The charm lies in the pop melodies amid intensity.
―Changing the topic a bit, I feel like expressing music in words can be quite futile. It's like translating Japanese into English and then back into Japanese again.
TK: That's an interesting point of view.
―Even though everything is conveyed through music, what's the point of putting it back into words? When you mentioned that you can't include everything in a song, it means that the song is in a state where everything unnecessary has been stripped away. It made me realize once again that music can convey everything without any waste.
TK: I really like it when people feel the futility of expressing music in words. J from LUNA SEA also talked about something similar on his radio show. He was someone I looked up to, so we had a lot of casual conversation on the show. At that time, the host said to me, "I'm sorry we didn't talk much about your music." Basically, he meant that they had me on the radio for promotion, but the conversation ended up being mostly casual chat, so he apologized for that.
For us, there's no need to talk specifically about the concept behind a song at such moments. We just want to have enjoyable conversations. I don't think all musicians feel the same way, but personally, I don't mind if people don't ask about my songs. I turn them into music so that they don't need to be asked about. And I found it somewhat contradictory yet delightful to realize that there are people who feel the futility of asking, "What does this song mean?" after turning it into music (laughs).
―In this book, what particularly resonated with me was the phrase "The ideal path in creation is solitude." I'd like to know if there is joy or catharsis in that.
TK: Whether it's my solo work or the music of 凛として時雨 (Ling tosite sigure), it may not be something that everyone can understand, but I don't have the sense of "it's fine as long as only I understand it." To me, that feeling would be like running away from what I'm creating or closing the door myself, and it wouldn't be interesting. I find the most joy in having it understood and reaching others.
Despite my unique style of singing, the music I've listened to throughout my life is J-POP. The essence is there, so when I strip it down, there are only simple chords and melodies. In fact, I feel like we create the most pop music in a way. We don't show everything, but we play it in our own way, adjusting the angles of presentation, and that's the form of Ling tosite sigure.
I've always had moments where I listen to intense bands, yet think, "This is so pop." For example, even bands like Linkin Park, with their loud and distorted guitars, have incredibly clean melodies. Of course, there's also the pop aspect of bands like Spitz and Mr. Children, but I'm really drawn to the pop elements that can be seen within the intensity or the beautiful melodies that captivate you in unexpected moments. That's the feeling I most desire when I'm aiming for something or listening to music.
―I'd like to know if you have any guiding principles as TK.
TK: In the context of my music career... I believe that what I have created, in terms of my works, is something I can look back on when my life comes to an end. Even if I look back when there's no longer life, it will remain forever. So, I think being a musician is a unique profession.
In my works, the basic principle is not to leave behind anything I don't want to keep, or anything that lacks purity. That vector led me to focus on writing a book this time.
―In this book, you also wrote, "I am not a genius," and it made me realize that you also have these thoughts and struggles. If there are people who simply admire you, I'd like to hear your thoughts on that.
TK: When you become a musician, in a way, you end up thinking everyone is amazing. Because you are pursuing your own path, you start to see how others are pursuing their paths too. Even if you've never met someone who has gone through struggles or stagnation and overcome them, the moment you meet them, you feel like you can relate. It applies to people making music, of course, and also to those who are solely dedicated to singing. Even if they are in different genres, I have respect for all of them.
―The three members of Ling tosite sigure seem to have a sense of fate or a kind of reverence for each other.
TK: Yes, that's right. Speaking of that, one person I find amazing might be our agency's president, Mr. Momose. He used to be the manager for L'Arc-en-Ciel and SPARTA LOCALS. It was around 2003 when Mr. Momose suddenly came to our live show. At that time, we were not even able to gather 5-6 people, we were really nobody.
His teachings of "Be able to act on your own and think for yourself even if everyone else is gone" are still with us. He told us this when no one else was around (laughs). I think it's a lesson he learned from observing various bands. "Always think and act for yourself, regardless of who is present or not."
He even taught us how to go to a press factory and learn how the album jackets are made. I think this teaching is connected to Ling tosite sigure's unique sense of independence. We are under a major label, but we are somewhat outside the norm.
―Lastly, could you share some thoughts about the future? Is there something you'd like to try or do?
TK: Hmm... in terms of music, I would like to try composing for soundtracks or film scores.
―How about something you'd like to do in your personal life?
TK: I don't really have many hobbies, but I do enjoy going out to eat with people. However, with the schedules and deadlines for creating music, it's quite challenging to find a day that's free for that. So, the plans end up getting postponed without setting a specific date. My manager even tells me, "Go out and meet more people." It's not about getting work from those meetings, but more like, "Just socialize a bit!" (laughs).
―At the very end, we got to hear a TK-like story.
TK: Yes, so my goal in my personal life is to go out and have meals with people (laughs).
凛として時雨・TK「言葉が見える本の世界に飛び込んでみた」 Original article in Japanese
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