Who are GPKISM?
GPK: Greetings darlings! I would like to thank Cyberangels for this great opportunity to talk about our band! I am GPK, the vocal of GPKISM.
Kiwamu is our guitarist.
Kiwamu: When we go to another countries, I and he go to there. In Japan, sometimes RYONAI become the live member.
How did you come up with the band name?
GPK: Well, the name GPKISM is very self explanatory, basically means the way of GPK(Gothique Prince Ken). Ironically, it's also a way to mock religious belief system and ourselves. But you gotta admit, it's pretty catchy~ XD
Kiwamu: When I found him on MySpace, it was his solo project. But after I joined in this, it become a band. Now, in this band, I do many things like when I was BLOOD. So we can change the name to KIWAMUISM lol
For those unaware what is your connection with BLOOD?
GPK: Kiwamu is the mastermind of the band BLOOD and I am indeed honored to work with him! If memory serves me correctly, I did a remix on their album "Dead hearted" a few years ago. I also toured with BLOOD in Australia and their last tour in America and Mexico.
Kiwamu: When I was BLOOD, I made good environment to GPKISM. I made a railway line and GPKISM is just running. So now there is good reaction from fans, I made that situation when I was BLOOD. |
You have alot of influences in your music. Who were your musical influences growing up?
GPK: I LOVE classical music! I grew up listening to Lully, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. I am still listening to them till this day! I would say that's where all my music influences are from.
Kiwamu: Now, for 2nd album, we are making songs. I wrote 7songs and he wrote 2songs. 7songs have Japanese melody style. Because I always make the melody first. Vocal main melody is most important.
Do you feel it's important to have an image to go with your music?
GPK: Absolutely! It would be most logical to have the image to go with the music. That is exactly how we create our world through sight and sound.
Kiwamu: Sometimes visual kei bands just want to wear the costume. But we are not. To express the world of songs, we use the costume.|
How would you describe your image?
GPK: It would be Industrial, Gothic and Baroque. Which fits perfectly with our music.
Your image to some is theatrical, can you explain why you have the image you do?
GPK: I got the idea from opera. Back then in the 1700s, the opera house would be the place for people to have the complete audio and visual experience, much like the cinema of today. I want our audience to re experience the essence of the operatic aesthetic. Our songs are very dark and romantic, thus we choose to express ourselves in gothic style.
Kiwamu: RYONAI's accessaries are good helps. The crowns, nails, rose eye-pach etc. They make our costume be more cool.
Who comes up with the concept and ideas for your stage outfits?
GPK: We talked about the ideas together and came up with the image to suit our music direction.
Kiwamu: If we wear Tshirts and jeans on the stage, it is not cool for the sound, right?
You've spent alot of 2009 touring the US and Europe, how do you relax when your not on the road?
GPK: I LOVE to party! I am a party animal! and I LOVE to travel and sight seeing. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and explore places!
Kiwamu: During he goes to the party, I write songs, think the plan etc. If I have time to go the party, there are more more work.
You've just started a Latin America tour, are you well recieved outside of Japan?
GPK: I believe we are well known underground, though I believe I still have a long way to go! There are so much to learn!
Kiwamu: I hope he learns mooooooooooooore things to be good artist lol
How do you prepare for live a show?
GPK: For me, I would need plenty of rest and a good meal before the show. Vitamin C pills are the best!
Kiwamu: I need to think about equipments, sounds, cd selling booth and topic on the stage.
Is it important to have a certain presence when playing live?
GPK: I do believe it is very important to be myself too. Being the vocalist, most of the audience's attention would be directed upon me. I would have to give them my best performance!
Kiwamu: To make good live shows, we need orgzniers good working. Sometimes, orgznier didn't bring staffs, equipments and engineer. Without these, we can't make the good live show. In Latin America tour, almost shows are good. Expo Magyc was only shit event lol
How does your music influence your personal life and how does your personal life influence your music?
GPK: I am like a Valcan in my everyday life. LOL! But when it comes to song writing, I would express all my emotions and feelings. I guess music somehow changed the way I think about myself and the world. It is a perfect balance!
Kiwamu: For me, there are many angry things about activities. That angry become my influence to write songs.
So, what's next in store for GPKISM?
GPK: We're gonna release our new single Iudicium November 25th! We are now planning our next US tour! Also, we are working on our next full album! We shall announce news regarding to this very soon! Please stay tuned for more news!
Kiwamu: Now, I am making new song. If I finish 1 or 2 more songs, GPKISM can release new album.
Any last words for our readers?
GPK: Thank you so much for the attention directed upon us, I would like to thank Cyberangels for this wonderful interview! And to our readers, Life is too short! Do your best and never give up! party hard and rock'n roll! Super kisses and hugs!
Kiwamu: Next Jan to Feb, we will go to US tour with Seileen. Please come to the tour.
www.myspace.com/gpkism