The legendary visual-kei band Nightmare (ナイトメア, Naitomea) will start their first European tour with a concert in Helsinki, Finland already on Saturday, January 18, 2025. What has been inspiring each member lately, how do they compose music and what attracts them the most on the old continent?
Nightmare will visit Europe for the first time to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The band made its mark in the world in 2007, mainly with the songs The World and Alumina, which featured as the opening and ending theme songs for the first season of the anime Death Note. Nightmare’s members gave us a unique interview. Pictured from left: SAKITO (lead guitar), Ni~ya (bass), YOMI (lead vocals), RUKA (drums, percussion), HITSUGI (rhythm guitar).
Are you looking forward to the European tour? Where are you most looking forward to and why?
YOMI: We are looking forward to all the places! I’m looking forward to a beautiful scenery, good food and meeting local fans.
HITSUGI: Of course I’m looking forward to it. I’m also a film buff, and there are many cities and buildings in Europe that have been used as settings for my favourite movies, so I’d like to see at least some of them.
SAKITO: Of course I am looking forward to it. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the places.
Ni~ya: Cologne. It’s a unique opportunity to visit my friend’s shop.
RUKA: I’m really looking forward to it. I’m especially looking forward to Paris because I’ve played there once.
What or who is your biggest inspiration at the moment?
YOMI: Youtube videos about urban legends, anime.
HITSUGI: Movies, games and relationships.
SAKITO: Right now I’m particularly inspired by 80’s UK music.
Ni~ya: Steve Harris of Iron Maiden.
RUKA: Travelling, I guess. It’s inspiring to see the cities and landscapes.
What have you been doing during your band hiatus? Did you work on any personal or creative project?
YOMI: I started a band called TAKE NO BREAK.
HITSUGI: Being on stage as a vocalist has expanded my capacity.
SAKITO: As a solo artist, I tried to pursue different genre of music than Nightmare.
Ni~ya: Mainly as a support member. Also a bit of solo work.
RUKA: I did a solo project [LSN].
How much has your musical taste changed over the course of your 25 year career?
YOMI: I listen to more genres than I used to, but I don’t think my taste have changed.
HITSUGI: I don’t think I’ve changed fundamentally.
SAKITO: I think my music taste and what I want to do have broadened.
Ni~ya: I’ve started to use in-ear monitors, which I used to hate so much.
RUKA: On the contrary, what hasn’t changed is that I like melodious songs and the importance of lyrics.
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How do you create your music? Who is the driving force and what is your workflow?
YOMI: Basically, Sakito and RUKA take the lead in production.
HITSUGI: Sakito and RUKA.
SAKITO: Basically, the composer sets the direction, and each part is often composed individually.
Ni~ya: Song selection by member staff → pre-production → recording → TD, mastering.
RUKA: We all write songs, so the person who wrote the song and Sakito take the lead.
What would you like to say to your European fans during the tour preparation?
YOMI: The setlist includes anime tie-up songs and a lot of songs that are always exciting at Nightmare shows. I would be happy if you listen to Nightmare’s songs and come to our shows!
HITSUGI: I can’t wait to meet everyone who has been waiting for us.
SAKITO: Visual-kei is a unique Japanese subculture, but I think one of its roots is in Europe. I would like people to see the result of how it was expressed in Japan.
Ni~ya: I’m only looking forward to our first overseas tour!
RUKA: I’m really looking forward to it. I’m unfamiliar with some things, but I’m looking forward to working with you.
Have you heard about the Czech Republic or Slovakia? Would you be interested in visiting them one day or giving a concert here?
YOMI: I would be happy to have the opportunity to visit the Czech Republic and Slovakia one day!
HITSUGI: I imagine beatiful countries. I would love to visit them if I had the chance.
SAKITO: I have the impression of famous composers of medieval music and beautiful cityscapes. I also like classical music, so I’m quite interested in it. I would love to go there.
Ni~ya: I am interested in what kind of country it is!
RUKA: I would love to visit the Czech Republic because the cityscapes are so beautiful.
Thank you very much for your cooperation in this interview!
Source: Author’s text, the band Nightmare
