Remembering the legacy: a candid Interview with Daisuke Ochida (Kagerou, THE STUDS) on the launch of his solo project, Daisuke to Kuro no Injatachi
Daisuke is a singer who gained recognition through the success of Kagerou. After the sudden and regrettable breakup of the band, he formed THE STUDS. In June 2010, he launched his solo project called Daisuke to kuro no Injatachi. Only one single was released, as the singer’s untimely death prevented him from releasing a solo album during his lifetime. We have just learned the news moments ago, and we are in shock! We conducted the following interview recently, but were hesitant to publish it as it is incomplete. Daisuke stopped responding to his emails, which unfortunately makes sense now. This is likely the last interview he was able to do. Therefore, please excuse the evasive answers to some questions. May he rest in peace.
——Daisuke, how are you doing?
Daisuke: I’m doing great, thank you. I feel like singing with little birds. Right now, I’m feeling a sense of joy and contentment. The peacefulness and serenity of nature have a way of rejuvenating my spirit.
——Singing with birds?
Daisuke: Yes, I sing with them every day. It brings me so much happiness, it’s truly delightful. For me, singing with birds is a way to connect with nature on a deeper level.
——Do you feel nervous about the launch of your solo project?
Daisuke: Not at all. I feel happy, simply. I am eagerly awaiting the launch of my solo project, and it’s incredibly exciting. I believe a “chaotic” musical future is unfolding around me, in the best possible way. I feel highly inspired and can’t wait to share it all. I have this overwhelming desire to give it my all. The anticipation for my solo project is like a whirlwind of excitement and creativity. It’s a feeling of stepping into the unknown, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. This new chapter in my musical journey feels like a black vortex, but in the most positive sense. It’s a symbol of the uncharted territory and the limitless potential that awaits me. This sense of instability fuels my creativity and pushes me to explore new sounds, ideas, and emotions. I am fully committed to giving my all to this project, pouring my heart and soul into every note and lyric.
——Can you address the rumor circulating about THE STUDS disbanding?
Daisuke: As you mentioned, it is just a rumor. THE STUDS is currently on a temporary and indefinite hiatus, that is true. However, the band has not disbanded, nor do we have any intentions of doing so. I remain confident and positive about the future of the group. The decision to take a temporary hiatus was a collective one, driven by various factors. We felt the need to take a step back and reassess our musical direction, explore new creative avenues, and recharge our artistic energies. This hiatus allows us the opportunity to focus on individual projects and personal growth, which will ultimately contribute to the band’s evolution. While the duration of the hiatus remains uncertain, we are committed to regrouping and continuing our musical journey together. We believe that this break will only strengthen our bond as a band and lead to even greater musical achievements in the future.
——Why did you feel the need to embark on a solo career?
Daisuke: I received a mission from the God of music, a sort of calling from beyond. I truly felt the need to do it, it was something that had to be done. It’s difficult to put into words, but it was a deep inner knowing that I had to explore my own musical path and express myself as a solo artist. It felt like a divine intervention, a message from the universe that it was time for me to step out on my own and share my unique voice and vision with the world. It was a calling to push my creative boundaries, to delve into uncharted territories, and to fully embrace my artistic potential.
——It seems like your solo career provides you with a sense of personal fulfillment and creative freedom. Can you elaborate on how it allows you to express yourself more fully?
Daisuke: Indeed, my solo career allows me to indulge in my most absolute selfishness. It eliminates jealousy, paranoia, and any feelings of inferiority that can arise within a group dynamic. This project being solo, it reflects me more than any other bands I have been a part of. It is my music, my universe, 100% me. This creative freedom has allowed me to explore different genres, experiment with unique sounds, and delve into themes and emotions that resonate deeply with me. I have the freedom to make artistic choices without compromise, to follow my instincts and intuition without any external influences. It has given me the space to fully express my thoughts, feelings, and experiences through my music, without any limitations or restrictions. This level of creative control has been liberating and has allowed me to create music that is truly authentic and genuine. Having this level of creative control and ownership over my music is incredibly empowering. It allows me to fully embrace my artistic identity and take full responsibility for my creative choices. It gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that every aspect of my music is a result of my own vision and hard work. It also allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level, as they are experiencing a direct expression of who I am as an artist. This level of ownership and control brings a sense of fulfillment and fulfillment that is truly unparalleled.
——Good to hear about your musical evolution from your early bands to your solo project. How do you feel about your musical growth?
Daisuke: I believe that my music has gained depth over time. I have matured, and so has my music. I may be a bit less angry and aggressive than before, or maybe not. Perhaps my anger is better channeled, I’m not sure. But I consider what I am and what I do now to be new and fresh. My sound has become more nuanced and layered. I have explored different musical styles and experimented with new sounds and textures. There is a greater emphasis on melody and emotion in my music now. I have also focused on refining my songwriting skills and creating more intricate compositions. Overall, there is a sense of growth and exploration in my music, as I continue to push myself creatively and evolve as an artist. Moving on to your upcoming single release, what can listeners expect musically? Daisuke: They can expect passion, a sense of pathos, intense and vivid emotions, and a touch of suffering. They can also expect beautiful melodies that resonate deeply. The single will be a blend of raw emotions and captivating melodies, creating a powerful and immersive musical experience.
——Do you write the music in addition to the lyrics, or is it still a collaborative effort?
Daisuke: I write all the lyrics myself and collaborate with the Black Hermits (“Kuro No Injatachi” whose identities I cannot disclose) to compose the songs. While this project is “solo” in the sense that I lead it, the Black Hermits are heavily involved and contribute to the music. It is still too early for me to reveal that information. I am currently working on the album, and I would prefer to keep the details under wraps for now. Please check back with me in the future, and I will be happy to share more about it when the time is right.
——I’ve noticed that you have returned to a darker aesthetic visually. Can you explain the reasoning behind this choice?
Daisuke: I have experienced various things, including feelings of despair, deception, loss, anger, and sadness. So, when I am confronted with these emotions, with the things I just mentioned, or when my own eyes witness them, or when others go through them, I make a pact with the devil, and my appearance takes on another form. In short, I dress according to what I witness and experience.The dark aesthetic aligns with the themes and emotions that I explore in my music. It serves as a visual representation of the intensity and depth of the emotions I convey through my songs. It creates an atmosphere that complements the raw and authentic nature of my music. The darkness in my visual aesthetic allows me to delve into the depths of human emotions and express them in a way that is both captivating and evocative.
——Can you elaborate on the message you hope to convey through your songs?
Daisuke: Yes, I want to encourage everyone and give them strength through my music. I want to remind people not to be silenced or walked over by others. I hope that I can help you in that regard. If my music can provide support and assistance, then I am the happiest person.
——Moving on, is there anything specific you would like to say to our readers?
Daisuke: Be patient and wait for me with love. And if that’s the case, I will board a plane to visit you soon. Please continue to support me; it means a lot to me. Thank you very much.
__________________
Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
