Unveiling the sonic depths of an iconic band: backstage (Paris) interview with Kaoru from DIR EN GREY, delving into the musical approach of their new release, The Unraveling.
DIR EN GREY is a Japanese rock band that was formed in 1997. Their music is often categorized as alternative metal, with elements of progressive rock, visual kei, and experimental sounds. DIR EN GREY gained popularity in the early 2000s and has since become one of the most influential and successful rock bands in Japan. The band members include Kyo (vocals), Kaoru (guitar), Die (guitar), Toshiya (bass), and Shinya (drums). Known for their intense and dynamic performances, DIR EN GREY’s music explores dark and introspective themes, often accompanied by Kyo’s powerful and versatile vocals. On June 13, 2013, the renowned band DIR EN GREY graced Paris with their presence as part of their promotional tour for ‘The Unraveling.’ This highly anticipated release showcased a new track alongside six meticulously reworked older compositions. Amidst the electric atmosphere at La Cigale, Paris (FR) we were fortunate enough to secure a backstage interview with Kaoru, the band’s talented guitarist, just moments before they took the stage.
—— The new mini-album includes one new track and six self-remakes. How did you come-up with the idea of re-working old songs of yours for a record?
Kaoru: We decided to rework several old songs of ours just because we felt a need and a compelling desire to do so. This is as simple as that. We did not want to introduce old songs to new fans nor expound them due to lack of creativity, it is quite the contrary actually. As for us, the aim was to artistically challenge ourselves. Trying to make something new out of something old requires a real creative commitment. Re-working your own compositions while attempting not to repeat yourself is a difficult endeaver. For each album, we try our best to broaden new horizons and take a fresh look at music. We do not want to repeat the same things over and over again. It would be boring for the people who listen to us and mainly for ourselves. The band is constantly seeking new inspiration. As for the chosen tracks, I would say that they were self-evident, no doubt. We just felt like we could exploit and explore their potential to the full with the help of what we have stored-up to date.
—— How does it differ as a musician to re-work old songs compared to create one from scratch?
Kaoru: Hum… I know that we do not think the same about it. Opinions really differ from each other. We have a different approach towards music, so I cannot speak for themselves but can discuss the matter personally. As far as I am concerned, it is more difficult to create a song from scratch than to re-work old tracks. It is simpler though not easy. It is far from being easy actually. Readjusting something that comes from you in the first place can be quite a brainteaser. Though in absolute terms, I find it amazing to create music (laughs). You have been working with Tue Madsen for quite some time. He mastered and mixed “The Unraveling”, he also mixed “Dum Spiro Spero” and the 2012-version of “Uroboros”.
—— Do you feel like you found DIR EN GREY’s sound with him? How is he like to work with?
Kaoru: At the time being, Tue Madsen is the greatest in his particular area of expertise and we want what is best for the band. As for now, we are very happy to create music with him. He does know how to endow sound intensity and depth to our music. He is a pleasant man to work with. That being said, nothing is freezed. We haven’t set-up an exclusive agreement with him and we are never against the idea of trying something new with someone else, far from it. Like I said, we do not want to repeat ourselves.
—— Most bands get softer as they release more music. DIR EN GREY doesn’t happen to be one of them. Your latest albums are actually the most extreme of your discography. How would you explain that and what maintains your anger?
Kaoru: Hum… Firstable, I must admit that we like to do things against the tide. If we are somewhere unexpected doing something unexpected, it is great! The band is not trying to follow the trend or any movement. Secondly, I would say that each in every one of us has been gathering an overwelming sense of negative feelings, such as anger, which comes-out naturally in our songs. Our music is simply the sound expression of our state of mind and what we live in on a daily basis. If it doesn’t get softer with time, it is only because what we live, as individuals, does not permit it. We spit and channel our negative emotions through music. It is probably true that we are angrier than we were back in 1999 (laughs). But, with age increasing, you realize that the world is going wrong and it doesn’t get any better.
—— As for your you, what is the greatest strength and weakness of the band?
Kaoru: Hum… Our greatest strength and weakness. Hum… It is a hard question to answer! I would say that, individually, we are weak people, like every other humain-beings that live in this world. Each of us has flaws, doubts, many different and varied weaknesses. Yet, once united, we get strong. Thanks to our weaknesses and negatives feelings, we succeed in creating music. Alone, we are weak. Together, we are strong.
—— The cover art has been said to be the result of the fusion of DIR EN GREY’s universe and Yasuyuki Nishio’s perspective of the world. Can you tell us more about it? Besides, Kyo is about to release two photobooks. Have you ever considered using his photographies for DIR EN GREY’s artwork?
Kaoru: It is very likely that I am going to disappoint you but, apart from the fact that I find the cover art pretty, I have absolutely no philosophical thoughts about it (laughs). I am sorry, I am not able to answer this kind of questions, you are interviewing the wrong member of the band (laughs). Besides, I still haven’t seen any of Kyo’s photographies (laughs).
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Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
