JaME interview for VAMPS

© VAMPS - VAMPROSE
Shortly after the release of their first single, LOVE ADDICT, and prior to starting their VAMPS LIVE 2008 tour, VAMPS took some time to answer some of our questions.


First of all, thank you very much for having this interview with us. Let's start off by asking you to please introduce your band, VAMPS. The word 'VAMPS' has a variety of meanings; which meaning does the word have for you and how did you come up with this name?

HYDE: VAMPS means "vampire," which I like. And I thought VAMPS is simple and easy to remember.

You previously worked together on HYDE's solo project; why did you two decide to start this new project?

HYDE: I respect K.A.Z., so I felt it was weird to let him play under my name, "HYDE."
K.A.Z.: HYDE gave me the idea.

Going back in time a little: when and how did the two of you first meet? Can you still remember the first impressions you had of each other?

HYDE: K.A.Z. came to watch my band's gig. Though we just had a little conversation because I'm so shy, I felt he was very artistic.
K.A.Z.: I went to L'Arc~en~Ciel's gig and greeted him at the after party. It was the first time I'd met him. I remember that he cared about me a lot and was a quiet person.

What differences in your music are you planning to make in order to make VAMPS different from your other projects?

HYDE: We're a very active team and we'd like to move as freely and do what we want to do.
K.A.Z.: I want to do what we want, freely and without any limits!

K.A.Z., the past times you worked with HYDE on his solo recordings and lives you usually stayed in the background, but with VAMPS you too have been placed in the spotlight. How does it feel to be working as a unit with HYDE instead of just accompanying him?

K.A.Z.: Though I didn't consider myself as part of his support band when I was playing for HYDE's solo project, I feel I can brace myself with the name VAMPS.

You've currently only released one single with two songs, yet you have a forty-six show tour scheduled. When can we expect a new release?

HYDE: Though I want to release one more CD within this year, I'll make songs when I get nice ideas.
K.A.Z.: We're going to start recording after the tour.

It seems that you are going to introduce VAMPS with live shows. Why did you decide to start on such an extensive tour so soon?

HYDE: The shows had been scheduled earlier than the band name was decided. I think the main thing for us is the show and the show is the best place for us to turn on the charms.
K.A.Z.: I like playing gigs and want a lot of people to see us on this long tour.

Can you tell us a little about your upcoming shows; what can fans expect?

HYDE: We're going to stay longer at each venue than we would on a normal tour, so the set and direction of each show can be more elaborate. Well, our performance is showy enough without any special direction.
K.A.Z.: We can develop the sound and the stage every time by staying longer at each venue. But that doesn't mean the early shows are not good!

Considering both of your popularity, VAMPS is already a hit with your overseas fans. Seeing as you started an official MySpace account in a very early stage of your career as VAMPS, it seems you are aware of this too. Do you have any plans to cater to your overseas fans, for example with releases, possibly overseas performances and so on?

HYDE: Yes, we're planning. We're going to do something showy when VAMPS' album is released.
K.A.Z.: I want to do an international tour. And I want people all over the world to listen to our music.

Your first single, LOVE ADDICT, came out recently. What was your main source of inspiration for these two tracks and how did the song writing and recording process go?

HYDE: Imagining how the lives would be, I made songs that could heat up the show. I arranged songs as I wanted and finally ended up with simple, powerful songs.

The song LOVE ADDICT is sung in English and half of TIME GOES BY is in English too, which is a really welcome surprise to your overseas fans. HYDE, what made you decide to write the lyrics in English? Was it hard for you to write in this foreign language?

HYDE: Because our target is the world! (laughs) Though songs with all English lyrics aren't welcomed in Japan, I tried to make the lyrics simple and easy to sing.

For your future releases, can we expect something in the same style as LOVE ADDICT, or do you intend to surprise us with a different style?

HYDE: Nobody knows. We're going to make the kind of music we want to make, as we want to make it. I think we will make music while thinking mainly about the live shows.
K.A.Z.: Without fixing the style of VAMPS, we want to be able to do anything flexibly.

Right now, you are very busy with preparing for the shows and, of course, with promotion activities. Do you have any spare time left and how do you try to relax and stay fit?

