Sunday, December 25, 2005

HAPPY CHRISTMAS MOTHER FUCKER! My present from me to you? THE D'ESPAIRS RAY INTERVIEW

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Merry Christmas to all of you out there. I hope you guys are having a wonderful time with your family and friends and are receiving many kick ass presents.

Now I couldn't just say that and not give you guys anything. So, as my special Christmas prsent to you all, her is my interview with D'espairs Ray, done via e-mail with the help of Harry and Nora of Jpop House! It's a simple, get-to-know-the-band-better type of interview which should be good for a few laughs and some interesting tidbits. So, here you go guys! Merry Christmas!



KEY : H- HIZUMI, K- Karyu, Z- ZERO, T- TSUKASA

Roger: Why do you want to play music in America?
H: Because they are Manias there.
K: To me it doesn’t matter what country, I just want more people to be able to listen to our music.
Z: I agree with that, I just want more and more people to listen to our music. I guess it is also a statement of the existence of our band.
T: Because there are people there who waiting for us.
(* Mania is what the band calls their fans)

Roger: Why have you chosen music as your career?
H: To change myself.
K: I found a way to express myself through music.
Z: Like every other person who makes it to their life’s branch road, I was confused and at a loss but in the end I always come to realize that this is the way I need to go.
T: I was born with music in blood.

Roger: What fuels your aggression?
H: My conviction to the band.
K: As long as I continue to live and feel happiness, sadness and anger, I will go on.
Z: The people who continue to strife for their dreams listening to our songs, that makes me want to work harder for myself and the band.
T: I don’t need anything to push me in my music because it just happens.

Roger: What goes into writing your music?
H: I write my lyrics based on the inspirations I get from listening to the music and also from my life experiences.
K: Things I think about on a normal basis and also what I feel.

Roger: You have recently released your first full length, Coll:set. What goes into producing a full length album that's different from a mini-album?
H: I don’t really feel that anything is different from our past works.
K: The feelings I put into my songs are unchanged, the only difference I can think of is probably that the whole production process took a longer time.
Z: We have more songs on it and that enabled us to have more options of reaching out to the listeners. On the hand, because of that, it also got us thinking harder on our concept for each and every song.
T: It is the same way all the time, I always put my soul into our music. The only thing that changes is just the sound.

Roger: Where do you PV concepts come from?
H: They are based on the interpretation of our songs and lyrics, and of course the director’s dispositions contribute too.
K: Of course it is mainly from the inspirations we get from the songs, we always try to produce something that is not too difficult to understand. However, I’m still not fully satisfied with our current PVs and that is why I am thinking of studying about film editing and such.
Z: Whatever that comes to mind based on the songs.
T: From the first image the composer has in his mind.

Roger: Your PV's use a lot of occultic imagery. Why?
H: Because I love the mystical.
K: It is mainly because our songs portray feelings that we as humans harbor in the bottom of our hearts. And I think humans are pretty mysterious beings.
Z: I think it is the main element we need to express our music.
T: If everything is down and dirty than even that will not come out nicely.

Roger: What do you do in your spare time, outside of D`espairsRay?
H: I watch movies and sometimes travel.
K: I watch movies and play games. Lately I have been going out drinking with my friends a lot.
Z: I always go for walks. I just feel that we need to always be in touch with what is around you.
T: I draw or watch movies.

Roger: Do you have any vices or guilty pleasures?
K: Pleasure, now that is another thing that is mystifying to me and I have been searching for that but I have not gotten my answer. So, I must say I am still looking for one.
Z: Nothing in particular.
T: I think human beings are just a big lump of desire. I also think that every human wish to know what is to happen to them in the future, let it be a dirty wish or desire.

Roger: D`espairsRay is a visually and acoustically frightening band. Is this fueled by your fears? What scares you?
H: To me there is nothing as scary as the feeling of happiness.
K: The darkness that we portray in our music is actually the darkness that sits in every human’s heart representing sadness and anger. I have been thinking and I am going to start to include happier things into our future songs. The thing that brightens me up and scares me the most will always be people.
Z: The secret that lies within a human being.
T: If you think about it every human would probably think that any other person besides themselve are scary beings. We only think about ourselves anyway. And in the end we end up all alone.

