A Short Interview with KUROYUME

Most visual kei fans have come across the name KUROYUME in one way or another, as they are known for their unique music that has influenced many young bands and listeners. After a decade-long hiatus, the two members of KUROYUME resurfaced again and resurrected the band last year. We got the opportunity to ask the band about their come-back, their new releases and future plans.


First of all, thank you very much for accepting our interview. We are delighted to see KUROYUME revived this year, after a hiatus of more than a decade. What prompted you to put the band on hiatus in 1999? What made you decide to revive the band again this year?

KUROYUME: A friend passed away, and his death caused us to revive the band.

Since KUROYUME went on hiatus, both of you have worked on other projects. How have the projects you worked on influenced the revived KUROYUME? In what ways has this affected your music style?

KUROYUME: Our projects didn't relate to the revival, but I think that we were able to brush up on our skills through the projects.

It is known that the Japanese are peaceful; many keep their opinions and criticisms to themselves. However, through your vast music career, you are vocal about your opinions. How has age affected the views you held at the beginning of your career to the present? What in your life has shaped or evolved these views?

KUROYUME: The Japanese music scene certainly has an odd atmosphere like peer pressure, and maybe they have an unspoken agreement that they should fog their opinions. We might be a little stranger in the scene, but we were just speaking and acting like ordinary people in the world.

You’ve been in the music business for a long time now. When you first started, did you think you’d still be involved in it after such a long time?

KUROYUME: We didn't, not at all. We were thinking that we would finish after three years because the first contract was for three years. In those days we couldn't imagine the future after that.

With so many great achievements in the music field, what are some goals or dreams you still want to fulfill?

KUROYUME: We want to be in obedience to our aesthetics.

KUROYUME’s music is very diverse and over time, your style has evolved with each album. When working with such an array of styles, how do you find inspiration when working with a different, new style?

KUROYUME: We were just doing what we wanted to do on each occasion. But we're probably a rare case in Japan.

What do you think about KUROYUME's strong influence on other bands? Many of them claim you are their inspiration. Did you ever think you would have such an impact on so many people?

KUROYUME: We've probably influenced them in both good ways and bad ways. But we didn't expect it.

KUROYUME has inspired many artists and bands over the years but within this "new generation" of performers, are there any in particular that have inspired you?

KUROYUME: Nobody really inspired us, but we were paying attention to certain artists on each occasion.

What do you think about the KUROYUME tribute album, FUCK THE BORDER LINE? What are your thoughts on the younger bands’ rendition of your songs? Which song is the most KUROYUME-like and which is the most different?

KUROYUME: We think each one is great. We have no idea which one is 'KUROYUME-like' or 'not' because what's KUROYUME-like is still incomplete in our minds.

In 1995 you participated on a tribute album for AUTO-MOD. For what other bands would you like to play a tribute?

KUROYUME: We would like to play a tribute for the Japanese band DEAD END.

For your single ALONE, the B-side is a remix version of ALONE by the electronic band THE LOWBROWS. How did this remix come about?

KUROYUME: We wanted to know how KUROYUME would be interpreted by people who are at the forefront of a completely different genre.

It seems that you are currently incorporating more electro in your music and live shows. What interested you about electronic music so that you decided to start using it?

KUROYUME: We think we're just incorporating the musical essence that we're paying attention to at the time. It might be electro now, but we have no idea what will get our interest next year.

In August, you will release a new single called HEAVENLY. What can we expect from this song? What does it sound like and what was the inspiration for it?

KUROYUME: It's pop music. The single is the most cheerful rock 'n' roll song we've made since the revival.

The ‘A’ version of HEAVENLY will have a remix of the title-track by 80kidz. How do you go about these remixes? Do you contribute with ideas for the final sound or do you choose from several remixes?

KUROYUME: We leave everything completely to the remix maker.

The ‘B’ version of HEAVENLY will have a cover of the song BORN TO BE WILD. Why did you choose to cover this song? How have you turned it into a KUROYUME-version?

KUROYUME: It's a car tie-in on a TV advertisement. A client specified the song to be covered. It's KUROYUME-like in the scale (the pitch of key).

In your 1996 song FAKE STAR, you expressed that the Japanese music media tried to discriminate against or ignore bands that had a visual kei image. Currently, there is a demand for visual kei bands overseas, which is the opposite of 15 years ago in Japan. What do you think about this?

KUROYUME: We think they're still closing the door in Japan. We've never played overseas before, but after we experience it, we want to feel whether there is a true demand for Japanese visual kei overseas or not.

Recently many Japanese bands have been having overseas activities such as releases and concerts. Does KUROYUME have similar plans for the future?

KUROYUME: There is nothing in particular right now.

This March, the Tohoku area was hit by an earthquake and later suffered problems with nuclear plants. How did you experience this disaster?

KUROYUME: We just pray for peace.

In May you performed in Sendai as a part of your tour. What made you decide to continue to do this show?

KUROYUME: We felt that holding the show, without thinking about the disaster area, was the best way for us.

Last but not least, please give a message to your international fans.

KUROYUME: We think skillful rock music in Japan has not gone as far as it will yet. We hope that day will come someday, and we want to be there in that moment. Thank you.

Thank you very much for the interview.