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Fans in the United States seem happier and translate differently. We always talk about it how they can feel that Americans listen to rock and country and because of that base they get so much power from the fans.

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Exclusive:

Camino

with: Taka, Kiku, Hayato, Ryosuke, Rehit, and DJ-KKiDD

Interview by: Daniel Womack and Matthew Anderson

At Anime USA 2004, Music Editor Daniel Womack along with the DVJ staff conducted an interview with J-Rock Group Camino.

In an exclusive interview, the members of Camino talk about their experiences in America, who their influences are, and how the fans really help make the show come alive.

The interview was conducted on Sunday, 31 October at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner.

Special thanks to Jesse Oba for the use of pictures and for setting up the interview. Also, special thanks to the staff at Anime USA 2004 for their help.

DVJ: How did Camino come together?

Kiku: I have been participating with bands in the past. Basically I wanted to start a new band two years ago so I went and started recruting members.

DVJ: Why Rock n’ Roll instead of other typical Japanese Musical?

Kiku: My life doesn’t allow anything other than Rock and Roll!!

DVJ: What kind of music do you like?

Hayato: For me, it's always been Van Halen, and their latest album has been cool.

DVJ: If you had the opportunity to perform with anyone who would it be with and why?

Kiku: Now that the band has grown to six members, with a DJ and heavier bass rifts, the sound is closer to bands like Linkin Park. It would be great to perform with them if possible.

Hayato: I can’t think of someone right now, but I would like to do a crazy live show.

DVJ: Last night you played Hoobastanks “Crawling in the Dark” a part of the encore. Why that particular song?

Kiku: Hayato really likes the song, and he just wanted to sing it. We have a lot of fun with it.

DVJ: Is there something different musically that you would like to try?

Taka: In general I like rock and heavy metal music, but I'm also pretty interested in Jazz. Perhaps something along those lines a mixture of Rock and Jazz.

Ryosuke: Although I like everything about rock, I could go into other [musical] types like Jazz.

Hayato: I would like to make an album that gets the reaction like “What the Hell?” "What is this?"

Kiku: There are definitely more opportunities [to do an album] in the United States, perhaps I have the chance to record in the United States in the future.

DVJ: If you can please describe each of your involvement in the writing process?

Taka: In the newest album he wrote one of the songs and produced in his studio using dubber called Logic.

Kiku: There are two patterns: either we all get together to think things through, or I go home and sits by myself and just try to come up with something.

Rehit: I try to think of rhythm patterns that I can use. I'm in the midst of doing that right now.

Kiku: Because we have two who are new members, we haven’t had the opportunity to make any recordings with them.

DVJ: What modivates your performance? What pumps you up?

Kiku: A bunch of fans screaming, to a point where I are almost not myself.

Hayato: Also the fans, the aura, and cans of “Red bull”.

Kiku: It's very important the reaction [Hayato] gets from the fans; but before preparations he tries to imagine live performances by bands that he likes.

Hayato: Before the performance itself I pull myself in. As the concert begins I just move forward with the crowd.

Camino: Definitely the shouting of the fans.

DVJ: What roles does the audience take in enhancing the performance for you?

Kiku: Every time we have a concert in the United States and I hear the fans, it just makes me think again that I have to go back to Japan and really work hard to fine tune what other artist are studying. I need to be able to better ourselves.

Camino: If their people that are working hard in their life in what ever way they are, we want to show them that so we can have a discourse with the fans.

DVJ: You have garnered quite a devoted fan base in a short amount of time. What is it that you think as Camino that draws people to you as fans?

Camino: I think it’s the influence of Japanese Animation.

DVJ: Are there differences between performing in Japan versus in the United States?

Camino: Of course the fans are totally different. Fans in the United States seem happier and translate differently. We always talk about it how they can feel that Americans listen to rock and country and because of that base they get so much power from the fans.

DVJ: How is the performance at AnimeUSA differed from your first performance at Akon 2003?

Camino: We don’t necessarily feel that big a difference but the fans pumped us up so much, we were so happy!

DVJ: What is it like when you get chased by US fans versus Japanese Fans?

Camino: The fans in the United States seem more bright; where as the Japanese fans are more “WET”!!

DVJ: Have you done anything in the Mass Media whether it be theme songs, commercials?

Kiku: Yes we have. There was this product called battle dance produced by Bandai the toy maker that we actually had a song that was in the commercial; and there was a show called Kamen Rider 555 that we had arrangements for.

DVJ: If you could make any one wish come true in the music industry what would it be?

Camino: Tour the United States and Europe so that the whole world can listen to us.

Kiku: Have a jam session with Jimi Hendrix.

DVJ: What has been the coolest thing to happen to you in the United States?

Camino: When we were in Texas, we had a problem with the cars, in a matter of seconds there were a bunch of ants rode up [Kiku's] leg. I realized that this was not very cool. And they bite!! (laughter). We have met a lot of cool people and interacted with them. [Somethings] were not necessarily cool, but there were so many little things that happened that were memorable experiences.

DVJ: What are the plans for Camino in the near future?

Camino: When we get back to Japan, start recording and hopefully make more music. We would love to come back to the United States next year.

DVJ: What would you like to say to your American fans?

Camino: See you next year!!!

Thanks to Taka, Kiku, Hayato, Ryosuke, Rehit, and DJ-KKiDD for taking time out to talk with us. Also, check our their official website at http://www.camino-project.com/ !

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