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I've been seeking an unprecedented sound, and feel I've been
heading in this direction for a long time. But now I've accomplished
my goal... So I'm ready to release the album! X day has come!
Mid March, Yoshiki who returned to Japan in order to conduct
at the opening ceremony of the World Expo finally announced the
release date for Violet UK's album. That X day being the day of X
Japan's sudden disbandment announcement 8 years ago. September 22nd!
The fated day of VioletUK, which according to Yoshiki is the 2nd X
Japan, has been decided!
Prologue: In March, YOSHIKI finally came back to Japan to conduct at
the opening ceremony of the World Expo. We are pleased to announce it
has been decided that the album for his solo project Violet UK will be
released on the 22nd of September this year. So far, songs have also
been introduced bit by bit on the solo classical album and at the
classical concert, but finally it will appear in its entirety. It
seems as though the work that looked like continuing endlessly, will
finally see the light of day. We asked Yoshiki about this news while
he took a break from his busy schedule.
I: We heard that at the moment in L.A. you are running 3 studios. From
the beginning have you always had this kind of hard schedule?
Y: Yes that's right. I haven't been in Japan for a long time so maybe
everyone thinks I've just been playing around. But once people hear
the sound of Violet UK I think they will understand. It will be like "Ahhh,
so this is what he's been doing all this time". It really is unique.
Because I think I'm the only one who can produce this sound. Punk,
trip-hop, trance... I went in various directions, and then came back
again. Then, it was decided that various elements will be put in the
album
I: So you wanted to cram in all the things that you like, right.
Couldn't you just take one aspect as the focus and discuss that for us?
Y: For example, with X Japan there was a combination of beautiful
melodies and a heavy sound. I think those two things were interesting.
Violet UK has beautiful melodies, heavy drumming, plus elements of
dance music and high tech loops. A little bit punk sounding, with
jazzy chords... I tried to put all of these elements in, therefore it
was a real challenge.
I: Usually if you have all of that, you can't put it all together, can
you?
Y: I don't think you can put it all together, but somehow I think I
did. Of course, it is impossible to cram everything into 1 song, so 1
~ 2 songs represent a sort of compilation, while other songs feel as
though they have various elements in them here and there.
I: It will certainly be an unprecedented piece of work then won't it.
Y: Its unbelievable... music like that. My staff said it was like a "culture
shock". I don't know how to explain it fully.
I: The scene changing from song to song?
Y: But the songs and lyrics are both consistent.
I: Then how about saying there are various approaches and various
sounds?
Y: Well I think the sound is also consistent, in that its cool It
might sound strange saying this myself, but I think its cool. After
doing everything I've done if it sounded uncool I would be quitting
music. I'm doing something I've never tried in my life!
I: So Yoshiki's "coolness" must be quite a large hurdle then?
Y: Yes, that's right. And, after seeking an unprecedented sound, I
feel as though I've always been heading in this direction. But now I
feel that I have already accomplished my goal, so I decided to release
the album.
I: Ok, so you realized that you've accomplished what you set out to do
and now you are able to release it (VUK). I see, because until now
you've been chasing after this goal...
Y: Well it kind of felt like a second brew of tea (not fresh). But,
especially in regards to the sound, I got the result I wanted and it
felt as if I'd been far off into distance.
I: Did you realize that after making a specific song?
Y: 2~3 years ago after making 1 song, I could see the direction the
album would take. In parallel to that song, I chose the lineup of
songs, and reordered songs etc. Then after that I thought 1 or 2 more
songs were needed so I continued composing... and then I finally
finished.
I: By the way, this has been in production for a period of 10 years
now...
Y: It took a really long time, didn't it? But along way there were
numerous occasions where the timing was right and I thought of
releasing the album... To me Violet UK is not a solo project, however
depending on your point view it does look like a solo project, doesn't
it? When you think of how many people actually succeed in a solo
career you realize its not that easy. I started by thinking, if I was
to clear the hurdle then I have to in effect create a "2nd X Japan".
I: It seems as though this 2nd X Japan idea (consciousness) is very
strong isn't it?
Y: That's right. It's not that easy to put into words, but if I don't
try to exceed what I have done already, then there is not much point
in trying. Of course, the musical style is different and the vocalists
are female, but my feeling is that I want to release the album with
the same sort of impact that X Japan had.
I: With this in mind you decided on timing the release on the 22nd of
September, the same day you announced X Japan's breakup, right?
Y: Well it felt as though that's around the time when I would be able
to finish by. Therefore, I decided lets make on that day]
I: So on that day as the new X Japan, Violet UK will make its
appearance right?
Y: That's right. Yikes, what should I do if I'm not ready in time.
I: Hehehe, no way, not after you've gone and got everyone so hyped up
nowJ However, to the listeners that date is a kind of hint of your
will to exceed X Japan isn't it.
Y: In that sense there are a lot of codes encrypted in both the lyrics
and the songs. It really is a mysterious project. Its not The Davinci
Code but it has that kind of atmosphere to it.
I: Therefore, it contains some elements that existed in the X Japan
era?
Y: There's that also. Without thinking I've tried to give small hints
on the internet, but the codes for Violet UK's music are all being
hidden.
I: I think it would be good if there was a book containing the hints
you wrote Yoshiki.
Y: A guide book, that's a good idea.
I: A guide book about your own album?
Y: Yep! Hehehe.
I: If that happens we'd all be looking forward to it and it might also
widen your audience too... With the gradual impact of the music and
listeners being fully immersed, they'd also be able to see the
connection between the past and present.
Y: Yes I agree. I also think that the content of the lyrics are
violent. It's become even more radical than X Japan. For example, in
regard to the way of thinking about "death". But, Rebirth, or being
born again is the concept behind the first album. When the artist
Salvador Dali came to America, he saw himself as being born again...
so there are images from when he was a baby. Those images are in one
of the songs. In that sense I think this is a very artistic album. On
top of that it is easy to listen to, but in terms of a selling point I
haven't been too concerned with that area, I don't really care at all.
But I don't want it to end with simply my own self-satisfaction,
therefore I've worked on a variety of aspects.
I: Having said that its important to have a sense of balance isn't it.
So following up the album you are planning to have a live concert as
well…Your frustration must really be building up?
Y: Yeh, the other day I wanted a chance to play the drums for the
filming we were doing. But, of course since we were only filming I
wasn't playing the drums seriously. Then everyone was so happy because
they were able to here "Yoshiki's drumming". The fact that people were
so happy when a drummer plays drums... I thought to my self... "Is it
so special?" You know I feel like... I'm a drummer so I'll play for
you anytime! Hehe.
I: Well first of all we are looking forward to the album.
Y: Ok, because from this year to sometime next year I'm planning a lot
of things!
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