Kaya 歌姫回顧展 2017-1997

This year Kaya celebrates 20-years as an active singer (or should I say Diva fufufu), and in honor of this he held a livegig at Takadanobaba AREA with most of the memebrs from his past activities. The aim with this gig was to go through Kaya's career and among the guests was Hora so it was mandatory for me to go. I did however not go in my Hora t-shirt, it felt it would be a bit disrespectful to Kaya, hehe.

 
My plan was to go back to Sweden in mid June so I didn't get a ticket for this event until 3 weeks ahead. So I wasn't expecting a great number, I got 143 so I figuered I wouldn't get close to stage. How wrong was I? I was lucky and a lot of people wanted to stay in the back so I got pretty close, on Hora's side of course!

The gig started off a bit late, projections was used, showing Kaya's timeline, the years and pictures of him. I sort of assumed it would start from the past and work its way to today, but it was the oposit, so Kaya entered to the sounds of Yumeji, followed by Perfana, representing the years 2016-2017. Kaya wore his black dress from Femme Fatale's Freya, and the same wig I assume. In one of his MC's he mentioned he really likes the dress and that it was kind of elegant. And I guess that style sort of suits all his past projects as well.

I'm not a fan of Femme Fatale, so I haven't seen them live before obviously. Kaya said we were gonna turn back time a bit, and an instrumental song began playing while he stood with his back to the audience and Tana, Fumiya and a support bassist joined him on stage. Just for the record, I am not familiar with any of the members joining Kaya this evening, except for Hora (but Tana looked freaking hot, I loved his outfits!). But the music was just as boring live as on the CD to me, so I just hoped for them to be done already and bring on the good stuff! The other guitarist of Femme Fatale had left a message (again, don't know who he is, is it the guy who people blame for the breakup?). During one of the MC's with the band the drummer, Fumiya who was dressed in a black suit, mentioned how hot it was on stage. Kaya being Kaya obviously suggested he'd take his clothes off... (spoiler, he did not!).

On Kaya's setlist, you can see at the bottom, he lists Salome as a solo song, BUT the version they played was the Femme Fatale one so I disagree with Kaya there a bit... Memento Mori was nice live, not one of my favorite songs but it's good! The band left and we got some good old Kaya solo songs! For this gig I was sort of hoping he'd do some "iconic" songs that he might not play that much live, like Kaleidoscope, unfortunately he didn't. We did get Chocolate of course, but other than that it was just songs he plays a lot. Kaya is always so full of energy, I love how happy he looks!

Then it was time to turn back time yet again! And OMG was I hyped for this time travel. The "Hora session" started off with Another Cell. The lights were turned off and pictures of Kaya from Another Cell, Schwarz Stein and even Rudolf Steiner was shown on the projector while ARCHETYPE.01 played and Hora entered stage. From Another Cell they played Inner Universe-cybernated. It was a first for me, I've only heard Blazing Darkness from Another Cell (and Kuroageha depending on if you count it as Rudolf Steiner or Another Cell :P). Kaya and Hora then talked about how they've been playing at Takadanobaba AREA since Rudolf Steiner times. Mana was also mentioned, how he shoed up at the club wearing black sunglasses and how they later were summoned to Midi Nette headquarters. The funny thing about the setlist is that Kaya listed Transient as Schwarz Stein, but right before the song he mentioned how Transient really is a Rudolf Steiner song, as many might now. Transient was followed by Perfect Garden and then finally as Rudolf Steiner Kuroageha and Queen of Decadence are listed. I really don't quite understand the song selection, they basically played only Rudolf Steiner (except for my favorite Fester Love/Kusatta Kajitsu). Also, during the gig in Nagoya Kaya mentioned them playing Rudolf Steiner at this gig, as if it was something special. Which made me think they might acctually perform the songs like they sound on the demo tapes, but it was just like at any other of their gigs. I love their songs, so it's not like I'm disapointed, I just don't get the hype about Rudolf Steiner songs being performed. At this point Another Cell is more rare. Also, it's a bit weird they performed Rudolf Steiner songs during the Schwarz Stein session, that was a chance to do more recent songs. So, something about the songs. Kuroageha I think is really great live. To be honest I don't listen to it that much on an everyday basis, probably because I feel that it is better live. I think Kaya's vocals adds something special to it, especially at the end when he shouts the lyrics. After Kuroageha Hora waved and left the stage. People were shouting for him inbetween songs and he didn't make a fuss about and finally he just said Thank you. I got the feeling he didn't want to go all in as he usually do at Schwarz Stein gigs since this was a Kaya anniversary.

