Interview with MUCC in London

Popular formerly-visual kei band MUCC are no strangers to Europe, but their recent tour of Europe included, for the first time, a stop in London. The concert was advertised as a Special Headline Show for their 10th Anniversary. JaME had the chance to talk with the quartet before they performed at the Camden Underworld.

We had a brief round of introductions, and upon hearing that both interviewers' names were the same, Tatsuro introduced both himself and Yukke as 'Yukke'. It made for a pleasant atmosphere to start the interview.


Hello!
MUCC: Hello!

You've often said that you wanted to visit the UK. Does it have special meaning to perform in the UK for the first time, and how do you feel about tonight's live?

Yukke: This isn't my first time to visit London. Two years ago I came to see the Finnish band The Rasmus, and after that I wanted to play here myself. It is really exciting.

In "Gokusai" we can hear some a rather inventive use of sound. In songs like "Nageki no Kane" you mix different styles, in this case heavy metal, reggae and some "scratching". How did you decide to make the music for these songs?

Yukke: We heard many different kinds of music and I wanted to experiment with these different styles.

What tends to influence your songs in general? There seems to be a great diversity, and particularly, "Gerbera", "Haitoku no hito" and "Hakanakutomo" have a real 70s or even Spaghetti Western feel.

Tatsuro: The way we make music comes naturally, and so do the things that influence us. We listen to bands influenced by Spanish music and we felt inspired by it.

Ah I see. We hear those and we think they could fit in a film, they sound kind of Tarantino-ish

Tatsuro: Ahh. I like Pulp Fiction. [note: he said this in English]

Recently your style has become noticeably lighter in feel, such as the melodies and rhythms used. What is driving these changes, and how do you feel MUCC may develop in the next few years. Are there any new surprises in store for fans?

Miya: (laughed slightly) It just happens. I don't know if the style is changing much but we see each change as an opportunity.

Tatsuro, with regards to your upcoming single "Libra", in the PV you portray yourself as having an alter ego. (Light and dark). Why did you choose to portray yourself in this way?

Tatsuro: Light and dark was a pretty stark image that stood out when the lyrics were finished. Therefore I wanted to show these images in the PV. Did you watch it on Youtube? (MUCC all laugh)
No, somewhere else.
MUCC: Ehhh!

Miya, you use a seven string guitar. Why did you start playing one, did you get inspiration from another 7-string guitarist?

Miya: I wanted to play a 7-string because of KoRn. With that kind of guitar, I can play a large range of music and get a greater sound, but it does not work very well on the down tuning.

SATOchi, on previous recordings you got help from Sakura (Sons Of All Pussys) but not on "Gokusai". How did the recording process go this time?

SATOchi: This time I wanted to do it all myself and also, Sakura did not have any time. We wanted "Gokusai" to be more for ourselves.

Since you're in England, we've always wanted to know what inspired Yukke's older style of visuals. It seemed rather inspired by English Public Schoolboys.

Tatsuro: (Pointed to himself smiling) Yukke?

(We indicated to the real Yukke instead and continued.)

Yukke: Ah. At that time I was very interested in England and it's people. I wanted to show this by wearing this uniform.

We remember an old voice message on the "Aishuu" CD, where you mentioned you were Harry Potter fans. Is this still the case and are you looking forward to the new film?

(MUCC laughed and seemed a bit confused at this question as they discussed it at length among themselves.)
Tatsuro: I didn't really know very much about it at the time but now I am a big fan of Harry Potter.

Are there any dream artists either dead or alive who you would like to collaborate with?

Tatsuro: Hisaishi Joe as I love his films.

Finally do you have any message for your fans?

Miya: I have been longing to play in England for a long time and this is an experience that shall remain precious to me. It is a pleasure for me to be here and I hope to come back very soon, and I hope to do my best tonight.
Tatsuro: I have enjoyed visiting Chelsea and Camden, it is cold here but Vivienne Westwood is cheaper here than in Japan!

---

JaME would like to thank MUCC and Gan-Shin for giving us the chance to interview the band.