Interview Archives

Interview with HANABIE.: Rising to global fame as fans learn to pronounce their name

14 October 2024

The metal quartet "HANABIE." is rapidly making waves in the metal scene with their distinctive "Harajuku-core" sound, fusing heavy riffs with catchy, cute elements. During their 2024 EU tour, we caught up with ...

Interview with MAD JAMIE: Idol punk rock infused with visual kei essence

NBT

29 September 2024

Interview

Last year, MAD JAMIE made her international debut in Sweden, and this year she surprised fans by returning to Europe for a full-fledged tour! With her popularity rising both in Japan and abroad, we caught up wi...

Interview: Fukuro shares thoughts on mixing music genres, touring overseas

Bri, Rin, Erica and Jack

25 July 2024

Interview, Tour and event

Fukuro arrived at the JW Marriott ahead of their Anime Expo autograph session and concert with a mountain-high pile of equipment and band merch in tow. Having only arrived in the US the day before, they were no...

Interview with ASH DA HERO: Breaking the mold with fusion rock and “Blue Lock” anime music

NBT

22 July 2024

Anime, Interview

ASH DA HERO is a five-man band consisting of members all with unique backgrounds to create a sound rooted in rock, punk, and hip hop. Founded by the vocalist in 2021, who also goes by the name "ASH DA HERO" or ...

Interview: SiM vocalist MAH talks evolution, identity, and international success

Erica, afaenia and Omatsu

26 June 2024

Interview, Tour and event

In a crimson-red graffiti-tagged room at The Fillmore Silver Spring, we caught up with SiM’s charismatic vocalist, MAH, just before their electrifying headlining show. This gig was part of SiM’s "PLAYDEAD" worl...

Interview with ASTERISM: Blending art and metal in innovative album “PLANET OF METAL”

Bri

21 June 2024

Interview, Tour and event

If you haven't yet heard about them, ASTERISM is a three-member heavy metal band, consisting of HAL-CA on guitar, MIYU on bass, and MIO on drums. The trio have developed a reputation with music fans across the ...

Interview with Kroi: Writing for Toriyama and beyond

Nori and Mazohyst_Kyo

11 June 2024

Interview

Jazzy, free-spirited five-piece band Kroi enjoyed a string of tie-in successes in the anime world. Most notably, the band was tasked with composing for the anime adaptation of SAND LAND by the late manga goliat...

Interview with Yui Nishio: Turning everyday life charm into musical tunes

NBT and Nori

6 June 2024

Anime, Interview

With a captivating clear and deep voice, Yui Nishio (ゆいにしお) stands out in the Japanese pop scene with her blend of nostalgic and modern sound, and notably, her vivid lyrics that capture the everyday life and em...

Interview: Unraveling DIR EN GREY’s hidden depth, beyond the facade

NBT, Nori, Rin and Narine

24 May 2024

Interview

The long-awaited DIR EN GREY European tour finally took place, marking their overseas return after the global pandemic. What DIR EN GREY had in store for us this time was a two-day concert format, allowing fans...

Interview with JYOCHO: Journey to musical autonomy and fulfillment

NBT

4 May 2024

Anime, Interview

Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, JYOCHO isn't your typical progressive rock band. Their name, meaning "emotion", "mood", and "atmosphere", perfectly encapsulates their unique approach that offers a distinct worldview...

Interview: XaaXaa makes explosive US debut at Katsucon 2024

Erica and Rin

26 April 2024

Interview, Report and review, Tour and event

XaaXaa made their American debut at Katsucon, an annual celebration of Japanese culture in National Harbor, MD. XaaXaa's Friday night performance packed the ballroom, with fans queuing hours before the show. As...

Interview: Ado chronicles first trip around the world

Nori and Bri

20 April 2024

Interview

Japanese singer Ado has risen from online enigma to indisputable chart topper in just a few short years. With countless viral songs and now a successful world tour under her belt, it truly feels like she's on t...

Interview: Sana Takizawa breaks boundaries, inspires fans at Anime Los Angeles

Bri

18 March 2024

Interview

Visual kei artist Sana Takizawa held two performances at Anime Los Angeles on both Friday and Saturday. JROCK NEWS had the privilege of attending the Saturday show and sitting down with him for an interview. ...

Interview: Broken By The Scream debuts with newest member at Anime Los Angeles

Bri and Rin

11 March 2024

Interview, Lineup change, Tour and event

Metal idols Broken By The Scream performed at Anime Los Angeles on both January 5 and 6, thrilling international fans with their death metal screams and adorable idol vocals. JROCK NEWS had the privilege of not...