Then it was time for Isola! Another band I barely heard. Schwarz Stein was the first thing I heard Kaya in, and later his solo, so I don't really think of him as a bandman and I feel like rock music really doesn't suit him. I've heard Isola's album but I didn't get into it. The bassist and guitarist, Fumi and Tsubaki, joined him for this session and Kaya mentioned it felt strange since it was so long ago and he has changed as a person from that time. I can't say that much about the songs, it was fun live but not my cup of tea.

Mind, from Meties began playing and the stage was lit down. None of the original members came to this gig I believe (not sure though because I'm not certain about the line up). I really like Mind, but the rest of the songs sounds a bit the same for me. Like I mentioned, I don't think bands suit Kaya, I prefer him with an electronic sound. But again, it was nice live.


At first, when I bought the ticket, I was sort of wondering what activities he had in 1997... Kaya talked about that at first he was in a copy band called Zephyr Zone, and it is not well known. Since it was a copy band they didn't really have any material, but he did remember one song he wrote lyrics to called White Gate. He barely remembered it but he tried and sang a short piece acapella. Lastly, Kaya and the band played two cover songs, I don't know the original ones but they were kind of old fashioned VK, with a lot of shouting.

At this point I was a bit scared that this was it. But then Rose Jail began playing. It's one of my favorite Kaya songs and a great live song! I got a kiss on my hand this time too, when the evening was over I realised I still had his lipstick on my hand. Overall it was a fun gig, although I'm a bit disapointed with the setlist. I would've loved to hear some other songs from his solo like I mentioned. And I think they should've played some of the "real" Schwarz Stein songs.

They sold old chekis, from previous Kaya gigs (I found two cute ones of Kaya and Hora), but also from this evening, with ALL the support members. It's only 500yen each, but what are the odds of picking a Hora cheki? I stuck around after the gig and noticed some people just kept buying to get the "right" member, and some ended up with Hora over and over again. Since they didn't seem to want him I ended up getting one from them! I've seen people do this at live gigs, trading or selling off the ones they don't want, but I've never dared trying it since I don't really know the "rules" (at VK gigs you easily get the feeling that people in the fandom have rules and guidelines, at least I feel that way). But I really want a cheki, if they're sold, at every gig I go to, as a memory sort of. So I was happy that I found some people who didn't want theirs.
Overall it was a fun evening. I'm a bit sad I won't get to see Kaya play solo again before I leave, and I'm even sadder I won't be able to attend the Schwarz Stein 15th Anniversary live in November (which they announced at this gig, and later was posted on Hora's blog).

Looking forward to my next trip to Tokyo, fufufu.

One of the old chekis of Kaya, and Hora's from this gig.

Setlist taken from Kaya's blog:
2017-2016　Kaya solo
１：夢路
２：Prefana
MC

2015-2014年　Femme Fatele
３：JESTER
MC -Toshiコメント-
４：BURN

2013年-2012年 Kaya solo with BAND
５：SALOME
SE（Pendel-eins）
７：Memento mori
SE（VORWISSEN - null）

2011年-2007年　Kaya solo
８：Transmigration
９：ショコラ
10：火車

2006年-2005年　another cell
11：INNER UNIVERSE- cybernated
MC

2004年-2002年　Schwarz Stein
12：transient
13：Perfect Garden

2002年-2001年　Rudof Steiner
14：Queen of Decadence
15：黒揚羽

2000年　ISOLA
16：Egoiste Betterfly
MC
17：『Cruel』

1999年-1998年　Meties
18：激痛の空
19：ネクロフィリア

encore
1997年　Zephyr Zone
20：White gate（アカペラ）
＋カヴァー2曲

encore 2
23：Rose Jail

Schwarz Stein Interview, ZEAL LINK Free Paper Vol. 6, 2014

Why did you decide to revive Schwarz Stein?