Roger: What's your favorite alcohol?
H: I don’t drink much.
K: Red wine, Bourbon, Japanese wine, beer, in fact almost anything.
Z: Anything.
T: Tequila.

Roger: Is there any genre of music out there you can not stand?
H: Reggae.
K: I hate senseless rock music.
Z: Nope.
T: No, I like anything that makes a sound.

Roger: Do any of you play video games? If so, what is one game you cannot be beaten in?
H: Final Fantasy.
K: I love gaming. I will never lose at GHOST RECON!
Z: None in particular.
T: I can never be beaten in a shooting game that needs you to be sharp on your reflexes.

Roger: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
H: Mental concentration.
K: Get high.
Z: I ask myself questions.
T: Hold a meeting with the band members.

Roger: There is an internet rumor that Hizumi was discouraged that many American fans did not know the lyrics to your songs when they last played here. Should your fans have knowledge of your lyrics before attending your show?
H: I did say that there were many people who didn’t know us and our songs who came to the show but I never said I was discouraged. In fact I am always so honored and happy that they are people who would come to our shows despite not knowing who we are.
K: Let’s not get Hizumi mad and study our English lyrics ok?
T: It’s not a must but I think you would be able to enjoy our Lives even more if you know our lyrics. I understand that there is the problem of language but I know all you Manias can do it, can’t you?

Roger: Many Japanese bands are cursed in other countries by not being labeled by the music they play, but in that they are from Japan. How do you feel about this? Would you like to be classified as a goth or metal band, or should D`espairsRay not be characterized at all?
H: I don’t think that there is a way to make one think a certain way as everyone has his or her opinions and views. We don’t really like to classify ourselves to be of any specific genre.
K: I am going to leave that up to the listeners to decide.
Z: We are simply that, D’espairsRay. I think something like genre is always decided by others anyway.
T: Yup, D’espairsRay.

Roger: What are your views on file sharing?
H: Speaking from a listener’s point of view one would say that the MP3 technology is a blessing but from a music writer’s point of view, thinking about the time we put in to make sure we achieve a high quality in sound, I definitely would want everyone to listen to our songs on a CD.
K: I think that every musician in the World is crying over this. I just wish for people to not forget the fun feeling of anticipation waiting for a CD to be release and to actually buy one.
Z: This is a very big problem in the music industry now but I cannot say that it is 100% bad. I just think that you can never tell when or how you get to know things.
T: A person who enjoys MP3s music does not know what real music is. If you are satisfied with bad quality music than you can never understand D’espairsRay.

Roger: Are their any solo projects in the works?
H: My mind is set on D’espairsRay only.
K: Maybe one day when D’espairsRay is no longer D’espairsRay.
Z: When the time comes I might. The desire is always waiting.

Roger: What's in the future for D’espairsRay?
H: On January 8, we will be playing a One Man show at Shibuya O-East, so if you have a chance please come!
K: I want to make another album and then go on a Tour!
Z: If you continue to follow us you would know, so just keep your eyes on us.
T: I really want to go to America again. Hopefully I will be able to share many more things with all of you.

Fan Questions
Stephanie of Texas asks: Where in the world would you like to play the most?
H: Japan.
K: I know it won’t be possible anymore, but it has to be CGBG in New York!
Z: Anywhere that wants us.
T: I would like to play anywhere in America but if you ask me to choose a state I’d have to say Virginia. That’s because it is a place of memories for me.

Johnny Reb of Connecticut asks: What current bands do you listen to? Any Western Bands?
H: I don’t really listen to songs when I am at home.
K: I’m listening to 80’s and 90’s music from all over the world now.
Z: I only listen to Western music.
T: Secret.

