Interview with Moon Stream

Moon Stream is a brand new band, created by former RENTRER EN SOI vocalist Satsuki and Echostream's guitarist Tomo. The band made their debut in June at Kintoki-con in California. With another animecon appearance planned in Atlanta in September, we decided to ask Satsuki and Tomo some questions about their new project and plans for the future.


Thank you for this opportunity to interview you. Can you please introduce each other as a band member, but also tell us a little about the member's personality?

Tomo: Satsuki is the vocalist. Satsuki is a prince.

Satsuki: Tomo is the guitarist, he is sexy.

How did you meet each other and what made you decide to create Moon Stream?

Satsuki: We were led by fate.

Tomo: Led by nature.

What were the first impressions each of you had of each other when you first met?

Satsuki: Tomo is like a nice big brother.

Tomo: Satsuki has an aura about him.

Seeing as Moon Stream has not released any music yet, could you tell us what your music sounds like and what concept you have in mind?

Satsuki: I want to release songs that can make everyone excited at our concerts.

Tomo: I want to put out songs that make the concert atmosphere come together.

Do you both compose music and lyrics for Moon Stream, or are the roles divided?

Tomo: I would like to create songs from several angles. I want to see different possibilities I have never had before.

Satsuki: I want to face many challenges with that.

What is your inspiration for your songs?

Satsuki: I get inspired when I am watching the moon and when I'm in Tomo's room.

Tomo: While walking around at night time. In moments of relaxation, when looking within myself.

Do you already have plans for recordings and any releases for the near future?

Satsuki: I want to record soon.

Tomo: Since we both live apart, it is kind of difficult but I will try to my best to send everyone new songs as soon as possible.

As Satsuki is also working on his solo career and Tomo is part of Echostream, how do you find time to work on all these projects?

Satsuki: I can find time somehow because I'm serious with both projects.
Tomo: I cut out sleeping time for that (laugh). Well, I don't sleep that much usually anyway. I want to work on different kinds of music more and I want to find more things that I can do.

It’s a busy life as a musician; what do you guys do to relax?

Satsuki: I take a bath.
Tomo: Aromatic candles.

You made your debut performance at Kintoki-con in California. What was your impression of it?

Satsuki: I wanted to be with everyone more.
Tomo: Awesome! I felt accomplished.

Why did you decide to do your live debut in the United States, instead of in Japan?

Satsuki: Because I love America!
Tomo: One reason was just the timing, another reason was that I wanted to gain the American audience's power, which I can feel directly, to gain energy for our future activities.

At Kintoki-con you met with various fans during autograph sessions and meet and greets. What was this experience like for you?

Satsuki: I had fun when we met the fans.
Tomo: I got so much encouragement.

At the convention you held a ‘music workshop panel’ where you composed a song on the spot. What was it like to do such a panel, wasn’t it nerve-wrecking to compose a song in front of an audience?

Tomo: I wanted to make this panel for people who feel "I want to play music but don't know where to start," to sing with courage, and encourage them to play. I wanted to tell people, "Nobody was a professional at the beginning. No song is very good at the beginning." Moreover, I would like everyone to "enjoy" "music."

Satsuki: I would like everyone to enjoy music through our music. Music is fun. Moon Stream’s concerts are fun too. So please come see us!

Can you tell us something about the support members that played with you at Kintoki-con? We heard it was their first trip to the US; how was that experience?

Satsuki: Ena, the bassist, loves donuts. U-YA, the drummer, loves beer. They perform with me for my lives in Japan, so we can trust them a lot. That’s why we have them as Moon Stream support members too. I'm glad they could come to America. Even though they can't speak English (laugh).

Tomo: More than I expected, they seemed like they could get along with America. Thank you to all the fans and staff.

Satsuki, you’ve been in the United States a few times. What cities or places (for sightseeing) did you like best so far, and where else would you like to go if you had the chance?

Satsuki: I love LA and NYC. But I really want to go to NYC again.

Tomo, you’ve been living in the United States for a few years now. Where would you recommend Satsuki go?

Tomo: I really want him to just come and do a concert in NYC with me.

With you living in different countries, how will recording be done? Will you be recording in both countries?

Satsuki: I will be able to meet Tomo more from now on, so we will probably be able to record together (laugh).

Tomo: Since I sometimes go back to Japan and will meet Satsuki more, we will be able to record together in either country. Also my other project in Japan called "Alias" is recording separately in several countries and areas. I think we can make good music wherever we live in this global society.

Satsuki, next to your work with your former band RENTRER EN SOI, you have also put out a solo release. What are some of the key differences between working with a band and as a solo artist for you?

Satsuki: As a solo artist, there's complete freedom. And there's room for footwork.

It has been a while since RENTRER EN SOI ceased activities. Since then, how have you grown as a musician and personally?

Satsuki: I listen to many kinds of music, watch many movies, all by myself. From these works of art, I get inspiration so I can grow more.

Satsuki, we heard you are studying English. What are some of the easiest and the hardest points of learning English?

Satsuki: The difference between Rs and Ls is really hard...

Tomo: But he is getting better so quickly... (surprised)

What is Moon Stream's next move?

Satsuki: Atlanta!

Tomo: I think It's already announced but we are going to Anime Weekend Atlanta. Please check out more details at our Moon Stream facebook fanpage! facebook.com/MoonStreamOfficial.

Finally, please give a message for our readers.

Satsuki: Let’s meet again!

Tomo: Please support us! See you at the concert!


JaME would like to thank Moon Stream and Rubab Rizvi for making this interview possible.