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Our interview with MIRAGE about their new start

Author
inartistic
Translations翻訳
日本語版
Tags
feature

Please enjoy our interview with the members of MIRAGE!

MIRAGE recently announced their full revival and the start of their Third Period with new members SHUN (舜) and YOMI. In our exclusive interview, they tell us about the band's new lineup, full album BIOGRAPH, and their upcoming sponsored events. Please enjoy!

2022-04-20
MIRAGEMIRAGE「BIOGRAPH」「BIOGRAPH」 A TYPEA TYPE
    CD
  1. Wheel of Fortune
  2. UNtruth
  3. ・・・Air
  4. Bleach
  5. MOON~LIGHT~DANCE (Vo:TOMO)
  6. Eternity (Vo:TOMO)
  7. Imitation
  8. BURIAL
  9. I.D
  10. Hyakka Ryouran (百花繚乱)
  11. DVD
  12. Hyakka Ryouran (PROMOTION CLIP) (百花繚乱 (PROMOTION CLIP))
2022-04-20
MIRAGEMIRAGE「BIOGRAPH」「BIOGRAPH」 B TYPEB TYPE
  1. Wheel of Fortune
  2. UNtruth
  3. ・・・Air
  4. Bleach
  5. MOON~LIGHT~DANCE (Vo:TOMO)
  6. Eternity (Vo:TOMO)
  7. Imitation
  8. BURIAL
  9. I.D
  10. Hyakka Ryouran (百花繚乱)
  11. Cloudy (bonus track)

Interview with MIRAGE

MIRAGE, thank you all for participating in this interview.

Please introduce yourselves.

AKIRA

I'm AKIRA

YAYOI

I'm the guitarist YAYOI.

SHUN (舜)

I'm the guitarist Shun. The guy from Vasalla (覇叉羅). And now I've decided to participate in MIRAGE as well.

KISAKI

I'm the bassist KISAKI. It's been a long time, vkgy.

YOMI

I'm the chibi drummer YOMI.

V. AKIRA

V. AKIRA

With the joining of guitarist SHUN (舜) and drummer YOMI, the Third Period of MIRAGE began.

Congratulations on the start of the “Third Period.” How does this differ from the first and second period?

AKIRA

I can't tell yet. I will be just as surprised as the people who watched us back then when we take the stage once more.

YAYOI

I myself can't stop feeling excited about this Third Period lineup!

SHUN (舜)

I think it was quite a surprise for those who knew MIRAGE, Vasalla (覇叉羅), and 【zɔ́ːdi̽æ̀k】, but it's like a dream team, I guess.

KISAKI

Sure enough, adding Shun and YOMI—our comrades in arms with whom we had friendly battles back in those days—has created a more perfect Third Period of MIRAGE.

YOMI

I'm personally most surprised that rivals from that time could get together and make a new sound as the Third Period of MIRAGE.

Back then, SHUN (舜) was a member of Vasalla (覇叉羅) and YOMI of 【zɔ́ːdi̽æ̀k】. How does it feel to be in a band together now?

AKIRA

Who they were doesn't matter.

YAYOI

I've loved Vasalla (覇叉羅) since that time, so I'm honored to be able to do twin guitar with Shun-kun; and as for 【zɔ́ːdi̽æ̀k】, I've been going to see them as a fan since I was in high school. It's still hard to believe and I still feel warm and fuzzy about it.

SHUN (舜)

We were rivals and friendly competitors at the time, so of course we knew each other well, but now we're friends supporting the same band. We'll do our best to help each other.

KISAKI

I'm genuinely excited. MIRAGE has had member changes and disbanded before, so I'm personally not so rigid about it.

YOMI

MIRAGE and Vasalla (覇叉羅) were friendly rivals but I honestly liked them, so I think becoming members together has just raised our fighting spirits.

YAYOI

YAYOI

What new elements have they brought to the band?

AKIRA

I think they've changed the overall color of MIRAGE, in a good way.

