INTERVISTE/ARTICOLI

TRANSLATION ORICON.CO.JP: The firm conviction to live as GACKT - July 1st 2015

GACKT, celebrated his 15th anniversary of solo debut, will sell the new album "GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX-" to give a new look to the music. The brand Panther, starting from DJ KOO, he did change the depth and variety of the original songs from the most famous DJ in Japan. It is made sure to recreate the GACKT's world view through the sounds, the project also supported by GACKT himself.

The truth about the meeting with the Japanese DJ

-『GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』 It is an innovative collection of GACKT and DJs. The reasons that push you to do that?

GACKT : In truth I wanted to start work on the 「LAST VISUALIVE」, but the recording has suffered small delays.

―― The project of the 「LAST VISUALIVE」 is the last special tour that runs through all the different GACKT's most important stages made so far around the world: stages, movies, live of album "MOON PROJECT". Right?

GACKT : Right. In order to complete my last job, they have talked about wanting to do the project 「GACKTRACKS」; I must say that at first I wasn't enthusiastic. Because I always thought that my voice would never approached to the remix. Well, because I thought it would be interesting to its distribution, I also tried to understand how I should do in order to start the offer, I began to spread the word among the DJs and many of them have told me that they want to do it. Beyond the number of songs, a lot of people approached to the idea! If there was another work, and other people want to participate, I decided to work on another project like this without blinking.

――What were the requests made to the DJs for this project?

GACKT: I was asked several times but no, I did absolutely no request. If I had told them 「You must do it this particular way」, I would end up to restrict their vision of the world, right? That's why I made sure that the DJs could choose texts and songs by themselves. So I just asked that everyone of them put  there a part of their identity. If they had used only my voice, surely it couldn't have been create that same atmosphere, maybe it was better that way... Doing the project, following the point of view of the DJs and putting myself in competition with them, it won't make sure that I get less success. Once heard the finished work, I realized that it wasn't a mistake  let  my original voice, since it couldn't do without it.

―― But, since you have always done everything by yourself, have to "leave the work to others" has it been a challenge for you?

GACKT: When I do a project, it must be well done, I'll go ahead relentlessly using all the time available. But I always end to extend the delivery date (ahahah). But, listening to the final project, honestly, the first word that came out from my mouth was "wow". Listening carefully to the song, and going close to the speakers, there are times when you can hear my voice! It seems to be seated and enjoy music with speakers! If you listen it for a long time, then you can feel its beauty. When I'm working at home, I got hear it, over time I was seized with a shiver that made me say: 「Hey, but this track is amazing!」 My music is as if it had driven this cold wind . I have been really happy.

――Obviously listening to the remix, you have been able to hear again the beauty and simplicity of the original songs.

GACKT : Well yes! Listening 「GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX-」 I became interested, if there are any people interested in listening even the original version, I am surprised to hear them! I would be really happy if you could do the same! I think it is something that also the DJs felt!  The DJ culture, at first, could make you feel these feelings magnificently, and now I'm finally able to do feel them in the world. I am delighted that the level has become so high!

Now everything has become easier, but before it was always a fight (Ahahah)

――What were the fundamentals that you were allowed to choose the last 14 DJ, since many of them occurred in the hearings?

GACKT :　First come, first served

――Ah, really?

GACKT: I didn't choose! I didn't say things like 「Since there are other people, for this time it's okay」. For this reason I chose first comers. I hope that for the next times people thar arrive late will come again.

――Among the 14 members were DJ KOO, Mark Panther, Rocketman (Ryo Fukawa), and many other well known names. Has there been any change from the initial choice?

GACKT: Although this has often led me to make mistakes, no, I don't change anyone. I took only the signatures, then if I had the chance to meet them, I said things like 「How long, how are you?」, You know, not very friendly. Since it isn't an album made for interpersonal relationships I didn't think that they worked hard , but since they did it I was very happy and surprised. You could say that me and DJs are as KARATE and Judo, completely different, right? On my point of view, this difference doesn't exist, but however they never meet each other. Also into Live, since I never had the need of DJs, never had any intention to change them, in other words you could say that I haven't many musician friends

――Why they aren't many??

