King Gnu Unveils ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’: A Journey into Musical Evolution
Billboard Japan recently caught up with the brilliant minds behind King Gnu—Daiki Tsuneta, Yu Seki, Kazuki Arai, and Satoru Iguchi—for an exclusive interview as part of its Monthly Feature series. The rock sensation, known for their 2019 chart-topping album CEREMONY, has returned with a bang, presenting their latest masterpiece, ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN,’ after a four-year hiatus.
The Rise to Royalty: King Gnu’s Musical Reign
Having conquered the charts with CEREMONY, King Gnu’s journey reached new heights—a testament to their status as a dominant force in the Japanese music scene. From arena tours to headlining Tokyo Dome and a stadium tour, the band’s prowess set the stage for ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN.’ This album, brimming with original creativity, goes beyond their previous narrative, showcasing the band’s evolution.
In-depth Insights: King Gnu’s Artistic Vision Unveiled
1. Crafting a Counterbalance: The Band’s Musical Answer
The members share their thoughts on the album, with Satoru Iguchi highlighting how ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’ serves as a counterbalance to their previous work, especially ‘CEREMONY.’ The goal was to create a solid musical response, a testament to the band’s growth.
2. Evolving Sounds: A Drummer’s Perspective
Drummer Yu Seki reflects on his role, emphasizing the departure from traditional drumming. The album provided him the opportunity to explore new musical dimensions, deviating from his usual drum-centric approach.
3. From Doubts to Certainty: The Bassist’s Journey
Bassist Kazuki Arai, while initially apprehensive about the varied tracks and tie-ins, expresses relief at the cohesive end result. The album’s production highlighted the band’s versatility, reassuring Arai of its integrity.
4. Personal Growth: Daiki Tsuneta’s Reflections
Band leader Daiki Tsuneta discusses the stark contrast in the sense of accomplishment between ‘CEREMONY’ and ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN.’ The latter allowed for more emotional leeway and a refined production process, marking the band’s growth.
Behind the Scenes: The Makings of ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’
1. Revolutionizing Production Flow
The band’s decision to build a recording studio and adopt a division of labor system significantly impacted the production flow. Each member had dedicated time, fostering a more reflective and individualized approach to their contributions.
2. Embracing Change: A Drummer’s Desire
Seki reveals a desire for a different recording process, wanting the flexibility to record drum parts later. This shift allowed for a more collaborative and adaptable approach to creating music.
3. The Vocalist’s Playground: Iguchi’s Creative Approach
Satoru Iguchi discusses his broad creative range, incorporating elements from classical music to recent R&B influences. The album became a playground for his diverse musical expressions, emphasizing playfulness and authenticity.
Global Recognition: ‘SPECIALZ’ and King Gnu’s Worldwide Impact
1. Unexpected Calmness: Tsuneta’s Perspective
Tsuneta reflects on the calm acceptance of the global success of “SPECIALZ.” Despite his surprise, he attributes the track’s popularity to the band’s collective ability to create compelling and cool music that resonates universally.
2. Industrial Beats and Global Appeal
The band’s experimentation with industrial beats in “SPECIALZ” showcased a departure from the typical band sound. Its acceptance on a global scale, as evidenced by Billboard Japan’s Global Japan Songs chart, reaffirms King Gnu’s international influence.
The Album’s Pinnacle: Personal and Direct Expressions
1. A New Line: “):Ashura:(” and King Gnu’s Evolution
The middle section of the album, featuring new tracks like “IKAROS,” “W●RKAHOLIC,” “):Ashura:(” and the transformed “Senryo Yakusha,” stands out as a personal and direct expression of the band’s current musical aspirations.
2. From Singles to Stars: Reimagining Existing Tracks
The decision to incorporate previously released singles into the album’s flow allowed for a seamless transition, showcasing personal and expressive tracks as the highlights.
Future Endeavors: Tsuneta’s Artistic Vision Beyond
1. Rethinking the Creative Cycle
Tsuneta hints at a shift in the band’s base and working methods after the upcoming tour, emphasizing the need for a healthier creative cycle. The goal is to compete on a global scale, drawing inspiration from artists like Beyoncé and their dedicated creative processes.
2. Beyond Borders: King Gnu’s International Artistic Aspirations
Tsuneta envisions a life where the band competes globally, not limited by geographical boundaries. The focus is on embracing a mindset similar to iconic artists, emphasizing a dedicated and immersive approach to creating art.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into King Gnu’s Artistic Evolution
In conclusion, ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’ not only marks a milestone in King Gnu’s discography but also signifies a transformative journey for each band member. The album’s success, both locally and globally, cements King Gnu’s position as innovators in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What inspired King Gnu to create ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’?
- A: The band aimed to counterbalance their previous album, ‘CEREMONY,’ and explore new creative avenues.
- Q: How did the production flow differ between ‘CEREMONY’ and ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’?
- A: ‘THE GREATEST UNKNOWN’ adopted a new production flow, with members focusing on individual parts, allowing for a more reflective process.
- Q: What role did Daiki Tsuneta’s recording studio play in the album’s creation?
- A: The studio facilitated a division of labor system, enabling each member to concentrate on their contributions and fostering a collaborative environment.
- Q: How did the band approach the global success of “SPECIALZ”?
- A: Despite surprise, King Gnu attributes the track’s success to their ability to create compelling and universally appealing music.
- Q: What is the band’s future vision, as hinted by Daiki Tsuneta?
- A: Tsuneta envisions a reevaluation of the band’s creative cycle, aiming to compete globally and adopt a mindset similar to renowned artists like Beyoncé.
