Last month, to celebrate Fashion and Music shop Xenon L.A.'s first anniversary, NAMELESS Group organized Vnited Music Festival, bringing over a number of legendary acts from Japan. VKH had the pleasure of interviewing guitarist TOMO from The RHEDORIC, who acted as support for CELL during his stay in L.A. Read on to see what TOMO has to say about his experience with Vnited Music Fest!
TOMO: I was actually in the States last year (2014) for a show as The RHEDORIC, but the audiences' power was so strong and I was amazed. This year, again, I was able to come close to the audiences in the States, and the only thing I can say is that I am very thankful. Very touched.
VKH: Where else in the world would you like to perform?
TOMO: I would actually like to perform all over the States. I do have interest in Europe and Asia as well, but I would like to get to know the American audiences more for now.
VKH: As a support guitarist, what kind of mindset did you have to have to match the energy of everyone else on stage?
TOMO: As long as I am supporting, I had to have the mind that I would make this show a success. Secondly what was important was to be on the same mindset with the rest of the members and to express myself as much as possible through the performance.
VKH: What was it like performing with CELL as opposed to performing with the Rhedoric?
TOMO: That’s hard…(laughs) It was a good, stimulating experience with great memories. But honestly, I did have some hard times… I think I can perform 100% with my own band more (laughs).
VKH: Who or what influenced you to play the guitar?
TOMO: The reason why I started playing guitar was because of hide from X JAPAN. After that, several other guitarists influenced me as well.
VKH: What made you decide to play rock music instead of any other genre?
TOMO: Why…. hmmm... Why is it? (laughs) I think I just enjoyed playing rock. I can let out all my energy out through music as a tool, plus I thought this was what I was good at! Anger, sorrow, happiness, and stress. I can express all of that through this.
VKH: What has it been like being able to work with all of these artists from different sides of the scene?
TOMO: I think I am very fortunate to be able to do this. To jump out of the boundaries of Japan into the States has been the most best experience within my musical career! I would like to just thank all of the staff and audiences who helped me.
VKH: Have you visited America before? If so, where did you go and what was it like? If not, how was your stay?
TOMO: Actually it has been the 7th or 8th time coming to America for me including private time! I usually spend my time going out for a drink with my friends, shopping, joining BBQ’s, home parties, etc. It has always been a fulfilling time here. Mostly malls around the neighborhood, places with a lot of bars, chrome hearts? (laughs) And I went to a rock fashion shop called XENON.
VKH: Is there anything that you’ve always wanted to do while you were in L.A.?
TOMO: I’ve been to many places in Los Angeles. I always do travel a lot here! But I would like to go to Las Vegas and more live houses in L.A. that I have never gone to before.
VKH: Aside from the show, what was something that happened during your stay that you will never forget?
TOMO: I watched this Japanese drama called “Nobunaga” while eating Mexican food at a friends house (laughs). Also the fireworks during Independence Week and the fan meeting at XENON where I got to speak with the audience very close. Although it wasn’t during my visit this time, I was shocked to see everywhere literally closed during Thanksgiving! You can never imagine something like that in Japan!!!! Black Friday was another shock!!!!!
VKH: Do you have any future plans that you would like to share?？
TOMO: My plan for The RHEDORIC is to do a U.S. Tour! We would like to release a U.S. limited song as well. My personal plan is to be able to speak English and communicate more (laughs). In the future, I would love to buy a car and house in America and live here at least half of the year!!
VKH: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions! Would you please send a message to your fans and our readers?
TOMO: No no, thank you very much! Last year it was only the two of us with the vocalist and this year I came as a support guitarist for a show. However, I hope to come next year for sure with the complete RHEDORIC and show our live performance in L.A. I really love America, so I would like to spend more time with the audiences in the States and have the hottest show together! You guys should be excited as well!! Our show is always made with the audiences together! Every time I go to America, we have more Facebook and Instagram followers and I am so happy!! If I can go back again this year I will! I love you all, audiences from America!
Special thanks to TOMO for taking the time to answer our questions and to Japan Culture Creation Inc. for making this interview possible!
Links:
The RHEDORIC OHP
TOMO's Instagram
TOMO's Twitter
The RHEDORIC official facebook
XENON LA
http://www.xenon-la.com
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