fashion tastes, and things like that. So it was a really wonderful thing that we could figure that out.

P: Were you an anime or a manga fan prior to the career?

B: I had heard of it; my brothers used to watch [anime] but I had never gone into it myself until I knew I was going out to Japan. I really wanted to immerse myself in it, so I went to a comic book store, and asked what the big manga were there. They gave me Death Note and Fruits Basket and things like that, and it was really cool. So now I’m definitely a fan. (laughing)

P: (laughing) Alright. So have you spent a lot of time in Japan, or… are you going to both countries 50/50, or do you spend more time in America?

B: It’s interesting, last year I went [to Japan] five times… and this year, I haven’t gone yet, but I will be going, like… in a week, and I’ll be going two more times this year… so far! So it’s pretty cool.

P: The question I had about your album… All of your songs on [ALIVE!!] are in English. Do you think that puts a barrier there, for the Japanese audience, or do you think they’re able to understand what you mean in each of your songs?

B: Yeah, the thing is… in Japan, somebody over there told me that if they can’t understand your lyrics, they’ll still listen to your music, and judge how your music sounds, and that’s another reason why they might like you. Surprisingly enough, a lot of people do know my lyrics over there, and I think a lot of Japanese people do know English–more so than English people knowing Japanese. So… I’m actually going to be singing in Japanese in the future, so that’ll be [muffled].

P: Yeah! I saw there was, with the ALIVE!! album, there was a booklet in there that had [your] lyrics translated into Japanese. So…

B: Yeah!

P: That could definitely help them understand things.

B: Yeah, definitely! I think it’s great that we could do that.

P: Was there anything in particular that inspired the songs on your album? Do all of them have a personal meaning, or do just some of them have a personal meaning?

B: Honestly, they all have personal meaning. I’m never going to sing anything that I don’t really connect to, or that doesn’t inspire me… You know, all of my songs are written from personal experiences, or [are] stories I just want to tell, and… so they all come from me.

binterview2P: Okay. One of the questions that the readers at [IW] submitted… It was asked if you were interested in trying to break into the American market, or if you were interested in just releasing music in Japan–not necessarily in Japanese, but… if you were interested in continuing in Japan, and then trying for America as well?

B: Yeah! This year, we’re focusing a lot on the US, and trying to figure out ways to promote ourselves here, and different venues to do, things like that. So definitely… I mean, America’s my home, and it would be the best if I could come here–break into the market here. I’m just so happy for the success I’ve had in Japan so far, and I love going there, and I feel like I owe Japan… my life (laughing) … So, we’re definitely going to continue releasing music… My second album will be coming out [in Japan] very soon–

P: Really?

B: Yeah! So, I’m definitely going to continue [over there].

P: Okay! Great. Kind of along the same lines, there are actually a lot of independent bands in Japan with lyrics in English, and… kind of like you said, their lyrics might not be understood, but the Japanese people may listen to them and [get it?]. But do you think it’s possible for a Japanese artist to come over [to America] and release music in Japanese, and still have the same reaction?

B: I think it would be… just because the US is so big, and so spread out, I think that it would be big in a certain scene. [But] I kind of think it’s important for people to speak English, if they’re coming over… just because some Americans just don’t understand the Japanese culture. But you know, for things like this–for Otakon, obviously they’d be massive… It just kind of depends. I think it has to be the right way, but you never know!

P: Okay, that makes sense. So… do you ever read any fansites, or blogs, or reviews of your material online? Do you have any particular thoughts about them, and do you ever respond to them?

B: If somebody e-mails me [through] my Myspace, I’ll definitely respond to them like that. But if it’s a Youtube comment or something, I won’t respond to that. If it’s negative, I’m just like… “whatever!” I actually like to see what people think of me, and their perceptions, because it gives me a better idea of how I’m coming off, you know? So it’s always really interesting… I never really take it to heart. I will… the nice things, I’ll be like “oh, that’s so amazing, that’s so good,” but the negative things, I just… “oh.” Everyone should have their own opinions; I think it’s cool that people feel comfortable enough to even say what they think. (pausing, then laughing)

binterview1P: (laughing) Okay, so kind of a personal question… Who are your favorite musicans or bands, Japanese or English or… really, just in general? Do you have a list… ? (laughing)

B: Yeah! (laughing) Oh, man, there’s a big one, I’ll try to shorten it. I would say, for Japanese, I really like Tsuchiya Anna. She’s a cool, very cool person over there, and I would like to… at least for Japan, model my [way?] a little like her. I think she’s great. And then, for the US, I would say… I love Blue October, a lot of screamo hardcore stuff… (laughing) That’s just for fun, obviously not influences (laughing again) … But… He Is Legend, Killswitch Engage… are some of my top favorites, I think they’re great. And you know, I love listening to Garbage, I actually listen to their albums over and over again; Shirley Manson is a huge influence on me. And… Cyndi Lauper, Heart, Joan Jett, The Pretenders… I just love listening to that stuff.

P: Okay! And you did mention you were working on your second album… Is there a general impression you can give us? What can we expect from it? Will it be the same kind of rock material, all in English, or will there be some Japanese mixed in?

