MUCC rocked at OTAKON 2006

The second day of the convention and before their last performance of the weekend, JaME America had the privilege to interview MUCC. Since the interview was close to the time of the performance, Miya was unable to attend, so any answers given by him were questions the translator was kind enough to ask for us and we received a written response in return after the show.


Last night's concert was amazing and breathtaking! Could you tell that the audience were not "new fans" by their reaction and singing along throughout the show? [This was in reference to when the lady running the panel the previous day told MUCC "Say hello to your new fans."]

Tatsuro: We were actually caught by surprise that everyone was singing along to our songs.

Would you consider to release your items in the USA?

Tatsuro: Houyoku will be released in the US and because of our success in Europe; we are hoping that both Europe and US releases will be on par with Japan releases.

How do you feel about performing in the US for the first time?

Yukke: It was very exciting for us and even though our CD isn't released here yet, everyone gave us a lot of attention and made us feel welcome.

Even though you've only performed once so far in the US, what are some differences between your fans in Japan, Europe, and the US?

Yukke: Obviously, it was very different from Japan and Europe and we can't say much about the US since this was our first concert, but our very first impression was very similar to our first concert in France. As soon as the concert began and the fans started shouting, I started to relax and get into the mood. It made me feel that "Ah, Yeah! This is what America feels like." Especially the girls, they were very strong and powerful.

What do you mean by strong and powerful?

Yukke: There were some girls who were wearing Gothic Lolita outfits, but when the concert started they were screaming and yelled just like everyone else. [Everyone laughs]

In a previous interview, you said you want to focus more on your music rather than your appearance with costumes, so where do you plan to go with your evolving music style?

Tatsuro: Well, we can't foresee how we're going to evolve yet since it goes from one point to another as it goes along, but that's the fun part of it!

When you had your interview with JMusic Europa, a fanclub for overseas fans was mentioned and you said you were up for ideas. One idea, I thought of, is simply allowing overseas fans to join the fanclub without having to live in Japan, so they at least have access to the "Member's Section" on the website.

Tatsuro: We're always talking about appealing to our overseas fans by creating some kind of fanclub base for our fans whether by website or some informational thing, but unfortunately not much has been done. The main top page of our site is in English, but the fanclub page is in Japanese and we would definitely like to make that into English as well.

How did you pick which songs to play for each show?

Tatsuro: We tried to pick songs that will be released in the US, along with a mix of new and old songs.

Last night's concert was a lot of heavier music. Is it going to be the same theme tonight?

Tatsuro: Yeah, it's going to be a little bit different from yesterday, but we hope you enjoy it.

Have you met Kitade Nana or Yoshiki?

Tatsuro: We haven't personally met Yoshiki-san yet, but since we share the same backstage room with Kitade Nana, yes we have.

How do you feel about her opening for you?

Tatsuro: Actually we didn't even think about her opening for us. We thought that it was two shows at the same time since it we're two totally different music styles. It's unimaginable in Japan so it was very interesting.

Tatsuro, what was your inspiration when you wrote the lyrics for "Media no Juusei"?

Tatsuro: It came from an uneasiness I felt during that time. It occurred to me as I was going to work, walking from my home to the train station, when I realized that each and everyone's problems they have themselves. But if you look at it from a social perspective, everyone has them, but life goes on.

Satochi, lately you've been writing a lot more music, what made you decide to do this?

Satochi: I just want to develop my own experience, writing music has always been my part, but I wanted to venture out into writing my own lyrics to express out my own ideas and feelings.

Yukke, what steps did you take when you co-wrote the song "Monster"?

Yukke: It started on with a ‘hook' and I continued adding more riffs onto it.

It's an amazing song; it's very powerful!

Yukke: [bowed his head and smiled.] Thank you.

Miya, most of your lyrics have a dark and depressing theme. What inspires you to write these lyrics?

Miya: It was written in a dark tone because I was feeling down at those times, but now I am able to write lyrics that are positive.

Since you've been here in the US, what sight seeing have you done so far?

Tatsuro: Since we've arrived here, all we've been doing is performing. We haven't gotten around to seeing much.

So you arrived yesterday just before the panel?

Tatsuro: Yes, straight from Japan.

Yukke: Whenever we have free time, we drop like dead flies in the hotel room and sleep.

Do you plan on seeing anything after today's concert?

Tatsuro: Unfortunately, we don't have much time to go around and see many places since we're leaving for Japan tomorrow morning.

[This is where the theme of questions change since we're now aware that MUCC is really tired and they still have one more show to go.]

"Isho" is an amazing song and is a favorite of many fans but why is it that it's never played at concerts?
[They laugh.]

Tatsuro: Lately, we just wanted to play more of our other songs. You know, there are just too many songs, but we did play when we toured after the album was released.

So then, we don't suppose you'll play it tonight.
[They laugh again.]

MUCC: [shake their heads and laugh.] No.

Satochi, being a drummer has to be strenuous and tiring since you're constantly moving both your arms. Have you ever been so tired that you've accidentally gone off beat?

Satochi: Yes. [He laughs] The body can't keep up with the tension, so it happens.

Did it happen last night?

Satochi: I think so! [He laughs.] Could you tell?

No! Everything sounded perfect!
[Everyone laughed.]

Yukke, in some magazine articles, there has been pictures of you wearing a long blonde wig. What's the story behind that?

Yukke: It's just own personal preference. Once a month I feel like dressing up as a girl. [Everyone laughs.] I'm such a bitch, so I try to make the other members do whatever they want with me. You know, bondage, tied-up, anything! They all call me, Yuketsuko. [Again everyone laughs.]

Miya, is Gizmo [Miya's pet dog] nice to everyone or just you?

Miya: Just me. [Laughs.] Gizmo barks at others if he doesn't know them.

Tatsuro, how come you changed your name from 'TATOO' back to your real name?

Tatsuro: No reason. [Everyone laughs.]

On your cover album Cover Parade there is a recording of Niiwaka ame Session with members of La Vie En Rose. Since you've been friends for quite some time, how was that experience for you?

Tatsuro: They're more of our superiors, our foremen in our own hometown. So it was very fun and exciting being able to work with them.

Last question! By the end of 2006 MUCC will have released 4 singles, 3 albums (including a cover album), 2 DVDs, performed in Europe and the US, and toured Japan. Why so much in such little time?

Tatsuro: This year is a very "Hellish" year for us.

Miya: Since our band is in our best shape, I felt like wanting to do as many things as we can.

From a fan's perspective, it seems you're stretching yourselves thin and it might make a fan worry.

Tatsuro: We're still all right; we're still going strong!


Many thanks to Yaz Noya from Tofu Records/Sony Music for arranging the interviewa and to Danger Crue for the concert photos.