Glay comes from Hakodate, in northern Japan. It all began with Takuro and Teru in 1988, joined by Hisashi and Jiro later, and debuted in 1994 with the one “Rain.” Ever since, the band has weathered the ever-changing tides of the music scene, adapting and evolving whereas preserving what “it” is—one of essentially the most enduring and influential rock acts to emerge from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Through its music and unshakable bond with followers and listeners, Glay has etched its identify within the higher crust of Japanese rock music. And it’s my absolute honor in the present day to have the members share phrases on this unbelievable sustained experience as Glay noticed its thirtieth anniversary some time in the past. While closely influencing the Japanese music area and inducting itself into its cult standing, Jiro, nonetheless, remains to be uncertain “if there’s been any remarkable evolution,” as a result of he asserts that they’ve carried on with none breaks for 3 a long time, “but the fact that we still enjoy making music today shows that we’re growing every day. Keeping up the motivation and continuing as a band for so long is very tough, so I think we’ve influenced the rock scene in that way,” he says.
Earlier this yr, Glay featured as a particular visitor for the esteemed British rock band Queen on the Queen and Adam Lambert live performance in Sapporo, and thereupon launched a thirtieth anniversary commemorative single entitled “whodunit,” collaborating with K-pop sensation Jay (Enhypen). “When we were looking for a singer to partner with Teru for our 30th anniversary celebration, we discovered Jay from Enhypen, who is making huge waves globally and loves rock ‘n’ roll. Naturally, we made the offer knowing about its presence,” Jiro explains. The music video is jazzed up by visuals drawn from the world of Eiichiro Oda, as Takuro factors out. “I think this collaboration with Jay is a miracle of sorts that wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t persevered for 30 years,” Hisashi provides. “I feel that the meaning of continuing with music is to keep generating new energy through interaction with different eras.”
In my thoughts, this collaboration is concerning the energy of music to carry individuals collectively, regardless of style or cultural obstacles. It elevates Glay as a component of this international music neighborhood. Indeed, its success rests in its potential to stability a particular sound and embrace a steady course of of musical progress and experimentation. From the raw, energetic booming numbers of infectious music to the even richer introspective rock and pop anthems, Glay constantly reveals outstanding versatility, incorporating various parts from totally different rock genres alongside punk, digital, R&B, and extra into their preparations—a powerful vary and a dedication to creativity inside Glay’s sound.
Glay, identified for being a trailblazer within the Japanese visible kei scene, reportedly ranks among the many prime ten artists on Japan’s all-time best-seller record, with an estimated 51 million data bought as of 2008, together with 23 million albums and 28 million singles. The band members have made it by way of time solely to return stronger and extra unified than ever, indicative of Glay’s very id—a story of grit and camaraderie that has stored them going for years—and the way they’ve managed to get by way of the music trade’s maze of guidelines and volatility whereas nonetheless being open and true to the followers.
As Glay retains turning a nook and diversifying its palette of songs, it provides a shining occasion—a story of single-mindedness and shared ardour for music—that has withstood in any respect, confirming Glay’s legacy as one of Japan’s most beloved and important rock bands. Excerpts.
Is there an inspiration behind Glay’s distinctive mix of rock music?
Hisashi: The strategy adjustments by incorporating every member’s concepts into Glay’s normal model, and a brand new normal is born. For instance, within the case of EDM, simply utilizing a TR-909 for the drums adjustments the strategy to the bass, the guitar recording model shifts to modifying waveforms whereas recording, and the concepts for vocals and choruses are reworked. When the inspiration adjustments, it displays within the sounds you dub as nicely.
What is the beating coronary heart of your sound, and what do you imagine units Glay other than different rock bands?
Hisashi: Takuro’s message to the instances and the members’ interpretative strategy to that message is straightforward, easy, and with agency conviction, with out being eccentric.
How has the band’s strategy to songwriting and efficiency developed since its inception? Which of your favourite songs finest captures the spirit of your music and who you’re?
Jiro: I’ve all the time been devoted to rock ‘n’ roll, however in recent times I’ve been listening to so much of R&B, which has considerably modified my strategy to bass taking part in and songwriting. However, I discover myself going proper again to rock ‘n’ roll once more, so I suppose the rock ‘n’ roll blood remains to be flowing in my physique. The tune that describes me is the theme of “Shutter Speeds.”
Please share your story of being a number one act within the visible kei scene and your pioneering position in it.
Hisashi: I’ve been significantly influenced by Japanese tradition, anime, video games, and music. Visual kei is a really distinctive Japanese subculture primarily based on gothic themes, and I really loved the variability of performances.
Even in the present day, visible kei continues to evolve and alter. Glay, which has continued for 30 years by dealing with the tides of time head-on, nonetheless takes delight in Japanese tradition and believes within the leisure we will provide in the present day.
It’s actually an honor if we’ve been in a position to contribute even slightly to the greatness of Japanese tradition, to not point out visible kei.
Glay is acknowledged for its avant-garde performances. What affect has its visible aesthetic, in your expertise, had on different artists within the trade?
Jiro: I’m not fairly certain how we’ve got influenced different artists. However, I believe collaborating with Enhypen’s Jay was such an surprising mixture, like, “Glay, you’ve got your eye on an interesting point!” If you say it’s the affect on others, it may be.
How have you ever navigated cultural variations in your music and maintained the band’s relevance and connection together with your listeners over time?
Jiro: Since our debut, the 4 members have had fully other ways of pondering and trend kinds, however we nonetheless wish to “make Glay better” and “dream with Glay,” so I imagine that’s why our followers see us and assume, “Glay always looks like they are having fun!” and might relate to that. It’s the band’s position to guide and entertain these individuals.
With a lot time spent making music and thriving within the trade, what has been your largest takeaway?
Hisashi: I imagine that being wholesome trumps all the pieces; that’s all it takes.
How does Glay envision the longer term of its music and legacy as you proceed your journey?
Hisashi: I believe the quote “learning from the past” is common, and it’s precisely proper. I really feel the identical energy within the splendor of classical traditions and the youth tradition that’s forward of its time. Of course, the achievements of the previous and the longer term are right here to remain, so the expectations for the longer term are boundless.
Any messages on your Indian followers and readers of Rolling Stone India?
Hisashi: I’m Hisashi, and I play guitars together with different devices within the band Glay. I’ve been to varied international locations, and I’ve all the time felt and stated that there are not any language obstacles for many who love music and alcohol. But I do know that’s not all the time the case. Well, let’s have a toast once we get an opportunity to satisfy anyway.
Jiro: Glay may be a band that doesn’t go overseas as typically as different Japanese artists, however we wish to go to your metropolis! To all our followers in India, we hope to see you quickly!