B: I am singing Japanese on… a couple of the songs. And I would say that [the album is] definitely more mature, the songs are more consistent. It sounds… more like one album, as opposed to the first album, where maybe there were a lot more diverse sounds, and it’s kind of different. So this next one, I’m very, very excited about, and I think it’s really a  cool direction… still BECCA, but… there’s just a little more flair to it, I suppose.

P: That sounds great! The last question I have… Is there a particular message you would like to give to your international fans, whethere they be in Japan, America, Canada, Mexico… Anything you’d like to say to anybody?

B: Well… I can’t wait to tour [in Japan], and see all of you guys. Thank you for your support, and… keep listening to music. (laughs)

This interview is copyright © Nicole Utz for International Wota, 2009. Photographs were provided by Timothy Kohler for International Wota, 2009. Reposting of this interview or concert photos on other websites is not permitted.

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IW @ Otakon – MELL Press Conference (Day 2)

By Nicole in I've Sound, Otakon 2009 on July 22, 2009

MELL’s press conference was held at the start of the second day of Otakon, and (much like the VAMPS conference) was attended only by approved members of press and some Otakon staff. MELL’s manager was also present for this event. I have tried to make this as visible as possible in my transcriptions, but MELL was in an extremely gracious, cheerful mood for the entirety of the press conference; she smiled at everyone (and even looked a bit startled) when we entered the room, and answered every question willingly. She was a delight to be around, and I have to say… I think she has gained a fan for life (lol)

This was a very long conference–my recording is over 35 minutes long! So please be forewarned that this will not be quick reading…

Legend: Q: press submitted question, M/T: MELL via translator, M: MELL without translator.

MELL: Hi~ domo arigatou~

Q: You put on a great show last night. What was your reaction to the fans that showed up… when there was one big rave basically going on, what was your reaction to that?

M/T: It really filled my heart. I was so happy about all of it that I wanted to cry, but I didn’t want the audience to think that I was sad, so it was really hard to hold it back.

Q: I know a lot of your songs [use?] English. How much English have you studied?

M/T: (MELL laughs several times during her answer) As you may or may not know, Japanese schools have this thing that they try to pass as English class. (laughter, MELL pretends to be studying and gasps “maji de?”) But even in those classes, I didn’t do too well. (more laughter) I’d get my tests back and be shocked by just how low [the grades] were. (laughter) I’ve tried to study it on my own, but it’s just so difficult.

Q: You had several very beautiful costumes last night. Do you pick them out on your own, or… how do you decide on those?

M: (says thank you?)

M/T: I was trying my best to keep pace with you guys on your cosplay. (laughter) Well, the live from last night… we took a lot of stuff from my solo live tour last year. So the set list and the costumes were all the same, and were all made for [those concerts]. I try to have my outfits express the worldview within my songs. So I work with a designer who creates the outfits for me, and I wear them in my PVs as well. (MELL suddenly adds another note) … And I wore a kimono because I knew I was coming to the US. A red kimono.

Q: You’ve done several songs for anime, and I was wondering about the process for that–do they approach you for a song, or do they just say “we wanna use one of your songs,” and… how much creative control do you have over it? Do they tell you the story of the show… what’s the process for it?

M/T: You’re absolutely right. The producer of an anime approaches us to create a song for [it]. (as the translator asks for clarification, MELL consults with her manager) So… after we get the request, Takase-san, my producer– (MELL interupts to clarify that she meant “instrumental version” for the following portion of the line, ending with a gomen nasai) … Takase-san starts writing the melody, and creates an instrumental version of the song, and I read the manga, or whatever material I have, and… I try to fit the image of the anime with the instrumental song [when] writing the lyrics.

Q: (IW Question) This is, I believe, your second time in the United States. Are you interested in returning, or touring in any other countries?

M/T: I definitely want to come back to the US again. There are many different places I still want to visit. I’ve been to LA on my own before, and I went to Texas for A-KON, and now I’m here in Baltimore for Otakon [so, three times]. Some other places in the US I’d like to visit, well… “Sex in the City” is really popular. (laughter) Everyone is watching it. (more laughter) So… I’d like to visit New York. Outside of the US… France. I’ve been to Otakon and A-KON, and I’d really like to go to AX (Anime Expo).

Q: You’ve seen your fans in the US and (Japan?)… who are your musical inspirations? Who makes you go fan-crazy?

M/T: Well…as I said in my MC last night, I’m a big fan of the band Deep Forest. Whenever they have a live in Tokyo, I fly into Tokyo from Sapporo just to go see them. I was also a big fan of Michael Jackson, and I’m a fan of American hard rock. I love Aerosmith, and… (there’s a pause as MELL struggles)

M: wake me up, anou… (singing) wake me up inside, wake me up inside… Evanescence!

Translator: … and Evanescence.

Q: I was wondering… in the future, do you have any more up-and-coming CDs planned?

M/T: I have a single planned for this year. I can’t tell you any more about that though… (laughter) Towards the end of the year, I’m going to start working on a new album. I’d like to release it late this year, or early next year, and if I can release my second album, I hope to be going on a live tour… and I hope I’ll be able to come to America as part of my live tour as well.

