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The Royal Dead Vital Stats
Love Exodus (2008)
aci Birthday: January 26th Birthplace: Hyogo Japan Blood type: AB+ 
HAR Birthday March 25th Birthplace: Hyogo, Japan Blood type: O+ Untitled song sample The Royal Dead DISCOGRAPHY Phantasmagoria (2007) Lycanthrope (2005) Walpurgis (2002)
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The Royal Dead Interview
Japan may be called the land of the rising sun but when night falls in certain clubs around Tokyo a fantastical gothic world springs to life, so to speak.
The Royal Dead, a duet featuring aci and HAR, have exported their Japanese take on goth culture and music from the shores of their homeland to
both Europe and North America. If you are looking for an introduction to this creepy world of fangs, blood and all things Halloweenish you've
come to the right place.
On November 26, 2008 aci and HAR of The Royal Dead were kind enough to give an interview to Andrew from J-Pop World.
Let's start by taking a look back at the band's origins. In 2002 aci, HAR and Karasu formed a group called Phantasmagoria and released your
first single WALPURGUIS. How did the three of you meet?
Aci: We were all friends before forming Phantasmagoria. Karasu could play piano and I could play the violin. I always composed the songs. HAR was our dancer at first. How would you describe your musical style at that time? Aci: Our music was future pop, I think... Have you kept in touch with Karasu? Aci: No, he is busy with other work. 
The two of you have been a regular feature performing at goth events. What do you see as the key to the gothic style?
Aci: I think gothic is a kind of spiritual world. Every gothic persons seems to have an interest in horror movies (but I don't like them actually) and black costumes, Halloween etc. You play a lot at the Tokyo Dark Castle. Tell us about that place. Aci: TDC is very old gothic club in Tokyo. Recently a lot of non-Japanese audiences are coming to the shows there. In November of 2006 you decided to change your name to The Royal Dead. What prompted the change and where did the new name come from? Aci: Do you know another Phantasmagoria? They were evading a tax. Then we had a lot of problems with promotion. Then we had to change the name. Not wanting to let a good thing go to waste you decided to name your 2007 album Phantasmagoria. Tell us about the CD's music. Aci: That album is the last of Phantasmagoria's sound, so that's why we decided to name it Phantasmagoria. Did you listen to our new album Love Exodus? Definitely the sound is a big change from before. 
2007 and 2008 were busy years for you, doing shows in Japan, the US and Europe. What are some memories from those experiences?
Aci: Definitely we had a lot of experiences all around the world. Especially, we had a good experience in Moscow and Denver. We were surprised at the gig in Moscow because the audience was very, very exciting. And the audience was very friendly at the Anime Wasabi in Denver. What about touring overseas surprised you the most? Aci: Most Japanese audiences are shy. They don't dance. But the American and European audiences are very exciting!! That's very good for us. Are you surprised at how far reaching goth culture has become? Aci: I think goth culture is very minority now not including Germany. I hope gothic culture becomes majority. 
In February of this year you came out with a new CD entitled Love Exodus. What songs are you most proud of?
Aci: I recommend HEARTBEATER. That song is the best song for me. How is its music different from your earlier songs? Aci: I valued the atmosphere when I was in Phantasmagoria. But now I value both the atmosphere and the intuitive rhythm when I compose. It's TRD sound. Rumor has it you are working on a new album for 2009. What can fans expect to hear? Aci: It's secret... But I can say only one thing. The fans will be surprised by the new TRD sound. Do you have a working album title yet? Aci: It's not decided yet... sorry. 
Let's learn a little more about your backgrounds. Where were you both born and raised?
Aci and HAR: We were born and raised in Hyogo, near Kobe city. What were your favorite classes in school? Aci: I didn't like classes. I'm studying English hard now... HAR: I liked studying living things and national language. How did you first get into music? 
Aci: I liked punk music growing up, especially the Blue Hearts. Also metal. I always went to concerts when I was young. I guess I got
into music just because I liked it so very much. It's natural.
Who are some of your favorite groups now? Aci: We like IAMX very much now. We had a very great impression when we saw them perform in Castle Party 2007. When did you first get into the goth scene? Aci: Maybe we had interest in the goth scene for about 8 or 9 years... 
Aci, what about the violin attracted you?
Aci: I don't remember why I had an interest in the violin--because I began learning the violin when I was only 5 years old. On a technical point, aci you've decided to spell your name in all lowercase while HAR spells her's in all uppercase. Is there a story behind why you do this? Aci and HAR: Ha ha, sorry no... It's no reason... It's for first impressions only. Do you always dress up in goth style? Aci and HAR: We don't think so. What do you think goth culture will be like five years from now? Aci: In the case of Japan, maybe the goth scene will become smaller than now. But I don't know about foreign country's scene. Do you have a final message to all your fans? Aci and HAR: We will do our best next year also. Please support us!! We might play in your city next year!!
For more info checkout The Royal Dead's official site and MySpace page. Leave your comments about this interview and read what others had to say at the following link: Interview Comments |