YAYOI

I'm sure that playing music with these two people whom I've long admired and respected will be magnificent. I wonder how those old songs will be reborn...

SHUN (舜)

My answer is similar to the last question but: we've been watching each other's activities closely for a long time, so I think we generally know what we're all like as musicians. Even so, I'm looking forward to joining the group, as I'm sure I'll be able to give them some new stimulation and inspiration.

I haven't played a single note with them yet (laughs) but I have no doubt it will be great!

KISAKI

Both of them came up in the same class so it was meant to be—at least, that's what I was thinking in the beginning when I invited them to join. As I mentioned earlier, it's a joy to be in the same band with them. Drinking parties with them could get crazy, and there were times where it was like a powder keg had gone off, but Vasalla (覇叉羅) and 【zɔ́ːdi̽æ̀k】 were great bands who, without a doubt, made the 90s scene exciting. Both are good guys and amazing artists!!

YOMI

I've known the members for a long time, and we keep in touch and hang out in private, so it's easy being friends. But when it comes to music or live performances, we all take center stage.

G. SHUN (舜)

G. SHUN (舜)

MIRAGE's first full album, BIOGRAPH, will be released in two types on April 20th.

Why did you decide to release a full album at this time?

AKIRA

We didn't set out to do anything in particular, so a full album just came out naturally.

KISAKI

I talked with AKIRA many times, and each time we considered releasing a single and aiming for a high ranking on the charts, we threw away that idea and continued recording. The constant recording and desire to produce a work with good volume made this album naturally take shape.

The album contains many of your famous songs, along with several new songs. How did you choose the tracklist?

KISAKI

We arranged the bank of new songs in a way that made them feel MIRAGE-ish. As for the older songs, we simply included the ones we most wanted to record.

To someone who hasn't listened to MIRAGE before, what would you say is the appeal of your music? What song would you recommend?

YAYOI

Our music is kind of nostalgic and oldschool (laughs). Above all, I value melody, so I hope you'll enjoy that aspect of it. I recommend all of our songs, but I personally like I.D, even though it's a rip off of a Vasalla (覇叉羅) song—er, don't worry about that (laughs).

SHUN (舜)

At the moment I still only know MIRAGE from being on the outside looking in, so if anything I should be asking this question (laughs).

Well, I know all the songs, so I can say they're a band who really made you feel like “this is real visual kei!” back then, right? The songs I was doing with Vasalla back then were the complete opposite though・・・

The MV for the song Hyakka Ryouran (百花繚乱) is a particularly good example of this type of vkei music.

KISAKI

Rather than a raging band, we're one where worldview and melody are our strengths; it's like we find and remove thorns from each song and make the best use of each member's individuality. It's the complete opposite of Shun's band Vasalla (覇叉羅). Well no, Vasalla (覇叉羅) had a violent image but their songs were still songs. But maybe we're more similar to 【zɔ́ːdi̽æ̀k】?

Of course, each of us has our own preferences when it comes to visual kei.

YOMI

It has to be Hyakka Ryouran (百花繚乱); I still remember the impact I felt the first time I heard it. It has a strong melody that condenses the taste of the 90s and has become a representative song of that time; something that doesn't exist in the current scene.

B. KISAKI

B. KISAKI

Two of the songs feature first period vocalist, TOMO. How did this collaboration come about? Why was it important that he be included?

AKIRA

Because it's special (laughs)

KISAKI

I joke that it's because AKIRA didn't want to sing them (laughs) but in reality it's because I don't think MIRAGE will ever produce such a work of this volume again. When talking to TOMO about it, he said he wanted to do it, so I formally asked him to participate. Another reason is that, at the time of MIRAGE's formation, he was my favorite vocalist.

Please tell us about the new songs and how they represent Third Period MIRAGE.

YAYOI

I had the opportunity to compose two new songs for the album and I gave them a feeling that MIRAGE has never had before. In terms of the guitar, I really emphasized twin guitar this time.

