Translated Versailles interview with RISE!

RISE! Is an Uruguayan electronic metal magazine that had the opportunity to interview Kamijo and Hizaki. The original interview is in Spanish, and can be found here. We have translated the interview into English so that you may all enjoy it as well!

"During the last decade, Visual Kei, a style that includes various genres of music whose common feature is the shocking image of the members of its bands, has extended its popularity throughout the world, and is not only concentrated in Japan, its country of origin. Versailles is one of the bands, who through their symphonic Power Metal, and their particular aesthetic, have achieved a big impact on this scene, even touring South America, something that is practically unthinkable for the aforementioned Japanese groups. Formed in 2007, and with three albums under their belt, the band has suffered the loss of their bassist Jasmine You, who died in 2009 at age 30, but on the other hand has continued to reap fans across the world; there even exists a Street Team for the band here in Uruguay!  RISE! Had the opportunity of interviewing Kamijo and Hizaki, vocalist and guitarist respectively, to learn more about their career previous to the show they will have in our country in the month of November. 

RISE!: Hello people of Versailles, how is everything over there?

Kamijo: Very well, thank you. 

R!: How is the situation presently in your area regarding the horrible natural disasters that occurred there in Japan recently? 

K: I think that the Japanese have begun to show their love towards others without hesitation. Although we are told that we Japanese are very shy, we are stronger now, without timidity.

R!: Let’s talk about the beginnings of the band, how did you meet?

K: All of the members were friends in our previous lives!

R!: What is your musical background? Which bands have you been in before Versailles?

K: In my previous band, we played a lot of emotional ballads. The sound was not as heavy as Versailles.

H : For me, personally, not much has changed compared to my previous bands. But Versailles is ideal for me. 

R!: How is the process of composition generally?

H: I always try to be inspired by several things in my daily life, and that makes me write the melodies and the messages that I want to say in a concrete form. 

R!: Obviously, image is very important in your band, each one of you plays a character, how did you decide which character each one of you would interpret in the band?

K: It all depends on everyone’s individual taste. We simply do what we want. 

R!: One of the most difficult moments in the band’s career was the loss of Jasmine You…what is that you most miss about him?

K: All the memories with him. Among them, I miss when we went together to see cherry blossoms.

H: The first time I saw him, it was over ten years back. His impact was very strong. 

R!: Currently you’re on a multinational label, what are the differences between working with Warner and working with your previous label? 

H: A lot of professional staff is involved in our recording…that’s the biggest difference. So we can concentrate on the production of our music, and this circumstance provides us with a wider range of expression. 

R!: Recently you have starred in your own television drama, how was that experience?

K: It allowed my capacity to be much bigger and broader. So now I have a much better mind to challenge even impossible demands at least once!

R!: Many people from different cultures are listening to Japanese music, including Versailles, how do you explain this phenomenon? 

K: I feel very honored, because there are many options for music to listen to in the world, and they chose Japanese music. I promise that Versailles will give you the most beautiful melodies from all the options there are! 

R!: Did you ever once think that you would do a South American tour? How would you describe the experience? 

H: I never thought that we would do a South American tour, but really, I was totally impressed by so many people waiting for us! Simply amazing! 

R!: How do you see the Visual Kei scene today with so many bands emerging every day? 

K: To be honest, I don’t see a much brighter future for Visual Kei. That is why we, Versailles, will revolutionize the Japanese music scene! 

R!: What Visual Kei bands from the past and present would you like to recommend?

K: Deadend

H: X Japan

R!: What bands are you listening to now? 

K: Versailles, that is, our new album Holy Grail!

H: Angra and Dream Theater

R!: Just out of curiosity, do you know something about Uruguay?

K: I’m afraid not. I will find out more about your country. 

R!: Well, thank you very much for this interview! This last space is for you guys to leave a message to the all the readers of RISE!

K: I hope to see you on the tour this year! I look forward to singing with you! Thank you. 

H: I really cannot wait to go to South America again this year. I would like to go as many times as possible, so please send us your support. Meanwhile, enjoy our album Holy Grail! It will be cool! Apart from that, whatever happens, don’t forget to live your life with confidence and elegance. Thank you very much!"