Q: Your band had a very good stage prescence last night. I was curious if you could tell us how you put your band together when you started to become a professional singer, and the process that was involved with that.

M: Arigatou gozaimasu, thank you!

Translator: I’m sorry, your question… “how did you choose the members for your very first band,” or “how did you choose the band from last night?”

Q: Uh… let’s go with last night for now. (laughter)

M/T: The guitar player is someone who writes music for our label, so he’s just one of the gang. (laughter) As for the other band members, we look at the people that we like, and we basically send them offers asking if they’d like to play as part of the band. If you remember the dancing guy from [last night?], on the keyboard, he was actually part of a very famous underground electronic group in Japan, called Soft Bal… Soft Balan… (MELL consults with her manager, an audience member helps her out) Soft Ballet. I was a big fan of their music, and when Soft Ballet disbanded, we asked if he would like to perform as part of my band. … and, everyone loves heavy metal. (laughter)

Q: JAM Project, the band that attended [Otakon] last year, has a yearly concert at Animelo Summer Live. How would you feel about participating in it–and, I’m not sure if you have participated in it…

M/T: I’ve never participated in Animelo… (MELL looks to her manager to confirm this, and he speaks momentarily) I work as part of I’ve, and we perform in Budoukan every year, I’ve in Budoukan. But if the opportunity comes up, I might be interested in performing [at Animelo]. It’s a strange sensation that I haven’t performed in any anime events in Japan, but I have in America, twice. Am… am I allowed to do this? (laughter)

Q: You have a bit of a rock sound, which isn’t common for female vocalists–usually females have more of a pop sound. What made you choose to go with the rock sound, and how do you fare [with it]?

M/T: (MELL laughs) I would rather sing kawaii (which the translator uses “cutesy” for) songs, I really like them better. (laughter) Well, women have many different faces… (more laughter) There’s the cutesy side to women–

M: (interrupting the translator, pointing to pengie and the two women to her right) Cutesy! (pointing to two others in the front) Cutesy! (laughing–she was apparently very amused with this word)

pengie, Press Member: … arigatou gozaimasu!

M/T: … but at the same time, there’s a fierce element to women as well. I’d like to display both sides–all those different emotions and sides in my songs. So I know my songs are [rock], but I’m actually very cute. (laughter; MELL laughs some more, obviously still amused)

Q: How do you feel, being a woman in the Japanese music scene, and being perceived [differently than men?]

M/T: In Japan, I see a trend that female vocalists… their lyrics get softer and softer, while songs that I’ve released so far have been very fierce and hard in [their message]. Of course, this is only one year out of my career. In the future, I hope to show many more different types of songs. But it’s my hope that through my singing, I can create a place where women in Japan can express more than what they are expressing right now.

Q: A lot of artists who come over [to the US] find the fans very different [than those in Japan]. How would you compare the two sets of fans?

M/T: The fans in America are much more friendly…

M: (imitating fans) Hi, MELL! Hi, MELL!! Hi, MELL!!! (laughter; MELL pretends to be herself now, looking a touch bewildered) … hi~ (more laughter)

M/T: … but the fans in Japan are …

M: (again imitating fans) Ou~ MELL-san. (bowing deeply in her seat, with a serious tone) Otsukaresama deshita, MELL-san. (loud laughter) Arigatou gozaimasu.

Translator: I’m sure you got most of that answer already… (laughter; he translates it, and there is even more laughter)

M/T: The Japanese are very shy.

Q: This may seem a little out of left field, but something that all the Japanese and American [guests] have in common is a favorite Motley Crue song… (laughter) They’ve all mentioned, several times, a love of hard rock. So I was wondering if you had a favorite.

M: (throws her head back and laughs very loudly)

M/T: (excitedly) I’ve been to their concert!! (laughter)

M: (pretends to wave a lighter over her head, then pauses) “Smoking in the Boys Room.” (she begins singing it and playing an invisible guitar)

Audience: (sings along, much to MELL’s great amusement; laughter)

Translator: … did you get that? (laughter)

M/T: I like Bon Jovi, too. I love hard rock.

Q: You said several times that you collaborated with Eric of Deep Forest. I was just wondering how that started.

M/T: [Eric] did the arrangement for a few of my songs. During the opportunity we had to work together, I got to visit his studio, and we worked together there.

Q: Something that almost got mentioned earlier was how you chose the members of your first band. If we could go back to then, I think that would be a good story.

M/T: I was sixteen… (laughing) There was a guitar shop I went to all the time, and they had fliers for bands looking for members. I saw this one flier listing artists that I really loved–Prince, Madonna, and other pop artists. They were looking for a vocalist. I was sixteen, but I gave them a call, and joined a band with local college kids.

Q: Your costumes for the concert were all in general, except for the red kimono, very white, almost virginal. I thought they were an interesting contrast to [your music]. Was that sort of thing deliberate?

M/T: Usually I wear a lot of black dresses, in my concerts and PVs. So this time, we were thinking we would change things, and that’s why we picked the white dresses.

