Cross Cradle
Interviewer, writer: 1-5Band Members: Say (Vocals), Akito (Drums)
Questions Answered by: Say and Akito
Influenced by classical and rock music and with themes of romance, Cross Cradle formed in Tokyo in 2003. Whilst all of their instruments on their songs are synthesized, the drums are not and this, accompanied with Say’s deep and sometimes operatic female vocals, makes them sound quite unique. The band released their first full length album in April 2005, and have spent the last year performing live. Recently JMI had the privelege to speak with the band about their music.First of all, thank you for doing this interview. Could you introduce yourselves please?
Say: Hello everyone. I’m Say, the vocalist.
Akito: Hello. I’m Akito, the drummer.
Where does the band name come from?
Say: "Cradle of sinful people"
"Cross" is associated with people’s karma and is a symbol of sacredness, and "Cradle" shows the vessle that is a mothers womb and the world. "Cross Cradle" is an absolute sanctuary that ties with the Ark. It’s a hope that we can grow together with this vessle.
When did you start making music together?
Akito: In about 2003 wasn’t it? But we looked for other members for a long time and in the end we weren’t able to satisfy that need.
Say: Back then, we thought "we really want to have a 5 person band!" (Laughs) We didn’t accept that we couldn’t and so we took a fairly roundabout way.
Has Cross Cradle’s music changed since then? If so, how has it changed?
Say: Yes, I think it’s changed little by little. Our recent music has extremely strong story aspects. There are protagonists in every song and the stories are told by two or three people at a time. Furthermore, those protagonists and other songs influence each other. For example, the hundred-eyed beast and devil that appear in "Hundred Eyes Beast" also appear in another song, "Sinful Creature", and the truth that wasn’t previously told is told. It could be called one long masterpiece from the world called "Cross Cradle". Starting with "Prologue", in order to put them into context, the songs from now on will be (collectively) called "CroCra (abbreviation of Cross Cradle) Saga".
Akito: Music-wise it’s changed a bit. We have songs with various feelings and it’s really interesting. The tunes that Say writes are really amazing. I’m always surprised. The process of applying the drums to finish the music is also interesting. It’s irresistable isn’t it (laughs).
Your songs seem influenced by classical music. Do you have a favourite classical composer?
Say: To tell the truth, though it’s a shame, I haven’t really listened to other music. Until now I didn’t try to compose music and I’d thought I would write the lyrics in the beginning. Although I didn’t know that headphones or other external output devices were needed for synthesizers when Cross Cradle first began, I began composing out of necessity. My songs aren’t based on advanced musical theory nor a famous composer. Everything is an original theory. However "unique or not unique".
Akito: Not especially, but the tunes that Say writes are really wonderful. Though I’m probably praising her too much...I think they’re really amazing. If more people listen to the music Say writes and become interested in it then I’ll be really happy.
Which other bands/artists are you influenced by?
Akito: I think I’m most influenced by Luna Sea. A long time ago, I used to copy them (laughs) I still like bands that have individuality.
Say: I liked Luna Sea too. They had an image of doing something interesting in the Visual Kei scene. Also, it’s totally J-pop but, I like Noriyuki Makihara. He’s the KING OF J-POP!
Say, a lot of emotion is conveyed in your music, lyrics and voice. What inspires you when writing?
Say: Things that leave a lasting impression on me. In every day life, not everything is ordinary is it.
Akito, are there any problems when recording and mastering Cross Cradle’s music?
Akito: There’s a lot. But when I do it I come to understand various things. Before you can go and make a good sound, various knowledge is needed and I think that I need to improve my skills in my own way.
In live clips, Cross Cradle shows seem very energetic. What is the atmosphere like?
Say: You watched the video? Thank you! Because my frame is small, I have to move as grandly as possible. Therefore it looks energetic. In the words of an audience member "I get dragged into your world when I watch you". When we get words of thanks, I’m really honored. However, for people who want to rage in the live houses (stage diving, headbanging etc.) it might be a little cramped. If you can enjoy yourself, I’m happy.
Have there been any particularly memorable lives? Why were they memorable?
Say: Yes, a lot! Yeah...that’s for sure...
Akito: There’s lots. There had been a lot of earthquakes. The trains stopped running. There were people who had to walk a long way too. Though there was only a few people in the audience, we were happy to walk there.
Say: Yeah, after the rehearsal I walked outside and everything was shaking a lot. It was really scary.
Ideally, where would you like to perform and why? And would you like to perform in any foreign countries?
Say: Anywhere where people will come and see us. Oh! "No smoking" places are good, it’s really scary!
Akito: We want to try and play lives abroad as well. But at the moment Japan is our main focus. "No smoking" live houses are good, but like Say said, basically anywhere is okay. But that’s not to say that all audiences smoke.
Say: Foreign countries are interesting but where do people really know about us?
Akito: When the time comes, we’ll be really well-known (laughs)
Your stage costumes are wonderful. Who designs them?
Say: I design them. But because I’m not good at sewing, I produce as much as possible without using a needle and thread.
Akito: I think that it’s a serious undertaking because the costumes are elaborate. It’s the only one in all the world and no one else has it. If you think about it like that, you’ll become extremely fond of it.
Which do you prefer - performing live or recording in the studio, and why?
Say: I like both. Because I know that I’m trying my best and growing in both.
Akito: I think both lives and recording bring variety to my work. Seeing the fans’ reactions is always fun.
Would you like to make another PV? If so, what kind of PV?
Say: I want to make one. But the CD comes first.
Akito: I really want to make one too. When the images intertwine with Say’s music...I think that we can make an even more amazing PV.
What do you most like about being a musician?
Say: I like improving myself. There are failures too, but you can become tough mentally.
Akito: I think that we have the power to influence people, though it’s not really visible. Though there are various genres of music in the world, the music of Cross Cradle is unique and no one else has it and if one person or a lot of people willingly support us, that is the best thing.
Are you currently working on any new songs?
Say: Yes, recently I’ve composed three songs. My brain hasn’t caught up. Look forward to it because we’ll announce them collectively soon!
What’s next for Cross Cradle?
Say: I want to increase the "children of the mind". With all of you.
Akito: I want to do a nationwide tour. To go various places and eat various things...(laughs)
Could you give a message to your fans?
Akito: I want to announce that we’re writing new material. I’m always glad that you support Cross Cradle.
Say: I’m sorry if you’re anxious because we work at our own pace. I thought that I would have been able to express it better in reality. If through this site people can find out about our music even just a little, then this interview is very significant. Thank you 1-5. Also, thank you to those of you who read this to the end. And to people who will start a band in the future or who are looking for members: I want you to not give up. There’s a band who, through fate, continues performing with just a vocalist and a drummer here (laughs). When Cross Cradle started, I couldn’t e-mail from my PC and you couldn’t see the thoughts that I’d composed. Only adversity makes you stronger. In order to break free tomorrow, resist to the maximum today. "Beautiful resistance".
Thank you
Additional Information
Official SiteCheck out Cross Cradle’S Official Site for more information on their history, lyrics, discography, and more!
Cross Cradle @ J-Music Ignited
Click here to see J-Music Ignited’s page for Cross Cradle!
JMIgnited.com is not affiliated with the artists presented on this website or their representatives. All images are the property of their respective copyright owners. Images are displayed for educational and decorative purposes only under the "fair use" clause.
All music samples are property of their respective owners. All music featured are samples only! If you enjoy a particular band, please help endorse them and buy their music! No copyright infringement is intended.