TRADUZIONI

TRANSLATION EXCITE.CO.JP: Remix Album by GACKT & Prominent DJs Completed "Do it however you like!" - Part 2 - June 30th 2015

When I make the next band, maybe I'll add the feel of club music taste

――Was there any point when GACKT-san felt the urge to try out being a DJ yourself?

GACKT： Honestly, I wouldn't want to do that solo. However, when I make the next band, maybe I'll add the feel of club music taste. Because in the first place I planned for something like that. Therefore it became a really good point of consideration.

――I see. Incidentally, right now dance music is in vogue but, to GACKT-san, when thinking about the relationship between "music" and "dancing", what is each of their positions relative to the other's like?

GACKT： Hm…… The relationship between “music” and “dancing” is, for music, it attracts consumers for a business, I believe it has an important economic benefit. At present you can't sell CDs. If you do that you can't be a musician. As to why, it's because the system where by you make sales profits from the people who buy CDs you released has completely collapsed. From a musician's point of view, it might be something that they would call ridiculous, but if you're asking me, I would say 「the era of the CD bubble was weirder」. During the CD bubble that lasted for around 10 years from the year 1990 to the early half of the year 2000, everyone was too focused with the method of “growing the market and the musician with a sales strategy centered around CDs". Regardless that it was originally the center of the majority of a musician's profits, deviating from that, they'll become specialised with making a CD and how to sell it. In the end, this will create an environment in which the next generation of musicians cannot thrive.

――So you're saying that it's a structural problem.

GACKT： Even amongst musicians, about DJs and remixers, there are people who say 「aren't they just people who combine people's songs together?」. But I doubt that and wonder 「is that really so?」. Indeed, they may not be considered as original, and it's probably difficult to answer 「what part of it makes it their own song?」 but, these people don't really sell CDs. Because when these DJs make appearances, they are able to gather people at clubs,and with just that, I believe that this justifies them being defined as artistes. Music has simply become a tool to sell CDs, and in recent years this rotten trend has been around, in other words, it has facilitated the appearance of people who go by remixing and use music to gather more people.
When you think from that view, the position of DJs who can draw customers is revisiting the fundamental ideal of music, and in that sense it is an untarnished flow.

――Meaning that it creates a place where patrons can experience and feel the music live right.

GACKT： That's right, actually, its because at these places the patrons are really "using the music". Buying multiple copies of a CD for the sake of getting certain privileges, then discarding the CDs…… I want to ask, is that really the right thing to do as a musician? The more you do something like that, without a doubt your music will go wrong, and the losses you sustain will be even greater. In the first place it is not something that we should be doing.

――That is true…… After this work's release, I'm sure you have many activities planned as well. The single release, birthday party event, and the 【LAST VISUALIVE TOUR】 is ahead as well.

GACKT： Yeah. I have to, work hard……（laughs）.

For now I'll finish this run, then I'll probably think about what comes after when it ends?

――At present how do you spend your days? Is it all work going on concurrently?

GACKT： While progressing with work, right now, the main thing for me is to heal my injured body. For the sake of pulling off 【LAST VISUALIVE TOUR】 properly to the end. All the while during these 16 years, because I've been doing reckless activities, I've put quite a bit of burden on my body. Well, I guess it comes back to haunt you? or something…… Because I've been pushing myself to the limits until now, you can pretty much say it's of course that this would happen though.

――Which part, specifically, hurts or has gone bad?

GACKT： Now my back is really bad. Because it really hurts when it gets cold, more often than not I'll always be in an area that has a higher temperature and is warm. While looking for various environments where I can live comfortably, the place where I unexpectedly felt that was suitable for me was Dubai. Everyone said 「It's hot! 」 but for me, that humidity and temperature is perfectly bearable. It's the same as Japan in the sense that it has no natural resources but, I was surprised that Dubai is really progressing, including for their tax system and their acceptance of foreigners. Right now, isn't it the fastest progressing country in Asia? Well, when you ask 「right now, what is something that Japan is proud of? 」, to me, it's not trade, only culture is left. History, services that are uniquely Japanese, our music, etcetera, until we export them quickly, to the foreign countries, it will become an era where we're can't show them 「this is what Japan is all about 」.