KISAKI

It's everything. We did everything until we were completely satisfied. The engineers were practically crying. We also took a lot of time to shoot the Hyakka Ryouran (百花繚乱) MV.

YOMI

“I guess this is fine?” wasn't acceptable so we took our time until we were completely satisfied!

Release celebration and 25th anniversary event, Carve of BIOGRAPH, will be held on May 22nd at Juusou (十三) 246 LIVEHOUSE GABU and May 29th at Meguro (目黒) ROCKMAYKAN (鹿鳴館).

How are you feeling in the weeks before this live?

AKIRA

I know it's not a good way to put it, but this will be a demonstration of this new MIRAGE. We'll give you a show that makes you say “was that really just a demonstration!?”

YAYOI

I'm genuinely just looking forward to it. What kind of stage will be created with these members!?

SHUN (舜)

There will be people who have followed MIRAGE since its formation, people who found the band later, and people who are only finding the band after we joined; I'm sure that many different people will come and all of them will have their own image of what MIRAGE is.

To be honest, I don't think we can be the ideal band for every single one of those people, so I think we should focus on enjoying it ourselves. That enjoyment will spread to the people who come to see us, and we'll all have fun together.

You don't know how things will turn out until you try, so we'll just give it our all. I hope we can all enjoy it without regrets.

KISAKI

I don't know what will happen with Third Period MIRAGE, but I'm sure it will be a great performance no matter what. Like Shun, I'll just enjoy it as much as I can. I hope that everyone who can come see the show will do so.

YOMI

I'm enjoying the tension and pressure right now, and I can't wait for the moment where we let it all go!

Is there a particular reason you chose these livehouses?

KISAKI

It's a return to our starting point.

Each live will feature Leetspeak monsters as a guest, as well as opening acts GUILLOTINE in Osaka (大阪) and La'veil MizeriA in Tokyo (東京). Do you have a special relationship with them?

YAYOI

I'm not personally acquainted with them, but I saw Leetspeak monsters on YouTube after an acquaintance told me about them. I thought they were a cool band with a super unique worldview. I'm looking forward to performing with all of them.

SHUN (舜)

I know a few of the members but not all, so I'll be shrinking in the corner of the dressing room.

KISAKI

I invited them because some members of Leetspeak monsters are fans of MIRAGE, and they're a musically broad band who's active in the frontlines of the current scene. Since this is a long-awaited stage, I want them to really burst onto it. I also want to thank their producer, RAME-tan (ラメたん).

YOMI

I think GUILLOTINE (ギロチン) is the only one I'm acquainted with but since it's a taiban I'll play against them mercilessly!

For those fans who can't attend the lives in person, are streaming tickets available for purchase?

KISAKI

I'm thinking about it, but only if I hear that a lot of fans want it.

Which song are you most looking forward to performing, and why?

AKIRA

It's Wheel of Fortune. Just kidding. [Ed. note: this is an SE.]

YAYOI

It's I.D. That's no surprise for Shun-kun! Because it's Vasalla's— ...ah, nevermind (laughs)

SHUN (舜)

I.D. it almost feels as if it's my own song (*´﹃ `*)

KISAKI

BURIAL, which I created for AYAME. He's no longer with us, but he's an eternal member of MIRAGE, and I believe that song will reach him.

YOMI

It's UNtruth, because the drumming is difficult and I think it will make for a really intense live.

D. YOMI

D. YOMI

Carving the future...

What are your future goals with this band's activity?

AKIRA

I just want to have fun without creating restrictions and regulations, so if we continue to move forward like that, I'm happy to keep going forever.

YAYOI

I'm very happy to be doing a band with these 5 people. I'll continue enjoying myself to the fullest.

SHUN (舜)

I'm proud of what this lineup can do so I just want to create opportunities to meet as many fans as possible.

KISAKI

There are plans. But not that many. I'm not thinking about how long this will last or anything like that. I just want to do things with the current members as we feel like doing them.

YOMI

I want to try to do as much as possible with these members.

In closing, please give a final message to your fans.

