Interview with Vanished EmpireCan you introduce yourself for readers that don’t know Vanished Empire yet?
Interviewer, writer: Joseph L (sadOasis)
Band: Vanished Empire
Band Members: DJ Chihiro (Vocal), Lt.Dee Lee(Programming/Keyboards).
Questions Answered by: Lt. Dee Lee, DJ Chihiro
Date: 11.15.2009
Formed in 2008 by members DJ Chihiro and Lt. Dee Lee, also member of 2Bullet, Vanished Empire is touching on new realms of dark music with their haunting melody and lyrics. We had the opportunity to discuss about the creation of the band, their new album, and future plans.
DJ Chihiro: I am Dj Chihiro on vocals.
Dee Lee: I am Lt Dee Lee on Keyboard and programming. We are Japanese electro goth band formed in 2008.
How did the Vanished Empire come to form?
DJ Chihiro: In 2006, one compilation album named "tokyo dark castle" was released. Then I asked Dee Lee to write a song for this ablum. It was "hellfire within me". And audience liked this song. So I wanted to continue to make music with Dee Lee.
Your music is very high energy. What inspires you to write music?
Dee Lee: I really like EBM music like Psyclon Nine, Funker Vogt and Front Line Assembly. I mix these essence with old goth music like Bauhous, Nosferatu and Clau of Xymox.
And what inspires you to write lyrics?
Dee Lee: Actually, I like gothic music but I dont know well about other gothic culture. So I often listen death metal and black metal and they inspire me.
Chihiro, what experience as a vocalist have you had prior to Vanished Empire?
DJ Chihiro: Yes, I was a singer of another band about 6years ago.
Do you enjoy more performing as a DJ or a vocalist?
DJ Chihiro: I enjoy both. There are difference between DJ and performing as a singer. I really like both.
Your new album, "Theater of Tragedy," was released just a few days ago. Does the album have a concept?
Dee Lee: This album would be first contact to Vanished Empire for a lot of listners. So I tried to make this ablum as flag ship of us.
How did you come up with the title of your new album?Dee Lee: At first, I suggested Gallery of Sarrow to Chihiro. But Chihiro miss typed this title Theater of Sarrow when he designed the album cover. Finally this title become Theater Of Tragedy.
How would you describe Vanished Empire live?
DJ Chihiro: We play harsh ebm like songs and also play very melodias and melancholic songs. You will be able to enjoy both taste music.
Are you planing to perform in America someday?
DJ Chihiro: Please invite us to gothic event in US!
Dee Lee: Yeah, please give us a chance.
Are there any particular American artists you'd like to collaborate with?
DJ Chihiro: Diva Destruction and Tragic Black.
What are your dreams and plans for your band?
DJ Chihiro: I will do anything I want to. This is my plan.
Dee Lee: Show must go on!
Lastly, could you give a message to your fans?
DJ Chihiro: Come to our empire!
Dee Lee: I am looking forward to see you on the stage!
Info and Links
Vanished Empire Myspace
Vanished Empire Online Shop
Thank you to Kiwamu for making this interview possible, and DJ Chihiro and Dee Lee for taking their time to answer our questions.