Kaya: We did our first reunion in 2011 after 10 years. People came from overseas, but there were many who could not be there, therefor we did it once again in 2012. I wondered if there would be another 10 years, but then we were invited to a live by Mana so we did another gig in 2013. So then I received a call from Hora.

Hora: I received many e-mails and letters from fans, and after all we did 3 reunion gigs, I have this feeling I can't explain (bitter laugh). Then I talked to Kaya and it kept going and now we're at this.

And then you made a perfect comeback.

Kaya: This year is exactly 10 years since our breakup. I've done solo for 8 years and started the new band Femme Fatale. Isn't this a great timing for Schwarz Stein? I thought, for a moment, on the contrary maybe it would be good. I've done chansons for my solo, bandmusic in bands, and I've always really liked the digital music we did in Schwarz Stein.

Hora, how do you feel about doing music together again?

Hora: Simply like I've changed my mind sort of (laugh).

Kaya: Just like Hora (laugh)

Hora: After I got sick and then cured, the one man live during one evening felt nice, so I thought it would be nice to do it again.

Even if things has changed, the concept and musicality doesn't seem to have.

Kaya: The gothic and esthetic origin, expressing organic things in a digital manner that was our starting point, and that basis has still not changed.

The sound hasn't changed either?

Hora: When we first started Schwarz Stein, we were kind of inexperienced, but how the music is done, what I myself like and what I want to make has not changed.

Kaya: Doing new things and making it wider and bigger isn't the aim, we'll make the music we like in our own pace.

This time it will be a great comeback too, there's no words for it.

Hora: It's a 100% like the expectations (laugh) But that doesn't mean you don't want to hear new stuff, the main style is as always so look forward to it. It's like "kata" in kabuki. I think you'll enjoy our style which has matured year by year.

GEBET is exclusive for ZEALLINK, right.

Kaya: We thought that new fans also wanted to get in touch with it, but to have a nationwide spread and since it's the first single we asked ZEALLINK which has helped us before.

One of the songs is "Lapis Lazuli", what kind of feeling does this song have?

Hora: I made it so that all the fans should enjoy it. Perhaps the people who listen to our music will enjoy this I thought.

Kaya: Maybe the 10 years which has passed effected it. 10 years ago we used to get together and talk about what we wanted to release, what to write. Also what words I shouldn’t use. Like using rose too much (laugh).

Hora: Yeah (laugh).

Time has passed, you've matured, even your music?

Kaya: Thank you. On the other hand I also think about what I don’t want to put emphasis on. Not to put too much out there and destroy Schwarz Stein’s world. Schwarz Stein is us two, equal in the band, releasing what the fans want to hear.

Lyrics too?

Kaya: In my solo I have a lot of songs which has a strong sensitivity. Desire, sadness, lyrics which show sensitivity with all my strength. But with Schwarz Stein I stick to one thing, like goodbyes or apathy (laugh). In my solo I sing about places you belong to while in Schwarz Stein its places you want to run away from. You don’t want to fight anymore, nor see the reality, so close your eyes and run away, that kind of lyrics. You’d think I’m young (laugh). No positive words. Even if the lyrics are negative and implying there’s no rescue I want to make them beautiful and also make music which has a meaning.

For the younger people who’s not familiar with Schwarz Stein, what’s the charm point?

Kaya: Our music is sadness and beauty, and I hope that the sounds that are born from that can be of some comfort. Both in my solo and Schwarz Stein the theme is to forget about reality for a while but in Schwarz Stein it might come out even stronger.

What about the sound?

Hora: The music I make has a sort of 80’s feel to it, and I think that’s what’s making it stand out.

Kaya: Yeah, the music is very much like popular music from the mid-1900. But the sound approach has a digital, slight club and German goth feeling to it. I think that combination is interesting and not that much around.

For the youths today this might feel new.

Hora: Yeah, on the contrary it might feel that way.

“Rise to heaven -2014-“ is and already released song.

Kaya: Yes. This was my suggestion, but I didn’t want to change too much of the original but since a lot has changed in 10 years, the equipment, my way of singing, so I wanted to try and make it again.

In that way it feels like a new release?

Kaya: Back in the days I thought it was hard to sing that song, but this time the recording went smoothly. My way of singing has changed quite a bit, but I tried to do it similar to the original. But I think it’s fun you can actually here the presence in this version.

