Introduction Anatakikou's light rock sound is understated class. Bringing together three musicians that are not only talented but comfortable producing music both acoustically or electronically. Keikaku talked with Anatakikou members Houjoh Masaki [Vocal, Guitar], Matsuura Masaki [Vocal, Guitar] and Fujii Toshimitsu [Drums, Vocal] about their overseas fans and the album Gradation'12. back to features		Anatakikou First, could you please introduce yourselves? Matsuura: I'm Matsuura, the Vocal/Guitar. I'm a Leo, blood type AB. Houjou: I was born on 5-5-1974 as a Taurus. I'm Vocal/Guitar Houjou Masaki, blood type B. Fujii: I'm drummer Fujii Toshimitsu. I like to build stuff in my spare time. What instrument brands do you play? Matsuura: I use a type of order-made Thinline called a PGM. Houjou: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. Fujii: A Pearl '70s fiberglass set and a Yamaha YD-3000 set, plus a number of different snare drums and cymbals. Houjou and Matsuura trade off lead vocals, what decides who will do what song? Matsuura: Basically, the person who wrote the song takes the vocals. "Lily" is one of my favorite songs. What inspired it? Matsuura: We wanted a song that a girl could sing without feeling self-conscious. From the beginning to the end (well, I'm not sure about the end), the distribution of songwriting and lyrical duties had Houjou writing the lyrics. When he first started writing lyrics for other people's music, he thought that pretty music deserved pretty words, and created these sorts of "transvestite" lyrics. (laughs) Why did you decide to go with an almost a greatest hits concept for the second album Gradation 12'" Matsuura: After the three maxi-singles went out of print, our feeling that "It'd be horrible if the fans couldn't hear these songs anymore!" and a number of requests from the fans saying "I want to get my hands on the tracks from the singles" fused together. As a result, after we released the first album, we decided "Before we put out our next album, let's retake and remix the singles, then add some new songs and release a fantastic album before the summer is out!" The label bit on the idea, and that's the story. When can we expect a release of new material? Matsuura: Right now we're in the middle of making songs for our next album and should be ready to start recording shortly. Will the new material be more rock and roll development like on sweet montage A or more sweet guitar pop as on the singles? Matsuura: I think it'd be incredible if we could bring those two very different colors to life in a lovely balance. We pride ourselves as being a very colorful band in this way. When did you first pick up an instrument? How old were you? Matsuura: I first encountered an instrument when I was an infant watching and mimicking my older brother play with his Electone. I think it's because I liked making noise. Houjou: When I was 14, I saw my friend playing. Fujii: When I was 6, my cousin made me listen to YMO, and we both lined up candy cans and played the drums. That was my first instrument. What inspired you to be in a band? Houjou: Because I wanted to be cool, and because I like music too much. How did the members come together as ANATAKIKOU? Fujii: We were all acquainted with Moridera, guitarist of ska band "The Miceteeth". We decided to form a demo tape label together, and that's how it all started. As it pertains to the band, how would you define the word "success"? Matsuura: If you're talking about financial success there are some fairly severe barriers that you have to clear, but if the music we that feels good to us, the music we think is cool, can resonate with people throughout the world, we could call that "success", no, "happiness." Houjou: If we're able to eat. Fujii: If we're able to continue producing our music in an environment where we can concentrate on only music, wouldn't it be safe to call that success? If for some reason we can't continue doing so, I think everybody will be able to make their own judgment about whether we succeeded or not. What does the band want their fans to get out of their music? Matsuura: "What is this? What is this feeling?" We're looking for a feeling something like this, like the first time you fall in love (laughs). Houjou: Que sera sera. Fujii: What we were thinking when we made the song. But actually, I'm perfectly fine with everyone who listens to our music coming up with their own analysis (laughs) Do you want to say anything to your fans outside Japan? Matsuura: When I heard that we had fans overseas, it was so incredible that I almost had a panic attack. But, I'd like everyone to know that there's a band as cute and wonderful as us! Houjou: If there's anybody that likes us, thanks. Fujii: If you've taken a listen to our music, we'd love to hear what you think! Please send me an e-mail. antk_fujii@ybb.ne.jp http://anatakikou.oops.jp Interview from 2006.02.22 [translation, Graham]. Keikaku.net staff would like to thank the members of Anatakikou for their participation in this interview. - Denise Smith and Graham
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