B’z is going on tour – check out an interview with the Japanese rock duo before they hit Northern American shores! 

Please tell us why B’z decided to release an English album and embark on a North American tour.

Tak: This tour is going to be the 4th tour in the US for B’z. I always love to play in the US, and I would like to release more English songs for the American audiences.
Koshi: We had so much fun on the last North American tour, we wanted to do it again.
We are looking forward to the US audience hearing our new English songs.

What can we expect for the upcoming tour? Are you performing English songs as well?

Tak: The show will be a mix of both Japanese and English.
Koshi: We are planning to perform both English and Japanese songs. You might sweat a lot at our show, but you’ll enjoy it!

How do you feel when you perform for the first time in a new place?

Tak: It’s really fun! I love it. I want to play everywhere I haven’t been yet.
Koshi: I always enjoy the feeling of excitement and meeting the local people.

 

How do you feel about fans outside of Japan?

Tak: I’m just so grateful to North American audiences are giving us a reason to have a show.
Koshi: It was a great pleasure to know there are people who enjoy our music even in places we have never been.

 

Please tell us about B’z first English album, which was released on July 25th.

Koshi: This is our first album all in English. We picked 5 songs from our catalog, added English lyrics and new arrangements, and re-recorded them.

 

Please tell us about the album’s first single “Into Free –Dangan-.“

Tak: Heavy, catchy and Asian beauty.
Koshi: I believe it is the sense of speed the song has.
(Tak) Please tell us about your new solo album “Strings Of My Soul”.
Tak：My new album, “Strings of My Soul” was released on 335 Records. The album represents me right now, in the present moment.  It’s a collection of my favorite songs previously released only in Japan, along with a couple new tracks. Melodies from a Japanese blues man.

 

Since B’z debut as a band, you have worked so well together for such a long time. What’s the secret?

Tak: I believe we respect each other. Being a member of B’z motivates me to work hard and keep on going.
Koshi: We never lost the feeling we had when we started this band, and we try to be one who could be respected the other.

 

Please describe B’z sound to International audience.

Tak: Basically B’z is a rock band, but our music is not only rock. Many kinds of things inspire and influence us to write songs. We are bluesy, catchy, heavy and also have Asian flavor.
Koshi: Japanese born rock influenced by rock music from the US and England.

What is the definition of music for you?

Tak: Music is the best way to express myself. It’s my life.
Koshi: It’s like a magic door that can take me to different places and seasons instantly.

 

What is the driving force for B’z?

Tak: We’ve had a wonderful career for the past 24 years. Being a member of B’z motivates me to work hard and keep on going.
Koshi : It’s pure pleasure for me to put on a show and have people come to see it.

 

What’s next for B’z? Any 25th anniversary plan?

Tak: We don’t know specifically yet, but we’ll be definitely be touring and making new music.
Koshi: We’d like to have a big 25th anniversary tour! Also, I would like to keep the stance of being able to perform anywhere in the world, not just North America.

 

A message for B’z fans?

Tak: We’ll put the best show we can in every city so please come and enjoy! Looking forward to seeing you there!
Koshi : Thank you all for your support. I’ll make the best out of it on the stage! Hope to see you there!

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Tags: album, B'z, duo, japan, music, rock, tour

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