Roxanne of Ohio asks: Now that you have toured three continents, do you think your experiences with other cultures will influence your music?
H: I think that all the things we have experienced overseas are now reflected in our songs.
K: Being in touch with different cultures of the world has been a great experience for me and it has definitely influenced our music.
Z: It definitely has, only it is difficult for us to pin point what it really is.
T: For me, I’m not solely interested in the music aspect of things but also in art. With music and art linked together I have gained a lot that I am able to channel into my music. That is why I wish to see many other places.

Sarah of Connecticut asks: How does taking on a visual role that is neither male nor female affect your male identity?
H: I am 100% man!
K: I don’t really see the visual role being that way.
Z: I don’t think it really matters if you are male or female, what is important is what you are doing now.
T: I’ve never felt for once that we are playing a certain role or character. I just continue to do what I am capable of and it doesn’t matter if people think I am a faggot at that!

Jessica of Maryland asks: If you were told you were going to die in one day, how would you spend the last remaining hours of your life?
H: I would like to perform a concert to my last breath.
K: If I am in a state where I am still able to, I would definitely want to play a final Live.
Z: It doesn’t matter what and it could be the smallest thing in the world but I’d like leave something behind.
T: If it is OK with all of you guys, I’d like for everyone to come our last concert and I would play my heart out. And then I can peacefully die without any regrets!

Please say something directly to your fans.
H: Nothing is confirmed yet but when we Tour in America again next year, please come to our shows! I’ll be looking forward to see all of you again.
K: We are currently working on our next album so please look forward to it. And hopefully, I’ll see all of you again.
T: Let’s all go sky diving together!! It seriously changes the way you look at things! (laughs) I will definitely return to America again. Thanks!


Once again. Special thanx go out to Harry and Nora for making this happen. I hope we can work with them again sometime in the near future. And, once again, from everyone here at Tainted Reality, HAPPY CHRISTMAS MOTHER FUCKER!!!

-Roger

P.S I asked the band a question about mosh pits that was deleted because, to my surprise (I swear to the newborn Christ I didn't know this) there ARE mosh pits in Japan!

Friday, December 16, 2005

Tainted Reality: The Temple of Sephiroth and The Crimson Sin TONIGHT!!!!!!!

Tonight is our Tainted Reality Marathon, as well as or 2005 season finale. Be sure to tune in for The Temple of Sephiroth: Tainted Reality Video Game Edition from 4-7pm, and The Crimson Sin: Tainted Reality Goth Edition from 7-10pm. Listen in, make requests, tell us what videogame topics to talk about, enjoy the new BLOOD song, Vengeance For BLOOD. 'nuff said. (I'm soooooooooooooooo fucken hyped!).

-Roger

P.S. If you have serious trouble trying to listen tonight, try this method: Right-click on the "LO (24kbps)" or "HI (96Kbps)" links on the http://www.wixq.com/ main page, and go to properties, then copy the address, go into Winamp and go to ADD at the bottom of the Winamp window, and then click +URL and paste the address into the window that comes up. Special thanx go to TR fan Roxanne for sending in this information!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

The Temple of Sephiroth, The Crimson Sin, and The Tainted Reality Marathon ALL on Friday 12/16

Because of the high demand for timeslots this finals week, all of Tainted Reality special shows have been thrown into one 6 hour super chunk of pure TR goodness to air this Friday from 4-10pm. The 7-10pm is still to be The Crimson Sin, but 4-7pm will be our videogame extravaganza, The Temple of Sephiroth, thus making these 6 hours your Tainted Reality Marathon.

Now, for The Temple of Sephiroth, what we will be doing is having random videogame fanatics from my old highschool and around campus join us in studio where we will, well, talk about random videogame topics! I have a few in store such as retro gaming (cut off line being 1999), and the current state of gaming, but we will also be taking fan topics! If you have a topic you would like us to discuss, please put in in our comments section! As well as some talk show elements, we will also be playing some of my fave video game music. Most of my collection, however, was lost a few years ago, so my videogame music is a bit limited, but you can try making requests. However, you can expect music from Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Castlevania, Sonic The Hedgehog, and, because I fucken LOVE the game, Katamari Damacy. However, because The Crimson Sin will be a strict format, you can get all of your J-Rock requests during The Temple of Sephiroth. So, from 4-7, you can get all of your L`arc, Diru, and MUCC requests in, because after that, it will be Goth only.

