Astan 21, 2005 – Interview with Moi Dix Mois
In the first part of the interviews we got to know a lot of the preferences and inclinations of Mana. Part 2 is a bit more serious. In the mean time Juka left MDM and unfortunately, even after asking several times, Mana didn’t want to to say anything about this. Therefore, a new MDM album is also somewhat delayed. The DVD with parts of their spring tour through Europe should somewhat compensate this for the MDM-fans.
When will the new MDM album come?
Mana: I’m composing new songs. Because the number of guitarists in the band has become more, I’m only composing for “twin-guitars”. I hope to create a new style and sound for Moi dix Mois. When I’m satisfied about it, a new album will come. Please look forward to it.*
*[About the translation: He said this sentence in English.]
It is said that on the Japan Expo 2004 in Paris you were looking for new acts for Midi:Nette. Did you find something?
Mana: I have gotten the demo of a French Visual-Kei band on the Japan Expo 2004. It sounds very interesting and is for me the first motivation to search more intensive. In Japan you obviously barely find French Visual-Kei. When somebody is interested in working together with me, then you should send me a demo. I want to support interesting and good artists.
Do you have a preference when it comes to nationality?
Mana: I don’t care which nationality an artist has. I’m interested in the music the artist makes. And maybe his appearance, his looks. But not somebody’s nationality.
Your first concert?
Mana: I had my first performance when I was in college.
What has to be done to make you really angry?
Mana: It’s always good to stay calm. Also, I don’t want to spill such a secret. It could be done by provoking me.
Is there a link between the art of dressing and the music?
Mana: This is a possibility to give my musical concepts a physical form. It’s the same with my make-up. I want people to notice my emotions through several senses at the same time. To experience my world through the senses of hearing and seeing.
Who or what is Moi dix Mois exactly? And which tasks do the band members have?
Mana: I write the music. I write the lyrics. I produce Moi dix Mois. Tohru on drums is a “mood maker”. He is responsible for making everything sound right. Juka (who in the mean time left), our singer, is an innocent boy. K, our guitarist and other vocalist is wild and aggressive. They are all separate and very interesting personalities, everyone for himself. My task is, amongst others, to bring their characters together and unite them.
How was the concert in Germany? Have you been in Germany before and do you want to return?
Mana: I have been in Berlin once before. The concert was a beautiful experience and the German fans were fantastic. If and when I will return to Germany is impossible to say at the moment. But I don’t think this will stay a one-time event.
What does a musician have to bring to be an accepted member of the band Moi dix Mois?
Mana: Such a person must be in the situation to understand why I am with Moi dix Mois. Such a person must be willing to share my world with him. That’s the most important thing. Besides that, this person must be curious and willing to learn. Such a person may absolutely not go with the flow. Personality is really important for me.
Why have you decided on women’s clothing and not something like dark men’s clothing?
Mana: I wanted to create a new style. I want to express the feminine beauty over my manly me. Men’s clothing doesn’t give as many opportunities as women’s clothing. For a stylist is women’s clothing a lot more experimental and more express-strongly – just more exciting.
Which three things would you bring to the infamous island?
Mana: A sharp knife, a soft pillow and a large mirror.
Will a MDM album be released on the European market?
Mana: Maybe in a special looking limited edition. I haven’t decided about it yet, the thought is of course delightful: I need a partner that I trust and that lives up to my requirements.
What do you think about the problem of illegal downloads and MP3’s through the internet?
Mana: With Moi dix Mois it’s not only about music. The visual side is very considerable and very crucial for Moi dix Mois. I believe that the people that like Moi dix Mois, also share our own world. That’s a feeling – a solidarity. For us it’s not only about the sound, but also about the visual way to express. You can’t download that.