GACKT:　Uhm.. why ... (ahahah)

――You don't want to talk about this?

GACKT:　Right, it isn't very nice to me, even though it's a speech related to music. Everyone have their opinion on this, here are those who are against it and those who are in favor, I wouldn't talk about it now while I'm drinking some sake. If I did, I wouldn't get refutations, then what would be the result? To begin a discussion related to the theory of music, ever since I was little, when I was doing something I found relief in telling my friends 「You did this wrong!」. Very often they were considered erroneous, so I could never bind with anyone. Honestly, if there is someone of those among you, it's useless to continue the story. These are talks of people who can't sell anything. Speeches like 「Music is…」. To that people, when they say 「That's it GACKT」, I would say 「Uhm, I think it's ok, since I like it」(ahahah). So saying so, I can to silence people. Since I've been in the music business and this is moving more and more to the top, I have to say that I have created this personality……like a difence against virus and foreign bodies……(ahahah)

――In the end, wouldn't you be humiliated?

GACKT: Noo, I think that people who believe I am a difficult person are many, right? Everyone knows that I am also very strong. I became a firm and strong person, but I must say that in the past I was a person who got angry very easily. To avoid this I tended to not get very close to the people (ahahah). I have several friends in politics, with the directors of companies or other prominent people for a long time. For this reason many children often ask me if that is my job. Well I think it's a way totally different  from mine, right? (hahaha)

――Well then, this time you approached with other talented musicians, for you it was something exceptional, right?

GACKT: Well I havn't met them yet. A few moments ago I met for the first time, for a very short time, DJ KOO in the dressing room.

An era in which it is hard for musicians to the extinction

――Among these things perhaps, if it failed to convince, what would happen?

GACKT: If in the end it proves to be unsuccessful, I would close the distribution of the album. Because it's not something I'm doing for myself and DJ, but I'm doing it for all the people who listen to me. If it's a product that doesn't satisfy anyone for its quality, no one would take it. In case it were to get out anyway, certainly it won't have my name. I think that the DJs understand this, the music wasn't made just to sell?　To the need to sell their albums, the music ended up being unsuccessful. Nowadays, unfortunately, we're noticing this phenomenon more and more.

――GACKT year you celebrate your 15th year as a solo artist. In 15 years there have been also struggles for business, right?

GACKT: Exactly. I always thought of have to make a line of sales but I never did it. For this whenever I need them, I tend to turn over the question. To become more attractive, I was told to sing to the karaoke, but since I hate this thing I decided to move in the solo direction. Because I have just to sing when my fanc can listen to me? The business would have finish in 3 or 4 years, but since the rock is a life style, the more I do and the more I want to do. For this, I'm not going to end this way of life in 3 or 4 years, but I won't even be checked by someone. This is the belief that I have done so far, in 15 years as GACKT.

―― Thanks to your prowess and methodology you have been able to build yourself a unique position

GACKT: But lately, the world news are starting to cross articles with titles like 「Why GACKT, even if he can't sell  CDs, he can make that life?」 After I saw it, I quickly realized that the person who wrote it must have a very low level of comprehension. The life of a musician isn't just selling CDs. In order to improve the sale of the CDs, go do things, shake hands anywhere, it's only IDOL's thing. CDs' release is collapsed by the time iTunes  has developed, artists the continue to sell only CDs, for sure they will have to overcome difficult times until they get to the extinction. Since I understood this thing, I decided to create a musician life style, to be able to live better. So I would say to people in the world, that perhaps they haven't yet realized that the real profit isn't only to concerts or live, but it's something else

If I hadn't been born in the rock, I shouldn't have been GACKT (ahahah)

――What do you think was the reason that led you to such a big success and to get your own style, GACKT?

