NERDSociety recently had a chance to interview VAMPS for their upcoming VAMPS LIVE 2009 USA Tour.
Here’s the rundown – VAMPS is a band formed by Hyde (L’Arc-en-Ciel) and K.A.Z. (Oblivion Dust) who have been collaborating with each since Hyde’s solo work back in 2003. Below you can check out their rockin’ music video, “LOVE ADDICT,” to get a taste of their tunes.
The first time I heard Hyde’s singing was in the opening song in the anime called DNA² when he was in L’Arc-en-Ciel (Also one of my first experiences with J-Rock). Other animes that have featured their songs are Fullmetal Alchemist, Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO), and Rurouni Kenshin.
Without further ado, here’s our interview with VAMPS.
NERDSociety (NS): Which musicians have been your biggest influences, past and present?
Hyde: Probably, Mötley Crüe.
K.A.Z.: I used to watch and got inspired by King Crimson, Cheap Trick, and TOTO.
NS: Do you feel that the language barrier is a problem for Japanese bands to make it big in the U.S.?
Hyde: Without living in America or lots of passion, it’s difficult for Japanese to obtain English skills. I might want to live there…I see more Japanese-American musicians, so I guess the music scene has been changing, but we don’t get the same treatment as American artists yet.
K.A.Z.: Of course the language is important, but I don’t think you can’t make music without learning the local language because it’s the music that counts.
NS: You guys have been collaborating with each other for years, what made you decide to form VAMPS?
Hyde: Since Hyde’s second album, I have worked together with K.A.Z., but his existence is so important to me that I decided to share one name with him, rather than using my own name.
NS: Your upcoming self-titled debut album is releasing this year right before your U.S. tour. What were your thoughts on making this album and what can fans look forward to?
Hyde: We have more fun with sounds, say, sound effects.
K.A.Z.: The exciting part of this album is that it’s VAMPS’ first one [laugh].
NS: What can we expect from the VAMPS Live 2009 U.S. Tour?
Hyde: We created music especially for cool lives, so we have a lineup of good live songs. We love to get wild; I think that’s our character.
NS: Can you tell us of any future projects you guys have planned?
Hyde: We will work on the next album so that we can have another tour.
NS: Thanks guys for this interview, you guys ROCK!
You can check out their 2009 tour by clicking below
http://www.vampsliveusa.com/
EveningDream
Jun 30, 2009 -
Yay, a U.S. tour!
I’m looking forward to watch VAMPS in California.
I <3 Hyde and K.A.Z.
Thanks for the article Nerd Society!
New VAMPS Interview!!!! – JapanForum.com
Jun 30, 2009 -
[…] New VAMPS Interview!!!! – Today, 08:01 AM I found this new interview with Hyde and KAZ check it out!!! Interview with Hyde & K.A.Z. – VAMPS LIVE 2009 USA Tour | NERDSociety.com […]
Mike
Jun 30, 2009 -
The sound awesome, I wonder if Hyde will ever rejoin with L’arc en Ciel again
Ccfmds
Jun 30, 2009 -
Good interview with a cool band. A US Tour sounds like a great idea. I hope it’s very successful and people support them.
Fanboy
Jun 30, 2009 -
Can’t wait for them to come to LA. I’m so there!!!!
Cricket
Jun 30, 2009 -
First time I’ve heard of them but pretty cool video! Wouldn’t mind going to a concert
Vamps… – JapanForum.com
Jun 30, 2009 -
[…] New VAMPS Interview!!!! I found this new interview with Hyde and KAZ check it out!!! Interview with Hyde & K.A.Z. – VAMPS LIVE 2009 USA Tour | NERDSociety.com http://www.lolitadoll.tk hide… always in my heart. I love you…. my pink spider…. My […]
Mike
Jun 30, 2009 -
Makes me wanna edit a True Blood footage to one of there songs
Cathb
Jul 1, 2009 -
I’m going to 4 of their current shows. How often do we get this chance? I’m so happy that they are coming to America! Go VAMPS go!!!! You guys rock!
Cathb
Jul 1, 2009 -
In reply to Mike….L’arc is on a 3 year hiatus. Hyde is still with them and doing more “solo” work. They will start performing again in 2011. Twenty years worth of great music!
tracycoder
Jul 1, 2009 -
I’m going to the last four lives I can’t wait!!
BEST.BAND.EVER!
Nerd Society: Interview + New Video — the.black.swan | VAMPS Fansite
Jul 1, 2009 -
[…] Nerd Society posted an interview with VAMPS, here’s a snippet: NERDSociety (NS): Which musicians have been your biggest influences, past and present? […]
kitty
Jul 1, 2009 -
oh my VAMPS hyde living in the US
that would be awesome >O<
and i can wait to see them only 28 days left
KichiGuy
Jul 1, 2009 -
Based on the vid of “love addict”, I prefer Larc En Ciel. This song is a little too repetitious for me. I suppose I’d be willing to give them some of my listening time sometime though.
Angel
Jul 1, 2009 -
Yeah, you can’t beat L’arc En Ciel, but it’s Hyde!
Hedelex
Jul 1, 2009 -
Awwwn! that’s so cool! We’ll be waiting patiently for the next album!!! n_n
Akito
Jul 3, 2009 -
Can’t wait for the Vegas concert on July 27th!!!!!!!!! (^-^)v
Yuiku
Jul 3, 2009 -
Hey guys, Japan shows has finished at last!!!
just now!!!
it’s your turn now!!!
have fun every VAMPADDICT in U.S.A.!!
aria
Jul 4, 2009 -
Looking forward to seeing VAMPS!
Thanks for the interview.
Also at Baltimore and Seattle there will be autograph session!!
http://www.vampsliveusa.com/promo.html
Teria
Jul 30, 2009 -
i saw the vamps concert in seattle, i loved it so much!! i hope they come back!!
John Spartan
Jul 30, 2009 -
Cool guys! I’ll be seeing them this Saturday, so it’s going to be a fun-filled night! And afterwards? Hit up Pinks of course. XD
Tsuki
Aug 5, 2009 -
I love you Hyde!
Vamps is amazing and I can’t wait for more and more of your music and lovely voice. I went to your concert during your tour in Baltimore, MD. Well….I ended up passing out because it got hot and dehydrated….didn’t want to loose my spot…
Encore=amazing.
Keep rocking! I hope to share the stage with you one day.