Interview with VAMPS!
K.A.Z (left) & HYDE (right)
VAMPS are a Japanese rock duo, HYDE (L’Arc-en-Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust). Since forming in 2008 the band has gained popularity in Japan and are currently on their fourth full length album titled, UNDERWORLD, which was released April 28th. VAMPS have never sounded better!
We interviewed Hyde and K.A.Z via email, and asked them seven questions. Check out the video with a quick preview of their responses (full interview below).
7 Questions for VAMPS!
1- What inspired the name VAMPS?
HYDE: We are the last Vampires on this whole planet!
2- For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 4 words:
K.A.Z: Catchy, Big, Heavy and Rock
3- Tell us your one most influential band and how have they shaped your music?
HYDE: Well, it is impossible for us to just name one band because there are so many…We grew up listening to a lot of 80’s rock from the US and the UK mainly, and we are also inspired by so many new bands like Bring Me The Horizon or In This Moment as well.
4- How has your music evolved since you started back in 2008?
K.A.Z: The biggest evolution would be having producers or collaboration artists. Back then, we only self-produced our albums but now we are more serious than ever to reach rock fans in the US and around the globe. We worked with some of the greatest producers such as Howard Benson and Kane Churko on our new album “UNDERWORLD”. Along the process they almost became like additional band members. It was very refreshing and just a wonderful experience all around.
5- We love the new record “UNDERWORLD”! You’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Chris Motionless from Motionless In White on “Inside of Me” and Richard Z. Kruspe from Ramstein on “Rise or Die”. Is there an artist you would like to work with on the next record?
HYDE: That would be In This Moment for sure!! We invited them to tour in Japan with us last year and the shows were great. When we were in the studio in Vegas, they were also recording there at the same so we talked about working together on something so we hope it will happen sometime in the future.
6- What is your favorite song to play in front of a live audience and why?
K.A.Z: We love playing “Calling” and “Underworld” since the new album came out. “Calling” is out current single and definitely our most catchy song that everyone sings along to every night which is really cool to see.
HYDE: “Underworld” is the title track of the new album. It’s much heavier and has a massive sound production.
7- We know that you have toured the United States, but on this current tour you guys are playing in a variety of cities. So, what city are you most looking forward to playing this time around?
HYDE and K.A.Z.: Of course, it would be Boston Massachusetts!!
Again, we would like to thank VAMPS – HYDE & K.A.Z.- We can’t wait to see you in Boston tomorrow!!!
Check out their websites for more info!
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