INTERVIEW ~ SiSeN: October 11, 2008
Arlington, VA
Saturday afternoon of Anime USA, we got to hang out with SiSeN for a second interview. It was a very relaxed and fun atmosphere, and SiSeN answered a few of our questions in English.
2008 has been a very busy year for you so far. Can you tell us about some of the events you've participated in?
In February, I came to America, it was the first time. This year, the gothic scene is getting bigger here, and that's why I came. But there's still room for it to get even better. Last May, I went to Europe with Tokyo Decadance. It was really nice, because this year I've been to Japan, Europe, and America. I'm glad I could perform in so many places.
What upcoming events are you looking forward to right now?
There's no scheduled events that I'm looking forward to in particular. But I want to mix more. (English) Visual scene, gothic scene, America, Japan. I want more mix.
There's a Tokyo Dark Castle event coming up, it's a Halloween special. How is the Halloween special different from the rest of the Tokyo Dark Castle events?
(English) That's next week! We have a parade in Shinjuku with all the fans, it's like a guerrilla parade.
What is your role in this event?
I will DJ, and perform with the band Seileen.
With Selia?
Yes! (laughs)
There's a new band, DALLE, formed by members of bands that have taken part in Tokyo Dark Castle before. (Satoshi from Sitha, Atsushi from lloy, Fuchi from Royal Cabaret, and Közi). They will be making their debut at this event, but have you already heard their music?
(English) Not yet.
Are you excited about this new band?
(English) Yes, because I love Malice Mizer.
Before coming here to Anime USA, had you ever performed at an anime convention before?
(English) Yes, last July. Paris Japan Expo.
What are your impressions of this convention?
First of all, it is very interesting that they're holding it in a hotel! That would never happen in Japan! (English) Audience is very kawaii!
Have you been stopped by a lot of fans?
Yes.
I noticed that before the rave last night, you were taking a lot of photos with fans. Not many artists do that. Why are you so relaxed about it?
I don't like having that weird pride that artists get. If by taking photos with a person, that person is happy, then I'm happy, too.
Earlier this year, The Royal Dead came to America and played a couple of goth clubs for a short tour. It wasn't very publicized to fans of Japanese music, but rather, to fans of goth music. Would you ever do something like that?
I want to play everywhere.
When you were here in February with BLOOD, you were only able to do a short set. This time you get to do a full set. Did you prepare for this differently?
Not really.
You do a lot of traveling for overseas events. What's your favorite thing about traveling like that?
I like to see the real shape of the country. I always look forward to that.
What's the most difficult part about traveling?
Language. (English) My English is not good. But I think the important thing is feeling. My English is bad, but my feelings...I want to convey that. Even if you can't communicate with words, there's always a way to communicate with feelings.
Not all the countries you go to are English-speaking. Do you know any other languages?
Yes. I know the greetings, and a couple of perverted phrases. (English) Very important! (everyone laughs) It allows the crowd to enjoy the performance more, and I enjoy it more.
How do you keep up with your busy schedule?
This may sound Japanese, but being so busy, it's like a form of appreciation. So even though I am busy, I don't mind.
How did you make your hair?
I poured an elixir for bald aliens on my head, and it grew like this naturally! (everyone laughs)
You said in our last interview with you that you like strange things. What would you say is the strangest thing about you?
(English) Sexual confusion...the inner part of me is like a girl, and the outside is male, and they conflict.
What is your favorite thing to eat while you're away from home?
Ehh....the things that are only available in that country. The special food of the region--even in Japan. But...I can't eat meat, so I'm really happy when I can find fish. Ahh, I'm hungry!
So...did you eat escargot in France?
(English) Not yet. In Japan...I had some in Tokyo. But...I think it's fake escargot. (everyone laughs)
What do you miss when you're away from home?
(English) Udon....Japanese noodle, it's a popular noodle. It's very cheap, tasty, it's very good. So I miss it every time.
What are your goals for next year?
(English) I want to get married! With my boyfriend. I want to make more mixes, be bigger in the club, industrial, underground scene.
Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?
Thank you for your love of Japan. I will be very happy if you would like the real underground of Japan even more than you do now!
interview and photos by Melony
Thanks to SiSeN for taking the time to answer our questions; thanks to Tainted Reality and Anime USA for making this possible.
Also be sure to catch SiSeN on tour with BLOOD and GPKISM on BLOOD's final USA tour, La Fin de la Journée.
January 28 - Mexico City, Mexico - Altavista
January 29 - Los Angeles, CA - ANIME JUNGLE -in store event-
January 30 - Los Angeles, CA - The Knitting Factory - 8pm
January 31 - San Antonio, TX - Sam's Burger Joint - 7pm
February 1 - Cambridge, MA - The Middle East - 7pm
February 2 - New York, NY - Santos Party House - 7pm
February 3 - Philadelphia, PA - Maido -in store event-
February 4 - Philadelphia, PA - Yakitori Boy
February 5 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean - 6:30pm
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