GACKT: Since everyone thinks in a certain way, I must say that I don't have a precise idea of how  GACKT achieves this success. But I must say that in my life basically I'm having a lot of money. I always manage to be successful from what I prefix, and although sometimes I meet obstacles, people always make me think that for them GACKT is always ok.  GACKT's world, more than music, is to feel  his identity. This doesn't mean that he must replace it, absolutely. For this reason, whenever I found some difficulty I have never made use of GACKT's way. Actually this identity has spawned another result, ie to show that I can make a profit from other things. These are the reasons why until now I have decided to continue to have the style of GACKT.

――GACKT, your style has become highly sought after. Even your fans go crazy for it! You know that yesterday your experience in the Parisian cafe of racial discrimination was mentioned. There have been comments from all over the world, therefore, what is your opinion about this phenomenon?

GACKT: I'm not interestered in of what is good and what doesn't fit my mild weather in the world, and as they  considered me. I live according to my criteria, in 50 or 100 years when people will look back at last, and they will understand what they did to entertain this guy, it will surely be a good thing. As for myself, I never thought that I had made a mistake. But I didn't say that it is 100% safe.

―― To get it right you need to believe it, and it is correct to appreciate diversity. Um, what do you mean?

GACKT: Right. As for me, I think to never fall in error, you have to be firmly convinced of something. I do not think we should live by comparing us to the different values of the world. In fact, it would be selfish. Honestly, I think that whoever it is, it feels very strong. Maybe the media have attacked me because I am a pretty weak? But anyway, well done. I wonder, if I wrong in the past, why  they haven't made me disappear? (Hahaha) In addition, if you can't point the finger at the other musicians on what could you do? If I were forced to live like everyone else in a kind of prison, locked behind a lock, for sure I would stop being a musician, it's not rock! This brings me back to times gone by, when in the question 「What is rock? 」, I tended to answer「 It's me, the rock! 」.. Right isn't it?

――You are so cool! (ahahah)

GACKT:  I shouldn't be GACKT if I don't live into Rock. From now on, I'm willing to get into the worldwide field of vision, so I'm not living in Japan currently. So when I look at Japan from the outside, you can still see the damage received by the period of isolation. Also, you try to escape from that country at every possibility. Isn't this a sad thing? I hate clichés about Japanese, like the fact that we are very proud. I thought about going abroad, first as Japanese because of this, but now, I moved away from my country. In all cases it isn't a simple situation. If I had to be in Japan, for sure I wouldn't be able to earn. But I chose a way perhaps too hard for me, but after all this is my way of life.

――You should go through a path of thorns. But, for your 20th or 30th anniversary, how will become GACKT? I wish I knew it!

GACKT: I'm working hard on it! I'm really working hard eh!(ahahah)

Source: Oricon.co.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

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by SaiKaiAngel

TRANSLATION GACKTracks website update: All the infos on the party event

Queries on Ticketing

Ticket pia : http://ticket.pia.jp/pia/event.do?eventCd=1527010
Contact for questions on event : Disc Garage 050-5533-0888

Things to Note When Attending The Event

-regardless of which ticket category you have, please gather at the 27th floor only from 21:00.
However, for priority admission into the main venue, pursuant to the stipulated admission time,
entry will be in this sequence: No. - • (no.) -> A-• (no.) -> B-• (no.)

- for those who are holding tickets starting with B-• (no.),
you will proceed into the main stage from 23:00 onwards.

-Please do not come to the venue before the stipulated time. Please take note that there will be identity checks as well.

- Regarding the venue's region, standing near the door
is strictly prohibited by the Tokyo Government.
Please refrain from waiting for the performers' entrance and departure.

Regarding identification documents

-this event strictly does not allow minors (below 20 years of age).
To confirm your age, there will be identity checks while entering the venue, so please bring along your photo identification documents.
Please take note that you will be denied entry if you fail to present your documents. In addition, in such instances, there will be no refunds for tickets.

