Formed just under a year ago, TELECiDE is a band that’s been making waves both in Japan and abroad with their genre-blending style and visually arresting music videos. Comprised of vocalists Haruki and Aki, guitarist Yui, bassist Yoko, and drummer Natsumi, TELECiDE has one foot on either side of the punk-metal divide while maintaining an accessible, almost pop-flavoured energy. JaME spoke briefly with the members about their music, their look, and their future as one of Japan’s most exciting new bands.
What are your musical roots?
Aki: I used to mainly listen to rock and pop. Then little by little I got more interested in heavy music, and first encountered growling via metalcore and what we call “loud metal” in Japan, which influenced me a lot.
Please tell us a little bit about how TELECiDE was formed, and about the band’s concept.
Yoko: We formed in 2016. Rebelling from the basic stereotypes and trends; heading towards a society not bound by gender and devices. Not defined to one single genre of rock, TELECiDE chooses to play music that is true, while brushing off the public ideal and ripping away from outdated ideals. We are TELECiDE, “liberators from birth”.
Your genre is very hard to pin down; what would you say is the unifying factor of TELECiDE’s songs?
Yui: I’d say the fact that it’s “loud”.
Your latest video, Abstract Romance, features body marbling and rather striking use of colour. What was the process behind creating the video?
Haruki: When listening to Abstract Romance and watching the video, I think people will all have their own way of capturing the meaning. That’s why we purposely didn’t upload the lyrics to this one. It could be a song to encourage you if you’re in love, in times when you’re feeling down, or in times when you’re struggling. Aki and I discussed with our producer (Rui from FADE) how Abstract Romance could be an opportunity to draw people in to TELECiDE’s heavier songs.
Every member of TELECiDE has a very unique look; does this influence how you perform or work on concepts?
Yoko: Overall, our image is in line with “mode” style, and we draw our respective outfits and hairstyles from that image. It’s an important part of what TELECiDE represents.
What would you like fans to take away when they listen to TELECiDE?
Haruki: The lyrics for the first EP were mostly about relationships and in PG-16 we decided to mix satire into the lyrics and video. Closed Minds and Cycle of Addiction stand out as songs through which I shared how I view the world. I want to continue as a band that is able to give people strength and confidence when they listen to and watch our work. By mutually supporting each other, none of us are alone.
Where in the world would you like to perform as TELECiDE?
Natsumi: Besides Japan, we want to tour and become well known in America and other countries as well.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do to relax?
Yui: I like to draw, so when I have free time I’ll draw things with my iPhone. I also normally like to play games and watch Let’s Play videos to relax.
If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?
Natsumi: I want to become a cat and have a fun life wandering around and sleeping whenever I want.
What are your aspirations as members of TELECiDE?
Aki: I think that regardless of country or race, by listening to our songs and lyrics, I think people can form a connection with us. As a member of TELECiDE, I want to leave a mark in this world.
Do you have a message you’d like to give our readers?
TELECiDE: Well, please come to Japan and see our shows! We’re looking forward to being able to meet you! Thank you for the interview!
Love, TELECiDE
JaME would like to thank TELECiDE and avex entertainment for this opportunity.
