VOL.71 5th single“夏の幻”

●○○ From music freak magazine Vol.71

GARNET CROW Interview

New Maxi Single “夏の幻”
Out October 25!!

Just one month after “千以上の言葉を並べても...,” their previous single, GARNET CROW will quickly follow it with the new single “夏の幻,” due out on October 25. The song has already been broadcast as the ending theme for the anime *Detective Conan*, so many of you have probably heard it. The acoustic guitar immediately evokes nostalgia, while a buoyant rhythm spreads comfortably through the song. Natural harmonies appear throughout and vividly decorate GARNET CROW’s world, while the song’s sudden expansion in the chorus is another detail worth noting.

They are also scheduled to release another single in November. We asked the busy members of GARNET CROW to tell us about this new work.

● When did you begin making “夏の幻”?

Hirohito Furui: Around the beginning of this year, I think.

● What did you pay particular attention to, or insist on, while making it?

Yuri Nakamura: I wanted to express an image that was rhythmic, fresh, and invigorating. If I had to compare it to a color, it would be a “clear blue.”

Hirohito Furui: We made several different arrangements for the backing, then chose the version you hear now.

● When you usually write a song, does the music or the lyrics come first? Which came first for “夏の幻”?

Yuri Nakamura: More often, the music comes first.

AZUKI Nana: “夏の幻” was probably made on the same day. I received the music as soon as it was finished, and I remember writing the lyrics that day.

● The word “飛行機雲” also appears in this song, after appearing in “千以上の言葉を並べても...,” your previous single. Is there a connection between the two?

AZUKI Nana: It was just a coincidence. I only noticed recently and thought, “Oh no! I repeated myself...!” I wrote “千以上の言葉を並べても...” about a year ago.

● Please tell us directly what is worth listening for in “夏の幻.”

Yuri Nakamura: The chorus is very easy to get into, and the way the scene keeps changing from the A section to the B section and then to the chorus. The energy is high from the very beginning, so you can move along with the rhythm.

AZUKI Nana: It will make you like Nakamura’s voice even more. Please take in the pleasant resonance throughout the song. She sings “orthodox pop” with great style.

Hirohito Furui: I hope you will experience another kind of GARNET appeal, as well as another side of Nakamura’s appeal, through the whole song.

● Since the title is “夏の幻,” do you have any unforgettable summer memories to share?

Yuri Nakamura: Every summer, I look forward to going to a fireworks festival. Unfortunately, I could not go this year...

AZUKI Nana: I did not get to go swimming this year. I am going to the pool right now!

Hitoshi Okamoto: Probably the grueling club activities I did in high school.

● The coupling song “hi-speed スペシャル oneday” also feels very pop from its lyrics. Could you introduce it?

Yuri Nakamura: It is a very bright and happy song. I was in an especially cheerful mood when I sang it too.

AZUKI Nana: It is pop.

Hirohito Furui: We made it into a song that anyone can naturally move along to, and that everyone will find themselves humming.

● What does the phrase “hi-speed スペシャル oneday” mean, and what kind of state does it describe? Where did it come from?

AZUKI Nana: There is no particular origin. I came up with it from the feeling I had when I heard the music.

● Are there any behind-the-scenes stories or amusing episodes from the making of these songs?

Yuri Nakamura: It took quite a while to settle on the lyrics and arrangement for “夏の幻,” so I feel even more strongly about it. “hi-speed スペシャル oneday” was also well received by the staff around us, so we decided on the spur of the moment to use it as the coupling song.

● “夏の幻” is being released only one month after your previous single, and another single is planned after this one. How do you change your mood during such a busy schedule?

Yuri Nakamura: Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts and empty my mind for a while. I also watch films and go shopping. Time spent doing nothing is actually very precious.

Hirohito Furui: I exercise by riding my bicycle.

Hitoshi Okamoto: I take a bath.

● You mentioned an “album” in your previous comments. Are you becoming more conscious of the album as GARNET CROW? Please tell us about your plans from here.

Yuri Nakamura: We have already begun preparing for the album. I hope we can express a new GARNET CROW world.

AZUKI Nana: I really want to finish the album soon... I want to write lots of songs that can only be made for an album.

Hirohito Furui: Yes. We are moving ahead at a very fast pace right now, and we will keep moving forward.

Hitoshi Okamoto: There is still a lot that is unknown, so I am especially looking forward to it myself.

Release information

GARNET CROW
New Maxi Single “夏の幻”
GIZA studio　GZCA-1050　¥1,050 (tax included)
Release: October 25, 2000

1. 夏の幻
2. hi-speed スペシャル oneday
3. 夏の幻〜Instrumental〜