So, once again, for any videogame topics you want us to tackle, please post them right here on our comments section. And, as usual, we will be reading fan comments on our discussions live on air! Hope to hear from you!

-Roger

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Just Coz

Your Dating Purity Score: 77%
You are an under-experienced dater.This doesn't mean you're unexperienced - far from it.It just means that there's a lot of romance left to discover!
Dating Purity Test

Monday, December 12, 2005

The Crimson Sin Confirmed for Friday, December 16th, 7-10pm as well as BRAND SPANKIN NEW BLOOD SONG

The Crimson Sin: Tainted Reality Goth Edition, Tainted Reality's anual send off extravaganza of gothic music to be co-hosted by famed DC area Goth DJ, Telute, is confirmed to air this Friday night (December 16th) from 7-10pm. As well as playing the latest and greatest of Goth from all reaches of the world and educating those of you unfamiliar with the genre, we will be debuting a brand spankin new song from (by no means of affiliation or bias) one of my fave Goth bands, BLOOD, from their upcoming CD due for release in mid-January, Vengeance For BLOOD 3.

For those of you wondering what exactly we are doing, here's what's up. Starting last year, I send off every calendar year with an all Goth show. This year I decided to continue the tradition, except by kicking it up a notch. I noticed most of you out there don't have too much of a knowledge of gothic music. So, as well as giving the year a great send off, this is my attempt to expose you guys to a great genre of music. To help me ou this year, long time Goth enthusiast, and club DJ from the DC area, Telute, will be coming all of the way up here to help out. During the show, we will be giving a bit of background and history of the genre, as well as dispelling some of its myths and misconceptions. And of course, all through out the night we will be playing our favorite goth bands, most of which were named in the previous post, and be taking all Goth requests (and ONLY Goth requests for this night. Don't worry. This strict format is only for this Friday).

So, please tune in for something new this Friday, as I know I will be having a blast! Will you join me?

-Roger

P.S. The rundown for last week's show will be up shortly

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Try No. 2 - Josephine Yun TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's hope it works this time! Tonight we will have our first ever in-studio guest: Josephine Yun, the author of J-Rock, Ink. She will be discussing her book, taking fan questions, giving-away signed copies of J-Rock, Ink. to listeners, and be selecting the playlist for a good portion of the night! Same deal as before basically. YES! I copied and pasted this post from the one made 2 weeks ago. Please forgive me coz I have a huge scary ass Japanese final tomorrow! The request lines will still be open, so make sure to call us up at 717-872-3518 or 717-872-3519 as well as our AIM name WIXQ917. Please submit all fan questions on AIM so we won't accidently mis-quote you. We look foward to hearing from you guys tonight!

-Roger

P.S. If you have serious trouble trying to listen tonight, try this method: Right-click on the "LO (24kbps)" or "HI (96Kbps)" links on the http://www.wixq.com/ main page, and go to properties, then copy the address, go into Winamp and go to ADD at the bottom of the Winamp window, and then click +URL and paste the address into the window that comes up. Special thanx go to TR fan Roxanne for sending in this information!

