[Interview] Shonan no Kaze
15th Anniversary National Tour Kaze Densetsu ~Ichigoichie TOUR 2018~
Shonan no Kaze will hold a nationwide tour "Kaze Densetsu ~Ichigoichie TOUR2018~" to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut. We asked the four members about their first single of the anniversary year and their enthusiasm for the nationwide tour.
Shonan no Kaze, who has demonstrated a unique presence in the music scene by continuing to send messages that are sometimes passionate and encouraging, and sometimes warm and comforting, is celebrating its 15th anniversary since its debut. The single that will mark the anniversary year, "Yamechimae!", is a ballad filled with awkward kindness that confronts life, contrary to the shocking title.
This work is an ambitious work that welcomed Teraoka Yuhito, who has worked with Yuzu and others. This time, the four members met with Teraoka individually to work on the project. Even though he is a famous producer, this is Shonan no Kaze. It was not easy to get the project into shape.
young masterI talked about my inner thoughts... how I've lived my life so far, what values I have, what kind of artist I want to be, etc. Teraoka-san taught me a lot about Shonan no Kaze from the outside. There were some parts I didn't know, and I think they were incorporated into this song.
HAN‐KUNThe first song that Teraoka-san presented to us was something that he had given us, and I felt that he had listened carefully and studied it. I appreciate that, but it's a new challenge for our 15th anniversary, so it's meaningless if we don't jump into Teraoka-san's world. I don't know how the fans who listened to "Yamechimae!" will feel, but at least for us, it was a satisfactory collaboration.
SHOCK EYEThis was also heard by Mr. Teraoka, but I was not convinced, so I did not start production. When I heard from the staff about adding a producer, I was not satisfied and thought, "Why now, when there have been such opportunities in the past?". I discussed it again with the members and we decided to "try our best. If it doesn't work, we can just make it with the four of us." I understood it in my head, but it took me time to digest it. But at one point, I thought, "This might be fate," and I accepted it right away, and now I'm glad that we were able to work together.
The sound, which is full of strings and piano, certainly evokes a new stage for Shonan no Kaze. For some members, the incorporation of a new wind has become the driving force behind turning their own windmills.
RED RICEUnlike the others, I only talked about trivial things, but we went into the studio together about once a week to work, so I spent the most time together, and we also had year-end and New Year parties (laughs). Teraoka-san is good at getting the lyrics flowing. I'm usually slow at writing lyrics, but this time, even though I was in charge of a lot of the verses, I was able to write them at a good tempo, which gave me confidence. With that good momentum, we've continued working even after we returned to just the four of us.
The four of them didn't get carried away just because it was their anniversary, but instead chose an unpredictable and difficult path. They will be holding their "Kaze Densetsu ~Ichigoichie TOUR 2018~" tour starting at Yokohama Arena on Saturday, (Sat) 30th, with that song. This tour also reflects their insatiable spirit of challenge.
SHOCK EYETo be honest, I'm half happy to meet everyone and half scared. We've set high standards for both quality and capacity, and each member has high goals in their hearts. Ideally, we'd like to complete everything, but the most important thing is to work hard towards that goal. Doing so will give us a sense of accomplishment, and by stepping up our game, we'll be able to keep going for the next 15 years.
RED RICELast summer, we did a day and night concert outdoors, but in Yokohama we did both in one day, so my voice didn't come out well in the second half, and I realized that I don't have enough stamina for a live concert compared to the other members. For our 10th anniversary, I failed at dieting (bitter laugh), and I've shown a lot of things I'm not good at up until now, so this year I want to get in shape, get back to the weight I was at when I debuted, and be in top form. My theme is to show a new me, to surpass my old self, so I hope people will be cheered up and feel more positive when they see me.
young masterActually, we have been preparing for the 15th anniversary tour for the past three years. For that reason, we have been replacing the live staff. Now, I have a feeling that we can do something good because our teamwork has improved, but that is why this is a critical moment. I want to work closely with my team and deliver the best performance on the day of the live show.
HAN‐KUNTo be honest, I don't know yet because I don't get into the mood until rehearsals start (laughs). Live performances are live, so I'm always honing my sense of smell and sensitivity to discern the atmosphere of the venue. My main goal is to go and see everyone and directly convey my gratitude for the past 15 years. I'll definitely entertain you, so please look forward to it.
profile
Shonan no Kaze
They made their major debut in 2003. They are a four-member crew that sings with all their heart about the emotions that humans experience. The members are RED RICE, Wakadanna, SHOCK EYE, and HAN-KUN.
Performance information
Shonan no Kaze 15th Anniversary National Tour Kaze Densetsu ~Ichigoichie TOUR2018~
6/30 (Sat) 18:00 Yokohama Arena
7/1 (Sun) 17:00 Yokohama Arena
7/21 (Sat) 18:00 Gunma Yamada Green Dome Maebashi
7/22 (Sun) 17:00 Yamada Green Dome Maebashi, Gunma
7/28 (Sat) 18:00 Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial Exhibition Hall No. 4
7/29 (Sun) 17:00 Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial Exhibition Hall No. 4
8/4 (Sat) 18:00 Kobe World Memorial Hall
8/5 (Sun) 17:00 Kobe World Memorial Hall
8/25 (Sat) 18:00 Xebio Arena Sendai
8/26 (Sun) 17:00 Xebio Arena Sendai
9/1 (Sat) 18:00 Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall
9/2 (Sun) 17:00 Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall
9/9 (Sun) 18:00 Marine Messe Fukuoka
9/16 (Sun) 18:00 Aichi Japan Gaishi Hall
9/17 (Mon., National Holiday) 17:00 Aichi Japan Gaishi Hall
9/23 (Sunday, National Holiday) 18:00 Osaka Castle Hall
9/24 (Monday, holiday) 17:00 Osaka Castle Hall
Interview/Text/Yuko Kikkawa
Composition/Reprinted from the April 15th issue of Monthly Law Ticket Editorial Department
*The photo is different from the one in this magazine.