AKIRA

Nice to meet you / I'm back.

YAYOI

After many years, these 5 people are coming together to start the Third Period of MIRAGE. Whether you have known us for a long time or not, we hope that you will come see our live if possible! Thank you very much.

SHUN (舜)

I'm a first year student when it comes to MIRAGE, so please take it easy on me....

KISAKI

I want every person reading this article to know about the Third Period MIRAGE. And I hope you also buy our 1st full album, BIOGRAPH, which will be released on April 20th. I hope to meet many people again soon.

YOMI

I'll give you the strongest performance! The best! Definitely. So please come play with us at the livehouse!

MIRAGE group photo

MIRAGE group photo


BIOGRAPH will be released on April 20th. It is on sale now at the LORELEI ENTERTAINMENT GROUP official web shop. Those who purchase both types through the shop will receive a pressed instrumental CD. Those who mail in application coupons from both types will further receive a bonus CD.

2022-04-20
MIRAGEMIRAGE「BIOGRAPH」 ~instrumental~「BIOGRAPH」 ~instrumental~
  1. Wheel of Fortune (instrumental)
  2. UNtruth (instrumental)
  3. ・・・Air (instrumental)
  4. Bleach (instrumental)
  5. MOON~LIGHT~DANCE (instrumental)
  6. Eternity (instrumental)
  7. Imitation (instrumental)
  8. BURIAL (instrumental)
  9. I.D (instrumental)
  10. Hyakka Ryouran (instrumental) (百花繚乱 (instrumental))
  11. Cloudy (instrumental)

Thank you to everyone in MIRAGE for participating in this interview.

This interview was conducted by @inartistic with translation and assistance from @vkeijonas.

If you want to support us and make future artist interviews possible, please consider joining our Patreon.

Details

MIRAGE
Vo:AKIRA G:YAYOI G:SHUN (舜) B:KISAKI Ds.YOMI

25TH ANNIVERSARY
新メンバーを迎え、第三期「MIRAGE」として始動!!
(With the joining of new members, the Third Period of MIRAGE has started!!)

1st FULL ALBUM
2022.04.20 2TYPE Release
「BIOGRAPH」
LCD-005A/005B

新曲、新録、リミックス曲含む全10曲収録(第一期ボーカルTOMOが2曲参加。)
(10 tracks of new songs, re-recordings, and remixes will be included. First Period TOMO participates in 2 tracks.)

【TYPE-A】DVD「百花繚乱」(PROMOTION CLIP」付二枚組
価格4,400円(税込み)
(TYPE-A includes an MV DVD for 4,400 yen)

【TYPE-B】ボーナストラック「Cloudy」(新曲)収録
価格3,300円(税込み)
(TYPE-B includes a bonus track for 3,300 yen)

W購入の方全員に新録CD「NECROPOLICE~Peacefully in heaven~」プレゼント応募券封入!!
(An application coupon is included with both types for a re-recording of NECROPOLICE.)

CD発売記念&25TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE
「Carve of BIOGRAPH」

5.22(日) 大阪・十三246 LIVEHOUSE GABU
5.29(日) 東京・目黒鹿鳴館
GUEST→Leetspeak monsters OPENING ACT有り
(5/22 at Osaka 246 LIVEHOUSE GABU, 5/29 at Tokyo ROCKMAYKAN, guest Leetspeak monsters and opening acts appear)

【両会場共】
[開場、開演] 16:00 / 17:00
[前売、当日] 5,000円 / 5,500円(drink代別途)
※感染対策、ガイドラインに従ってのライブになりますので人数限定になります。
※配信調整中 (Opens at 16:00, starts at 17:00, tickets 5,000 yen or 5,500 yen with drink; please follow all guidelines; streaming is being considered)

【チケット】
イープラスのみ→2.12(土) 10:00~発売開始。
購入ページURL(大阪) https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/3547980001-P0030001
購入ページURL(東京) https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/3547450001-P0030001
(e+ for Osaka / e+ for Tokyo)

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