――So you're saying that we have to build Japan's identity based on our culture.

GACKT： Unless people start to see that it's useless. At one point in time, something called J-POP was built up, and to a certain extent it penetrated the Asian market. But, right now, there's no more Japanese-produced music going around. To me, I believe that the current mission we have to pursue is to figure out how, as a Japanese, I can delivery music out of Japan.

――So GACKT-san, as someone whose name is well recognised overseas, has to take the lead right.

GACKT： Well, it's because thus far I've been having activities overseas as well. Also, most of Japan's musicians can't speak foreign languages. Isn't that part of the problem as well （laughs）? Although they've studied for 7 or 8 years, it's amazing, the percentage of people who can't speak a word of English despite that. It's a special trait, of this country. Really!

――When you said that your physical condition is bad, you'll want to rest but, when you think of the fans waiting for you, you'll want to continue your activities more so…… you have mixed emotions.

GACKT： Right now, I'm not exactly resting. While healing my body, I'm doing training, I'm also carrying out production activities, that's the situation now. In any case, I'll run with all my might until the end of the 【LAST VISUALIVE TOUR】. I'll finish this run, then I'll think about what comes after when it ends. If I have my body, I can still do it anyway, unless I don't have it I can't do it. So unless I try doing it, I won't know.

――At what stage has the 【LAST VISUALIVE TOUR】 progressed to?

GACKT：Ah~ I can't talk about that yet.

――Understood （laughs）. I'll look forward to it.

GACKT： Thank you.

≪My season≫
GACKT introduces what he's most interested or into recently!

Dubai
Recently, I've been looking for a place to live in that is suitable for me. At the start of this year, I thought 「shall I live in Europe?」 and went around various countries but, the climate was not suitable for me, and I found that my body ached. Although the scenery is nice…… What was unexpectedly suitable was Dubai. The food was delicious, and it was comfortable for my body for which I was looking for a warm place to be in. I think for spring, autumn, and winter the average temperature is around 30℃? And then, when it gets to summer it exceeds 50℃! I heard that there was a law that “prohibits working outside for more than a certain number of hours”. So yeah, it's impossible to work in that environment. Isn't it scary （laughs）. Before I went I didn't know a single thing about Dubai but, I gave it a go and went, I was really moved by the country's many interesting and amazing points. Then I researched about various things, starting with their taxation, acceptance of foreigners, I understood that the country's policies are good. The country's system came out really well. They are equipped with infrastructure that will surprise you, but even those that were incomplete or still in development were amazing too. Really, the country is simply amazing.

Source: excite.co.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

by SaiKaiAngel

TRANSLATION EXCITE.CO.JP: GACKT "Honestly, I underestimated DJs" apologises to DJ KOO on the Talk Show - July 9th 2015

On July 4th, GACKT has released a remix album 『GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』 that features world renowned DJS like ☆Taku Takahashi, TeddyLoid and DJ KOO. On July 3rd, these prominent DJs/Remixers and GACKT came together in the all-night Release Party held at Shangri-la Tokyo.

In the 5 star hotel's luxurious 27th floor, DJs played non-stop until dawn and at this same event, a talk show with GACKT, DJ KOO and ☆Taku Takahashi was held before that. GACKT and DJ KOO who have only been cordial with each other until now have suddenly appeared to grow close, with DJ KOO even saying 「Recently, y'know, （GACKT has been）messing with me~」.

About the work that was produced with this sense of distance and the experiences in the production, GACKT said 「Heading in the direction of the “LAST VISUALIVE”, while talking about wanting to get people excited, the topic of this album popped up but, because my voice isn't suited for remixes, I initially rejected it. But people got interested, and when I brought it up, really famous people quickly contacted me saying they were interested in participating, by the time I realised a really great end-product was produced, and it's become a favourite album for me too」.