HYDE: I don't have any days off, but mostly I go shopping to buy clothes in my spare time. If I don't buy now, I will miss the summer lines and the autumn lines will come out soon.
K.A.Z.: Maybe the tour is my off time?! It's a LONG SUMMER VACATION. I'll feel like I'm on a trip.

Your fans are really creative; they've done a great job showing their love and support by sending pictures and movies to K.A.Z. during his recovery after he injured his foot. K.A.Z., how did you feel about this? Were you expecting such a reaction from your fans?

K.A.Z.: I am really glad about that. I want to get well as soon as possible and want all of the fans to see how fine I am! Thank you very much.

Please leave a final message for your overseas fans.

HYDE: I hope VAMPS will be accepted worldwide. And I'm looking forward to seeing you.
K.A.Z.: I want to see you; I'm really looking forward to seeing you at VAMPS' shows.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview! Good luck with your future activities!


在他们发行了第一张单曲，LOVE ADDICT，之后不久，在他们的VAMPS LIVE 2008巡演之前，VAMPS抽了些时间回答了我们提出的问题。

---首先，非常感谢你们接受这次采访。让我们开始通过问你们一些问题来介绍一下你们的乐队，VAMPS。“VAMPS”这个词有很多种意思；这个词对你们来说意味着什么？为什么起这个名字？
HYDE：VAMPS就是VAMPIRE（吸血鬼）的意思，我很喜欢。而且我觉得VAMPS很简单，容易记住。

---你们之前一直在HYDE的SOLO时合作；为什么你们两开始要组现在这个新乐队？
HYDE：我敬佩KAZ，所以我觉得让他在我名下的HYDE乐队表演很怪。
KAZ：HYDE给的想法。

---再回到更早：在什么时候你们俩是怎么第一次见面的？还记得你们俩对彼此的第一印象嘛？
HYDE:KAZ来看我们乐队的公演。所以我们才有了一些交谈，因为我很怕羞，我觉得他很有艺术感。
KAZ：我去看L'Arc~en~Ciel的公演而且之后的庆功宴还去祝贺了。这是我第一见到他。我记得他很在意我而且他是个寡言的人。

---你们音乐里的什么差异演绎到了VAMPS里，为了与你们其他的乐队不同？
HYDE: 我们是非常积极的团队并且我们想有更多的自由做我们想做的。
KAZ:我想做我们所想的，自由地没有任何限制！

---KAZ，之前你在做HYDE他自己SOLO的录音和演出工作时你经常待在幕后，但是在VAMPS你也站在了台前。你感觉怎样作为HYDE的一份子而不是帮随他？
KAZ:虽然我在HYDE SOLO的乐队出演时并没有考虑我自己是作为支撑他乐队的一部分，以VAMPS命名我觉得我可以支撑我自己。

---你们目前只发行了一张2首歌的单曲，但是你们有四十六场表演在巡演表上。什么时候我们可以期待新曲发布？
HYDE:当然我想今年内再多发张碟，如果我有好点子我会写成歌。
KAZ:我们将在巡演结束后开始录音。

---这意味着你们打算用演出来推广宣传VAMPS。为什么你们决定怎么快就开始如此大规模的巡演？
HYDE:在乐队命名前这个演出已经很早被提上了日程。我想对于我们来说最主要的事情是演出而且演出对于我们是展现魅力的最好的场所。
KAZ:我喜欢公演还想在这个长期巡演中能有很多人来看我们。

---你们可以透露些关于你们即将举行的演出，歌迷们可以期待些什么？
HYDE:我们将开始一个在每个场馆比我们在通常的巡演更长（的巡演），因此演出的位置和地址会更详尽。嗯，我们的演出会很精彩，没有什么特别的透露。
KAZ:每次在同样一个场馆怎么长时间，我们可以更好地发挥声音和舞台。但这也不代表前期的表演不好！

---考虑到你们各自的声望，VAMPS已经深入海外歌迷中。当你们作为VAMPS生涯开始的早期时，你们还开放了官方MYSPACE帐户，这样看来你们很早就意识到这点了。你们还有什么计划去迎合你们海外歌迷的，比如发行，海外演出等等？
HYDE:是的，我们有这个打算。我们打算想在VAMPS的大碟发行后做些演出活动。
KAZ:我想做个世界巡演。并且想让全世界的人来听我们的音乐。