Q: You’ve been to several conventions now. Do you have a favorite convention story, or a crazy fan moment?

Translator: Crazy fan moment?

Q: Yeah. Or a favorite convention story, either one.

M: (laughing loudly, making faces throughout the entire next portion)

M/T: I was walking in [a] convention center, and right ahead of me, I saw a woman in a beautiful dress, with a beautiful hat, who looked just like Scarlett O’Hara [from Gone With the Wind]. It was such a gorgeous dress, and I got really excited, so I ran up to her and said “are you Scarlett O’Hara?!” And she turned around… and it was a man. (loud laughter) I was surprised!

M: Good–good job! Good! (in deeper voice, imitating cosplayer) Thank you~

M/T: Everyone’s cosplay is fantastic, do you all make your own costumes?

Press Member: Some people commission, and some make their own. (translator tells this to MELL)

M/T: That’s cool! It looks great on everyone!

M: Kawaii~ kawaii~ (she starts wiggling)

M/T: Will you make me a costume? (laughter)

Q: Going with that, what kind of costume would you like us to make for you? (laughter)

M/T: What do you think? (laughter) Dresses sure are beautiful… But actually, I’d like to do the other version of [the Scarlett cosplay], where I’m dressed up as a burly guy, and someone comes up to me and [sees?] I’m a woman. (loud laughter)

M: (in a very deep voice, raising her eyebrows suggestively) You’re cute. (more laughter)

M/T: I can put on whiskers… (continued laughter)

Q: Do you have a message to your fans, or anyone reading [this conference]?

M/T: (MELL actually sniffles through this, as if she is beginning to cry, and she does sound teary) I was so excited and full of emotion–I’m so happy, really so happy that I can’t express how I’m feeling in words. I never thought I’d get a chance to perform in the US like this. Thank you very much. This event has been great–I never thought I’d get to perform at [an event] like this. It’s my hope that at events like Otakon, Japan and the US can further their friendship, that more countries around the world can become frriends with each other, and that more people around the world can become happy.

M: Arigatou gozaimasu! Arigatou gozaimasu! Bye-bye~!

Audience: Thank you!

Very special thanks to Otakon Guest Relations staffer Fufei Zhang for providing translation for this conference, and thanks to Alyce Wilson for sending me his name!

This transcript is copyright © Nicole Utz for International Wota, 2009. Reposting of this transcript on other websites is not permitted.

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IW @ Otakon – VAMPS Press Conference (Day 1)

By Nicole in Otakon 2009, Rock on July 21, 2009

The VAMPS press conference was held on Day 1 of Otakon, and was attended only by approved press members and some Otakon staff.

Legend: Q: press submitted question, H/T = HYDE via translator, K/T = K.A.Z via translator, H = HYDE without translator, K = K.A.Z without translator.

VAMPS: Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Q: Hi… Thank you guys for coming here. I just wanna start off with a fun question, for HYDE. How did you find out that “do you like crabs” was so well-remembered by your fans? (laughter)

H/T: The last time I came to Baltimore, I almost forgot about this… I heard that the fans get together, and they actually say “do you like crabs,” and that’s why I used it at yesterday’s concert. But once I said it, I was like “oh, that’s right,” and they reminded me. (note: This actually refers to HYDE asking “do you eat crab” at a previous concert.)

Q: At last night’s concert, you did a lot of cover songs, and solo work, from HYDE’s solo period. I was wondering, why did you include that in VAMPS’ concert?

H/T: If it’s a cover song, we transport it to the VAMPS stage, and also we recognize the song as somebody’s song. [But] it’s like our song. We wanted to sing some of the English songs for the audience, so they could sing along.

Q: I understand that you two collaborated a lot before formally forming VAMPS. Has there been any change in the process since officially making the band, or is it pretty much the same?

H/T: Not so much difference. But… I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve formed VAMPS, or because [we've had] a relationship so long. But these days I just leave it up to him (K.A.Z), and I just do something else. That’s what I do.

K/T: I have more stuff to do now. (laughter)

Q: Ju-ken did a good job riling up the crowd last night. Are you guys considering having him as an official part of VAMPS?

H/T: VAMPS is the two of us. But once we get [on] a stage, we’re all as one band. So we never differentiate like that.

Q: The word “vamps” has both the meaning of a vampire, and a flashy, sexy woman. (laughter, more laughter when the phrase is translated as “sekushii oneesan“) I was wondering if you were considering either of those meanings when you named the band.

H/T: Originally I named VAMPS after “vampires,” but [we like] the flashy, mysterious women, too, so… it’s all good. (laughter)

Q: (IW Question) Why did you choose to write most of your album lyrics in English as opposed to Japanese?

H/T: Usually I listen to a lot of songs in English. I like the atmospheres–I like [it] that way–so that’s why I tend to make a lot of English songs. (HYDE interjects here with more.) When I want to attack [with] my worst, to the Japanese people, that’s when I use Japanese.

Q: K.A.Z, yourself and HYDE make an incredible combination. I was wondering if there was much of an adjustment going from Oblivion Dust to VAMPS, and what it’s like to work with HYDE so far.

