INTERVIEW ~ Kaya: November 21, 2009
Kaya made his second appearance in the US just over a year after his first. We got to sit down with him for a second time to talk about his single Ophelia, and some of his recent activities.
First, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
I'm the singer Kaya, thank you so much for having me.
Your last release was Ophelia, in July. Can you tell us about the concept of this single?
This time the concept was a sad, sorrowful love. It's actually linked with Ophelia, the character that comes out in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Ophelia has a more goth-electro sound to it, like some of your earlier releases. Why did you decide on this sound for it?
Because I'm including the Yakuruto Hall that's going on next month and also I'm going to be performing with an orchestra next year. And then also how we did the Bonjour Chanson, with the live music and the different kinds of styles I've worked with this year, I thought it would be a great time to do a "returning to the roots."
How was the fan reaction for Ophelia?
All the fans actually really love my original roots, with the digital, electric sound, so they were really happy with it.
You're credited in the CD booklet for the art direction and design. What programs did you use, and were you satisfied with the result?
This time around, I did everything with the cover and everything. With the programs, I just used the normal Mac Illustrator and photoshop, but I'm very satisfied with the end result.
Last night you played a new song. Can you tell us the title of the song?
Addict.
Who wrote the music for it?
Hora.
On the subject of new music, when are you planning your next release, and what can we expect from it?
As for Addict, I haven't decided on a release date right now. If I am to release it, it might be part of an album.
Last month, you participated in Tokyo Decadance. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
(smiles) You know, Tokyo Decadance, has the name "decadance" at the end... I actually knew about it, but I never performed in it. So I thought, "Oh, maybe I should do something that I normally wouldn't do, something a little crazier!" So I went dressed as an oiran, which is a type of geisha. I did a four-song medley. During Kuugutsu, I actually took my top off! Also there was a staircase, and I leaned off of it like it was a trapeze act. Then there was a cake; I grabbed it and made the audience lick it; I licked the mirrors. I did many crazy things, but it was a lot of fun! (laughter)
Actually, I really like that stuff. But if I do that normally, it's a little too shocking for the Japanese audience. Girls in Japan are really shy, so they'll just faint! Aah! (holds a hand to his forhead and leans back)
(laughs) You said you played four songs. If you could've played more songs at that event, which songs do you think would've fit best?
I wanted to do Epicurean, because it has a club feel.
I noticed you have a Twitter account. What made you decide to make one of those?
I thought it was fun! (laughs)
In your blogs, you often talk about your radio show. Can you tell us a little bit about it for those who haven't heard it?
It's a very relaxed, calm setting. It's like being on a phone conversation, that's the kind of feeling it is. It's actually internet radio, so you should be able to listen overseas, too. So please try to listen to it.
Some of your lives have had dress codes. What dress code have you had that brought the best response?
All black clothes. It was like the audience had been waiting for it! The audience was black, the live house staff was black... It was kind of like a funeral, but it was a lot of fun! (laughs)
Rose was really interesting, too, because a lot of different people made all different kinds of roses and things like that. We got a lot of different kinds of things, so it was very interesting.
Can you tell us a few facts about your dancers?
With the dancers, it was out of relationship of, a friend of a friend's. We've met in different ways. They're actually not just dancers for Kaya only, for example, some of them dance for Byung Hun Lee in Korea, or Kato Media. Also for Yui, he actually sings, too. They all have different talents.
How do you keep up with your 100 lovers?
(laughs) Love is just like work. You have to be very detailed, and be on top of things. Love is also a game, too, so you have to tease them, or do a little gambling with it, too.
Can you give a final message for our readers?
Thank you for cheering me on all the time! I'm going to be performing with all different types of music from here on out. So let's keep on living together in beauty, and enjoy life. Thank you so much.
interview by Melony; translation by Midori Maejima
thank you to Kaya for taking the time to answer our questions; thanks to Anime USA for making this possible
LINKS
Kaya Official Website
Kaya Official MySpace
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