By: Mariah Thomas
Photo Courtesy of LDH Japan
Q) Thank you guys for chatting with us today. Being a group of seven members who all bring different things to the table, how do you navigate dividing songs into different parts for all of you?
Shunnosuke: Even though we have a very different and diverse profile, we know each other’s specialties very well. We’re able to kind of work in the same direction with each other without conflicting or clashing.
Q) Like you mentioned, everyone has their perfect moment to shine. So, of course, for you guys, choreography and dance is just as important as the music. How long does it take to learn a number for a new song?
Kensuke: While learning the choreography it usually just takes us about three to four hours. And then we practice from there on out to kind of perfect it for about three to four days.
Q) Another important element is your fun fashion. Do you all typically coordinate a theme or colors or just dress individually?
Rui: We have a stylist we’ve been working with since before we debuted. We work with that person a lot and also throughout our activities. The fashion and inspirations we come across, we also work that into our clothes outside of work as well. So, that all includes input from the stylist, input from outside and our own preferences and what we actually like. So, it’s a lot of different inspirations, you know, coming together.
Q) Very fun. What does it mean to have performed at SXSW this year?
Kota: This is our first performance in the US in general. And SXSW is a big opportunity, and we appreciate being able to be a part of the history of SXSW. We were very grateful to see that in the audience there were people that already knew about us and came to support. There were also new people that came and just learned about us. Performing kind of helped us see what level we’re at right now. And it also helped us to see, you know, where we want to aim for next.
Q) How did your set compare to your expectations going into the show? We, of course, know Kid Phenomenon always puts on a great show, but we were completely blown away. That crowd was just so lively and happy.
Soma: The crowd was incredible. So, before the show we were quite nervous since this is our first time in the US and performing for a crowd. We didn’t really know what to expect. But during the show, we were able to kind of feel an energy happening with the audience – feeding into each other’s energies and getting more and more excited about it. The audience’s reactions and how the audience received the performance went way beyond our expectations. We’re very happy about that.
Q) Yeah, that crowd was just so hype. And of course, online, people are so happy. What was a highlight moment for you guys on stage?
Tsubasa: So, the reaction from the audience was great. Of course, there’s people who sang along with us, cheered for us, but more than that it was like seeing the expressions of the audience – people who were there to just enjoy the music, who were feeling music dancing along, vibing and stuff like that. That’s something we don’t usually see in the Japanese audience. So, that was very fresh and very exciting for us.
Q) Many fans are curious if you have plans or hope to do other U.S. shows in the future.
Shunnosuke: Yes, SXSW was a huge milestone for us – a huge first step for us to go out, not just the US, but also just the rest of the world. We’re really looking forward to taking our music and entertainment beyond the borders of Japan and hoping to reach more and more people in the US and also around the world in the future.
Q) I know this is your first time in the US. Outside of the festival, are there any specific things you have planned to do or see while you are at SXSW?
Kohaku: So, we have a few days left here in Texas. And while hanging around and talking to the people who are here at SXSW, a question we got a lot was, ‘Have you had barbecue yet?’ And we actually haven’t. So, we’re looking forward to doing that.
Q) Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?
Kensuke: A$AP Rocky!
Kota: JayDon, the R&B singer.
Q) Oh, yeah. I could hear both of those with your sound. They would be like a good mix together. What would you guys like to say to fans and supporters of you and your incredible music?
Kensuke: So, having performed at SXSW for our first US performance, we’re very happy to see and finally meet the people and our friends who are based in the U.S. We are very happy to finally be able to see them and perform for them. From now on, we are very excited to perform at more places as well and to level up and evolve. We want people to look forward to the phenomenon that we are going to bring about into the world.