K/T: It’s just a change in the person you play with… there’s so much inspiration. Everyone has a different sound, and a very different atmosphere. That’s why it’s very different for me, to work with HYDE. (K.A.Z adds another phrase, which the translator struggles with momentarily, much to HYDE and K.A.Z’s amusement.) It’s a chemical reaction. (laughter)

Q: (first part too quiet to hear, something about the concert) Are you ever surprised by the response of American fans as opposed to Japanese fans?

H/T: Hmm… In Japan, it’s normally “at this part, everybody gets excited”–they kind of already know what’s going on. But in the United States… I was expecting people to get really excited, but not as much [as they did]. The level of reaction [by US fans] is totally unexpected. It’s very fun for us to do, and very encouraging. To me, American fans are more open, and it’s very nice to see that.

Q: I noticed, in your CD booklet, there’s a story running through all the pages about a girl being bitten and not being able to put on makeup. How did that story come about?

H/T: When we were in the process of making the booklet, for the first edition of the album… it looks like a picture book. Because of that, we thought it would be interesting to add a story, and that’s why we made it.

Q: This question is for K.A.Z. Has being with VAMPS affected your work with Oblivion Dust? You are supposed to put out an album next year…

K/T: Not so much. Everybody has their own time, and knows when they can perform with their band. We coordinate it… so not so much.

Q: (muffled) … I was wondering which each of your favorite Motley Crue songs were.

K: (muffled, Dr. Feelgood?)

H: Live Wire.

Q: I was curious… You (HYDE) were really adamant about how good Evangelion was… (laughter) in the panel beforehand… I want to know why you love Evangelion so much.

H: … I don’t know. (laughter)

H/T: I really don’t know why I like it so much. But the second movie, out right now in Japan, it blew my mind. I would have never thought that one movie could feel so inspiring and [have] such an effect [on my] heart. It’s funny, after watching the movie, I felt tired, like I had fought in it.

Translator: Okay, last question…

Q: I wanted to know if this tour has been successful–are you planning to come back next year? (rest is too quiet)

H/T: I don’t have too much experience touring in the United States. Because of that, I feel nervous sometimes–not nervous, but (translator stumbles, is corrected by the audience) jittery. But the fans show such a warm welcome to us, and because of that, we don’t have any [more] anxiety than if we were playing our usual show in Japan. That’s really nice. (HYDE adds some more) Next year is a bigger tour, and we’d like to include the United States too… we’re working on it right now.

Translator: Okay, thank you so much.

H: Thank you.

Audience: Thank you!

This transcript is copyright © Nicole Utz for International Wota, 2009. Reposting of this transcript on other websites is not permitted.

Special thanks to Aota Ai with neu bauhaus for providing her translation services for this event.

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IW @ Otakon – Day 3 (BECCA Concert Gallery)

By Nicole in Concerts, Otakon 2009 on July 21, 2009

All photographs in this post were taken by Timothy Kohler for International Wota and are republished with his permission. Thanks Tim! :)

Do not publish these pictures on your own website. If you would like to use one somewhere, please ask in a comment so that I can relay your question to Tim. Thank you!

Click on the thumbnails to view bigger versions of each image.

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I think she actually was looking at Tim, here–this was right after she came out on stage, and the few other press photographers were scrambling to get up there for their first few shots.

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We were actually sort of praying that this shot came out.

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I love love love love love this shot. I wish I remember when she did this, but she looks so into it here! This whole concert was high energy, without a doubt.

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This shot was taken during the intro to “Shibuya.” Before the song started, BECCA said “we’re gonna dance a little bit now”… and proceeded to dance. It was great.　SHIBUYAへGO！

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It was a fun, highly enjoyable concert, and I hope BECCA enjoyed it just as much as her fans did. I hope she comes back to the area soon, because we’ll be waiting to see her again with open arms (and ears)!

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IW @ Otakon – Day 3

By Nicole in Concerts, Otakon 2009 on July 19, 2009

I didn’t have much on my schedule for the third and final day of Otakon. My photographer and I arrived at the convention center and got right in the line for BECCA’s concert, which was scheduled to begin at 12:00. Seating was delayed a little bit, but upon entering the concert hall, the Otakon staff members (who deserve HUGE kudos for being so organized and polite) pointed us in the direction of the press section. Yesterday, press were seated in basically the middle of the room; today, since photography (without flash) was permitted, we were ushed to the front row of the far right seating section. The hall was not nearly as crowded today as it had been for Kanon (and presumably MELL), so the other three press members in attendance were the only ones anywhere near me.

After a conversation about Japanese music with one of the other press members in attendance, the “voice of Otakon” announced that BECCA was about to come on stage. We could actually see her, from our vantage point, standing just offstage with a guitar in her hands. The opening music for “Guilty Pleasure” started and she proceeded out to the stage with her band members… and I have to mention that it was very difficult for me not to start screaming, because “Guilty Pleasure” is my favorite of her songs. I can’t believe she performed it first! Anyway, the energy was instantly high, and BECCA sounded absolutely great from the very first verse.

