Interview

Interview with PassCode: Global journey driven by fans’ passion and support

Nov 2, 2024

PassCode is known for making waves with their unique blend of EDM, rock, and metal. With an early focus on the international market and having been signed to the UK-based record label, JPU Records, they've buil...

Interview: I Don’t Like Mondays. reflects on 10 years of music with EP “FOCUS”

Erica, Nori and Nexus

Oct 28, 2024

Interview, Releases

Debuted in 2014, I Don’t Like Mondays. is a dynamic four-piece band that fuses vibrant dance-pop with alternative rock. The lineup—YU (vocals), CHOJI (guitar), KENJI (bass), and SHUKI (drums)—draws inspiration ...

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

NBT

Oct 14, 2024

Interview

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

Sep 29, 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

Jul 25, 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

Jul 22, 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

Jun 26, 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

Jun 21, 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

Jun 11, 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

Jun 6, 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

May 24, 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

May 4, 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

Apr 26, 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

Apr 20, 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...