Furthermore, he added 「This time, I didn't give a single order or say “it's better to do it this way”. That way, each and everyone of the DJ's colours can be fully expressed. Also, when I heard the finished product, I felt... top DJs are a class of their own. Honestly, because I've underestimated DJs, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise」 as he expressed his respect for the DJs' technical excellence.

On the other hand, from the collaborators team, ☆Taku Takahashi said 「The times when GACKT-san takes a breath is unique, so his characteristics are strong, down to breathing」, DJ KOO too, praised him saying 「Until now I've been in music for tens of years but, GACKT's song arrangements too are perfect」. As a vocalist, GACKT, who has been creating works where he is particular about every detail, had a smile on his face as he said 「I'm happy that they understood that for me. I can tell that they have created these works with love too」.

At the end of the talk show, they had a toast with champagne to celebrate the release of 『GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』. DJ KOO said jokingly to GACKT, who is known as the unbeated "First-Class Entertainer" in Geinoujin Kakudzuke Check 「Is this the best champagne around? Or, is this one sold in regular shops?」, showing their playful side.

Also, at the venue, speakers from "FUNKTION-ONE", a global top brand, was used. These have been used in festivals and concert tours by numerous famous artistes like Pink Floyd, Underworld, the Chemical Brothers, and more. Even here, it is a grand event which displays GACKT's particularities and spirit of entertainment.

Note that the next day after this event, on the 4th, at Shangri-La Tokyo, 『GACKT's 42nd BIRTHDAY PARTY』 will be held. As Excite Music will be reporting this event in detail in the coming days, we hope that you look forward to it.

Release Informations
Remix Album
『GACKTRACKS -ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』
2015.07.01リリース

【GACKT STORE Limited Edition】CD＋DVD
GLCD-00012/B / ￥5,800（no tax）
※LP size special edition
※Lyrics in booklet
【Normal Edition】CD
GLCD-00013 / ￥2,800（no tax）

［Tracklist］
1.ANOTHER WORLD（☆Taku Takahashi ReMIX）
2.JESUS（TeddyLoid ReMIX）
3.キミのためにできること（TJO & YOSUKE from BLU-SWING Re-MIX）
4.REDEMPTION（STUDIO APARTMENT ReMIX）
5.CUBE（DanceFloorExperience MiX / MARC PANTHER）
6.WHITE LOVERS -幸せなトキ-（DAICHI YOKOTA ReMIX）
7.LU:NA（DJ OMKT ReMIX）
8.OASIS（MITOMI TOKOTO ReMIX）
9.CLAYMORE（ULTRA DJ ReMIX / DJ KOO）
10.小悪魔へヴン（FPM EURODISCO MIX）
11.SECRET GARDEN（Jazztronik ReMIX）
12.キミに逢いたくて（Jazzin'park D&B ReMIX）
13.暁月夜 -DAY BREAKERS-（el poco maro ReMIX）
14.忘れないから（ROCKETMAN ReMIX）
＜DVD＞ ※GACKT STORE限定盤のみ収録
GACKTRACKS MEGA MIX Music Clip

Related link
GACKT sito ufficiale
エキサイトミュージック レポート掲載記事一覧
excite music official Twitter
excite music official Facebook
excite music official YouTube channel

Source: www.excite.co.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

by SaiKaiAngel

TRANSLATION ORICON.CO.JP: GACKT Looks Back on the “Paris Discrimination Furor” "I live by my own standards" - July 8th 2015

GACKT, who celebrates the 15th anniversary of his solo debut, has released the remix album 『GACKTRACKS-ULTRA DJ ReMIX-』. Today, in ORICON STYLE's interview with GACKT, we spoke about his beliefs and way of life as a musician who sticks to his own style, and his opinion of the rock genre. We also revisited the recent hot topic of the discrimination incident in Paris.

◆Because of this personality, starting from around me, the viruses and foreign matter will be dealt with

――Amongst the 14 people involved in this remix, there were high profile members like DJ KOO-san, Marc Panther-san, ROCKETMAN and Fukawaryo-san amongst others. Were you acquainted with them before this?
【GACKT】　That is a common misunderstanding but, I've never met with them before. The only person I was acquainted with was Marc, if we met it's more like 「It's been awhile, how're you?」, but just with that you can't say that we're really close. That's why, because this isn't an album that came about due to connections, I'm on the contrary happy that they were willing to take it on, and I was also pretty surprised with the final product. Even for my lives, in other words, I don't have any connections because I've never had a DJ do arrangements for me, I would even go as far as to say that in the first place I have few musician friends.