With regards to attire

- ripped jeans, sandals, and shorts are strictly not allowed.
- please refrain from wearing clothes that will be of disturbance to other customers.
- in addition, there will not be cloakrooms available for use, so please refrain from cosplay or changing your clothes at the venue.

With regards to belongings

- as it will be a disturbance to others, please refrain from bringing bulky belongings.
- if you have belongings with you, please make use of the lockers at the station or the venue.
- please keep your valuables with you.

Regards to re-entry and outside food/drinks

- re-entry into the venue and outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Regards to buying drinks in the venue

- please take note that while entering the venue you will get a drink ticket for 1000 yen which can be exchanged for any drink.

Regards to smoking in the venue

- with the exception of designated smoking areas, smoking is prohibited in the venue.
Please take note that you will be fined for smoking outside of the designated area.

Performance Line Up will be announced on at the venue on the day itself! Look forward to it!!

Source: GACKT.com/page/GACKTracks

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

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by SaiKaiAngel

TRANSLATION Live.niconico.jp: GACKT and Japan's renowned DJs' club remix album GACKTRACKS –ULTRA DJ ReMIX-in a talk show about the Release Party! ! - July 1st 2015

Broadcast info

On 3 July, GACKT and Japan's renowned DJs' club remix album
『GACKTRACKS –ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』Celebration Release Party will take place!

On NicoNico Broadcast, GACKT and album collaborators DJ KOO,
and ☆Taku Takahashi(m-flo / block fm.) will be holding a live broadcast of a Special Talk Show!
Don't miss this dream collaboration!

【Program schedule】
21:00～　GACKTRACKS Original Music Videos
22:30～　Special Talk Show live broadcast

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
On part of the Special Talk Show, will only be accessible to niconico Premium members.
If you wish to watch the whole broadcast please register as premium member.
In addition, premium members get priority viewing if the server gets too busy
and will be able to enjoy watching the program in high quality footage.

To register as a premium member:
※Premium-members-only viewing parts can be enjoyed on PC、iPad、iPhone、Android(niconico app).
※As you won't be able to watch it in low quality, please watch it in high quality.

* Event name: GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX- Release Party

* Date:
July 3rd (Fri) 21:30 doors opened / 22:30 start ~ all night
※ Please understand that performance time may change with circumstances. Thank you very much.

* Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo 27F
Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo 27th floor
（〒100-8283 Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward, Marunouchi 1-8-3 Marunouchi Trust Tower Main Building ）

* Event Performers:
GACKT
《REMIXER DJ (A→Z表記)》
DAICHI YOKOTA (club-D)
DJ KOO (TRF)
DJ OMKT
el poco maro
MARC PANTHER (globe)
MASANORI MORITA (STUDIO APARTMENT)
ROCKETMAN
RYOTA NOZAKI (Jazztronik)
SATORU KURIHARA (Jazzin'park)
☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo / block.fm)
TeddyLoid
Takeru John Otoguro (block.fm)
and SECRET GUEST!!

《DJ(A→Z順表記)》
DJ BEBE
Hisanori H (ENTIA RECORDS)
NORISHIROCKS DEEJAYZ
and more

《VJ》
VJ WADAKEN

《DANCERS(A→Z順表記)》
CYBER JAPAN DANCERS
G-DANCERS (EGA,TAKA,TAKASHI,TAKA-KI, MADOKA,RYO)

GACKT remix album
"GACKTracks -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-"
Released on July 1st 2015

