Hora
Interviewer, writer: 1-5Band Members: Hora
Questions Answered by: Hora
After the success of his former band Schwarz Stein, Hora has become very active as an electronic solo artist. He will soon be releasing a new album titled "Icebound". J-Music Ignited had the opportunity to interview Hora about his latest album and career in music!
First of all, thank you for doing this interview. Your new album, "Icebound", comes out next month doesn’t it? Why did you choose the title?
The reason is that the theme of this album is my "spiritual world". It’s -my- "spiritual world" only and it’s a locked up world that no one else can enter. The word "ICEBOUND" fit with my "spiritual world" and so I chose it.
The album cover is quite different to the others; who designed it?
I explained my image to an acquaintence of mine, the designer MIO, and she designed it.
What were your inspirations for this album?
My feelings, thoughts and spiritual world.
Your last album, "Venom", was quite dark. Does "Icebound" have a similar feel to it?
"Icebound" has dark songs too, but overall, I think that it’s not as dark as "Venom". It has aggressive songs and fantastic songs. There’s also songs with a strong techo sound and so it’s an album on which you can enjoy various (types of) songs.
What’s your favourite song from the album and why?
I like them all, but I especially like "On Falling", "Icebound" and "Tempest" etc. Everyone, I’m sure you’re going to like them too!!
The album is 2 discs; 9 new songs and 5 remixes. Why did you choose to include the remixes?
I think that there are various forms of a song. The song can be evolved by remixing it and it can be reborn. I think that another world can be brought out (from it). To breathe new life into the existing songs, I remixed them. Working to evolve my own songs by remixing them is really fun.
When recording, what kind of equipment/synthesizers do you use?
Hardware-wise I use several synthesizers made in Germany. As well as that, (I use) a lot of software synthesizers. Before, I liked hardware synths, but recently I like software synths.
Will their be more vocals on this CD or do you prefer to convey meaning and emotions through instrumental tracks?
There are no vocals on "Icebound". But because each song has a strong individuality, I think that even without vocals the meaning of the song will be clearly transmitted. Because I put my message in the songs, if it can be felt (by those who listen to it) then I’m glad.
In addition to your own solo project, you’ve written some of the music for Kaya’s solo project as well haven’t you. Was it different to working with him in Schwarz Stein?
That’s right, when I write songs for Kaya, I consciously write (songs that are) "Kaya-like". I occasionally get a request from him, "could you write this song?", and I write it. Writing Schwarz Stein’s songs and writing Kaya’s songs was equally fun.
Have you written songs for anyone else recently?
Yes. But whose songs I wrote is a secret (laughs). For other artists, I write very poppy songs (laughs).
In the last interview you mentioned you wanted to learn to understand cat language. Can you understand it yet?
I’m studying!! (laughs)
And how is your cat, Kocha?
He’s very well. Kocha sleeps and eats a lot every day. Even though he occasionally bites my legs (laughs) he’s very cute!! He and I are very good friends. He’s the best partner for me.
Can you recommend a game/movie/book?
For games, of course I like the "Final Fantasy" series. And recently (I like) "The Legend of Zelda" for Nintendo DS.
As for movies I’ve seen recently, "Die Hard 4" was good. As well as that, I like "Smokin’ Ace" too. But of course "Blade 2" is my favourite. I like movies Guillermo Del Toro directs; "Blade 2", "Mimic" etc.
My recommended book is probably Michael Jordan’s "Driven from Within".
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Dual personality, cat, otaku (laughs)
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
I want the power to make all cats happy.
Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
On the album, "Icebound", my creativity was blocked but it became a very good work (of mine). Please listen to it, by all means. I’m also very glad when people from overseas can listen to my music. And I’ll be happy if you keep listening to it in the future.
Additional Information
Official SiteCheck out Hora’s Official Site for more information on his history, lyrics, discography, and more! You can also order "Icebound" here!
A Hora OTZ Fansite
Great website with lots of information on Hora in English.
J-Music Ignited’s Page for Hora
JMI’s page for Hora. Features his biography, music samples, and pictures.
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