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Come Over To the Deep End

Special thanx go out to Narasaki for letting us interview him (You rox0r man!) and Becky for translating! Here's the playlist:

Coaltar of the Deepers - It Dawns Before
Coaltar of the Deepers - Good Morning
Coaltar of the Deepers - Unlimber
D'espairs Ray - Able to Cain
Janne da Arc - Acid Breath
Type 0 Negative - Wolf Man
Coaltar of the Deepers - Star Love
Mindless Self Indulgence - Straight to Video
12012 - Shinshoku
My Chemical Romance - You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison
Coaltar of the Deepers - Dead By Dawn
The Pillows - Robotman
Dir en grey - Cleaver Sleazoid
X Japan - Scars

HIM - Rip Off The Wings of a Butterfly
Coaltar of the Deepers - Hard Reality
Coaltar of the Deepers - Wipeout
Black Jack - Kousagi
BLOOD - Vice
Green Day - Minority
CKy - Suddenly Tragic

Rentrer en soi - Crystal Letter
Coaltar of the Deepers - Without Hesitation
Coaltar of the Deepers - Joy Ride (Robot Edit)
As I Lay Dying - Forever
Coaltar of the Deepers - Sinking Slowly
Rammstein - Keine Lust
Fake? - Snow
Okuto - Dirty Inspiration (Album Version)
Aphex Twin - Come To Daddy (Daddy Mix)
BLOOD - I Remember You (VfB2)
Kill Hannah - Kenedy
Mindless Self Indulgence - Tom Sawyer
Deathgaze - The Fist
Hora - Inner Universe
Suicide Ali - Favorite Song
Coaltar of the Deepers - Taste
Liam Lynch - United States of Whatever
Coaltar of the Deepers - Mars Attacks!

Requests in italics

Charles will be unable to attend any shows for the rest of the year as his schedual is a bit overloaded. So, filling in for him on Thursday was Patt Carr and Matt Shackelford. They provided some great comic releif both on air, and on the webcam. We spent the majority of the night praising Coaltar of the Deepers, playing their music, giving away their CD's, and airing our interview with band leader Narasaki. We had some technical difficulties during the first part of the interview, but don't worry. Those issues will be corrected when the interview becomes available for download on Soulseek. For the link to Coaltar's website, please check out the bottom of the post. Please go there for all of their news, updates, and purchases of CD's (They are also on CD Japan).

Speaking of Soulseek, we also made several key announcements. One was a sort of re-announcement that some of our special segments and interviews are available for download from Soulseek on our user name, akilatem, but we have uploaded some new files, including the never aired, and possibly never TO air, station ID made by Suicide Ali!

We also announced that in addition to The Crimson Sin: Tainted Reality Goth Edition, during the final's week (The week of December 15th) we will also be doing a marathon, and an all videogame themed show entitled The Temple of Sephiroth, were we will be playing tons of videogame and J-Rock music, and be discussing some of the best retro and current games, as well as some of our all time faves. The times for these events aren't set because WIXQ policy for finals week is that any one can take any slot, and I want to try and make a situation for The Temple of Sephiroth to get as many "experts" on as possible, namingly Craig Carestia and Pat Carr.

There was also some news reguarding The Crimson Sin. We will be having famed DC area Goth DJ Telute joining us in studio!

Next week we will be having the author of the ever so controversial book, J-Rock Ink, Josephine Yun on for her rescheduled appearance. Please be sure to tune in for my first ever special in-studio guest and have the chance to win signed copies of her book and ask her your own personal question!

-Roger

Coaltar of the Deepers - http://www.musicmine.com/cotd/

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Coaltar of the Deepers TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight is the long anticipated interview with one of my fave bands, Coaltar of the Deepers! Listen in for your chance to win not one, not two, but THREE of their CD's!!! Also, we will be playing music from The Breaststroke, Come Over To The Deepend, No Thankyou, Newave, and the Penguin EP all night long. And, as usual, we will be taking all and any requests, so please send 'em in via our request lines: 717-872-3518 or 717-872-3519 as well as the AIM SN wixq917. We look foward to hearing from you, and please, show your support for CotD!!!!!

-Roger

P.S. If you have serious trouble trying to listen tonight, try this method: Right-click on the "LO (24kbps)" or "HI (96Kbps)" links on the http://www.wixq.com/ main page, and go to properties, then copy the address, go into Winamp and go to ADD at the bottom of the Winamp window, and then click +URL and paste the address into the window that comes up. Special thanx go to TR fan Roxanne for sending in this information!