HAGANE – An Interview with UYU
Interview by Miriam Cadoni
Translation by Hideki Narita
This interview inaugurates a new partnership with a new team collaborator straight out from the land from the Rising Land. Please give a round of applause to Mr. Hideki Narita. Indeed, I should thank him for introducing me this amazing quintet of powerful girls called HAGANE.
During the pandemic, these girls have release their third single “SuperVillain”. And, this was a reason enough to organize something for satisfy my (and your) endless curiosity over the Japanese metal scene. Enjoy!
Hello UYU-San, welcome to Femme Metal Webzine. How are you? And how is this pandemic affecting you?
Nice to meet you! I am somehow alive and well. In a word, I feel like my freedom has suddenly been taken away. There are so many things what is the right thing to do, and I feel mental stress.
Many of our overseas readers are not familiar with HAGANE, would you mind introducing the band? And, how did you girls get together?
Oh! I’m very glad to hear that. Thank you very much! HAGANE is a five-member band of ; Uyu(Vo.) Sakura(Gt.) Mayto.(Gt.) Sayaka(Ba.) Kanako(Dr.)
Every member has a very strong character, so it’s interesting to watch them talk to each other, lol. As for how we met, we were all connected through the Internet. But Kanako and Sakura met at an some audition and knew each other before HAGANE.
What can you tell me about the lyrics of “SuperVillan”?
It is ‘Frustration with the world’. It has a different taste from the past, and the lyrics are pretty straightforward. The vocals are mainly in the middle range, so it’s easy to sing at karaoke. And, it’s pretty much like an anime song. I hope it becomes an anime’s insert song… oh no, I hope it becomes a theme song!
The previous single was “Labradorite”. What can you tell me about this release? And how its concept?
The concept is a fragile, sad fantasy. The first song, “E-102y”, is about a robot that has been modified and lost memory of its previous life. The second and third songs are both about war, and those stories are connected.
Digging through the band official’s website, it’s mentioned something about a possible full-length released in 2022. Concerning this matter, what can you share? And what should your fans be expecting?
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you the details yet. I’m sure you’ll love HAGANE even more! Please look at the variety of us!
Even if you haven’t officially debuted overseas, HAGANE can already count on the support of an active group called “Hagane Fans International”. What do you think about this initiative?
It’s a Facebook fan site? Yes I’ve seen it before. I’m so happy to know that there are so many people who are watching and listening to HAGANE in foreign countries across the ocean even while I’m doing this!
Beside singing in HAGANE, you also perform in DIZZY METAL. What about this project?
DIZZYMETAL is a BABYMETAL tribute band. The songs are well synchronized, also we specially order costumes as uniform. We are very particular and loving BABYMETAL and our “mates” (nickname of BABYMETAL fans) can enjoy.
And in most case of the live of copy bands, the other band is also a copy band. But DIZZYMETAL mostly plays with original bands. They are all very cool and inspiring. This is one of the most important place for me.
Which is the thing that you are more looking forward to? And, which are your next plans?
In HAGANE, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s reaction after the release of the first full album. After that, I wish to take everyone to a big venue.
So, UYU-san, we’re almost at the end. Please feel free to say hi to your overseas fans and listeners. Thank you so much for this interview!
Thank you very much for your always support of HAGANE. This year has just begun, and HAGANE will definitely be bigger than last year. Please don’t get burned out. Keep burning! If you are in a band and you feel that music is boring, it’s the end.
There are many things that are hard and you have to be patient, but always pursue fun. Oh,That’s my message to myself, lol. Please take care of yourself. I’m looking forward to meeting you all one day!