Aural Vampire
Interviewer, writer: Jinx_GeminiBand Members: Exo-Chika (Vocals), Raveman (Composition)
Questions Answered by: Exo-Chika and Raveman
Last time J-Music Ignited talked to Aural Vampire, the synthpop band was getting reading for their German tour with Sins of Flesh and The Pussybats. Recently J-Music Ignited had the opportunity to touch bases with the band and talk about their tour.You took part in the "Gothic & Electro Blizzard Tour" in February, along with Sins of the Flesh and The Pussybats, in Germany. Did it go well?
EXO-CHIKA: Yes, it went really well. I was surprised at the energy of the audience. It is different from Japan.
RAVEMAN: Honestly, there were some little troubles because we were not experienced at touring outside Japan. But I think the events were exciting now.
What are your best memories from doing the shows? And what are your best memories from being in Europe?
EXO-CHIKA: Hot shows and our visit in Germany. I discovered a cover of me in Astan Magazine in a bookstore of a station. I was pleased.
RAVEMAN: At the concert in Koln, my red towel was taken by the audience. I thought that it was a funny problem, but afterward at the Berlin concert, I got a new red towel from another kind audience. Danke!
Did the travel from Japan go well? Did you get jetlag?
RAVEMAN: No problem because I originally live at night.
EXO-CHIKA: I went to customs. It was alright though I worried RAVEMAN because he is too doubtful.
Last time you spoke with us, you said that it was more difficult to create a show away from Japan, because of the lack of equipment and the language barrier. How did that go on this tour? Were there any problems?
RAVEMAN: I was not able to bring the movie system, etc...However, I was not dissatisfied with the result, because the performance rose to the occasion.
What was the response from the fans in Europe like? How was the atmosphere during the shows?
EXO-CHIKA: I guess, it is like with Visual-Kei fans. Perhaps it is common around the world.
RAVEMAN: We don’t get together so much with Visual-Kei fans in Japan. So it’s a fresh thing.
Do you have more plans to come and play in Europe this year?
EXO-CHIKA: Yes, we will come to France and Germany in May.
How about the US? Would you consider doing shows there?
RAVEMAN: We have not made any plans to yet.
EXO-CHIKA: Of course. We hope to tour in the USA.
RAVEMAN: I want to do concerts in the industrial/gothic scene of the USA.
You also mentionned last time, that you did not prefer live performances over recording a cd. But when it comes to communication with the audience, what do you feel you can communicate to the audience through a live performance as opposed to someone just listening to your cd?
EXO-CHIKA: Interest in extemporariness...etc
RAVEMAN: By the way, I think we will be releasing a DVD, though I can’t say the details now. It will be in the far future yet.
Please tell us how you prepare to create a live show. What are the stages of planning you go through?
EXO-CHIKA: We don’t always plan and practice. We get more prepared by doing shows live several times.
RAVEMAN: We prefer doing it this way.
What do you think are the biggest differences between the European club scene and the Japanese club scene?
RAVEMAN: I think, in Japan, many clubs are things created by only musicians or DJs or producers. There are few people who have another purpose for their club other than music. It is a good thing and a bad thing, because sometimes it is too closed a world.
The last album you released was only available through download. How has the response been to the album so far?
RAVEMAN: Regrettably it is not yet sold in regions other than Japan. Questions about selling it in a store come every day. I am looking for a distributor to release it world wide.
Will you release an album next time or will that also only be available through download?
RAVEMAN: Yes, I hope to release it.
Have different things than before influenced any new songs you’ve written?
RAVEMAN: I am taking a little break now. I listened to various music too much for several months. So I don’t want to be influenced now...but this is the first time.
How do you think your sound and style will change and develop in the future when it comes to your music and your live shows?
EXO-CHIKA: There is virtue in Japan. It does not change, but our sound style will become a wide sense.
RAVEMAN: Of course, we will keep making music with our favorite style always.
And for last, what is the next thing the fans can expect from Aural Vampire?
EXO-CHIKA: Tokyo Decadance tour is coming up. Hope to have fun.
RAVEMAN: New songs will be made. Please look forward to them.
Music Samples
Download "Death Folder"
Additional Information
Official SiteCheck out Aural Vampire’s Official Site for more information on their history, lyrics, discography, and more!
Aural Vampire @ J-Music Ignited
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