Behind the curtains: unveiling MUCC’s 14th career – a candid pre-stage interview with Tatsuro and Miya, unraveling their musical journey’s ups and highlights
MUCC is a Japanese rock band that was formed in 1997. The band’s name stands for “Musica Urbana Can Create” which reflects their desire to create music that blends various genres and styles. MUCC’s music is often categorized as alternative rock, with elements of punk, metal, and visual kei. They gained popularity in the early 2000s and have since released numerous albums and singles. The band members include Tatsurou (vocals), Miya (guitar), Yukke (bass), and Satochi (drums). MUCC is known for their energetic live performances and emotional lyrics. Just a few hours before their concert in Paris on January 23, 2011, we had the opportunity to sit down with the band MUCC to learn more about them and their career. Only Miya and Tatsurô were present to welcome us in the offices of Élysée Montmartre. In the background, we could hear Yuuke and Satochi tuning their instruments.
——It’s been 14 years since MUCC was formed. What are your thoughts on your career?
Tatsuro: Throughout our 14-year career, we have always aimed to carve out our own path in the music industry. We wanted to create a distinct sound and image that would set us apart from other bands. It was important for us to be true to ourselves and not simply follow trends or mimic what was popular at the time. Each member of MUCC brings their unique personality and musical influences to the table. We constantly challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of our creativity and explore new territories in our compositions. This collaborative effort allows us to blend our individual strengths and create a cohesive and dynamic sound that is unmistakably MUCC. Looking back, I am proud of what we have achieved so far. We have released numerous albums, performed on stages around the world, and connected with fans who resonate with our music. But I know that there is always room for growth and improvement. We will continue to evolve and explore new avenues in our music, always striving to deliver something fresh and meaningful to our audience.
——Are there things that you are particularly proud of? On the other hand, do you have any regrets?
Miya: I am proud of the journey we have had so far, and I am also very happy that we are still together.
Tatsuro: Well, I regret that we are still together (laughs). Just kidding. Despite challenges and difficulties, we still enjoy each other’s company and continue to work together. That’s something I am proud of.
——What is the best memory you have experienced thanks to MUCC?
Tatsuro: When I think about the best memories I have had with MUCC, there are so many to choose from. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single best memory, one that stands out to me is our performance at the Wacken Festival in Germany. It was an incredible experience for us as a band. Wacken is known worldwide as one of the biggest and most prestigious metal festivals, and being able to take the stage there was a dream come true. The energy from the crowd was electrifying, and the atmosphere was simply unforgettable. It was a moment where we felt the immense support and love from our fans, and it solidified our passion for what we do.
Miya: For me, the best memories I have had with MUCC are the opportunities we’ve had to travel and perform in different countries around the world. It has been an incredible journey of exploration and discovery. Getting to experience diverse cultures, meet people from all walks of life, and connect with fans from different parts of the world has been truly eye-opening. Through our international career, we have been fortunate to share stages with many popular bands and artists, and those moments have been incredibly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how music can transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing people together in a shared passion. These experiences have not only enriched our lives as musicians but have also broadened our perspectives and taught us valuable lessons about unity and understanding.
——To this day, what is left to accomplish for MUCC?
Tatsuro: When it comes to what is left to accomplish for MUCC, our main goal is to continue expanding our fanbase. We are constantly striving to reach more people and share our music with a wider audience. We believe in the power of our music and the messages we convey through our songs, and we want as many people as possible to experience that. We have always been driven by a sense of determination and a desire to make a lasting impact in the music industry. We will keep pushing ourselves creatively, exploring new musical territories, and evolving as artists. We want to continue to challenge ourselves and push the boundaries of our sound, always seeking to innovate and surprise our fans.
——A few years ago, during the 2007 European tour, you filmed the music video for ‘Flight’ in Paris. Is there a particular reason for choosing this location?
Tatsuro: Actually, we had planned to film this music video, but our schedule was very tight, and we didn’t have the time to do it. So, we thought that taking advantage of a concert would be the perfect opportunity to shoot our first music video. At that time, we were in Europe, and Paris was a city that really attracted us. It still does today (laughs). That’s why we filmed a significant part of the video in that location. In the end, filming the music video for ‘Flight’ in Paris was a combination of practicality, artistic inspiration, and a desire to connect with our fans. Not only could we showcase the energy and emotion of the song but also could celebrate the beauty and allure of one of the most iconic cities in the world. It was an unforgettable experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have filmed in such a remarkable location.
——Do you already have ideas regarding MUCC’s future projects?
Tatsuro: When it comes to MUCC’s future projects, we have a lot of ideas and aspirations that we are currently exploring. One of our main focuses is the creation of a new album. We want to take the time to carefully craft each song, ensuring that it reflects our growth as artists and resonates with our fans. In terms of the musical direction for the new album, we are constantly experimenting and pushing ourselves creatively. We want to challenge ourselves to explore new sounds, incorporate different elements, and push the boundaries of our music. Our goal is to create something fresh and exciting that will captivate our listeners and showcase our artistic evolution. Alongside the creation of a new album, we also have plans to embark on another European tour. Please be a little bit more patient.
——Any last words for your European fans?
Miya: We want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible fans in Europe. Your unwavering support and dedication mean the world to us. It is because of you that we are able to continue doing what we love and sharing our music with the world. We are truly humbled by the fact that you continue to come see us in concert. Your presence and energy at our shows fuel our passion and inspire us to give our best performances every single time.
Tatsuro: To all our amazing fans in Europe, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and loyalty throughout the years. It is truly incredible to see how our music has resonated with you and become a part of your lives. Your passion and dedication have been a driving force behind our journey as a band. I want to take a moment to address those who were unable to see us during our recent visit. We sincerely hope that you will have the opportunity to see us perform live in the near future. Your presence at our shows completes the experience and creates a unique bond between us as artists and you as fans. We are constantly amazed by the love and support we receive from our European fans. Your energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering loyalty inspire us to push ourselves further and strive for greatness in our music.
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Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
