Interview with Calmando Qual

Earlier this year, Calmando Qual performed in various European countries on their tour Arigato - The Final Tour. Even though this title was quickly interpreted as heralding the disbandment of Calmando Qual, the fans were soon put at ease - it turned out that there would be some changes in the band, but no disbandment.

After their show in Paris, France, JaME got the chance to talk to the three members. After a few interviews with other press and drinks to celebrate the final show of the tour, it was JaME's turn to enter the room and ask Calmando Qual some questions.


Good evening, first of all we would like to know your impressions of tonight's concert.

Hibiki: It was really exciting and we had the feeling that it was the audience that gave us the strength to play tonight!

During the concert, Hibiki talked about this "final" tour, but that's incorrect - what's incorrect exactly?

Hibiki: We are not breaking up!
Kenka: Exactly!
Tak: In fact, first we will get a new drummer and maybe a keyboard player, but we are especially looking for a new drummer.

What are your music projects for the future?

Kenka: For the moment, it's the three of us. Once there is a new drummer, we will record a new album with a new sound. And after that, we will do a tour, that's what we want!

What made you want to come back to France after two years?

Kenka: Compared to Japan, I had the idea that the French are very strict people: they don't like foreigners, they don't like those who don't speak French, and so on. That's what you hear in general about this country.
Hibiki: I wondered how it would be if I were to come to France.
Kenka: But eventually, I realized that in general they are very friendly people. And I started to appreciate their culture and the history of France.

Which memories do you have from your previous European tours?

Kenka: I remember the very tough bread! (laughs)

What would you like to achieve with the band Calmando Qual?

Hibiki: There isn't a concrete, big thing, but what we wish, even though we aren't major, is to follow certain fixed steps and always move forward. We would like to give that message to other small, independent bands. But can this message be transmitted beyond borders? That's the question.

Speaking of messages, do you have a specific message you're trying to pass on to the audience?

Kenka: We're not quitting!
(everyone laughs and the band starts to talk amongst themselves)

Why is your last album titled FATHER-MOTHER?

Hibiki: The theme of the album is about a father and a mother. There is a large question about birth, the beginning of life. It's a delicate subject about which there is much to say, but it's a challenge for us to talk about everything that lies behind it.

What would you like to do when you're overseas?

Hibiki: To be honest, we love to eat the regional dishes of the places where we perform a show.

In some of your compositions, you can feel a mix of metal and industrial music, comparable with Rammstein and Nine Inch Nails. Are you influenced by these kind of bands?

Hibiki: Of course we're in a certain way influenced by the groups we admire. But we create our own sound, with our own vision on music and our own personality.

On the album Heretical God there is a song with the title erotic+grotesque+nonsense. Why did you chose this title, and is it related to the genre eroguro?

Hibiki: The title is interesting because depending on if you look at it from the French or Japanese language, the meaning is a bit different. It's something that sounded good in Japanese. Concerning the genre, you could connect it to that, there is a resemblance, but it doesn't go any deeper than that.

Several of your songs have political content, for example, ANTI-FLAG. What are you hoping to express with these?

Hibiki: Well, you should express what you wish to say, even if it's difficult, if - for example - you'd come to stand opposite authority. In short, be courageous!

What are the themes you're mainly using in your current songs?

Hibiki: There is not an exact theme, we have a more general theme.

What do you think of the current Japanese music scene?

Hibiki: It doesn't change and it is always similar, it's not evolving. We hope that the media itself will create a chain by saying that this or that artist is interesting, so that a network can be created.

Do you have a final message for your fans?

Tak: We're not quitting the band, even if it's just gonna be the three of us for the moment, we will create a new sound. We will mix everything we did and keep the name Calmando Qual, with the support of the fans. In case you like the name, please tell us by mail!
Kenka: Like I always say, the French are very kind, and I like France and certain French words, such as: "merci," (thank you) "je t'aime," (I love you) "mon amour" (my love) and "escargot!" (snail)
(everyone laughs)
Hibiki: Everyone will know that Calmando Qual is not breaking up, and I'm very happy with today's live! Enjoy yourselves, whether you're alone or with friends!

Thank you very much!

Hibiki, Tak and Kenka: Thank you!


JaME would like to thank Calmando Qual, Rage Tour, Astan and translator Lamia Cross.