Fans inside and outside of Japan have been placing MUCC high on a pedestal for over a decade, making them one of the most influential artists to come out the country’s visual kei genre. In 2008 the band made their UK debut as part of the Taste of Chaos roster, and in 2009 played their first London headline show. Now they’re back with their long-awaited tour ‘F#CK THE PAST F#CK THE FUTURE’ that’ll see them take to the O2 Academy Islington on May 18th. We shot the breeze with guitarist MIYA to find out more about their latest album and their return to the UK.
It’s been a while since you last visited the UK, how was it last time you were here?
MIYA: It was very fruitful. UK has a lot of cultures and music I love.
Is there anything in particular you’re hoping to do while you’re here this time round
MIYA: I wanna go around some musical instrument stores. There are many lucky finds that I can’t buy in Japan!
In 2008 you joined Atreyu and Story of the Year at Taste of Chaos, how was it playing with some of the west’s biggest rock bands at the time? Would you be up for participating in an international show like that again?
MIYA: I would love to join [a show like that] again. If we had not joined that tour, MUCC couldn’t exist.
MUCC’s been around for the best part of 18 years now, how have you guys managed to stick together for so long?
MIYA: We are not just friends, but have something more together, and I think this is the reason why we could stick together until now.
Over the years your dress sense has seemed to only get sharper. Has your dress sense changed with your music? Do you dress according to the music you’re making at the time?
MIYA: When you get old, you prefer simple things! (laughs)
People say there are two sides to MUCC. One aggressive and the other slow and melodic. How would you yourself describe your music?
MIYA: Our hearts have many faces and our music reflects that.
Two years ago MUCC set-up a casting call for two selected fans to officially join the band. How did the idea for this come about? What was the idea behind it?
MIYA: The idea was to have an “Element of surprise.”
Last year you released your 12th studio album ‘The End of the World’. What was the concept behind the album?
MIYA: The concept of that album is a hope coming into sight when you are conscious of “end” objectively. This album couldn’t exist without the disaster of the earthquake in 2011.
MUCC’s had their songs used in a number of opening and closing scenes for animes, what is it about the medium that you enjoy?
MIYA: You can see a lot of characteristics which are unique to Japan in animes.
Is there anywhere else you would like to see your music in the future?
MIYA: In movies and commercials. Well, our songs are often used as background music in TV shows! (laughs)
You’ve played a big roll in exposing mainstream Japanese music to the rest of the globe. How does it feel to be in such a prestigious position?
MIYA: If our music is mainstream, then Japan is a cool country. Not too far, but it’s little bit far from mainstream we think. This is a very Japanese characteristic and this is why we could come a long way.
How do you feel about taking to Europe once again? Do you still get nervous even having performed at hundreds of shows over your career?
MIYA: We are very pleased to go on a Europe tour again since circumstances did not allow to go back after the earthquake. We can’t wait to go back, sorry to keep you waiting for a long time. And yes, I still get nervous.
Finally, any parting words for your fans in the UK?
MIYA: Thank you so much for inviting MUCC to the great country, UK. We are really looking forward to seeing you guys!
