Q: I think you have great vocals and have great band chemistry, who is DYGL and how did your band members initially come together?
DYGL: Appreciate the compliment. We are 4 piece rock band based in Tokyo. DYGL stands for a English word ‘Day-glo’ which means fluorescent colours. We’ve all met in the university through the same music society, when we were all teenagers. It’s been already almost 9 years since we’ve started the band together. Originally we’re called De Nada. Thank God that we decided to change the name.
Q: What is your personal favorite song from the “A Daze In A Haze and why?
DYGL: It changes everyday. As of today, it’s 7624 for me (from Nobuki Akiyama vocal/ guitar). I like its beat. I like the sub low. And I think it’s one of the most unique song in this album for it doesn’t have a chorus. They are all verses. Only this song & ‘Ode to Insomnia’ don’t have any choruses in this album. But actually I like them all so I would say differently tomorrow though. It’s all good.
Q:A lot of our readers are artists who are working hard at their craft and wanting to get to the next level. What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming bands trying to get their names out there?
DYGL: I don’t feel comfortable to give someone advice to be honest, for each bands have their own feelings, philosophy & sounds. Also I’m just not sure if becoming famous really means ‘going to the next level’. There must be many types of success and it’s different for each bands, or more like each people I reckon. Some bands become famous & lose their edges at the same time sometimes. Some don’t. So I don’t know, just do whatever makes you comfortable, or excited. Really excited. Cuz even though you’re trying to fool yourself, you’re gonna end up getting tired of it, maybe next year. Or 5 years later. Sooner or later. (But if you ever find out the secrets to become popular & rich, just text me secretly on my Instagram!) Do whatever makes you happy!
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
DYGL: Colourful melody & the tight beat, including happiness & sadness in it. Not too difficult. Simple, but strong. Not sure if it sounds like it to you, but that’s what I want to create! Hope it does
Q: What has been one of the highlights of your music career so far?
DYGL: Hard to decide one. So many good things happenned through our music career. So happy that we’ve made several albums. Going to many countries as the live tour is just incredible. Always happy to get feedbacks from our fans. But especially, the very first tour in Taiwan, which also was my very first experience to go abroad, was just funtastic. Everything looks like it’s shinning. So excited to play live in front of people living in there. It was so fun to hung out with Taiwanese friends. They are really kind & gentle. Paigu mien. Every bits are so beautiful to remember. Love their cultures. We’re all in love with Taiwan since that tour.
Q: How is the indie music scene in Tokyo?
DYGL: It’s been rising I think. When we’ve started the band 9 years ago, there are not so many indie rock bands out there. Now I think there are some cool bands lately. I like Strip Joint. Also rap music scene is really interesting too. They seem to be influenced by rock music as well as foreign rap acts these days. Well it must be hard to define like ‘from where to where is indie rock scene??’ isn’t it? The boundaries are collapsing slowly. KOHH is one of the best Japanese rapper, and it’s obvious that he’s really influenced by non-hiphop music too. After covid situation it’s been getting more difficult to follow what’s going on around the underground music scenes, but there must be cool musicians out there preparing to surprise the world. I’m really excited to see it coming.
Interviewed by Jaye Maverick
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