Plastic Tree at AnimagiC

Around half past nine in the morning, Plastic Tree's press conference started in the Beethoven hall. Selected press and fans were able to ask various questions, which were mostly answered by vocalist, Ryutaro, and bassist, Tadashi. After Ryutaro greeted the audience with 'Guten morgen', which is 'good morning' in German, the press conference began.

Press conference:

The circus seems to be a reoccurring theme for Plastic Tree. What fascinates you about it?

Ryutaro: The circus came often to my hometown, Chiba. I was always fascinated by it because the people from the circus traveled from town to town and I wanted to do that too; it was something unusual.

Plastic Tree has been around for quite some time now. What's your biggest success; what are you most proud of?

Tadashi: We're very proud of our first one-man from ten years ago. Next to that, our first concert abroad, which was in Berlin last year.

What attracts you to being on stage?

Ryutaro: When a person is on stage, one can let their emotions run free. Normally, in everyday life, a person has to behave sensible, but not on stage.

Why do you think that so many people in Europe like Japanese music?

Tadashi: Because the style of Japanese and European music are very different from each other.

Did your previous performances in Europe influence your song writing?

Ryutaro: Yes, of course! (laughs)

In what way?

Ryutaro: We have experienced a lot and were able to learn a lot of new things... The places we've been to were different and also the reaction of the audience. It was very inspiring to us.

How do you differentiate the difference between Japanese and German fans?

Tadashi: We noticed that even though there is a communication problem, that the German fans understand our music, which surprised us. Next to that, they're louder and wilder!

Bucchi, when did you first decide that you wanted to play in a band?

Hiroshi: Before I joined Plastic Tree, I had never played in a major band. I took part in the audition and I fit with the band.

And before you joined Plastic Tree?

Hiroshi: I've played in other bands, had a few other jobs and I've also worked as a studio musician.

How will you celebrate your band's anniversary?

Ryutaro: On September 8th we will perform the 'Zero-concert' at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

Will you be active in Europe again; do you have any projects planned?

Ryutaro: Our first CD What is Plastic Tree has recently been released here. The cities of Europe are fascinating and so is the culture. I would like to live and work here for a year.

Which of your concerts in Europe have left the biggest impression on you and why?

Tadashi: The concert in Berlin last year was absolutely breathtaking, I felt as if I was going to faint. It was a great experience.

Last year in Berlin you also played older songs, such as Psycho Garden. How did you pick the old songs that you played?

Tadashi: Since it was our first concert abroad, we selected the songs that we liked the most to present them to the audience, and we took the songs that represent Plastic Tree, according to us, were the best.

Plastic Tree exists for quite some time now; what is the secret behind staying together for such a long time?

Ryutaro: We're a team and on stage, we just belong together. We have a tight bond with each other and together we're in the position to write good music.

Have you tried the German beer already?

(everybody looks at Akira)
Akira: Umai! (tastes good). Yesterday we drank 'Kölsch' (a kind of beer from Cologne). A lot of Kölsch! (everybody laughs)
Ryutaro: It tasted very good, I drank it as if it was green tea. In the end, I was drunk. (laughs)

How do you relax after concerts?

Ryutaro: In Japan I sleep a lot, but here in Germany I want to see everything and explore everything, so that's why I don't sleep a lot here.

In private, to what music do you listen, what inspires you?

Tadashi: We all like different sorts of music, such as rock, techno and acoustic music. We take the impressions we gain from that music and blend together so there aren't any direct influences.

Do you have special expectations for the concert tonight?

Ryutaro: Yes!

Last year in Berlin, you played an instrumental version of the song, Kiss me, by The Cure. Why did you play it that way?

Tadashi: The Cure mean a lot to us and you could say that they are our heroes!

_______

Following the press conference, we had the opportunity to hold a short interview with Plastic Tree.

Interview:

Plastic Tree's new album is called Nega to Posi, which can be translated to "negative and positive". Is this the concept of the album?

Ryutaro: No, we didn't really have a concept in mind when we started on the album. We've existed for over ten years already and we wanted to show what Plastic Tree is, what we stand for.

What do you think about this album in comparison to your other albums?

Ryutaro: It was very important to us that we were satisfied with this album ourselves. In comparison with the other albums it distinguishes itself – for example with various sounds that sound 'broken', which was done on purpose because we wanted to show different aspects.

Which songs are your own favorite and why?

Tadashi: I like Elegy best. The song brings to life what I want to play with Plastic Tree.
Ryutaro: Andro Metamorphose! I think that when someone listens to this song, that they will feel happy and that's why the song is rather long as well; it has an important meaning to me.
Hiroshi: Kuroi Kasa. With this song I wanted to show my own style, and I think that I really managed to do so. I like being a drummer.
Akira: My favorite song is Mujineki. The song is rather complicated and that's why I like it. I think it's something typically Japanese.

Before you released Nega to Posi, you released two singles, two ballads, Spica and Makka na Ito. Compared to those, it's surprising how heavy the songs on the album sound in comparison with these two songs. Why did you choose to release these particular songs as a single?

Tadashi: Honestly, only time decided. It's marketing. (laughs)

The song Orange is rather surprising. Normally it's quite easy to recognize different kinds of songs as 'Plastic Tree' songs, but Orange sounds very different. Do you also think that this song differs from your 'normal' style?

Akira: Ah... (laughs) I composed Orange. The song consists of extremely modern electronic things and rock together, just like Led Zeppelin does, for example. I think this mix is good. Actually I'm surprised, we already experienced that in Germany a number of fans like this song best, you like it too, right? In Japan the people don't really like the song... I'm very happy that it's been accepted in Germany.

The song Fujunbutsu starts with a guitar intro, which sounds a little like Nirvana's Smells like teen spirit...

Ryutaro: Ah... Yes that's right. I'm a big fan of Nirvana and for me they are a very significant source of inspiration. In general, I like music from America a lot.

Thank you very much for the interview!

Plastic Tree: Thank you!


JaME would like to thank R:ID and Plastic Tree for the interview and press conference. Another thank-you goes to Jürgen Hornschuh from germanrock.de for the live pictures and to Katharina Dohle for the pictures from the press conference.