Coffee and Conversation: Hanabie
May 31, 2024 - Formed in 2015 by middle-school classmates Yukina, Matsuri, and Hettsu, with Chika joining in 2023, Tokyo’s own “Harajukucore” band HANABIE has taken the world’s stage and stepped on its throat with their high-energy mix of Japanese idol culture, metal, punk, hip-hop, and electronica.
In July of 2023, HANABIE made their major label debut with Sony Music Labels Epic Records Japan, with their first album, Reborn Superstar! Then they set off on their first solo domestic tour, secured slots at music festivals, and hit the international tour circuit (with a stop at AFTERHOCK on October 6, 2023). Their latest single “Girl’s Talk” came out on May 10th of this year.
Speaking of AFTERSHOCK…I was (almost) front row for their performance at the rock and metal music festival held in Sacramento, California. And I learned something very important about this ambitious band: HANABIE is NOT a band that is told what to do! These women write their own songs, choose their own aesthetic, and have about a decade of experience in fine-tuning their artistry.
I was lucky enough to ask HANABIE a few questions about their journey thus far and below are their responses. Be sure to click the links at the end of the interview to buy tickets, merchandise, or watch “Girls Talk” on their YouTube channel (and you need to subscribe to their channel while you are there!)!
Can you tell me about the origins of the band Hanabie? How did you all come together and decide to make music?
(ユキナ)ユキナ、マツリ、ヘッツは中学生からの同級生でした。高校生の時に軽音楽部で マキシマムザホルモンが好きなことで仲良くなり、花冷え。を結成しました。そして、チカが2023年5月に加入しました。
YUKINA: Yukina, Matsuri and Hettsu were middle school classmates. We go together as a band for after school activities and since we liked Maximum the Hormone, we formed HANABIE. Then in May 2023, Chika joined.
Your music blends different genres: metal, punk, nu metal, J-rock, electronica, and some hip hop. How do you navigate this fusion of styles while maintaining your own unique sound?
(マツリ)メンバーそれぞれのルーツが違うので、様々なジャンルを落とし込むことが多々あります。 オケはマツリが作っているので、その時の気分とメンバーが制作時期にやりたい楽曲のアイディアがあればそれをヒアリングして、形作っていくことが多いです。 ポイントは、沢山の音を満足いくまで足した後にシャウトやメロディを入れて、最後に引き算することです。
MATSURI: We each have different musical roots so we’re able to mix and match sounds. Matsuri creates the backtrack and depending on mood and ideas, different members contribute bringing those ideas together and we discuss for the song molding process. The main point is stacking all kind of sounds until we’re satisfied, add shouts and the melody line and then we subtract.
What is your inspiration behind your latest song, “GIRL’S TALK” ?
(ユキナ)大人っぽい、ダンサンブルな曲が欲しいねとメンバーで話していました。私たちなりのバラード的なイメージもあります。 等身大の私たちにしかできない曲にしたいと常に思っているのですが、メンバーや友達との会話を思い返した時に、会話の内容は何の意味もなくても、それらの時間はとても貴重だと思います。 そこからヒントを得ました。
YUKINA: We were discussing within the band that we wanted a mature and danceable song. In a way it’s our style of a ballad. We always want to create songs that only we, as our genuine selves, can make. When I look back on conversations with my band members and friends, even if the conversations didn't mean anything significant, that time spent is very precious to me. That’s where we got a hint for this song.
HANABIE has a distinct visual aesthetic, both in your album art and stage presence. How do you develop your visual identity?
(ヘッツ)やっていく上で段々と自分達に合うヴィジュアルは何か？と、たくさん考えて色々試して来て今の形になりました！L.C.Gくらいから、それぞれのメンバーに似合って好きなヴィジュアルやキャラクターを段々と確立出来てきたと思います！
HETTSU: As we went along, we thought a lot about what kind of visuals suited us and tried various things. Eventually, we found our current style! From around “L.C.G.” I think each member has gradually established a visual and character that suits them and also that they like!
As a band, what challenges have you faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
(マツリ)この音楽業界で大きな壁にぶつかり、挫けそうになったということはあまり無いのですが、何かトラブルが起こってもポジティブな方向に持っていけるようにバンドのことをみんな第一考えながら、進んできました。
MATSURI: We haven't really faced major obstacles too much or felt discouraged being in the music industry, but whenever trouble arises, we always prioritize the band and move forward in a positive direction
Your live performances are known for their energy and connection with the audience. How do you prepare for live shows? What do you hope your audience takes away from the experience?
(ヘッツ)ライブ前のリハーサルで流れをしっかり話し合っています。そこで、たとえば今回のツアーで登場した味噌汁の具に関しての煽りや、今年こそギャルでのジャンプをしてもらう事などライブに遊びに来るファンに楽しんでもらえる様に色々考えています！ぜひ一緒に楽しみましょう〜！
HETTSU: Before our live performances, we thoroughly discuss the flow during rehearsals. For example, we think of ways to entertain our fans, like hyping up the crowd by sharing the miso soup ingredients we had on this tour or encouraging everyone to jump during “Be the GAL”. Let's just have fun together!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the music industry?
(チカ)ミュージックは日本の漢字で表すと「音を楽しむ」と書きます！音楽に正解はないので自由に楽しみ続けてください！そして音楽を始めた時のワクワクを忘れないでください！
CHIKA: In Japanese kanji, 'music' is written as 'enjoying sound'. There is no correct way for music, so please continue to enjoy it freely! And don't forget the excitement you felt when you first started doing music.
What can fans expect from HANABIE in the coming years?
(チカ)8月4日にロラパルーザに出演するなど、今後もアメリカにライブをしに行く予定ですので、楽しみにしていてください！今後も皆さんにお会いできることを私たちも嬉しく思っています！
CHIKA: We will be performing at Lollapalooza on August 4th, and we hope to do more shows in the U.S. in the future, so please look forward to it! We are also excited to see all of you again!
To purchase tickets for their tour, go HERE.
To watch “Girls Talk”, go HERE.
To buy HANABIE merch, go HERE.