After “Guilty Pleasure” and “Make You Mad,” BECCA paused for a brief intro before launching into “EMPTY.” As this is a slower number, when it ended, she asked the crowd “who here likes to party?” … then did a complete reverse into “Turn Up The Stereo,” which is much faster and got people up on their feet clapping along. She then introduced “Falling Down,” an anime ending theme. She continued with “Perfect Me,” another one of my favorites, and it was at this point that I think she really hit her peak–her vocals were great, and the band sounded perfect!

BECCA introduced her new single, “Shibuya,” by saying “we’re gonna dance a little bit now.” Much to everyone’s surprise, a video accompanying the new song, starring Vocaloid mascot Hatsune Miku, started to play while she sang! A few verses of this song were in Japanese, which BECCA told me she is beginning to sing in, and she did an amazing job on it. I think people had picked up the tune and were singing along by the end (including myself)!

After the next song, “TURN TO STONE,” the crowd got totally riled up, and with good reason: “I’m ALIVE!” was next. EVERYONE was singing along, tapping their feet, just enjoying the hell out of that song. When it was finished, BECCA briefly introduced her backing band, said they were about to play the last song of the night… and then began singing a brand new song! That was a surprise. My best guess is that this one will be called “Kicking and Screaming,” and it was very aggressive, with some added keyboard effects. As she did mention that her second album is in progress, we probably aren’t too far away from hearing a recorded version of this.

Tamura Naomi was set to take the stage after BECCA, but I was ready to get home. I headed off to the Dealer’s Room for a moment, having visited only once on Friday, and was completely surprised to find several vendors selling Otsuka Ai’s Love-chan plushies! So naturally… I got the biggest one. :P

Sometime soon, hopefully tomorrow, I’ll be posting a gallery of photographs taken at BECCA’s concert. My photographer got a TON of images (over a hundred, to be specific), and as press were allowed to move to the floor basically two feet from the stage, they are all high quality and close-up. I’ll offer a preview for the time being…

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Keep watching IW for my upcoming concert photo gallery, as well as my promised transcripts of press conferences and interviews! You’ll enjoy them, I promise!

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IW @ Otakon – Day 2

By Nicole in Otakon 2009 on July 18, 2009

Day 2 at Otakon began at 11:15 in the morning with MELL’s press conference. MELL was already inside the room when press members were allowed inside, and she seemed very surprised by the number of people who entered. There were between 15 and 20 people, and somehow I yet again managed to sit right in front of the guest… haha. The conference ran for about 20 minutes, maybe a little longer (I’ll have to review my recording), and a lot of questions were answered! MELL was extremely sociable, very friendly, and nearly broke into tears twice while describing her feelings at seeing the American fans in concert. I really regret missing her concert yesterday evening, but seeing as I’m apparently suffering from some sort of minor stomach bug, it’s probably pretty good that I didn’t push myself.

The most memorable part of the conference, for me, was when someone asked if MELL was interested in performing more “cute” songs. (This was actually a question that was on my sheet, as suggested by one of our readers, but I wasn’t actually the one who asked it.) She said that she actually prefers that style, and when the translator said “cutesy” in place of MELL’s “kawaii,” MELL pointed to the three girls in the front (including me!) and said “cutesy!” I managed to blurt out an “arigatou gozaimasu,” as did the girl beside me. How cool is it to have an I’ve Sound artist call you cute?

Between MELL and my next scheduled event, the Wakeshima Kanon concert at 4:00, I had nothing to do. So my photographer and I went to watch the Evangelion 1.0 movie… which… did not work out as planned. There was a screen malfunction that kept causing the video to stop playing (although the sound worked fine), and they did try starting the movie over again, but never managed to restore video after one point. We eventually left, walked around, scoped out the Wakeshima Kanon line (which was massive even at 1:00, and just kept growing), walked around some more, sat down, checked out a video game cover band called ARMADILLO TANK, sat down some more… then went and got in line for the concert.

Press seats for Kanon’s concert were basically in the center of the room–I was told that MELL’s were in the front row, right side, and I remember them being front row center when I saw T.M. Revolution (not as press) during a previous year… but hey, I wasn’t complaining. There were two big screens on either side of the stage, and my view was pretty good. To our surprise (well… to the surprise of myself and every other press member I was sitting with), there was an opening band, [geist], and they came out at about 3:45 to play three songs. They had a very screamy hard rock style, with Japanese lyrics. They were pretty good, but nobody was expecting them! Anyway… once they cleared the stage, a white cello was brought out (upon which everyone cheered), hooked up, and final preparations made for Kanon to begin.

At about 4:25 (25 minutes late–this becomes important), the opening track to Kanon’s Shinshoku Dolce album, “sweet ticket,” began to play. Everyone went crazy, and continued cheering as Kanon appeared on stage in a gigantic red dress and overcoat. She waltzed around for a little while, and then the intro to “still doll” began. She immediately began moving stiffly and slowly, like a doll, and as she was wearing a headset microphone, was free to move her hands around for a while. She went to her cello at one point and began playing live, and this was extremely impressive. She both played and sang perfectly live, perhaps even better than the recorded versions for some songs.