---你们第一张单曲，LOVE ADDICT，最近发现了。你们这2首歌的主要灵感来自哪里？是怎么写出来并处理的？
HYDE:我想象演出起来会是什么样的，我要做一首可以活跃现场气氛的歌。我写我想写的歌以简单，有力量的歌结束。

---LOVE ADDICT这首歌用英文来唱，TIME GOES BY的一半也是英文的，这真的非常受海外歌迷的欢迎。HYDE，是什么使你决定用英文来写歌词？用外文写歌词对你来说是不是困难？
HYDE:因为我们的目标是全球！（大笑）虽然全英文的歌词在日本不太受欢迎，我劲量把歌词写得简单易唱。

---对于你们将来的发行，我们可以期待和LOVE ADDICT一样风格的，还是想用不同风格的带给我们惊喜？
HYDE:没有人知道。我们将做各种我们想做的类型的音乐，我们想做就去做的。我想我会在巡演中思考要做的音乐的主旨。
KAZ:VAMPS没有固定的风格，我们能随性地做任何东西。

---现在，你们为了准备巡演非常繁忙，当然，伴随着推广活动。你们有什么空闲时间或者你们怎么放松和安排休息的？
HYDE:我没有休息的时间，不过通常我会去购物买衣服在空闲的时候。如果我现在不买，我会错过夏季，而且秋季马上就要来临了。
KAZ:也许巡演就是我的休息？！这是个悠长的暑假。我会感觉在假期中。

---你们的歌迷非常有创造性；他们做了很多来表达他们的爱和支持通过寄照片和视频给KAZ，在他腿受伤后的恢复期里。KAZ你对这些有什么想法？你对歌迷这样的反应有什么期待？
KAZ:对这些我真的很高兴。我会尽快好转起来让所有歌迷看到我有多好！非常感谢你们。

---请对你们的海外歌迷最后说几句。
HYDE：我希望VAMPS会被全世界接受。并且我期待能见到你们。
KAZ:我想见你们，我真的渴望在VAMPS的演出中见到你们！

2008.09.26 VAMPS - DWANGO INTERVIEW

VAMPS - DWANGO INTERVIEW


◆1: Please tell us the story behind the formation.
Hyde: Up till now I've been doing music together with KAZ, and for me without him I wouldn't exist, so we got married.

◆2: About LOVE ADDICT, what part of the tune is the key point?
Hyde: It had to be a fast single, and since we also changed name even the target we make songs for has changed as well, but basically nothing has changed. Right now this is the song I wanna express with this name, when I was a kid I couldn't listen to noisy or indecent rock, and this stands even for the lyric. Still, that isn't an overall intention, as usual I'm making song to play at lives.

◆3: What about TIME GOES BY, is there some secret story about the production?
Hyde: This is a song KAZ brought to me 2 years ago, back then I wanted to change the chorus but I couldn't make it, this time instead the chorus came out in one stride and it was perfect.

◆4: Please make a PR comment about the release of LOVE ADDICT.
Hyde: I think this is a song that would be cool to hear in Japan. At first it might hurt but gradually the feeling gets good!
KAZ:Let's dance~ make noise~ We made a song that naturally gets straight in your body!

◆5: Please tell us what you are enthusiastic about the VAMPS LIVE 2008.
Hyde: It's the first time I do a live in 6 major city for a stay of about 10 days, I'm also very curious about how it will turn out. VAMPS has just 2 songs at the moment, so those songs will be the main thing, and since we haven't performed them yet I look forward to it.
KAZ: I like the fact that we created a band to perform live so I look forward to that. The dates are certainly a lot and we will enjoy them step by step.

◆6: You are about to face a very long tour, are you paying attention to your physical condition?
Hyde: Actually when I go on tour I always drink and eat too much and I put on weight so, since after the tour this sucks I'd like to hold back.
KAZ: To recovery the fracture at my heel by using Beckam therapy, up till now I have been having medical treatment every day to get healthy.....

◆7: Let's talk of mobiles......what's your ringtone at the moment?
Hyde: What is it...? A small sound, the sound of tissues.
KAZ: A JAZZ ringtone, but I don't know the name of the song.

