INTERVIEW ~ THE ROYAL DEAD & Halloween
October 26, 2009
Just before departing for a tour in Russia, Aci of THE ROYAL DEAD took some time to answer our Halloween questions via email.
First, please introduce yourselves and what part you play.
I'm Aci. My part is violinist and composer. And we have a new vocalist, Shun.
THE ROYAL DEAD used to be called Phantasmagoria, but changed the name because there was another band by that name in Japan. How did you choose the name THE ROYAL DEAD?
I guess Har. She likes the words "Royal" and "Dead" very much.
[ed. note: another vocalist of THE ROYAL DEAD]
How would you describe THE ROYAL DEAD's music?
Our music is future pop, and our performance is like a musical.
It is almost Halloween, which is a celebration of the dead. Japan also has a celebration of the dead, called Obon. Can you tell us a little about it?
Obon is from August 12 to August 15. Japanese think their ancesters return every year on those days.
What superstitions do you have of the dead?
I don't believe any superstitions at all.
Have you ever encountered a ghost or spirit?
I have one time. I was driving and suddenly, something big and pink appeared.
I almost collided with it. I don't know what was it now...
Halloween is also a time for horror movies and stories. What is your favorite horror movie and why?
I don't like horror movies... Because I'm afraid of them... Shun likes "Junk film" from Kiyotaka Tsurisaki, though.
What's your opinion on Western classic horror stories, like Dracula or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?
I like Dracula. It's cool.
Can you tell us about a Japanese classic horror story?
Sorry, I don't know any Japanese horror stories because I'm afraid... Japanese horror especially is very scary.
What kind of differences do you see between Japanese and Western horror?
Japanese ghosts don't have feet. Maybe this is different...
Is there any particular paranormal thing that interests you more than any others?
No, I have interest only in music; I'm a musician.
What are your plans for Halloween? You are playing at a Russian Goth event, right? Can you tell us about this event?
Yes, We will appear live at Edge of the Night in Moscow. That event is a very big gothic event in Russia. VNV nation and others have appeared there in the past.
What defines "gothic" for you?
I think the gothic is the spiritual world.
What influence do you think elements of horror have in the goth scene?
I like Devil Doll. Their music is horror music. I think the gothic music has something scary... My music is influenced by their music.
You did a tour in USA last spring; how did that go? Was it your first time in USA?
I had so much fun during the USA tour. Especially at Anime Wasabi I had a lot of fun. It was our second tour in America.
Do you plan on returning to the USA?
Yes, I'm just now planning it.
On your myspace page, it says you are working on a new album. When do you plan to release it?
I'm making it now. However, our members have changed, so I'm doing it over again.
In other interviews, you have said that every album of TRD is a story...will the new album also follow this? Can you tell us about the story, or is it a secret?
Sorry, it's a secret now.
What else can we expect from THE ROYAL DEAD in the future?
We will do our best at each show. Maybe you will have fun at our gigs.
Please give us a final message for our readers.
THE ROYAL DEAD will become more powered up by our new vocalist. We will appear in USA soon. Please look forward to it!
interview by Melony
thank you to Aci for taking the time to answer our questions
links
THE ROYAL DEAD Official Website
THE ROYAL DEAD Official MySpace
BACK
