Japan's most cherished metal acts around DIR EN GREY has been doing their thing for years now and to this day they are still at it making more music and touring whenever possible. Bassist and backing vocalist Toshiya discusses their upcoming U.S.A. tour and plans for new music!
1. You guys are back in the U.S. after not being out here for two years how does it feel being back in the spotlight?
Toshiya: Just really excited.
2. What could one expect from a Dir En Grey show?
Toshiya: I feel that America has a world full of impact that can stir the emotions.
3. What are your expectations for this tour and being here in the U.S.?
Toshiya: I’m happy that I can get close to the American fans again.
4. You guys have been here a handful of times before but what is it about the U.S. that keeps you coming back for more?
Toshiya: I think the mainstream of music is in America, plus the fans are really passionate.
5. If you could think of one thing you would like to accomplish the most through this tour what would that be and why?
Toshiya: I would like to appeal to the new fans and also perform in a way that will satisfy our long-time fans.
6. What have you done to prepare yourselves for the tour?
Toshiya: I want to play songs that we've yet to play in America.
7. Do you remember the first show your band played?
Toshiya: I can’t forget the excitement of that time. To this day I still feel it on stage.
8. What do you do to get ready for a show?
Toshiya: It’s different for each member, but probably taking care of my body.
9. Why don't you guys dress up or put on make up like you have done in your past performances? Where did the idea for the blood usage come from? Do you still use it in your shows today?
Toshiya: The makeup is a way of expression that we still use from time to time. As for the blood, it’s proof that we are alive.
10. Once the tour in the U.S. is over what do you have planned afterwards?
Toshiya: Hitting the studio and preparing for our biggest show of the year at Japan Budokan.
11. You released your mini album "The Unraveling" how has this release differed, compared, and evolved from your previous releases?
Toshiya: Think of it as an album that confronts all of our previous ones. Because, to tell you the truth, we've taken our previous songs and filtered them through our present selves, reinterpreting and rearranging them. So… the “present now” would be the best phrase to describe how it evolved.
12. Why did you want to release a mini album instead of another full-length album?
Toshiya: We had the theme “rearrangement”when we set out so we thought the best form would be a mini-album.
13. You recorded unplugged versions of "Unraveling" and "The Final", would you consider releasing an all acoustic release of new material or perhaps a "best of" or greatest hits" collection?
Toshiya: If the chance comes then we’ll think about it.
14. When can we expect to see a LIVE album or a LIVE CD/DVD combination from you guys?
Toshiya: It'd be cool if we could make a DVD with a compilation of shows in America.
15. Out of everything that you've released through the course of your career albums, EPs, demos, videos, tours, festivals, excluding the new stuff - which would be your favorite and why?
Toshiya: There’s lots of good memories in each one so it’s hard to narrow it down. But I always think I want to improve and produce better material.
16. A lot of bands have "reissued" or "re-released" old releases - would you guys consider doing this to any of your previous works?
Toshiya: We’re not really thinking about it now. We’d rather produce new stuff.
17. Being a band for 16 years did you ever not think it would come down to this point having done all that you have throughout your time line as musicians?
Toshiya: I've thought that I would like to run away before.
18. What do you guys have planned for the remainder of this year into next year?
Toshiya: The American shows are this year's last so I’d like to make it the best end to the year. And for next year, there’s Japan Budokan and finishing up our new album, then I’d like to come back to the states.
19. What is it about Dir En Grey that makes them stand out above all the other Japanese acts out there?Toshiya: I don’t know about other Japanese acts, but I think we have a style that no one else has.
20. Anything you’d like to say to your fans?
Toshiya: I’m excited to finish off 2013 with the shows in America. We’re going to make it the best shows so lets welcome 2014 together.
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