Interview with Vicke Blanka

A multi-talented singer-songwriter, Vicke Blanka is probably best known to overseas fans of Japanese music for Black Catcher and Black Rover, his theme songs for the anime series "Black Clover". However, the appeal of his work cannot be captured in just one or two tracks, as his music pulls in elements from different genres and cultures, combining them with his catchy melodies, unique aesthetic and striking falsetto vocals to create an impressively distinct and diverse body of work.

This ability to effortlessly traverse borders while maintaining his artistic identity was demonstrated once again on his latest single Changes, a song he created to serve as the ending song for the French film “La Revanche des Crevettes Pailletées” ("Revenge of The Shiny Shrimps"). The film tells the story of a real-life gay water polo team travelling to Japan to participate in the latest edition of the Gay Games, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sports and culture festival.

Shortly after Changes hit digital platforms, we had the opportunity to ask Vicke about the message he hopes to convey, the process of working with the film's directors Cédric Le Gallo and Maxime Govare, his 5th anniversary best-of album SUPERVILLAIN and his longstanding love for French culture.

There is a lot of variation between your songs. How would you describe the music you make to a new listener?

Vicke Blanka: Maybe something that I cut out of myself instantly. Both musically and in the lyrics.

What inspired you to become a musician?

Vicke Blanka: I have loved to sing since my childhood. When I took part in a class competition during my junior high school days, it’s not an exaggeration to say that my powerful voice was how we won first place. I have the feeling that I naturally decided to become a musician.

How did you end up writing the ending theme for “La Revanche des Crevettes Pailletées”? Were the film’s directors familiar with your work beforehand?

Vicke Blanka: The directors knew my music. I love France, and my fan club’s name is “French Link”, I even have a song called Ca Va?. Changes is a song created after having many conversations with the directors.


What was the process of creating Changes like? Did the directors have an idea of what style of song they wanted, or did you decide based on your impression of the film?

Vicke Blanka: I was able to see only the film's last scene beforehand, so I let my imagination flow to think of an ending theme that would come after that. I created it with the feeling that it will speak to the deepest part of your heart, but that it never becomes too sad.

Is there a message you would like to convey to listeners with Changes and its music video?

Vicke Blanka: I want to prove that people can change themselves at any time. But somehow, people will still come to a standstill with such an obvious thought, saying that it’s not realistic or there is something else to do. I hope this song can ignite the passion of those who want to change deep down inside.

In the song, you sing lines like “let me become a better person” and “let me change”. Is there something about yourself you wish you could change or improve?

Vicke Blanka: I want to be more kind. I have a part of me that becomes cynical. I lived with that stance for a long time, so I’m still in the middle of trying to change myself.


You have mentioned that you are strongly influenced by French culture. What is it about French culture in particular that resonates with you?

Vicke Blanka: It’s the language. I feel terrific listening to the French language. Also, the fact that all my French friends are absolutely the best (laughs).

Are there any French musicians you admire?

Vicke Blanka: My mother introduced me to Alain Chamfort, who had a huge impact on me during my early childhood. I respect him.

You’ve talked about your desire to learn about other cultures before. Do you do a lot of travelling in your free time? Is there anywhere you dream of visiting someday?

Vicke Blanka: I genuinely want time to travel because life is short. If there is any country or team that will invite me to a concert, anyone is welcome. I am open to any offers!

What was the inspiration for the title of your best-of album SUPERVILLAIN? Why choose a word like "SUPERVILLAIN" to represent your best work instead of “SUPERHERO”?

Vicke Blanka: For some reason, I am cynical. I can’t laugh at things that everyone else laughs at, and the way I recover from grief is different from most people. That is why I thought villains suit me better.

The songs were chosen by fan votes. Were you surprised at all by the results?

Vicke Blanka: Not really. I am grateful for everyone voting.

Could you please tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the new track I Like You?

Vicke Blanka: I sang about when “like” turns into “love”. Doesn’t everyone like to see how a person’s feeling changes? I do.


You’ve done a lot of collaborations throughout your career. Are there any other artists you would like to work with in the future?

Vicke Blanka: I want to collaborate with dance music creators like Alan Walker or W&W.

What else can fans look forward to from Vicke Blanka in 2022?

Vicke Blanka: Who knows!

Please leave a message for your fans around the world.

Vicke Blanka: I am looking forward to visiting your country and hugging you in person. Give me an offer anytime. I will promise to deliver the best song performance wherever I go.

JaME would like to thank Vicke Blanka and avex for this interview opportunity.

Live footage of ULALA and the music video for Hokuto Shichisei can be viewed below. These two songs took first and second place, respectively, in the voting for SUPERVILLAIN. Links to download and stream SUPERVILLAIN on a variety of online music platforms can be found here.