12012 interview

JaME recently had the opportunity to interview the UNDERCODE band 12012 by e-mail. The band were asked a number of questions about their origins and their thoughts concerning touring overseas.

You chose your bands' name because it refers to a part of the Californian penal code. But what does 12012 really represent to you?
12012: The black list.

In October you will be performing concerts in France, Germany and in America. What are your feelings concerning these upcoming overseas concerts?
12012: We are very happy to have this exciting opportunity. We all are looking forward to seeing you soon.

What do the concerts in Europe/America mean to you?
12012: We would like to know the atmosphere and feelings from the shows that we can never feel in Japan. We are sure it will be a good prompt for our band to progress.

For Miyawaki Wataru and Sakai Hiroaki:
You have already had first contact with your American fans at the AnimeExpo in Anaheim, California. Can you tell us more about this?
Miyawaki: I’m very happy that people are enthusiastic to know our story and music.
Sakai: I really feel they accepted our band. Thank you, all !

Have you another project planned after your "marathon releases"?
12012: Of course, but it’s a secret. We cannot tell you yet.

How do you create your songs?
Sakai: Just as I feel, I don’t plan on anything.

How did you join UNDERCODE productions?
12012: In fact, we actually belonged to UNDERCODE's former label Matina. So, when Matina changed we naturally followed to UNDERCODE without hesitation.

Which Japanese Bands influenced you?
12012: There are none.

Would you rather play several small concerts, to get known in other countries, or would you rather perform a single large concert?
12012: It’s not an issue of size, we would just rather to play to those we want us to perform.

Lots of groups use nicknames but not you. Is there a specific reason why you choose to use your real names?
12012: Just because it sounds more real for us.

What would you be doing if your music career was not successful?
Miyawaki: I would like to work in the creative business.
Suga: I could be an underwater cameraman !
Kawauchi: For myself, a carpenter.
Enya: An alcoholic !
Sakai: A scientist.

All of you had experiences with bands before starting this group, but unfortunately they were not as successful as 12012. Do you still have contact with any of your former colleagues?
12012: No, we don’t.

When you left your former bands, did you ever expect that you would have such success with a new band?
Miyawaki: Of course! But we can’t say that we have truly succeeded until we are satisfied with all of our activities. Moreover, what is really a “success”?

What is good about being an indies band/an UNDERCODE band?
12012: We have never thought about what is good or not. It’s the natural way for us.

Which bands would you like to perform alongside, Japanese or Western?
12012: We would like to perform with Japanese band in Overseas countries.