CONTENTS
M01 ANOTHER WORLD (☆Taku Takahashi ReMIX)
M02 JESUS (TeddyLoid ReMIX)
M03 キミのためにできること (TJO & YUSUKE from BLU-SWING ReMIX)
M04 REDEMPTION (STUDIO APARTMENT ReMIX)
M05 CUBE (DanceFloorExperience MiX / MARC PANTHER)
M06 WHITE LOVERS -幸せなトキ- (DAICHI YOKOTA ReMIX)
M07 LU:NA (DJ OMKT ReMIX)
M08 OASIS (MITOMI TOKOTO ReMIX)
M09 CLAYMORE (ULTRA DJ ReMIX / DJ KOO)
M10 小悪魔ヘヴン (FPM EURODISCO MIX)
M11 SECRET GARDEN (Jazztronik ReMIX)
M12 キミに逢いたくて (Jazzin'park D&B ReMIX)
M13 暁月夜-DAY BREAKERS- (el poco maro ReMIX)
M14 忘れないから (ROCKETMAN ReMIX)

GACKT Store Special Edition（CD+DVD）
5,800 yen + tax SOLD OUT
・Record jacket design
・Includes a MEGA MIX PV by Japan’s leading VJ, VJ WADAKEN

Normal edition (CD)
2,800 yen + tax
・14 songs
・Lyric cards in booklet-form included
※purchase site: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00WXNAVGA/

■ Related links
GACKT official site
https://www.gackt.com/

GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX – special site
http://www.gackt.com/page/GACKTracks/

NICONICO CHANNEL「OH!! MY!! GACKT!!」
http://ch.nicovideo.jp/gackt

Link for watching the program: http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv226519796

Source: live.nicovideo.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

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by SaiKaiAngel

TRANSLATION BARKS: 【Special Interview】 GACKT×DJ KOO 「What lies behind it, what makes it cool」 - June 26th 2015

The CLUBMIX ALBUM『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』that coloured GACKT's songs will go on sale on 1 July.

This is a unique collaboration album between Japan's top DJs, who have activities around the world, and GACKT. Headliner Djs remix GACKT's sounds, with a degree of completion in『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』which gives the impression of a new revolution, delivering a gem that surprised GACKT as well.

GACKT X DJ KOO Video

Here, we introduce a special interview with GACKT X DJ KOO in celebration of the release of『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』.

──Originally, are the both of you acquaintances before this project?

GACKT： Not at all. We've seen each other on music programs but, we didn't really grow close from that. That's why, unexpectedly having KOO-san be involved in the remixing this time is... an honour.

──To KOO-san, what kind of impression do you have of GACKT-san?

DJ KOO： After doing this remix, I'm really into him（laughs）.

──In what way?

DJ KOO： In other words, he's cool, amazing.（With regards to GACKT's songs）My love grew (for them)（laughs）.

GACKT： （LOL）… I'm glad. To that extent, I'd really like to hear how bad an impression you had though（laughs）.

──To GACKT-san, what was your impression of KOO-san?

GACKT： Honestly, because I don't personally know him, from his image, a silent, scary person. But, having him do a remix this time, he surprised me with the sound that he created. The style that it was brought across in made me listen to the song over and over again. Despite that we never met up before this, it really makes me happy that he has this much affection for me.

──KOO-san, how was it when you first spoke to him?

DJ KOO： He had a lot of interest in creating an album using the approach of the dance music genre.

──Did the image of the remix you wanted to do surface immediately?

DJ KOO： He let me listen to numerous songs, and while listening to them, most had what should be there, and were perfect as they were. That was what I thought in the beginning. So when I started doing the remix from there, firstly I had the thought that coming from me, someone who does dance mixes, I have to bring something fresh, so this time I wanted to try making a GACKT song with a four-on-the-floor. To do that the most suitable song is「CLAYMORE」.

GACKT： Initially, I thought, he picked「CLAYMORE」?? When I heard the remixed version of this song, I was surprised to find that this was a possible choice. I could not imagine at all how it would turn out, I had no idea at all. When I heard it, because it was something that far exceeded my expectations, this may sound rude to him but, I have the memory of saying over and over to myself "DJ's are amazing".

──Speaking of four-on-the-floor, this is KOO-san's field of expertise. Do normal DJs attach feedback playing to songs?