◆8:The functions you use the most in your mobile?
Hyde: Camera, alarm clock
KAZ: Alarm clock.

◆9: The function that would be nice to have in a mobile?
Hyde: For the mobile to cry if the owner gets separated from it.
KAZ: When I'm in a haste, I confuse the mobile for the PC mouse, even finding myself holding it, so if there was a mouse function I'll be done with being embarrassed.

◆10: Something about your private.....what are you into of recent?
Hyde: Shopping? Summer goods I haven't bought before.
KAZ: Honey and noridama. I had it at the hospital and I got addicted to the taste. I used to eat noridama a lot as a kid.

◆11:What do you talk about except for work?
Hyde: What? About the fracture? Usually.

◆12: Hyde san, some attractive quality that you noticed in KAZ san?
Hyde: His sense at making songs, and his staging sharing is terrific, but even that he is an easygoing person is good isn't it? He is sociable in a different way compared to me.

◆13: KAZ san, some attractive quality that you noticed in Hyde san?
KAZ: That he is an artist. He has a strange aura. Usually he is very quiet, but on stage when he SHOUT he is cool.

◆14: Hyde san, an unexpected side of KAZ san that you didn't know?
Hyde: At times he has a wonderful intonation. It's relaxing.

◆15: KAZ san, an unexpected side of HYDE san that you didn't know?
KAZ: At times he acts like a big fool. Especially late at night when recording......that was the first time I think.

◆16: Please tell us something about VAMPS plans from now on
Hyde: After the end of the tour we'll make songs. I'd like a ballade.

◆17: As last, a word for the fans.
Hyde: We'll go aggressively up to where we can go. Please support us!
KAZ: Enjoy VAMPS. Look forward to songs and live!



Q1:请告诉我们构成前的故事。
HYDE：直到现在我一直有和KAZ在音乐上合作，对于我来说没有他就无法生存，所以我们觉得结婚了。

Q2:关于LOVE ADDICT，什么部分是这首曲子的重点？
HYDE：毫无疑问这是首快节奏的单曲，因为我们（乐队）改了名字，这样作曲的目的也同样更改了，但基本上没有改变什么。目前这是一首同它的名字一样表达的歌，当我是个孩子的时候不能接受吵闹的和色情的摇滚，这些都取决于歌词。而且，这不是全部的意图，通常我为了在演唱会上表演才写歌。

Q3:TIME GOES BY怎么样，制作的时候有什么花絮嘛？
HYDE:这首歌2年前KAZ带给我的，当时我想修改副歌部分，但是没有做，这次放入的副歌部分带来了很大的进步，就完美了。

Q4:对于发表的LOVE ADDICT请表达下自己的个人观点。
HYDE:我想这是首在日本听起来很酷的歌。一开始可能会痛苦点但是渐渐会感觉良好！
KAZ:让我们跳舞~制造喧闹~我们做的歌自然在你体内！

Q5:请告诉我们你们对VAMPS LIVE 2008最关心的是什么？
HYDE:这是我第一次办这样的巡演，要在6个大城市停留大约10天左右，我也非常好奇这怎么来完成。VAMPS现在只有2首歌，所以这2首歌将是最主要的，既然我们还没有表演过它们，我很期待。
KAZ:我实际上喜欢我们成立一个演出的乐队，这个是我所期待的。（演出）日子确实很多但是我们会一步步去享受它的。

Q6:你们要去面对一个非常漫长的巡演，你们有特别注意身体状况嘛？
HYDE:事实上每次有巡演我都会大吃大喝并且变重，因此巡演结束后我就要控制吸收了。
KAZ:为了通过贝克汉姆疗法恢复腿骨折，直到现在我还是在每天接受医疗来恢复健康...

