THE UNDERNEATH interviewed on 3/21/2008 at TASTE OF CHAOS
Interview questions by Crimson Al-Khemia
Forward and photography by Lena Lamoray

THE UNDERNEATH are anything but an ordinary rock band.  Their heavy music never loses the melody.   They own the stage the second they step foot on it.  These guys are a dream band!  They have talent, a great look and quite possibly the most polite band I have ever been around.  They have a new cd out, MOON FLOWER, pick it up and be sure to look for Crimson’s review of it on the site soon.   

Crimson:  Are you enjoying the Taste of Chaos Tour thus far?

The Underneath:  Every minute of it and the fact of being in America.

Crimson: What do you find is the biggest difference between Japanese and American fans?

The Underneath: Individuality is very big difference. Americans really enjoy the shows by themselves and their expressions are awesome.

Crimson: Do you enjoy the moshpits here?

The Underneath: It is rare to see it in Japan so we are  really excited to see everyone mosh and dance to our music here.

Crimson: What do you find is the biggest difference between Japanese and American  musicians?

The Underneath: Our initial concern was that American people wouldn’t really accept Japanese music, but since we have been here we’ve noticed that the American audience  accepts any music. This country is a melting pot and American fans do not care as long as it’s good music.

[Interruption of Hizumi (lead vocals of D’espairsray) dancing behind the back of the Underneath’s translator followed by brief laughter]

Crimson: What artists or bands have influenced you the most?

The Underneath:  There are too many!  Nine Inch Nails, rock and punk music.

Crimson: What does it mean to you being called “the next generation of J-rock?”

The Underneath:  It’s hard to say if any of us are the next generation. What we see is that the market is getting bigger, so that means it is easier for more bands to get into that market.
 
Crimson:  How would you describe the theme behind the newly released album Moon Flower?

The Underneath: This is the first album under our new name. We’ve been together for about twelve years and it’s the kind of a final hurrah. We put all our efforts into this album.  We are pioneering a new era. 

Crimson: When writing a new album, does the music or do the lyrics come first?

The Underneath: When we compose a song, the drums and guitar come first and then the melodies. In some songs the melodies come first and those songs we feel are unique.

Crimson: Are there any preferences of brands of instruments?

The Underneath: Masato (guitars) makes his own custom guitars and showed off a model at NAMM. Now other people play his model.

Crimson: What makes your model of guitar so much better?

The Underneath: The shape of the design is very unique. Steve Stevens uses his guitar and Dave Navarro as well.