tezya Interview

"I was forced into playing the piano... I disliked music at first. But after seeing Michael Jackson and Duran Duran, I became a prisoner of music." - tezya

Bad boys come and bad boys go... and sometimes they become rock stars. For one troublemaking kid growing up Japan music offered a more constructive outlet for his energies. With a musical style he describes as "my version of what I call Future Glamour Rock'n'Roll" and a dramatic visual style that's hard to ignore, we think tezya is an artist worth taking a closer look at.

With his debut album "Life My Babylon" now available and an insatiable desire to spread his music around the world, what better time to hear the story of the man who says in song: "The first thing these eyes saw must have been your smile..."

Let's start from the beginning. Can you tell us about your hometown and what it was like growing up there?

I was born and raised in Kanagawa prefecture, next to Tokyo, in a city called Atsugi. The place I lived in was a small, faraway place with a lot of nature. When I was young I would swim in the river, and my friends and I would make secret forts in the mountains; I was always playing outside. When I became a teenager, because I was relatively close to an American Army base, I would often drink with the soldiers in the pub there.

How did you first get into music?

My mother was a music teacher, so I was forced into playing the piano. Thus, I disliked music at first. But after seeing Michael Jackson and Duran Duran, I became a prisoner of music.

What type of student were you in high school?

I was a bad kid of sorts, the kind that would steal a motorcycle and drive it around with no license. Though once I formed a band, music became my life and it made me more focused. I had piercings and long hair, and in order to write songs and practice with my band, I hardly attended school. So I guess I wasn't a good kid either way, at least from a teacher's viewpoint.

When did you decide you wanted to make music your life?

In high school, when I formed a band with Sugizo and Shinya, who are members of Luna Sea now. Ever since, it was a natural progression for me to consider making music my work.

What artists most inspired you while growing up?

Through learning about Duran Duran, I received inspiration from rock icons like David Bowie, Iggy Pop. There was also British New Wave and Glam Rock. For American bands, I listened to Motley Crue. I also like Jim Morrison of The Doors.

How would you describe your musical style now?

It is a mixture of all the influences that I've received through listening to all kinds of music and my experience as a musician. My version of what I call Future Glamour Rock'n'Roll.

Your first album is called "Life My Babylon". Tell us the story behind creating this music.

Regardless of genres, I wanted to create a modernized version of my musical roots. Of course, the songs are created on the premise of giving the fans a great time at a live show.

Who worked on the music with you?

I basically do all the music composition myself. In regards to the music arrangements, I take in opinions from my live members and programmer. The guitar solo on Cosmo of love is Sugizo.

Tell us something about the three songs you think best represent you musically.

That's a tough question. Cosmo of Love and Where's my place, Who am I? are the type of music that I hadn't created before, different from what I have been doing. Still, I think those 2 songs come the closest to my roots as a musician. Also B-A-B-Y-L-O-N, being the first song that I ever created as a solo artist, I think represents my musical origin well.

What type of touring will you be doing to promote the album?

I want to travel to different countries and cities, and perform for all the people who have yet to hear my music live.

Do you have any performances from your past that stand out in your memory?

Last autumn, I went on my first overseas tour to 2 cities in Russia. Due to the fans' loud cheering, I couldn't hear the sounds from my monitor speakers. I remembered the Beatles talking of such episode in one of their interviews. I never thought that that could actually happen, so I was astonished.

How can fans purchase your music?

At my live concerts, the AOG Market or JRockStarMagazine Buy it at JRockStarMagazine and it comes with a poster and calendar.

What do your family and friends think of your choice of a career?

Umm, I don't really know, but my family likes my music, so they let me keep going with it.

What are you plans for the rest of the year?

It's a very simple plan, but I want to hold good lives and record some new songs.

Do you have anything else you want to bring up or comment on?

Quite simple. To give great shows and record new songs.

Do you have a final message to all your fans?