[2014-05] Juice -Saga-

5 MINS WITH ALICE NINE

Before the rise of K-Pop boyband fever, there were other Asian heartthrobs who lined the postered walls of girls' bedrooms, fronting a movement that emerged in the '80s. Alice Nine are shining examples of the Visual Kei movement in Japan - bands who combine elements of rock (from punk rock to hardcore) with flashy costumes, makeup, and miscellaneous hair products that'd make them fit right in a Final Fantasy game. So in anticipation of their remarkable aesthetic and return gig here, we conversed with bassist Saga on their 10-year anniversary, vanity issues, and ladies' underwear.

Congratulations on your 10th anniversary! Do you feel that you've grown up as a band through the years? 
Yes, we definitely have matured as a band and with our music. But one thing that hasn't changed from 10 years ago is that we still get along very well.

Please tell us the meaning behind the band's latest album, Supernova.
We wanted to express our own 'movement' through the name of the album because there are many fast adrenaline-pumping songs in it.

There are some very dance-focused tracks on the album like "Mebius" and "Kid". Do you guys like to go dancing in clubs?
We like clubbing overseas We party as well and get crazy!

With all your visual-kei looks, how long does it normally take to get ready for a show? And who is the vainest member of the group?
Around 40 minutes. Nao - he is a narcissist.

We realise there has been a change in the band's fashion style, from visual-kei to more street fashion. Why is this so?
Well, it is necessary for us to set trends and change our style according to the mood of the band or the music. It is easy to be bored, and the colour black may be stylish but not too flexible in creating our look.

We bet you must have a massive number of girl fans. Have there been any particularly crazy giftS?
Guitars. Or underwear I suppose.

What are some of the good or bad things about being Japanese?
We have delicious food! However the bad thing, or rather the impression others have, is that our women appear to be meek and submissive.

And lastly, how do you feel about coming back to Singapore? 
We are really excited to come back because we think Singapore is an amazing country. Our Singaporean fans are also really great so it's an honour to visit and perform for them again.


Credits: Red Spade Entertainment/FAIX