To be fair Yoshiki spends a lot of time jet lagged... either that or he only ever writes his blog when jet lagged... so it may be that not hungover... they actually feel pretty much the same!! I shall try and look for the interview again... prey that SKIN forum hasn't completely changed.
Argh now I'm failing to find the link to the SKIN forum... on a different computer from usual.... in a different country from usual infact...
Hahaha. Anyways, thanks to him I started to play drums years ago, but when I found out how much he sucked at drums, I moved to another artist, as Akira Jimbo is. Thanks to his band I started to like japanese music (eventhough I was a little rascal at that time)
I surely like Yoshiki, but I'm not as interested on what he does as I was maaany years ago...
There's a word that can explain how I look at him right now: Decadence.
Argh damn SKIN forum is back and I am now failing to find the interview... maybe it got deleted!! It's really annoying me!
oh now... apparently I was wrong... found... finally!!
Gackt about S.K.I.N.
Translated by Paul
Edited by Miki
Excerpt from GACKT'S "The meaning of my life, and my mission" interview in Fool's Mate I.S. No. 001, July 2007. (The part of the interview that does not relate to S.K.I.N. matter may be posted later).
---
Interviewer - I see. Actually, the day after tomorrow (April 24th), I'm going to Los Angeles to meet Yoshiki
Gackt - "Oh, you are? Right. Say hi to him for me."
- Of course. Well, I'd like to ask you about S.K.I.N, this super group we've been hearing rumors about. Basically, what state is it in at the moment?
"...When does this magazine go out?"
- It should be July.
"It's definitely happening. I seriously feel like just getting out there and shocking the entire world with this thing."
- Does that mean there'll be some kind of official announcement by the time this issue goes on sale?
"We'll have played live by then."
- Huh!? Live..?
"In America, June 29th. It's at an event, but we'll only be doing three or four songs. A kind of debut feel."
- So, does that mean there are already some S.K.I.N. songs ready?
"Uh-huh (laughs)."
- What kind of songs are they?
"I've been thinking that I want to put the things that are really on my mind right now into the band a little. A taste of all the things I'm chasing after... that kind of feel. I'm thinking about getting some so-called 'Japanism' in there. That would make the band easier for people to grasp. Only, I haven't actually said that to the others in those kind of songwriting terms. But from what they've been saying, we seem to be on the same page. It's just Miyavi who doesn't really seem to be getting it (laughs). He's been trying to get these weird, simplified Kabuki pattern things in there, so I'm all 'Uh, that's not really what I meant...' (laughs). It would be good if we could actually get that kind of nuance in there and make it work, though."
- I see. Are the four of you hitting it off?
"We don't get on too badly. In fact, I think we get on very well. Yoshiki and myself are very close friends, and Sugizo and me too... I think? (laughs) Well, I think we are, anyway. (SUGIZO and I) have had some issues in the past, but now I'm very glad that I had a chance to meet him like this. It's interesting... they're all such weirdos (laughs). It's like, 'be more normal, dammit!' (laughs)
- (Thunderous laughter)
"No, I'm telling you. They're so weird (laughs). They're so strange I get tired just being around them! (laughs) Yoshiki and Sugizo are both freaks, and Miyavi is actually insane. When we're working in the studio, I just can't take it any more and I leave. I say 'That's it, I'm going home!' (laughs)."
- It looks like you're painting yourself as the respectable one (laughs).
"My thoughts exactly. They're messed up, those three (laughs)! I mean, their conversations just don't make any sense at all! (laughs). Out of the four of us, I'm a type A, Miyavi is a AB, Yoshiki is a B, and Sugizo is O; even our blood types are totally different. Our communications and timings are completely off, too. I always thought I was messed up a bit, but when I'm with those three I can honestly feel like I'm the most sensible one there (laughs)."
- (Thunderous laughter)
"Seriously, they're all total clowns. I mean, I'm always having to butt in, correcting them. 'No, not like that! That's not right either!' (Laughs) Just... get serious, will you!? Well, that's what I'm thinking, but there's not much point telling them now... (laughs)."
- So, about these songs you're going to debut on the 29th of June. Did everyone help write them?
"Everyone contributed something, so they're a joint effort. All of us are fine with songwriting, and singing was no problem since everyone except for Yoshiki can sing."
- Can I come and watch the show in America?
"Why not?"
- So I guess this means that S.K.I.N. is finally going active, doesn't it?
