Who are HimemaniK?
Himemiya Mio (vocal, lyrics) and Manik (programming, synthesizer, guitar).
Can you explain what the band name means?
It's quite simple XD
The band name contains each member name in order to avoid unwanted member changes.
What made you guys form HimemaniK after Super Merlion?
Manik:
In the previous band, Mio and I were the core members who created all the song lyrics, music, and recorded tracks. We gradually thought other members were no longer needed and, at the same time we both wanted to play more electro-oriented music. This is why we formed HimemaniK leaving the band. At the same time the band broke up because the core members were lost.
Your first album [Atashi, figure ni naritai no~Wanna Be A Figurine] is coming out soon, you must be excited? How are you feeling about your first release?
Mio：
Indeed, I cannot feel reality for the release. But some friends said to me the top picture is nice, so I realize it's true.
Manik:
I think it took longer time than I guess first, and I didn't know what a hard process we needed to take. I appreciate our musician/designer friends for their great help. Plus, I am very pleased that the album could be released from Darkest Labyrinth label.
What can we expect from the album?
Manik:
First, the point of listening is its sound. The sound style is danceable dark electro-pop and industrial heavy tunes, but every song has melodious notes. Listeners who understand Japanese also can enjoy Mio's lyrics, which are mainly sung about mental conflict, distorted mind, etc...
I think it's great that your not compromising yourself to appeal to the mass market by not singing in english, do you find any language barrier world wide or do your fans accept you for the way you are?
Mio:
Before entering kindergarten, my parents let me see videos of Disney animation and movies. So I like English songs, even now I like singing voice of Julie Andrews. She has nice voice and beautiful pronunciation I think. Singing in English is not easy for many Japanese, so I cannot permit my poor English singing. This is one reason of two. Another reason is mother tongue can be used easily. The depth of meaning and feeling beneath the words make our songs perfect, no problem about language barrier.
Any plans to do a tour to occompany the new album?
Manik:
Unfortunately we have no such plan currently, but we will play a lot of album's tunes at upcoming live gigs.
How do you prepare for live shows? Do you have a specific ritual or supersticions you follow?
Mio:
Nothing especially, but our gig has "Oyatsu Time", we share snacks or candy to audience. So we prepare Chupa Chups for it every time.
What has been your favourite live show so far in your career?
Mio:
Each was really precious live, so I cannot decide.
You take your influences from a diverse range of music, do you feel this helps when composing new tracks?
Manik:
A lot of sound styles I have listened so far have much influence to my track making. Especially the notable sound characters of HimemaniK are string-synth parts and octave guitar riffs, which are both frequently used. The string over-riff is apparently inspired from old jazz/fusion music such as Eumir Deodato, and octave guitars I like very much is something like emo/screamo and mixture's groove such as Linkin Park, The Used.
Does your personal life influence your music and vice versa?
Manik:
Nnn, not so much...
Who would you love to do a collaberation with musically?
Mio:
Youko Kanno. She makes special world with her sound. Especially "Tune the rainbow" is nice, once you listen, you cannot stay without tears. HimemaniK has no such song, so I want to try.
Manik:
I like Bjork. Her voice and track sound are very eccentric, it is a dream if I can collaborate with her. As for remix work or ordering remix, my interests are ... Collide, Portishead if trip-hop artists, and Angelspit if industrial.
What are your future goals as a band and as individuals?
Mio:
As for me, I have no goal, only to keep on singing cute XD
Manik:
I want to try some different style of music, actually electronica with eccentric melodies and harmony with less or no rhythm. But nobody may not listen... XD
Any last words for our readers?
Mio:
Thank you for reading, we are looking forward to seeing you and enjoying our songs with you.
Manik:
Play the album in heavy-rotation at your home or in the car! Listen everyday!
http://www.myspace.com/himemanik