Hora: Yeah we didn’t want to change too much. But if you listen no you can hear that the sound is a bit refined, clearer. We didn’t want to destroy the image of the song for those who listened to the old version.

Kaya: Eitherway there are parts which has changed since it’s been years. There are things about me that has changed and things that has last, both shows here and in my solo. Neither is important. Some things has to change and some things ought to stay the way it is. I think it’s important that Schwarz Stein holds that balance.

The meaning of the title of the single “Gebet” is prayer in German isn’t?

Kaya: We decided on that sound (light laugh). The choice of “Rise to Heaven” was also just instinct. But as we recorded it began to show a meaning. I think the lyrics “The white light of to be born again, I’ll show you a new morning” is suitable for the reunion. So, I wondered if the importance for the things that change and things that doesn’t change could be expressed in form of a prayer. I think the lyrics came to get a meaning.

You’ve also decided on a oneman.

Kaya: I will show everyone what they’ve dreamt of to a 100%. Since it’s a new expression the visuals will change a bit. But it’s minor changes. So small you might think “What was different?” (laugh). Schwarz Stein feels like home. When you return home after a long while you’ll be excited.

Do you have anything to say to the people who will see you for the first time?

Kaya: Watch it freely. If you want to go wild or just listen peacefully it’s fine.

Hora: Despite our appearance we're alright

Kaya: Yeah right (laugh).

Hora: There’s a lot of people who’s given us some sort of maniac image but I think our music is fairly easy to listen to. So even if you’re not into a weird image I’d like you to come and listen.

You’re also doing an instore.

Hora: It’s been 10 years so let’s talk on and on.

Kaya: Yeah let’s talk a lot.

Have you settled any plans from here?

Kaya: The live gigs will be both onemans and promotion events. As for releases, it will be in our own pace.

Hora: We’ll do this smoothly.

Kaya: Slippery (laugh).

Taken from ZEAL LINK Free Paper vol 6, spring 2014.
(Translation is made by myself, sorry for everything that sounds weird, I had some difficult parts, especially with Kaya -.-')

Kaya Q&A

Kaya replied to the most commonly asked questions on Twitter a month ago on his blog. So I decided to do a translation of it!
Here's the result, some things was kind of hard to translate, might  even be visible what those were :P (his famous friends for one....x_X)

Anyway, hope you enjoy~
Original source: http://ameblo.jp/kaya-rose/entry-12029100283.html

Name

Kaya.

With kanji I write it as 迦夜. But I rarely use kanji. When I do chansons or acoustic lives I write it in hiragana as かや.

Age

The eternal 20-year old ♥ (laugh)

Well, it's not like I want to hide my age. Aging is amazing. But my age, sexual orientation are personal information and I don't see that as a necessary part of my music. With my music I want to express unreality and in that real emotions.

So I'll continue this year as 20. (laugh)

Who's your type?

Gentle and kind people.

Regardless of gender, I like beautiful people.

Favorite japanese band/musician

If I limit it to bands I'd say BUCK-TICK and ROUAGE.

Also all the 90's visual kei bands I look up to. (laugh)

But I also like female popmusicans.

Especially Nakamori Akina. And then I also like Yamaguchi Momoe.

(From the beginning I was a Yamaguchi fan but then I heard Nakamori)

As a vocalist I've always adored Nakajima Miyuki.

A singer with a signature is Chiaki Naomi.

Anyhow, I like sad, low voices.

(on the contrary I'm poor at high pitched vocals... A vocalist who's really good at it is aki from Laputa. I love aki's vocals!

Favorite foreign band/musician

When it comes to foreign bands I rarely listen to them. I don't even know about the famous ones ～(；・∀・)

I know a bit about Evanescence and Marilyn Manson though(；´∀｀)

But on the other hand I love Madonna. I really respect her. I wonder if she'll come here on her tour...

And then I really like Kylie Minogue! ～ヽ(=´▽`=)ﾉ

I think Michael Jackson's a genius (I really love They don't care about us!).

And also DEAD OR ALIVE. They're awesome!

Recently (I mentioned it a few days ago on my blog) I've been into the German act Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows.

Sexuality/Gender/Identity/

I’m being asked about this a lot.

My gender and gender identity is male.(laugh)

I don't want to become a woman.