DJ KOO： Although I think this remains the same no matter the era, because it's easy to just take an existing song and remix it, you can give life to an original. Firstly, above all, it is worrisome that this "original" has a set key and 125 tempo. Even though it is possible to use other settings, you have to question why is it that they choose to use this tempo and key. That's why, we first have to look into this thoroughly.

GACKT： That does appear to be something that many people are into...

DJ KOO： The reason why is, the remixer receives a normal song with vocals, and use that as the axis in his work but, I also put the person before me... Even amongst the tracks I've received recently, this song is, in any case something of an amazing quality.

──This charm has become something you want to explore right.

DJ KOO： That's right. Though you can't really define this charm in a concrete manner...

GACKT： I'm glad... For him to be able to say this about me, and just to hear it.

DJ KOO： Recently, normal DJs do their remixes on their PCs with "copy-and-paste" but, a song won't get popular just like that. For that, using vocalizations that are different than usual, or bringing in the climax of the song a little later, these slight artistic differences make it amazing. When looking at the sound waves, you can calculate and understand this. Following that, whether to use an exquisite lead-into the chorus,or harmonies, I think that there are different reasons for their applications, with regards to that I would want to gather the junior DJs and discuss with them...

──It sure is an amazing world...

GACKT： For someone to delve into it to such an extent, normally that is quite rare right. The reason for this, being that such talk is not understandable to the layman, and in creating a song, there are those that are created by chance, and also many that were created with a calculated focus. In my case, especially for vocalizations, I am very particular about it in terms of the expression. Note by note, I look into the detailed nuances and intonations, for example, for me, even for one vibrato, I can shift around 7 to 10 different wave forms to use. As it were, many times I take the approach of a synthesizer basis to my voice, like applying distortion, or take the approach of an angel voice basis, and after trying out a different things, from there starting with the ones that I normally cannot sing and those that I cannot perform in actuality, I will put the final one into the recording. That's why, while thinking about the timing and the rhythm, I sometimes have to make slight changes according to the song, in other words, I make changes while aiming for a song that makes you feel good when you listen to it. For me, all the while I've always wondered how many people are actually aware of this sensation and can hear it. But, this time doing it like this and talking to KOO-san, I am happy with the creation of it, perhaps its something like it being rewarding to create. Even amongst musicians, it is rare that we can get an awareness to this extent, so for that it is something I'm thankful for.

DJ KOO： For GACKT, what he mentioned is a natural thing for him that he applies to himself, and delivers one sound. There are things behind that that are not what normal people have, regarding the parts of the song or the words or the control of the song's build-up, even parts that has to come across strongly can be delivered smoothly. That's why this time, with the idea that you will feel good once you get into the rhythm, without using the synthesizer and reverb much I made the delay the main draw. That feedback was used to match the vocals. Of course, because it will become just another vocal track, I did not add auto-tune either, and used that power according to the dance music. To finish it off, instead of EDM I used cyber trance, to have it feel more like an artiste's work than just another track.

──In other words, this time you leveraged on GACKT-san's song.

GACKT： If it simply became a work that is "copy-and-paste", I believe without a doubt the meanings of my songs will be misrepresented. At the very least my songs will be shaky. Besides, if you just add a tempo to something that is shaky, it will get worse, and when you think of reverting it, the goodness of the original song will no longer be there and rapidly disappear. To me, I've held that fear towards remixing, that's why right at the start there were times when I was debating whether it was better to just call off this project. But, I have actually been asked, and I was moved by the fact that someone could love the songs so much, for example, even amongst the fans, even if there were those who fell in love with the songs, I wondered if they would love these songs too. This time, even for the parts that I have been particular about, in addition to being aware of various things, the fact that he was able to approach this without disrupting those really made me glad. For me, I pride myself on being the best at representations in my songs. That I can say not only in portrayals, but also in the level of recording. Also, what was tried out was not only different from the original, but it can be considered as things that can bring it above and beyond. To me, there is no meaning to creating something that I cannot deliver better live than on the CD. It is a minimum prerequisite that I can perform it on par with the CD version. I'm particular about making it only better from there. However, there are people who don't even understand that. Those who do get it, are only a minority. There are parts where I feel I don't really have any choice about those, but I'm happy as long as it feels good when people come for the live, I feel that it's alright as long as I can create something unlike any other.

