Interview with MISA of RK ROSEBUD

MISA is RK ROSEBUD’s extraordinary bass player. With his unique sense of fashion and irresistible charm he has captured his fans since joining this amazing band from Japan which constantly sparkles with new and exciting ideas.

Hello MISA, thank you so very much for making time to talk to me. I know you are a very busy man, so let’s jump right into it.

 When did you join RK ROSEBUD? Was it pure coincidence or do you know some or all of your bandmates since childhood?

When RK ROSEBUD still consisted only of AKI and AKIRA, I ran into AKIRA by chance at my favorite Chinese restaurant. I mean, I knew AKIRA for a long time, but we hadn’t seen each other in ages. So, when we met again, he told me about RK ROSEBUD and asked if I’d be interested in joining. Thinking about it, yes, on one hand it seems ‘pure coincidence’, but on the other hand I believe it was destiny. I dreamed of performing with them since I was a teenager, but never dared to think that my dream would become reality one day.

MISA, what piqued your interest in bass guitar?

I actually used to be a vocalist and a guitarist; but when AKI asked me to join them as their guitarist, I refused.

To tell you the truth, although AKIRA was actually a bassist, he played very successfully guitar for RK ROSEBUD. Since he was such a great guitar player, his playing was so complex, I agreed to join but only under the condition that I would play bass. At that time, AKIRA was simply such a good guitar player, I didn’t want to upset the dynamic of the band so to speak. So, I’ve been playing bass guitar ever since joining RK and what I think is interesting… that’s also the story of how I started playing bass for the very first time.

I don’t regret the decision to try out /switch to bass. I’m happy with it. I see it as destiny as well.

Each and every member of RK is very unique; they all play their instruments in a very unique way.

What your kind of bass (make and model) do you prefer to play and why ?

Currently, my main bass is a Les Paul. To be honest, I’m only interested in a traditional bass guitar. However, some time ago, I thought about using a different model, so I bought a Jazz bass by Fender, but I ended up altering many parts—and then eventually, it transformed into a Jazz bass ‘perversion’. =)

Wow, ‘Jazz bass perversion’ sounds interesting! Maybe you should think about designing your own line of bass guitars. =)

Personally, I think the bass is an important addition to most songs, for example Zi:Kill’s”Nanimo Iranai” and “Hysteric”, or AWOI’S “Ren-Ai-Shashin” are dominated by a strong bass-line, giving the songs a lot of depth and power. Do you feel, that the bass guitar is an instrument that gets enough credit, is appreciated enough?

The bass plays a pretty influential role in all kinds of songs. For me, it’s an instrument that’s hard to master, and I still can’t play it well.

No reason to be humble, MISA. I think you are an excellent bass player! Say, do you have a role-model, or is there a bass player who you admire because of his talent or special technique?

Basically, I like all guitarists.

And to tell you the truth… a secret… when we write a base-line for a RK ROSEBUD songs, we use the guitar to compose the base-line.

Well, no matter how it’s composed, via guitar or bass, the concept definitely works for you guys.

Let me ask you another question. Stanley Clarke is one of the great American bass guitarists. He is like the Jimi Hendrix of bass players. He is known for playing a six string bass, strung like a regular guitar, and he continues to push the limits when it comes to his art / craft. Are there things you would like to try out, do you like to experiment with your music and instrument?

At this point in time, I don’t think experimenting with a 6 string bass guitar is necessary. For me, there is still room for development; there is still so much to discover with my current four string bass.

MISA, imagine RK ROSEBUD takes a break for the weekend and you would be invited to be a guest bassist for a band you admire. Who would you love to play a gig with?

Metallica!

RK ROSEBUD is known for very unique and elaborate stage outfits. You often even go one step further by – for example – performing on stage without pants, wearing only garters and your shirt hanging loose. Do you like to provoke, or shall I call it ‘tease’ your fans?

Not really…  It’s more like that I wear my ‘ideal of women’s clothes’.  I think women – dressing in a style the way I do – are cute.

Aw… thanks for sharing this vital piece of information. I’m sure garter sales across the USA will spike now.  =)

But on a serious note again, are there any instruments you play, besides bass? If not, is there any other instrument you wish you’d be able to play? Like piano, or drums, for example?

I can play guitar, drums, piano, and the electron (electronic piano). I also used to do vocals before joining RK ROSEBUD.

Each and every member of RK is able to play whatever instrument. We can switch at any given time. For example, at “One Man Live”, we switched our positions. AKI played bass, AKIRA played drums, Yuki did vocals, and I played guitar.

I’d like to try playing the violin, but I’m too busy to make it happen, to learn.

All of you are not only amazing but also truly multi-talented musicians.  I’m deeply impressed.  Do you think fans in other countries will have a chance to see you perform live on stage any time soon?

I’m looking forward to seeing my fans overseas. Although, I must admit, I’m scared of flying. =)

I’m not too fond of flying myself, but you know, statistically it is the safest form of transportation… =) 

We all know that you are very busy, so let me ask you one last question and then I’ll let you go, okay? What does MISA like to do when he’s not playing concerts or isn’t working on a new album?

Sleeping.  Seriously. I’m so busy every single day – I want to sleep as much as I can.

It was a pleasure talking to you, MISA. I wish you a nice day – or should I say “Enter Sandman” – since you’re a fan of sleep and Metallica ?!  =)

RK ROSEBUD imago

This interview was conducted by Vivian Murakami, President/CEO of NEON PROMOTIONS, Inc. Translation support provided by Cha Yasu, Director of Public Relations.

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