Dir en Grey back at the Opera House in Toronto Dir en Grey continues to garner fans from Europe, North America and across the globe. Dir en Grey “Tour 15 Never Free From the Awakening” ended their seven dates tour in North America at the Opera House in Toronto on November 13th to a sold out audience. It was a cold day but that didn't stop die-hard fans to line up as early as 1:00 a.m. with some of the fans travelling the country to catch their favourite band. Dir en Grey released their 9th album special limited version “Arche” with the initial limited version including nine videos “Average Sorrow”. A total of 13 songs were performed with three encores. The general feedback from the fans “it was better than two years ago”. The fans felt the band related more to their audience. Kyo delivered an amazing performance once again. Dir en Grey is a metal band from Osaka, Japan formed in 1997. Their music has been categorized in many genres: extreme metal, alternative, experimental, avant-garde and various others. Known for their theatrical drama performances this is a band that is musically focused where their sound is as good live as their albums. This past June, Dir en Grey performed at Lunatic Fest, the ultimate Japanese rock festival of all time at Makuhari Messe hosted by LUNA SEA. Included in the line up were X Japan, BUCK TICK, D'erlanger, Cold Rain to name a few. The band is gearing up for their upcoming concert at Nippon Budokan scheduled February 5th and 6th, 2016 with their album Arche. Beach Corner had an opportunity to interview Shinya, drums and percussion for Dir en Grey. Shinya, previously from La:Sadie's, has been a member since its inception in 1997. He recently performed with Kamijo as well as other bands. Shinya was also a special guest model for Japanese fashion designer h.NAOTO at 2015 Anime Expo's Annual Fashion Show in Los Angeles.
BC – Welcome back to Toronto, Canada, you are the drummer of the band and have been a member since its inception in 1997 at what age did you begin to play the drums? Shinya : 12 years-old. BC - What do you like most about being a member with Dir en Grey? Shinya : The most would be…..to be able to perform DIR EN GREY songs. BC - For someone who doesn't know Shinya what can you tell us about Shinya – who is Shinya? Shinya : I am the quiet type. If I like something or have an interest in something, I can be very passionate but if I don't, then it would just be very boring for me. BC - Who had the most musical influence? Shinya : X Japan. BC - How best can you describe Dir en Grey music genre? Shinya : Our songs are metal and hardcore at the base and we mix sounds from various genres. This makes our sound unique. BC - Looking back at the music you have composed over the years is there something you feel you would change as far as music or rhythm? Shinya : I would not change a thing. When we compose, we give it our best so there's nothing to change, even over time. BC - You just completed your seven (7) date Tour 15 Never Free From the Awakening in North America with Toronto being your last day how was the tour since your concert two years ago? Shinya : I felt we were able to perform and relate to the audience better than two years ago. BC - When in Canada do you have time to visit the city? Shinya : We arrived in Canada at night I was jet-lagged and there was no time so I wasn't able to visit the city. Hopefully next time I will have time! BC - Have you tried any of our Canadian dishes? Shinya : No, I only had hamburgers. BC - Do you find the Canadian audience different from Japanese and European? Shinya : No, not really. BC - Dir en Grey performed at Luna Sea's Lunatic Fest back in June, how did you enjoy the experience? Shinya : I was thrilled when we were offered to perform at Lunatic Fest because all of my favorite bands were also going to perform. I had a blast and enjoyed the experience very much. BC “Arche” is the 9th album for Dir en Grey, how different is this album from the others? Shinya : I felt that this was like our best compilation album from our debut. BC - Do you have a favorite song from this album? Shinya : “Kaishun” BC - Dir en Grey is scheduled at Nippon Budokan on February 5th and 6th, 2016 with your album “Arche” this is not the first time Dir en Grey performed at this venue - what are you looking forward at this show? Shinya : We really had a good time with our North American Tour so I hope we can keep our momentum and have two great shows at Budokan. Beach Corner wishes to thank Shinya, Faye Baker, Kaori Hayashi from HIP/Hayashi International Promotion and Isha Sharma for the photo. For more information and concert dates visit direngrey.co.jp. Dianna Chycki is host of Beach Corner and Co-chair of the Wasaga Film Festival. Beach Corner broadcast weekly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Beach Corner article sponsored by Exchanging Vows Bridal Boutique in Collingwood.