――Because you don't want to talk about music?
【GACKT】　Yeah, it's not interesting, if you talk about things related to music. Because everyone has their own opinion, I don't want to have drinks while talking about what's correct or wrong. If that happens, you'll definitely refute each other, and your conclusions will clash right? Especially once you start talking about music theory, since I did that before when I was younger, when you say 「that's not right」, the places where the other person is wrong becomes distinct. Furthermore, refuting each other won't make you grow closer. Frankly, if you guys are people who can come to a mutual conclusion, then there isn't any need for such a conversation in the first place. Rather it's the people who can't sell their opinion who are earnest about such conversations. Saying things like 「“Music” is ……」. Then, guys like that will say 「Isn't that right, GACKT-san! 」, and I have no choice but to say 「Hm... That's nice, if that's how you like it」 （laughs）. When that happens the speaker's position will get demolished. Also, the music industry is a vertical world but, because of my character I do things with absurdity so... ... I guess you can say starting from around me, the viruses and foreign matter will be dealt with……（laughs）.

――No way, no way, rather it's that people around you will get humbled?
【GACKT】　No~, aren't there quite a number of people who think that I'm a difficult person? Since everyone knows I'm stoic. Furthermore, right now I'm more mellow but because in the past I was quite short tempered, so because there's the risk of that, most wouldn't think of wanting to get close （laughs）. That's why, character-wise, those who I get along with are politicians or martial artists, since long ago there were also many who were in the IT industry or businessmen. That's why, often there are younger kids who ask me things like 「what's your job? 」. Although the genre is completely different （laughs）.

◆If I don't live with rock, I can't live as “GACKT” （laughs）

――With GACKT-san's way of carrying yourself, even people who are not fans will know that you're someone to be reckoned with right. Like when you mentioned in a previous blog post about the discrimination problem you experienced in a Parisian cafe. Around the world you've been asked for comments but, what do you think of that "advisory" position?
【GACKT】　For me, I'm not concerned about how the world's current trends perceive which is right and which is wrong. I live by my own standards, and even if the people 50 or a 100 years later look back and find it interesting that someone like me has been around, I'm okay with that. I, myself, don't think that my actions were wrong. Just that it can't be said that I'm 100% correct either.

――So you mean on one hand "not wrong = a belief" but "correct = valuing diversity"?
【GACKT】　Right. To me, it's like I just have a steadfast belief that I wasn't wrong. I don't think that we have to live in accordance will all the values of a diverse world. In actuality, I'm living with my own motives. So, honestly, there are times where I feel that it's hard to grow. Because I'm also an easy target for the media to attack, there are still guys who just attack right? But, I'm good. However, if I really did something that is wrong, I would have disappeared right? （laughs）. Besides, if a musician cannot express his way of life, what kind of musician is that. If you bend over and live your life hiding just stop being a musician, because that's not what rock is about. That, perhaps, is an old part of me, if you ask me 「what is rock?」, won't I be able to say「I am what rock is」?

――I see, it's the result of you expressing your way of life by sticking to your own beliefs as a musician.
【GACKT】　Because if I don't live with rock, I can't live as “GACKT” （laughs）. Because I'm thinking of entering the eyes of the world more from here on, I'm not living in Japan now. However, by doing this, looking at Japan from the outside, I know very well that the "national isolation climate" still continues on today which makes it lag behind. And, I also know that because of that Japan has missed out on many chances along the way. Since that's the case, I decided to start with myself working in the world as a Japanese, so now, I've left Japan. However, this is definitely not an easy road. If I quietly remained in Japan I wouldn't get attacked, and it wouldn't cost money either. But I will boldly choose the difficult path. That's my way of life.

Source: Oricon.co.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

© GACKT ITALIA

by SaiKaiAngel