"That's right. I really want to just do it and see what kind of reaction we get. Then, if things don't work out, I guess I'll quit (laughs)."
- (Thunderous laughter) Gackt, you're the greatest (laughs).
"No, I just mean I don't do things by halves. If you're going to do something, you should give it your all."
- All or nothing?
"Yeah, that's it. It's a case of 'If it only gets a lukewarm response, let's call it a day.' All four of us have a lot of things going on, and we're busy, after all. 'If it means something, let's go for it.' If there's no point to it, then just give it up. That's what I think."
- That's a good mindset, I think.
"There's no point doing it half-heartedly, and I'm definitely not thinking 'hey, I'm free at the moment, so I might as well give it a go.' Yoshiki's the same, and besides, we've all been saying we want to actually take over the world with this band."
- I see.
"I think we'll be the first Japanese artists to go worldwide, and make it to number one. The others think that's within reach, too. If we can get across a kind of Japanese-style music that doesn't sound forced or crowbared in, I think that'll be great. Because there's absolutely no point if we're just imitating British, American or European bands."
- Well, I'm looking forward to it. We're all hoping you succeed.
"It would be good, wouldn't it? Though I think we will. Because if we can't do it, probably no one can. Well, in any case, it'll be fine if we can just convey something interesting. ...The songs are good."
- Ah, now that's what I wanted to hear.
"Yeah, the songs are really good. Now, it's just a question of taste and arrangement, and trying to imbue the whole thing with that Japanism feel. That's the key point for me. Even if all the members have their own different image and interpretation of our music, that might actually end up working out - the whole thing might work really well if we can bring it all together. Of all the members, I think that's what I'm best at (Japanism), because I've tried it in a lot of my own songs. Between us, there's no shortage of visual appeal, and because we can each express our own styled aesthetic madness, I'd like to get that kind of Japanese-flavored harmonized madness and chaotic taste in there."
New blog from Yoshiki at myspace! Finally... I've been waiting for him to post for such a long time! It's mainly on photo shoots but with a brief mention of X reunion and SKIN.
Yes the update! And he finally messaged me back on myspace, after like, two months. Hyde's right, he should probably take it easy for a bit. But then again, he knows his limits and he's used to this right?
Hahaha the accident photo, feel kinda evil laughing about it, but he looks so straightfaced and covered in blood
The photoshoot looks great though, as do those snakeskin trousers
RBY - what did he say to you on myspace? I didn't realised he messaged people back... now I see why he wants to have a 25 hour day! He get so many comments and has so many friends that could be a full time job for him! He's so sweet to actually do it!
I'm loving the look in the new photos... although really want to know *why* he was wondering around the street covered in blood in the first place... surely it's not normal for people to walk about wearing what they do for a photo shoot.
ah, finally a new blog post. ^-^ i got so happy when i got that blog subscr. mail.
have any of u heard that new x japan song. btw? i saw it on youtube. i like it, but its so strange to see something NEW from them. on top of it all without hide. its kinda not the same..
I heard it on Yoshiki's myspace and love it... he posted it a couple of days ago. Is the PV up yet?
This topic has just reminded me that someone said Yoshiki had posted another blog on Violet UK this time saying something about recording for SKIN ^-^ Must go and read now!
Added later (after reading said entry)... yes he did... it's extremely entertaining... I'm glad to see that someone like Yoshiki procrastinates on the internet... I now feel slightly more justified in doing it myself!
I've never been on this thread before but I wondered whether you guys could give me a hand... I've been looking for: Yoshiki - Tears (Unreleased version).mp3 but I havent been able to find it......Does any of you know where I could get it??☝
Erm I would think the only version is on his myspace. He seems pretty guarded about the songs on there. The only versions of any of the others I've been able to find are rips from that site so I think it would be the same with that one... some clever person with audacity (the program not the characteristic) may have ripped it... if they have I've not found it. I'll keep an eye out for it though.
@CharismaticDeath: Arigatou!
I'm kind of slow with this things but I've been realizing what an amazing lyricist Yoshiki is. I mean I've been doing my "homework" on him and the lyrics I've read so far are just so "deep." (mind you I've only read lyrics he hwrote for X Japan). Does anyone else think so too?