Q7:让我们来聊聊手机.......你现在的铃声是什么？
HYDE:那是什么啊？一小段声音，系统里的声音。
KAZ:一段爵士乐，不过我不知道名字。

Q8:手机用得最多的是什么功能？
HYDE:照相，闹钟。
KAZ:闹钟。

Q9:手机加入什么功能比较好？
HYDE:如果主人一离开手机就会大哭。
KAZ：我迷糊的时候会把手机当鼠标，然后发现自己这样拿着，如果有鼠标功能我会很困惑。

Q10:一些私人的问题.....最近在干什么？
HYDE:购物？我以前没有买过的夏天的东西。
KAZ:蜂蜜和鸡肉味的膨化食品。我在医院里吃的，并且十分喜欢这个味道。我小时候很喜欢吃鸡肉味的膨化食品。

Q11:除了工作你们还谈论什么？
HYDE:什么啊？关于骨折？经常地。

Q12:HYDE先生，你在KAZ先生身上发现了什么魅力嘛？
HYDE:他对作曲的感觉，而且他的舞台表现力非常激烈，即使他是个脾气温和的人，不是吗？他在其他方面比我随和。

Q13:KAZ先生，你在HYDE先生身上发现了什么魅力嘛？
KAZ:他是个艺人。他有奇异的气场。平时他很安静，但是当他在舞台上叫的时候非常酷。

Q14:HYDE先生，KAZ先生有让你意外不认识的一面嘛？
HYDE：有时他的声音很好。让人放松。

Q15:KAZ先生，HYDE先生有让你意外不认识的一面嘛？
KAZ:有时候他的行为像个大傻瓜。尤其是深夜录音的时候........那是我第一次这样认为。

Q16:请透露些VAMPS将来的打算？
HYDE:巡演结束我们会做写歌。我想做一首民谣。

Q17:最后，请对歌迷说一句。
HYDE:我们会入侵每一我们可以去的地方。请支持我们！
KAZ：享受VAMPS。盼望歌和演出！

2008.06.29 VAMPS - LOVE ADDICT REVIEW

VAMPS - LOVE ADDICT REVIEW - 06.29.2008
Author : anna


Both HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z. (Oblivion Dust) are artists that have been around for a long time and as such they have learned to multi-task. While continuing work with their respective bands (even if the work is just hiatus), they've started a new project titled VAMPS, with the two of them rushing headlong into a countrywide tour with only one single released! Whether the title of their band is a play on the jazz term for improvised accompaniment or on the word "vampires" (as neither of them are probably getting any sleep with such a busy schedule), the whole thing has the class and style of both - and LOVE ADDICT will have you seriously addicted.

The title track starts off with slamming guitar chords and a quick beat. It’s old school rock and delightfully uncomplicated and the moment HYDE starts in with his hoarse, half-yelled growls, the song becomes an instant favorite. The song is fierce and wild, with the focus clearly on the emotion and not the composition. In fact, the simple, repeated melody is what makes it great; the unchanging rhythm allows the pure force of the song to shine. Notably, the lyrics are all in English, and HYDE’s pronunciation is better than ever.

TIME GOES BY is far softer in comparison, yet what it lacks in power, it makes up for with a more complex, layered sound. It opens with an acoustic guitar and HYDE singing gently, but turns into a light rock song soon enough. The easy melody evokes a feeling of nostalgia and hope, and the cymbals play a big part in setting the drifting mood and creating the driving edge. The chorus sees HYDE performing some beautiful falsettos, and the lyrics are both in Japanese and English.

LOVE ADDICT is a pretty good indicator of what fans can expect from VAMPS. It shows the unleashed force of two rock stars and the artistic ability of two creative and respectable musicians. From energetic start to longing finish, the single is something fans of both HYDE and K.A.Z. can enjoy. And, as a tour can’t be built on a single, more fantastic music can be expected from them soon. It seems safe to say that by then, we’ll probably just be fans of VAMPS.

VAMPS - LOVE ADDICTREVIEW - 06.29.2008
文：安娜
HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel) 和 K.A.Z. (Oblivion Dust)都是有着长期从艺经验的多重身份艺人。他们成立了一个新乐队叫VAMPS，同时还继续进行着各自的乐队活动（即使活动暂时间断了），同时2人在只有一首单曲发行的情况下开始迅速投入到全国巡演！无论他们的乐队名来自一个爵士乐队的临时演奏者，还是来自于“吸血鬼”（大概是他们2人如此繁忙的时间表，几乎没有睡觉的时间）整件事情都有了级别和风格——LOVE ADDICT将会让你真的上瘾。