DJ KOO：I believe it can be said that GACKT does not take his songs lightly, you can feel that in the verses of his tracks, even for me, I've received good study materials this time around. Like where a breath is taken, or which part in his mouth his voice actually resonates. Now, my apprentice who went from Toho (School of Music) to Paris, has come back having completed 4 years of studies, and I asked him to write all about harmonies. By doing that, I can say that this kid, as expected, has a lot of interest in this.

──But, because you researched to that extent it made the affection grow right.

DJ KOO： As a DJ's music is something that is danced to, originally, it is basic that the four-on-the-floor is especially used to bring a song higher, it's mechanical sounding. That's why, to add in emotions here is a big no-no. But, when I think about making this mechanical sound the attractive point in the song, I will hope to make something even better. This time around, I made this without being bound by the rules of EDM and such.

──For GACKT-san, what's the appeal in dance music?

GACKT： Initially there was an era that melded classical music into rock music. In other words, it's not a musical thing but following the energy's direction, it is a one-way flow where the energy is received from the stage, but that is not the case for DJs and dance music due to the places where they appear and perform. The feel of the energy is one that flows from a center and outwards. Furthermore, for those listening to the music too, they don't return the energy from the front, but it feels like what is received is instantly converted. That's how I've always sensed it. Within me, in that moment, from how that energy is used, to how it is expressed out, the way it is enjoyed is in real time. What that means, is the way what we call music is used, compared to the flow of classic to rock, for DJs its very indigenous, originally it was folk music, and feels similar to religious music and rhythms, the energy starts from a center and spreads outwards. In a club, there is a stage, of course the music probably comes out from that one area but, the direction of the energy is completely different from that of a rock concert, it feels similar to the ripples in the water, like the feeling of everyone being synchronized together. And, I believe what ties that together is the remix.

DJ KOO： As he said, especially since it is enjoyed in large groups of people, there are even songs that can be conveyed simply with the bass. It's very enjoyable. This time's production was enjoyable too. We even came up with 8 different patterns in the span of a month. There was even a strings version and other versions.

GACKT：Certainly the second phase, I want to hear it in different forms. For me, about 15 years ago I tried the remix approach once, and after that time I thought to never do it again. What we did was take what we had and take it apart, throw in the four-on-the-floor beat, and completely ignored the original vocalization. I had the worry that it might end up like that again, but I was moved when I listened to the song that was put together. At the same time, what was clearly different was that I could feel Japan's DJs were unlike those before and have risen to the international level. For that I was really happy. It's really the best to have people like these undertake my songs and turn it into another creative work.

──Japan's DJ scene has really matured.

GACKT： Even the younger artistes, like me they can subtly shift the BPM, while creating something new they make new discoveries while overcoming the roadblocks that appear, when we, from different genres, listen to it, I wonder if it can be considered as feedback playing... Originally, it was something we absolutely had to do, we can't do anything without first researching. We do say that this song is good, or it sounds cool but, you don't know the reason why this song is cool. Because there is definitely a reason for that, we definitely have to research about it and put it into practice. In that sense you can say that I'm an engineer but, there aren't many musicians nor researchers who can say that. That's because in the first place doing things this way is a forte of Japanese. I feel that people should do this more.

──You rarely get to talk about these things right.

GACKT： Exactly. That's why, I'm really happy to be able to bring this up now. I was surprised that KOO-san was so into it （laughs）. However, unless one really does this seriously, it will probably turn out bad. It's not only about listening to the music, you can now easily get the materials to analyze what is behind a song, or why it sounds cool.

DJ KOO： This time's album is not simply about changing the form of the music by remixing, I think that this is something of great value. I believe that it can stimulate a variety of people starting with the fans, and as GACKT said, we can consider it as a direction that we were heading for.

