Interview with RUKI of 'the GazettE'

To celebrate the release of the GazettE's sixth album DIVISION, Primal Noise were given the opportunity to throw a few questions at vocalist RUKI.

While the GazettE remain a well known and respected band in Japan, their previous three albums ranking high in the charts of their homeland, here in the UK their unique brand of heavy rock is currently still very much underground. Despite having sold out their one and only UK live performance in London, the band have yet to return, meaning their British fans remain limited to those into the visual kei/ Japanese rock scene.
Having recently signed to British label 'JPU Records' for the release of DIVISION, perhaps now the band will break out of their underground status and reach the ears of the British public.

Here's what RUKI had to say...

• Primal Noise: As the Visual Kei scene is still very new to most people in the UK and being a visual band yourselves, could you tell us a little more about it from your point of view. Do you feel that the music is more important, or the look / style, or is it a combination of both? What is the importance of the look, what kind of role does it play in your position as a band?

• RUKI: It’s part of the culture; just like the punk rock guys who make their hair stick up and wear studded rider jackets. Looks are important because you can present different sides of you with makeup and costumes, and because we want to be artistic in everything.

• Primal Noise: Have you found it's more difficult to get a reaction from the overseas fans and media than non-visual bands? Have there been any difficulties associated with being in a VK band? Or has it been more beneficial?

• RUKI: I don’t really find difficulties or advantages. To me, doing a band naturally means to put on makeup.

• Primal Noise: How has the album 'DIVISION' evolved since you started out with albums like 'Madara' and 'NIL'?

• RUKI: We’re always moving forward so we can’t compare our current work with earlier ones. It’s just that our scope of music is expanding, and we think we continue to evolve naturally.

• Primal Noise: Many bands choose a theme when writing new material, do you happen to go by a theme? Where do you all draw your inspiration from when writing new music?

• RUKI: We wanted to redefine what “MADE IN JAPAN” is all about. We also wanted that the world of the GazettE as a whole package, with album cover and other visuals and all. So we want to expand our release to many more countries.

• Primal Noise: You came to the UK in 2007 but haven't returned. With joining a UK label, do you have any plans to promote this album with a tour in the UK in the near future?

• RUKI: Would love to.

• Primal Noise: Who are your musical influences and favourite bands/artists. Who would you recommend listening to?

• RUKI: I listen to FLYING LOTUS often.

• Primal Noise If you could tour with any other band, who would it be?

• RUKI: DAFT PUNK

• Primal Noise: What are your hopes for the GazettE's future?

• RUKI: I think we’ll be pursuing more kicks and stimulations. Look forward to our next moves, as we are heading to another direction.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!

the GazettE's new album DIVISION is available at HMV and other major retailers.