Interview with SCANDAL

Just over a week from now, all-female pop-rock band SCANDAL will grace the shores of the first overseas stop of their most extensive international tour to date in support of their sixth studio album for Epic Records Japan, HELLO WORLD.

SCANDAL will perform concerts in major cities worldwide including the US, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In addition, a series of 31 live dates have already begun in major cities throughout Japan.

Read on to find out how the girls feel about the tour and get a glimpse into their past.

The world tour to promote your album HELLO WORLD will take to you to various parts of Europe, Asia and the Americas. What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you think about such an extensive tour?

RINA: Although we go abroad for shows every year, this will our first time going on a “world” tour, so we’re really excited to go overseas with our new album, which is packed with the latest “SCANDAL”! We’re looking forward to having fun together!

What are your impressions of the countries you will be visiting?

TOMOMI: Our international fans are so energetic and that’s what I love about them! And I think I’ll be able to take some great photos in England.

Are there any songs you are looking forward to playing live in this tour? What makes them particular favorites?

TOMOMI: From this album, I’d say Image. It really makes me feel good when I’m performing the song.

How did the songs on the new album come together? Was the recording process for HELLO WORLD different to past SCANDAL records?

RINA: This time, we did a lot of self-producing. Each member wrote songs and they sang lead vocals. I think this album is really colorful and pop.

You’re all fans of anime and have lent several songs to popular titles like "Bleach", "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" and the recent Pokémon film. Are there any anime shows you especially like?

MAMI: I love manga and anime. Recently I’ve been reading “Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)”! I think it’s so wonderful that the Japanese culture is being loved by so many people overseas. Knowing that a lot of people got to know SCANDAL through anime, we feel really happy and proud!

MAMI, you previously expressed interest in the violin. Are there any plans to integrate one into the band’s sound?

MAMI: Personally, I think the band’s mood and motivations may change after the world tour. So I wish to gain a lot of influences and channel them into our future productions.

It’s been nine years since SCANDAL’s 2006 debut, while you were still students. What’s it been like growing up in the spotlight, rather than living life as regular young adults?

RINA: When we debuted, I was a high school student, and so I’d go straight to concert venues from school, or would shoot a music video all night until morning and go to school directly from there … I was really busy going to and from school and the band. I remember writing some lyrics on the corner of my school notebook and finishing my homework at the studio. My friends really supported me, and at my high school graduation ceremony, they played a SCANDAL song as the background music! I’m still always thinking about SCANDAL. As I get older, it’s becoming more and more fun as I have a lot more things to sing about and words to use; the best time is always “now” for me!

Can you share a story about a particular moment of joy or sadness for the band?

HARUNA: It’s just so fun and fortunate to have these members as a band. When we first formed, I never thought our career would go on for so long, but I think I was able to continue because it was with these members. Even in private, we go out to eat together.

In an industry saturated with so many bands, combined with increased interest from international audiences, each tries to stand out in their own way. Is there a particular formula to SCANDAL’s success and endurance as a band?

MAMI: To understand each other’s feelings and stay motived, I think it’s very important to share a lot of time together. Even the unimportant conversations may mean a lot, so you shouldn’t be afraid to speak out, even if you think it may cause a fight.

Have you any words of advice for aspiring young musicians?

HARUNA: Wanting to play an instrument or play in a band is a really wonderful feeling. Please keep at it and continue on! The most important part is to have fun!

What’s SCANDAL's ultimate goal?

MAMI: We hope to keep on going overseas to do shows, and we want to visit countries that couldn’t be included on this world tour – there are still so many people waiting for us! So we want to grow as a band and do bigger tours that go to a lot more places! We’ll keep on going!

Please leave a message for our international readers!!

TOMOMI: Thank you so much for all your support! We will put on our best show, so please look forward to it! Let’s have fun together!

JaME would like to thank SCANDAL and MediaLab for making this interview possible.



If you wish to read more about SCANDAL, head over to http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-115018-additional-interview-with-scandal.html.

Also, look out for JaME's upcoming SCANDAL contest. Great prizes await you!