Interview with AI

A year after DEATHGAZE went on hiatus, the band's vocalist AI unveiled his first solo single GLASS SKY. By now, he has already released two singles and one full-length album, with a third single on the way. AI performs a lot and his first solo concert will take place this winter. In his interview for JaME Russia, AI revealed how the idea of the solo project was born, shared some secrets of songwriting and more.

Hello! Thank you for finding time to answer our questions. First, could you tell us when the idea of becoming a solo artist appeared? Was it while DEATHGAZE were still active or after the band went on hiatus?

AI: It happened when DEATHGAZE were still active. However, it was nothing more than a vague idea, something inexplicit. I just wanted to create something by myself one day.

What goals did you have when you started solo career? Have you managed to fulfil any of the things you wanted to achieve?

AI: I’ve written many songs for DEATHGAZE, constantly aiming at enhancing the band’s potential and diversifying its music. There were some songs that I personally liked but that didn't fit the band’s style. If I started writing a song and then realized it didn't correspond to our style, then I laid it aside. I wanted to write music without thinking about the band’s image; I wanted to be free in my creativity, to create something that I personally liked. It gave me impetus to start a solo project. Now I'm full of energy and I really enjoy the things that I'm doing.

What do you value about being a solo artist?

AI: Not having to compromise. Of course, my aim is to create high-quality songs. But I like the fact that I can do everything, from start to finish, by myself.

Your first two singles are completely different. If the first was something that your fans could have expected, the second turned out to be more experimental. What inspired you for KARASU?

AI: It’s hard to say. I guess there were no particular sources of inspiration. I just wanted to create a 'purely cool' song. And KARASU became exactly that song. Its music, its composition – everything is absolutely ‘my style’. After I finished writing it, I’ve hardly ever made any amendments. It was absolutely the way that I like straight away.

Your first album Confusion shows us a slightly different side to you than in the times of DEATHGAZE. How would you describe your album and its concept?

AI: I’d describe it as "one-man omnibus album". Any band or solo artist has its recognizable ‘color’, a special creative vibe. I didn’t want the album to have this distinctive vibe. I didn’t want the listeners to have a clear idea of the author immediately. I wanted them just to enjoy the music.

Which song from the album is the most significant one?

AI: I love LAST MEMORIES. I think I’ll always like it.

Do you have specific stories for each song, or they are written in line with the overall concept?

AI: There is no common story. Every song from the album has something you could call a theme. It can be just a message: a ‘violent’ or a ‘lyrical’ song, for instance. ‘A song that I’d like to play in a big concert hall’ or ‘a Yosui Inoue-style song’. (laughs)

Now we'd like to ask about songwriting process. What is your source of inspiration? What comes the first, music or lyrics? Do you compose spontaneously under inspiration or usually create any parts and gradually work on them?

AI: It depends. In most cases, the inspiration is sudden. An idea comes to my mind – it can be a melody, some riffs, a rhythm – and then I develop it. Sometimes the process is smooth and the song is created immediately, but I also may alter everything many times and force myself to work.

Of course, the result will be quite average in the latter case. Then I just lay it aside. Our perception often changes as time passes - that’s why it’s important to let the song ‘mature’. Writing the lyrics is the last step. Sometimes some words that came to my mind accidentally when I was humming the song actually become the lyrics.

You uploaded songs from your singles on YouTube. For Japan, it’s quite an unusual method of promotion. Why did you decide to do it?

AI: Do you really think it’s unusual? I thought it’s quite a usual method nowadays. There are many ways of promoting your creations. Many people use YouTube, as this website has a simple interface. I easily uploaded my songs on it. Moreover, I would really like if fans from abroad got acquainted with my songs.

What is the main difference between being a solo artist versus playing in band? How do live shows differ?

AI: There’s no fundamental difference for me. Whenever I'm a part of a band or I'm a solo artist, I feel the responsibility.

Your career as solo artist is quite successful. Is there a chance you would like to join a band again?

AI: My solo project has a lot in common with playing in a band. I perform with other musicians that can be considered as ‘a band’ as well. For me, the main advantage of a solo project is the fact that I can create music which I like, and I choose when to do it and whom to collaborate with. I’ve just started my solo career and now I have no plans to start any band.

Takaki (DEATHGAZE), Makoto (ex-EAT YOU ALIVE), Minamoto Iori (ex-FEMME FATALE), Jun (ex-404NOTFOUND), and Koichi, who was previously part of DEATHGAZE’s staff, have all participated in your live shows. How do you choose support members?

AI: I choose those who manage to express the charm of my songs best. Moreover, we should be on the same wavelength, I like people who love to experiment, who work hard but are able to relax too. Every person that I’ve worked with meets this description! So, everything’s great!

Once you’ve written ‘I would like play with unknown musician rather with one I know’. Is there any opportunity for the ‘unknown musician’ to work with you?

AI: There are many great musicians among the people that I’m acquainted with. If they agreed to perform with me, we’d make a cool concert. I’m sure there are many people who I’ve never met but who have a great potential. And if I meet someone who has the same values that I do, I’d love to collaborate.

Is there any band or musician you dream to work with?

AI: There isn't.

When you first started on your way as a musician, what was your biggest dream? Did you manage to fulfill it?

AI: I guess it was something like ‘playing music until I die’. Everything’s still going exactly as planned.

If you don’t mind, we have a few "unmusical" questions for you. Firstly, why do you like cats so much?

AI: Everything about them is so cute.

Can you describe your perfect day?

AI: I’d love to fall asleep embraced by happiness.

What would you change in the world if you had such power?

AI: I’d turn the Statue of Liberty into a cat.

What are your future plans?

AI: To develop my solo project, issue new albums and give more and more concerts. I want to perform abroad, so, please, support me.

Thank you for the interview! Do you a message our readers?

AI: Thank you for supporting me. I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.