When Kizu arrived on the visual kei scene in 2017, they attracted attention almost immediately for their dark, powerful sound, refined visuals and emotional, highly energetic performances. The band just celebrated its fourth anniversary
this year, marking the occasion with the release of their first best-of album KATAKI on April 7th. Shortly before the release of the compilation, we had the chance to ask the members some questions about their recent works, their experience
performing outside of Japan and the potential for more overseas activities.
For any readers who have not had a chance to listen to Kizu’s music yet, how would you describe your sound?
Kizu: The muttering of Japanese outsiders.
Why did you choose “Kizu” as your band name?
Kizu: Sorry, that’s one thing we just cannot disclose.
As you will be releasing your first best-of album KATAKI in April, looking back on your career so far, how do you feel Kizu has evolved since your debut?
Kizu: Nothing has changed. It’s just our fans that think we have evolved.
What inspired you to choose the word “KATAKI” as the title for your best-of album?
LiME: My negative feelings.
LiME, you directed and edited the music video for the new song Hato featured on the limited edition of KATAKI. What was the inspiration behind the video?
LiME: I projected
what’s in my head as it is.
Hato (Short Ver.)
Both versions of the album also feature a new song called Milk. What can you tell us about this track?
LiME: Please feel it yourself.
The music video for Human Error
will be featured on the limited edition as well. Why did you decide to release the video for this song two years after the single?
Kizu: No comment!
While you’ve been together for four years, you’ve released your music exclusively on singles until now. Was this a conscious decision on your part? Is it a pattern you’re planning to continue after KATAKI?
Kizu: It
depends on how we feel at that time.
While many bands switched over to live streaming events or holding concerts with various safety measures and capacity restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seemed like you were hesitant to compromise about live shows when you announced your _bou one-man at SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE towards the end of 2020. Has your stance on this changed since then?
LiME: Live
music is live music, regardless of social conditions.
Has the coronavirus pandemic led you to discover anything new about yourself or life as a musician?
Kizu: What do you mean by "pandemic"?
Jigoku
Did you try out any new hobbies or learn any new skills in 2020 while you were unable to perform live?
LiME: Camera.
Several of the coupling tracks from your singles feature numbers in the teens (specifically, Juukyuu from Kizuato, Juushichi from Human Error
and Juugo from Kawazu). Is there a story or theme linking these songs?
LiME: All of Kizu’s songs are linked, regardless of the song title.
You released an English version of your single Kuroi
ame
called BLACK RAIN in 2019. Why did you choose to record that particular song in English? Was there a message you wanted to convey to fans around the world?
LiME: Exactly.
Kuroi ame
You have performed in other Asian countries like China and Taiwan in the past. Did these shows feel different from your concerts in Japan?
LiME: There is no difference.
Are you interested in performing overseas again in the future, once the coronavirus pandemic has been resolved? If so, where would you want to go?
LiME: Absolutely.
We will go anywhere in the world! Please tell me where you would recommend us to go!
Please leave a message for your overseas fans.
LiME: Let’s meet each other one day.
reiki: We will meet you one day, let’s enjoy when that day comes. I am not good at English, so please learn Japanese until then.
yue: Let’s meet each other.
kyonosuke: Hey guys.
We have a gift for you.
JaME would like to thank Kizu and Chaotic Harmony for making this interview possible.
In addition to their best-of album KATAKI, Kizu celebrated their fourth anniversary with a special YouTube video project called ICHIGEKI where LiME collaborated with vocalists he respects, performing one-take covers
of some of Kizu's popular songs.
Videos featuring LiME covering Kizuato with NoGoD frontman Dancho and Tokyo with D=OUT vocalist Kouki can be viewed below. The original versions of the songs featured in the ICHIGEKI project were also released
as a digital EP, so fans around the world can now find links to download and stream them from most popular music platforms here.