After “still doll” she had a brief English MC, in which she read from a sheet. She introduced herself, talked about her favorite things (her favorite food is spaghetti!), then asked if the audience knew what her favorite animal was. About 500 people screamed “CAT!” to which she laughed and described her two cats. As she put it: “one is black, and the other is brown. The brown one is a… kitty? mya mya~” It was cute, to say the least. After the MC, she went into “Suna no Oshiro,” which yet again had live cello work about halfway through the song. After this, she took off ther overcoat, revealing a (presumably fake) red rose tattoo on her right arm, then launched right into “Kuroi Torikago.” This one was especially great to hear performed live; Kanon has an excellent stage prescence and seemed so “into” her music that it was hard to believe she was really doing everything on the spot.

“Kuroi Torikago” was followed by “Shinku Fatalism,” and then a second MC. During this one, Kanon introduced her white cello, named “Mikazuki.” She asked if the audience knew the meaning of the name, then said (very sweetly) “please remember it.” I remembered it! “L’espoir ~Mahou no Akai Ito~” was next, but immediately after that, I had to leave to make my 5:15 interview with BECCA. A phone started ringing, and she asked the crowd “who is that?” As I exited the hall, I heard “Ennui Kibun!” begin playing… and immediately started swearing, as that has become my favorite of her songs. (Apparently I also missed “skip turn step♪” … DRAT!!) But I almost immediately got a call from an Otakon staffer confirming my BECCA interview, so I rushed over to the Sheraton and made my way to the assigned interview room.

I’ll be posting interview details sometime after tomorrow, when my transcripts are ready. For now, I’ll just say that BECCA is a very confident, very open individual, and I was absolutely overjoyed to meet her, shake her hand (more than once!), give her an IW business card, and ask her all the questions I had prepared. I only took about ten minutes with her, so after the interview was finished, I got something to drink, sat down for a while, then wandered into an Overclocked Remix panel that was actually pretty cool. But 7:00 rolled around quickly, which meant it was back  to the Sheraton for my long-awaited interview with Wakeshima Kanon.

A 25 minute concert delay turned into a 30 minute autographs delay, which eventually compounded into about a 45 minute delay on my interview. I wasn’t about to complain, though, because Kanon hadn’t eaten since noon and her handlers had only just then been able to order some food. So I actually went into the room with her sometime around 8. Again, interview details will be later… but sitting only a few feet from Kanon (who was still wearing her huge red dress!) was an experience I will never forget. She answered all my questions politely and even expressed surprise at my recognizing Kojima Mayumi’s name (Kanon said she was her favorite Japanese artist) and naming “Hatsukoi” (or, as I had to say it since I forgot the name at the time, “the song from the Nintendo commercial”… lol) as how I knew her. It was a wonderful experience.

Tomorrow, Sunday, will be the final day of the con. The only thing I have lined up is BECCA’s concert. After that, I’ll head back to Pennsylvania for some rest… and four very long transcription sessions. Stay tuned for the conclusion of Otakon, and our IW exclusive interviews with Wakeshima Kanon and BECCA!

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IW @ Otakon – Day 1

By Nicole in Otakon 2009 on July 17, 2009

And what a day it has been! Though not a lot of IW-related events took place today, a lot of preparation was done for tomorrow, which will be the big day for me…

Day 1 started with my drive to Baltimore, which took about 45 minutes. Once I arrived and parked, it wasn’t hard to tell where the convention was–the line for registration and convention entrance was incredibly long! Luckily, the press pass I was carrying allowed my guest photographer and I to bypass the line and head to Press Ops for our information. We got our badges, and I signed up for the MELL press conference that is taking place tomorrow morning. Then it was out to the convention floor!

Cosplayers were everywhere, and since we had a few hours to burn before the VAMPS press conference at 2:45, I spent my time organizing my schedule while watching my photographer race around taking pictures. I ran into an adorable Hatsune Miku cosplayer and saw a fantastic Shugo Chara costume from a distance, but didn’t see much of anything in the way of jpop or jrock cosplays going on. There was an excellent Hard Gay cosplayer, however, perfectly in character, and that was nearly the highlight of my day.

The actual highlight was the VAMPS press conference at 2:45. By 2:30 small group of press had gathered outside of the assigned conference room in the BCC Hilton (a brand new hotel connected directly to the Baltimore Convention Center). We were admitted to the room, but were warned that HYDE and KAZ had begun their open Q&A panel late, and would thus be late to our conference as well. I was willing to wait–I had been seated in the front row, no more than six feet away from the table with mics and glasses of water. Around 3:00, Alyce (head of Press Relations) announced “they’re here!” and in walked HYDE and KAZ.

First impression: they are tiny. I am 5′3″, but I’m pretty sure HYDE was no taller than me. Second impression: they have really cool hair. Haha. Anyway… KAZ seated himself directly in front of me, with HYDE to his left, and as they greeted us and offered a “yoroshiku onegaishimasu,” I got a direct look from HYDE. It is a really startling moment to realize you are sitting six feet away from a Japanese rock star. Both HYDE and KAZ were wearing sunglasses, so it was hard to tell where they were looking, but HYDE definitely did look directly at the press members several times. KAZ seemed much more reserved, maybe even… shy? The two of them were probably tired, having just played a show in Baltimore the evening before, and were about to rush away to their next gig… so I wasn’t about to hold any reserved behavior against them.