I perform as a visual kei onnagata*. It's a form of expression.

The people I have a loveinterest for is "beautiful people". I don't care for gender, age or looks.

The body is just the container of a persons soul, so it doesn't matter what it looks like☆
*(onnagata is a person acting as a woman, term is used in classical theater kabuki)

Favorite clothing brand

For accessories I like Vivienne Westwood and for fragrences I prefer Jean-Paul GAULTIER.

Recently I don't have any special style I like in clothing. Recently I have a lot of mens clothing in thin fabric. This is a photo from the other day during rehearsal.

My jacket and shorter pants are from THE TWELVE , and the tank top with the virgin Maria on I bought in Las Vegas ☆

Favorite motto

"There is no pointless life experience"

This saying is sticking on to me and has helped me.

The importance is to change the way of thinking~.

Favorite food

Japanese sweets ヽ(=´▽`=)ﾉ

When do you feel most happy

When I'm touching my soft cats Goma and Uni (black cats) (ΦωΦ)

And then also when I'm performing.

When I'm under the spotlight and hear everyones loving voices.

What was your childhood dream

Since I was 3 my dream has been to be a singer.

What’s the thing you have to do every day

Pet Goma and Uni (ΦωΦ)

What’s your favorite novel

I wonder…

Perhaps Mishima Yukio’s “Bitokuno yorumeki”..?

Favorite movie

“Kamome shokudou”

Then I also like Visconti’s “Death in Venice”.

I also like the worlds in Jan Švankmajer’s movie ”Alice” and ”The Wizard of Oz”

(The second movie “Return to Oz” is also nice. I like the scenery in “Dorothy ran away!”.)

“Sleepy Hollow” I also like.

Height and shoesize

I’m 165cm tall and my shoesize is 26cm☆

What do you do when you feel sad

I pet Goma and Uni (ΦωΦ)

Eat delicious food and drink delicious liquor, talk with friends.

But the best thing is to sing.

What’s your favorite book/author

Hagio Moto.

Name a masculine part of yourself

I'm a romantic.

Compared to women I’m kind of weak…

I can’t compare to women’s strength. (laugh)

Do you have any surprising acquaintances among other musicians

 I didn’t really consider it surprising but Aoi Shota has been a friend of mine for a long time, and he comes to my live gigs. Recently I’ve been asked why we’re friends a lot, Shota’s been doing really good! It’s wonderful! ヽ(=´▽`=)I’ll also do my best☆

Then I’m also friends with Kishida Kensaku and Sakamoto, and also in these cases people wonder how come I know these people. (laugh)

Then I’m also friends with Wahaha Honpo’s Umegaki Yoshiaki who’s part of my New Years Chanson together with Kumiko, ROLLY and Ootsuki Ken, Charan Po Tantan etc. I hear a lot of questions about why we’re friends too (；´∀｀)

(In the New Years Chanson performance a lot of interesting people appeared~! I’ve performed long ago with Takarano Arika♪)

My cat Uni is a foster child from Hagio Moto (Acctually it was Hagio’s neighbor, then it came to her and then finally me).

The day I received Uni I got to meet her and at that time I felt like I was meeting someone noble…
I feel nervous just thinking about it..!

Recently I’ve also met with Suzuki Yuki whom I really like, that’s also a bit of a surprise since the genres of our music is a bit different..

And the Kabuki actor Bandou Kamesaburou, and the actor Sonha…when we’re talking about unexpected friendships..

*Note) My relationship to the above mentioned people is mainly workrelated but I feel that we have a good relationship! It’s a varied mix of people but they’re all wonderful!  So please check them out!

Do you like Shuuman’s piano piece “Träumerei”?

Yes I do.

The name of my office is taken from that.

What’s your favorite color, country, flower and season?

Color… black, red, off white

Country… I like all the countries I’ve been to for performances! The US, South America and Europe, I only have good memories. When it comes to climate I might say I like Finland most.

Flower… Roses. Sakura.

Season… I love winter. I also like autumn and spring. I don’t like summer.

The end!! ヽ(=´▽`=)ﾉ

 *:..｡o○☆ﾟ･:,｡*:..｡o○☆*:..｡o○☆ﾟ･:,｡*:..｡o○☆