SEILEENWhat motivated you to the genre you perform in?
Interviewer, writer: Joseph L (sadOasis)
Translator: Erin Tsuchiya
Band: Seileen
Band Members: Selia (Vocal), SiSeN (DJ).
Questions Answered by: Selia, SiSeN.
Photo: ts9
Date: 3.01.10
After their very first US tour the members of Seileen they some times to answer a few of our questions regarding the tour and future plans!
Selia: After I met Yukari Izumi, I became involve in variety of genres from Industrial and Gothic music, and thought my voice could be incorporated into such. I also became interested in the club scene and performing in such.
SiSeN: The sound of Industrial Gothic music has developed over the last 10 years, since Club Eve, the new church.
How would you describe your music and melody?
Selia: With our music we try to convey a beautiful atmosphere and mystery; with heavy but very melodic vocals. With light and darkness, we like to incorporate dancing and movement.
Did you have any vocal training before your current projects?
Selia: I was originally a classical singer and studied it at a University for four years and sang operas before the formation of SEILEEN.
For the song Angelus GPK and Selia sing together. Where did the idea for a duet come from?
Selia: I really like Ken’s voice and wanted to collaborate with him at some point. After meeting Ken we heard Kuwamu’s composition and the idea for duet came! I sang with joy alongside him; Ken’s trembling bass voice matches mine very well.
And what is the theme of the song?
Selia: Passion and Despair!
Are you currently working on any new releases?
SiSeN: Yes, we are in the middle of producing our second album.
Selia: SEILEEN's 2nd album is almost done! We are hoping to release it this spring!
How is the energy different from fans between US and Japan?
Selia: Unlike Japan, overseas the energy is very animated! I really enjoyed that, and loved the energy and support we received during our live!
SiSeN: San Antonio also has a Latin feel that there's some hot glue near the Mekishikoni. *laughs* I liked that, it’s different. I like that there are plenty of people that are warm in spirits and have friendly energy.
When you were younger did you imagine yourself traveling and performing overseas in the genre and style you are in now?
Selia: I always wanted to perform and sing in different places and I’m glad the dream became reality!
SiSeN: Growing up I could not imagine doing what I do now. But going abroad has been a really great experience and I’m relly glad.
How does it feel to be founders of the Japanese underground scene in America?
Selia: I’m so happy there are so many interested in the Japanese Gothic scene in America and that the Industrial scene is growing. Moreover it’s great to have the opportunities to grow and share our music in America and other countries.
SiSeN: It’s the new revolution in culture; we loved the feeling during the tour. And there are plenty of other great artist that need to come from Japan!
Do you think your stage performance is an important part of conveying your work to fans at lives, or is it more about the music?
Selia: Both are important. The performance can portrayed much about what we want to fans to enjoy of us, while sustaining a good sense of melody. The expense of musical performance and therefore will not, not only abandoned the music for performance. We always like to make sure our shows are unforgettable.
SiSeN: both are important. Stage performance can give a great pleasure to fans.
What do you miss most about Japan when you're on tour?
Selia: noodles and family.
SiSeN: soba, udon.
And was there any part of the tour that was most memorable to you?
SiSeN: I treasure all our lives, it was a great experience alongside the other bands and the crowd.
Selia: There was an incident, when we were almost late a flight *laughs*
Info and Links
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Thank you to Tainted Reality and Darkest Labyrith for making this interview possibly, and to the members of Seileen for taking their time to answer our questions.