Japanese act VAMPS are Hyde (L'Arc-en-Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust). These two musicians have been working closely producing Hyde's solo work since 2003. Just after the release of their first single, "Love Addict", on July 2, 2008, VAMPS launched an impressive Japan countrywide tour, "Vamps Live 2008". The tour consisted of an unprecedented 46 live performances in Japan's six largest cities, all at the prestigious Zepp concert venues. The tour was a tremendous success, and VAMPS haven't stopped since. From 2008 to 2010, they performed about 200 concerts not only in Japan, but also all over the world (North America, South America, Hawaii, Europe and Asia). Currently, VAMPS have released two full albums — "Vamps" and "Beast" — along with seven singles and five live DVDs. VAMP's Hyde discusses the tour and some historic info on the band itself.
1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Vamps, and tell me what's it been like being a band for 5 years?
Hyde: My name is HYDE and I’m the vocalist. The main members of VAMPS are just K.A.Z and myself. I think that considering we both work with other bands, we've’ve progressed pretty quickly as a band. But there’s still a way to go until we reach our ultimate goal.
2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Hyde: It all began when K.A.Z started helping me out on my solo material, and after releasing 2 albums, we officially formed VAMPS to share the responsibilities. Including the time that he worked with me during my solo career, we've worked together for around 8 years.
3. Do you think not being from a big city like LA or NY influences your sound?
Hyde: I guess so, although I've never really considered that when I listen to music so I can't really tell. We both grew up listening to a lot of American and British music, but I guess we are indeed influenced by Japan and it’s music because that’s where we’re based. I hope that appears as a strength in our material.
4. Why did you want to go and call yourselves Vamps? Are you Vampires?
Hyde: Yes, we're vampires. That’s why we called ourselves VAMPS!
5. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Hyde: Our style would be American hard rock and British new wave, perhaps because we listen to those genres a lot. I listen to a lot of American bands like Mötley Crüe and Metallica.
6. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Hyde: The anguishes and pleasures of being a vampire. ‘Though it’s not true!
7. You decide to form this band as a duo act why just the two instead of a full band? What do you think it is about this project being a duo that sets it apart from other acts?Hyde: Because we both have different bands we work with, just being the two of us makes us freer to do what we want. It also saves us a lot of time. The more members there are, the longer it takes to make decisions and put things into action. Especially when we have to be democratic!
8. Do you see this duo act swapping over to become a full band or do you prefer being a duo act?
Hyde: We never set a rule against it as such, so maybe? As long as we don’t have to be too democratic!
9. Since forming you went from the record label Vamprose to Universal Music Group's Delicious Deli Records - why the switch and do you see this new label to be more to your liking? How has the relationship been with them since signing on?
Hyde: We formed VAMPS with the global market already in perspective, but we soon reached the limit to where our indie label could get us. Universal was the only label that showed some understanding in what we wanted to pursue, so that’s why we signed with them.
10. Do you guys have any new music in the works?
Hyde: We’re writing some new stuff at the moment… but we’re busy… and we need some more blood…!
11. Would you consider releasing an all acoustic release?
Hyde: Not as VAMPS. But we have played lives like that in Japan.
12. You've obviously released live DVDs but when will we be seeing a LIVE CD or a LIVE CD/DVD compilation from you guys?
Hyde: If we think that people will buy them, it’s a possibility.
13. Over the years you guys have played in the U.S. two times this upcoming short run being your third appearance - what is it about the U.S. that keeps you coming back again and again?
Hyde: We want to hear our music being played in the cities where the music we ourselves listened to came from. Especially the U.S., which we imagine to be like the big boss at the end of a video game!
14. Why did you want to just do the two U.S. shows for this touring run?
Hyde: These two shows are an introduction to our more full on activities coming up.
15. What can the fans expect to hear in this set list new material or old material or a mix and match of the two of them?
Hyde: This time we’ll be playing tracks from “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL”, which is our first international album.
16. This band is made up of a member of L'Arc~en~Ciel and a member of Oblivion Dust - would you ever consider bringing those acts and Vamps on tour together?
Hyde: If we ever did that, we’d be so busy we’d collapse!
17. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Hyde: After the U.S. shows, we plan to write some new material whilst making plans for next year.
18. If I were to introduce someone to your music, what would be the song that you think really shows your band sound the best?
Hyde: I think maybe “DEVIL SIDE”? It represents VAMPS well.19. Any last words you want to say to your fans?
Hyde: Wait up for us coz we’ll be coming to show you humans just how enchanting rock music can be!
20. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Hyde: VAMPS will be playing at the House of Blues, Los Angeles on Dec 4th (Wed) and at the Roseland Ballroom, New York on Dec 8th (Sun). Their first international album SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL is available from Spinefarm Records and is available for download now!
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