──So you're saying that it can be appealing to musicians as well.

GACKT： This is a dilemma.

DJ KOO： To put it in words is indeed difficult, this isn't a forte of mine so I might not be able to say it well but, the value of music can only be understood after it's been chewed up, so if you can understand that, I believe that it can feel even more pleasant.

GACKT： In today's world, saying it plainly I believe that music has to get more widespread. Disregarding the fact that anyone with a phone can listen to music, there is definitely a reason why music is in its decline. Because everyone is unaware of this reason, music is rapidly getting separated from daily life and people. Unless the musicians recognize this, music will increasingly become more and more irrelevant. In the first place, the creators are not aware of what is missing. By using new equipment, using new methods, applying new styles, they lose sight of what they originally wanted to create. I guess the essence is that they don't realise that the spice that they thought they added in has disappeared. Although the same person is making the thing, it used to taste better in the past, like something has changed. If in it there is something that is lacking in actuality, it has changed. We have to recognise this, study it and pursue it. Because with the world progressing, the cost of making a song is falling too, even if you think about music starting with the need to get it more widespread, at this point in time the sales volume of music is only falling year after year. As to why this is so, musicians have to learn more. Because we can't return to what it used to be, if we don't do this now, it will only get even more difficult from here on. Also, if you cannot move a person with music... that's just preposterous.

DJ KOO： The original track I received this time was really one without compromise, but that is only to be expected. And to deliver something even better than that live, that's how far he thinks. He is a true pro at his work. To such a GACKT, really, respect!

GACKT： I'm grateful. Including my time in bands, it's already been more than 20 years since I started making music, there were times when I could not get the members and staff to understand the things I'm particular about. Because there were various kinds of conflict in these 20 years, I'm really blessed to be able to be understood and do this remix in this style.

DJ KOO： Likewise, my apprentice had a chance to learn, it was a really good session.

GACKT： Today as well, I'm really happy, and honestly surprised that we were unexpectedly able to discuss this topic. Not only were we able to grasp an in-depth topic, I'm glad that I could get a feel of the work together. Thank you.

『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』

GACKT Store Special Edition（CD+DVD）
Accepting orders now
5,800 yen + tax
・Record jacket design
・14 songs
・Includes a MEGA MIX PV by Japan's leading VJ, VJ WADAKEN

Normal edition（CD only）general sales start from 1 July 2015
2,800 yen + tax
・14 songs
・Lyric cards in booklet-form included

＜『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』Release Party＞
3 July 2015（Fri）
@ Shangri-la Tokyo
21：45 open / 22：30 start～midnight
Tickets：purchase prior to event day: 5,000 yen , purchase on event day: 7,000 yen
※A separate charge for drinks（1,000 yen）is required.
Performers：GACKT
《Remixers》
DAICHI YOKOTA（club-D）
DJ KOO（TRF）
DJ OMKT
el poco maro
MARC PANTHER（globe）
MASANORI MORITA（STUDIO APARTMENT）
ROCKETMAN
RYOTA NOZAKI（Jazztronik）
SATORU KURIHARA（Jazzin'park）
☆Taku Takahashi（m-flo / block.fm）
TeddyLoid
Takeru John Otoguro（block.fm）
and SECRET GUEST！
《DJ》
Daisuke（ROACH）
DJ-ADAPTER。
DJ BEBE
Hisanori H（ENTIA RECORDS）
NORISHIROCKS DEEJAYZ
Sachiko（FLiP）
si oux（VIVE VAGINA）
《VJ》
VJ WADAKEN
《DANCER》
CYBER JAPAN DANCERS
G-DANCERS（EGA,TAKA,TAKASHI,TAKA-KI, MADOKA,RYO）
[For enquiries] Disc Garage：050-5533-0888

◆『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』Special Site
◆   LINE MUSIC「GACKT 50song」Playlist

Source: BARKS.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

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by SaiKaiAngel