VOL.88 10th single“夢みたあとで”

From music freak magazine Vol.88

GARNET CROW

AZUKI Nana / Yuri Nakamura / Hirohito Furui / Hitoshi Okamoto

Special interview with Yuri Nakamura & AZUKI Nana

GARNET CROW’s new single “夢みたあとで” had reportedly been considered for release several times in the past, but each time it was held back in pursuit of a higher level of completion. It is a work they took exceptional care to polish. A peaceful spring atmosphere drifts through the song; close your eyes and you can almost see petals fluttering down. As Yuri Nakamura says, it “appeared unexpectedly in everyday life,” a simple love ballad built around a melody. AZUKI Nana wrote into it the feelings that anyone might experience when in love.

The first lines to emerge were said to be “If you expect nothing, you will lose nothing, but you cannot help seeking,” and “turning around in vain.” In love, the deeper your feelings for someone, the more likely you are to make every effort and receive no response. Have you experienced that too? The lyrics capture small, everyday moments that anyone might live through in beautiful phrases, making the sadness more vivid. