員也從當地其他樂隊中跳槽過來， Ubutaka是團隊中最年輕的一個，也普遍被認為是樂隊的LEADER他們在01年5月在DYNAMORD發行自己的首張專輯，得到了一些認可。之後他們的“DON'T TRUST ANYONE BUT US”成績比上一張好，由此他們樂隊為了配合專輯的宣傳也做了第一次的巡演，其中也包括在北海道RISING SUN FESTIVAL的那一站。在02年10月發行的MY OWN DESTRUCTION對他們來說也是一個重大突破，他們的樂隊也緊跟著進行了30站的巡演。在03年7月發行了同樣銷售很好的BRING YOUR BORAD.專輯的封套上有一個TIKI像，也許是為了有著很多著名衝浪地標的千葉。但是他們的樂隊比起衝浪來，花更多的實踐在巡演上面。在04年的5月他們又帶著新專輯Pepperoni Quattro回來了，緊接著又推出了他們的DVD。在05年2月他們在琦玉的超級體育館開了最大型的演唱會。在05年4月他們憑著專輯riot on the grill 轟動了，專輯封套上是一個張大嘴，嘴裡滿是通心粉的人。專輯排上了oricon的第三名，賣了百萬張。專輯也是平穩熱銷了相當長的一段時間，ELLEGARDEN也被選作為日本樂隊的代表在德克薩斯的SXSW表演。瘋狂的歌迷也會使表演沸騰起來。Ellegarden
主唱的英文採訪
Hi, this is Takeshi Hosomi (vocal/guitar) answering the questions. First of all, apologies for my late reply. We just finished out Japan tour on March 3rd.
First, some of our readers may not be entirely familiar with Ellegarden. Perhaps you could describe the musical style of the band, and give a brief history of it’s formation.
ELLEGARDEN is a band that loves live gigs. We usually play fast BPM tracks but we also make sure to write songs with great melodies.
Some of the most interesting stories are those of a musician’s influences. Where did each of you grow up, and did growing up in that city or neighbourhood affect your individual musical style? Also, are there any influences to speak of that may have brought about the musical stlye of the band Ellegarden as a whole?
The drummer is from Tokyo and the rest are from Chiba prefecture. I grew up in the countryside so I tend to lean towards the more humane and natural qualities than the refined qualities that the city offers. Most of the band’s songs are written and composed by me so you may find those tastes reflected in the songs.
On the same topic of musical interests, is there an artist or band (indie or mainstream) that you make an effort to see whenever they are playing near you? Also, did you ever have the chance to be a supporting act for one of your favourite bands?
I went to most of Weezer’s Japan concerts. Last year we were the support band for my favorite Canadian band, SUM41.
Is there a particular venue and/or city in North America that you are looking forward to playing, whether or not you will actually be playing there during this tour? Why?
California, especially San Francisco, ‘cause I used to live there for a bit and my friends still live there
With that in mind, is there a venue or city in Japan which you (individually, or as a band) would consider your favourite to play in? Is it because of the fans, or is there some other sentimental value attatched?
The venue choice would be ZEPP Tokyo. The reason is because it’s where I saw Weezer for the first time. You might have noticed already but I’m a huge Weezer fan!
Have you had a chance to play with any of the bands that are also on the SXSW Japan Nite bill, or the Japan Nite US Tour? If so, where? And how was the experience?
I’ve met some bands through music events and festivals. STANCE PUNKS is our label-mate so we’ve done tour supports for each other before.
The bands of Benten have become mainstays in American indie clubs, but seem to have made less of an impact on the music industry as a whole (though not necessarily a bad thing). Do you see Ellegarden continuing to stay on the independant side of the scene here — continuing gigs with future Japan Nite tours? Or do you have greater — perhaps mainstream — ambitions on this side of the Pacific?
I’d like to have occasional tours and releases, without any linkages to events. If our music reaches a large number of people then I’ll have no complaints. However we are an Indies band in Japan too, so we don’t really understand the thin line that runs between the majors and indies.
Also, with the continued exponential growth of Ellegarden in Japan, the band has been gaining a reputation among fans of Japanese music in North America. Can we expect domestic (North American) album releases eventually?
A. The album we released last April, “RIOT ON THE GRILL”, is scheduled for a March 15th release in the States.
Once again, thank you for your time. I hope Ellegarden has great success during the Japan Nite tour and at SXSW. I will do my best to promote, and make that possible.
Ellegarden