The press conference went very well, with about ten to twelve questions being asked. It was recorded, and my recording seems to have come out very clearly, so I should be able to transcribe everything on Monday sometime. HYDE did most of the talking, seeing as several of the questions were for him, but KAZ was asked some direct questions as well. Even so, KAZ just seemed to follow HYDE’s lead, and when he did speak, it was in a low tone.

About four questions in was when I raised my hand. IW’s question was why HYDE prefers to write most of his lyrics in English, and he gave a really great answer! Unfortunately, because the conference started late and there was a set time that the band had to leave by, there was no time for any other questions from me or really many of the other press representatives in attendance. (But we still do have our e-mail interview questions pending, so don’t worry!) The translator announced the end of the panel, HYDE and KAZ gave slight bows, we applauded (and some bowed back, something that caused KAZ to actually look at some of us!), and the band exited as quickly as they had entered.

The rest of the day was spent walking around and figuring out what I wanted to do during the evening. We visited the dealer’s room briefly, and found a booth that had some Hello! Project merchandise… I’m debating going back for a Junjun picture on Sunday, if nobody has bought them yet. And a BECCA shirt. And a Wakeshima Kanon CD. (Maybe I can grab one of those pre-interview to get signed…) I had been planning on attending the History of Japanese Pop/Rock Music panel, as well as the MELL concert, but was unfortunately too tired and too hungry to make the effort for either. I regret missing MELL a little, even if I am not personally a large fan of hers, but the timing on her concert was just not good. I couldn’t see myself staying at the BCC until after 10, and then walking around Baltimore in the dark…

Tomorrow will be insane, but I am really pleased, because I have something to add to the schedule: I have reserved a one-on-one interview with BECCA tomorrow at 5:15, just after the end of the Wakeshima Kanon concert. So that makes two interviews I will be able to bring to IW!

Stay tuned for my continued coverage of Otakon 2009, and… let’s just hope that I don’t pass out before my interviews tomorrow. XD

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International Wota @ Otakon 2009

By Nicole in Otakon 2009 on July 16, 2009

I (pengie) attended Otakon 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland as an IW representative. The convention ran from July 17th to 18th, and featured concert performances by MELL, Wakeshima Kanon, BECCA, and Tamura Naomi. Despite a minor stomach bug that kept me from attending everything I initially had planned (most notably the MELL concert on Day 1), I had a ton of fun, and was honored to be granted the opportunity to post press coverage from the con. Click the links below to read my general impressions, as well as my transcriptions of our exclusive interviews and press conferences!

Day 1 (Friday, July 17)
Day 1 Post
VAMPS Press Conference

Day 2 (Saturday, July 18)
Day 2 Post (Including Wakeshima Kanon concert)
MELL Press Conference
IW Exclusive: BECCA Interview
IW Exclusive: Wakeshima Kanon Interview

Day 3 (Sunday, July 19)
Day 3 Post (Including BECCA concert)
IW Exclusive: BECCA Concert Gallery

* NOTE: This post was edited after the end of Otakon.

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Have Any Questions for the Otakon Musical Guests?

By Nicole in Noteworthy, Otakon 2009 on July 13, 2009

otakonartistsWell, faithful readers, Otakon 2009 is in a few days (this weekend, July 17-19). As you may already know, the convention, which takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, will be hosting several prominent Japanese musical acts this year. Rock band VAMPS will be holding a press conference, while concerts will be performed by I’ve Sound artist MELL, American-born singer BECCA, and cello player and vocalist Wakeshima Kanon. It all promises to be very exciting, and since I (pengie) will be in attendance as a member of press, I’ll be doing my best to bring IW daily coverage of the events!

I’ve secured a one-on-one interview with Wakeshima Kanon on Saturday evening. Additionally, I have requested interviews with MELL and BECCA, and should hear a response on these sometime this week. Even if I’m not able to secure an interview with them, there are press conferences and/or Q&A sessions likely being held for each artist, as well as the concerts themselves. (VAMPS is not actually holding a concert at the convention, but is playing a show in Baltimore on Thursday evening; I will not be attending, unfortunately.) So what does this mean for you guys? It means that you have chances to suggest questions again!

If you have a burning desire to ask Wakeshima Kanon the name of her cello (or cellos?), or how fluent BECCA is in Japanese, or whether or not MELL is just as tired of “Red fraction” as the rest of us… head on over to the wotatalk links below and suggest away! Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and posted on IW when they are completed, as well as concert coverage and any other related events I may end up attending.

IW at Otakon – Questions for BECCA
IW at Otakon – Questions for MELL
IW at Otakon – Questions for Wakeshima Kanon
IW Interview/IW at Otakon – Questions for VAMPS (updated)

Keep your eyes on the front page of IW for my coverage of Otakon 2009… and if you’re actually going to be there, feel free to stop me and say hi! I’ll be the one wearing a press pass, IW pin, and looking flustered nonstop.

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