主打歌开始于抨击的吉他弦声和急速地鼓点。这是守旧派的摇滚并且非常简单，这时HYDE开始他沙哑低嚎，这首歌变得十分入耳。在明显地情感爆发点上来说这首歌是狂野的，而不是在结构上说。事实上，简单反复地曲调让它变得很棒；永恒不变的节奏闪耀出歌曲的力量。显而易见地，歌词全部是英文，HYDE的（英文）发音比以前更好。

相比之下，TIME GOES BY非常地抒情，但是缺少力量，它的构成更加地复杂，有层次感地声音。吉他弹奏伴随着HYDE的轻轻吟唱开始，但是很快就转为了轻摇滚。安逸的曲调唤起对往事的怀念和希望，钹的演奏带给一种漂浮地情感而且创造出强劲地优势。HYDE的演唱运用了一些漂亮的假声，歌词同时用了日文和英文。

LOVE ADDICT 是一个非常好的指针，它指示着歌迷能接受怎么样的VAMPS。它展现了2位摇滚明星有着创造性的高尚音乐家的艺术才能的爆发。来自于充沛的活力，渴望完成它，这张单曲HYDE和KAZ的歌迷都会喜欢。并且，因为一个巡演不可能由一首单曲组成，更多美妙的音乐期待他们即将带来。也许那个时候说会更确切，我们大概只是VAMPS的歌迷。

2008.10.29 KEN's Voice

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Ken’s Voice <10.28>


I made recordings yesterday and today.

Everything was recorded with good sound at guitar dubbing!

And I tried to sing a song I already finished the lyrics after that but I was just shocked!

Singing is so hard!

All I did was practicing the guitar and totally forgot about to practice singing which I'm amateurish.

Come to think of it, my stomach was six pack when I sang all the time with S.O.A.P.

Hmm, maybe I should improve strength first. So many things to do.

Well, when I was fixing up the lyrics I sang today, I came up with the word "cuticle" all of a sudden. What the heck is "cuticle" … I'll work hard.





きのう今日とレコーディングでした。ギターダビングしたんだけど、全部好い音で録れたよ！その後に歌詞ができてる曲を軽く歌ってみたんですが、ショック！歌うの大変！ギターの練習ばっかして、素人な歌の方を練習するの忘れてた！

そういや、S.O.A.P.で歌ってばっかいた時は腹筋割れてたもんな。うーん体力作りからはじめないとかな？なんかすることいっぱいです。今日歌った詩の手直ししてたら「キューティクル」って思いついたんだけど、「キューティクル」って。。。がんばります。


我昨天和今天都录音了。
吉他部分的录音非常好！
并且我试着唱了一首已经写好歌词的歌，但是我刚才被吓到了！
太难唱了！
我所做的都是吉他部分，完全忘记了我不熟练的唱歌部分。
我想起来了，我在S.O.A.P.唱得都是6分音符。

哈，也许我应该先增加体力。太多事情要去做了。

还有，我填今天唱的这首歌的词的时候，我突然想到了“外皮”这个单词。中心词就是“外皮”。我会努力工作的。

2008.10.14 Thanks from K.A.Z

October 14, 2008 - Tuesday

Thanks from K.A.Z

Thank you all for celebrating my birthday!

During our show on the 10th, the band stoped playing in the middle of "Love Addict" to celebrate my birthday!! It was such a cool surprise birthday present. THANK YOU ALL!! I promise to keep playing the guitar and keep all of you in my heart!

Thank you for your great support.


10/11のVAMPSライブではLOVE ADDICTの演奏中に

急に演奏が止まって、サプライズで誕生祝いをしてもらっちゃった！

ありがとう！ これからもみんなの心に響くGUITARを弾くから応援してね。

ツアーも残りわずか。飛ばしていくぞ～

Love,

K.A.Z

来自KAZ的感谢
感谢所有人为我庆祝生日！
在我们10日的演出中，乐队在演奏“LOVE ADDICT”间隙终止为我庆生！！
这真是个令人惊喜的生日礼物。谢谢你们所有！！！
我一定坚持继续弹吉他并且把你们所有人记在心里！
感谢你们的支持。
爱你们的，
KAZ