Incase you have any problems finding them, I present:
Desert Rose
Why do you live alone
If you are sad
I'll make you leave this life
Are you white blue or bloody red
All I can see is drowning in cold grey sand
The winds of time
You knock me to the ground
I'm dying of thirst
I wanna run away
I dont know how to set me free to live
My mind cries out feeling pain
I've been roaming to find myself
How long have I been feeling endless hurt
Falling down rain flows into my heart
In the pain I'm waiting for you
Can't go back
No place to go back to
Life is lost. Flowers fall
If its all dreams
Now wake me up
If its all real
Just kill me
I'm making the wall inside my heart
I don't wanna let my emotions get out
It scares me to look at the world
Don't want to find myself lost in your eyes
I've tried to drown my past in grey
I never wanna feel more pain
Run away from you without saying any words
What I dont wanna lose is love
Through my eyes time goes by like tears
My emotions losing the color of life
Kill my heart
Release all my pain
I'm shouting out loud
Insanity takes hold over of me
Turning away from the wall
Nothing I can see
The scream deep inside
Reflecting another person in my heart
He calls me from within
"All existance you see before you must be wiped out:
Dream, Reality, Memories
And yourself"
I begin to lose control of myself
My lust is so blind, destroys my mind
Nobody can stop my turning to madness
No matter how you try to hold me in your heart
Why do you wanna raise these walls
I dont know the meaning of hatred
My brain gets blown away hearing the words of lies
I only want to hold your love
Stab the dolls filled with hate
Wash your self in their blood
Drive to the raging current of time
Swing your murderous weapon into the belly
"The earth"
Shout and start creating confusion
Shed your blood for pleasure
And what? For love?
What am I supossed to do?
I believe in the madness called "Now"
Past and future prison my heart
Time is Blind
But I wanna trace my love
On the walls of time over pain in my heart
Art of life
Insane blade stabbing dreams
Try to break the truth now
But I can't heal this broken heart in pain
Cannot start to live, cannot end my life
Keep on crying
Close my eyes
Time breathes I can hear
All love and sadness melt in my heart
Dry my tears
Wipe my bloody face
I wanna feel me living my life outside my walls
You can't drive of yesterday, so
You're painting your heart with your blood
You can't say "No"
Only turning the wheel of time
With a rope around your neck
You build a wall of mortality and take a breath
From between the bricks
You make up imaginary enemies and are chased by them
You're trying to commit suicide
You're satisfied with your prologue
Now your painting your first chapter black
You are putting the scraps of life together
And trying to make an asylum for yourself
You're hitting a bell at the edge of the stage and
You are trying to kill me
I believe in the madness called "Now"
Time goes flowing, breaking my heart
Wanna live
Can't let my heart kill myself
Still I haven't found what I'm looking for
Art of life
I try to stop myself
But my heart goes to destroying the truth
Tell me why
I want the meaning of my life
Do I try to live, do I try to love
In my dream
I'm breaking the wall inside my heart
I just wanna let my emotions get out
Nobody can stop
I'm running to freedom
No matter how you try to hold me in your world
Like a doll carried by the flow of time
I sacrificed the present moment for the future
I was inchains of memory half-blinded
Losing my heart, walking in the sea of dreams
Close my eyes
Rose breathes I can hear
All love and sadness melt in my heart
Dry my tears
Wipe my bloody face
I wanna feel me living my life
Outside my mind
Dreams can make me mad
I can't leave my dream
I can't stop myself
Don't know what I am
What lies are truth?
What truths are lies?
I believe in the madness called "Now"
Time goes flowing breaking my heart
Wanna live
Can't let my heart kill myself
Still I havent found what I'm looking for
Art of life
I try to stop myself
But my heart goes to destroying the truth
Tell me why
I want the meaning of my life
Do I try to live, do I try to love
Art of life
An Eternal Bleeding Heart
You never wanna breath you last
Wanna live
Can't let my heart kill myself
Still I'm feeling for
A rose is breathing love
In my life
OMG! HOw can someone write something so awesome and thoughful. Thank you so much ...IT makes me wonder though whether Yoshiki has had a hard life? I mean his lyrics have a sense of sadness in them...
I know what you mean. I know his father died when he was young, thats the story behind Tears, he wrote that for his father.
I don't think they were particularly rich, I know Yoshiki's mother had to sell her kimono making business to afford to get X a record lable.
Then of course there was the whole hide thing, but most of Yoshiki's lyrics were written before then, it's only the Violet UK stuff that can be traced back to that.
For example in the song Sex and Religion, the lyric "It's still ******* my mind" - I kinda read as to do with hide. Of course I can't be sure, but he also uses that as the tag on his myspace page.
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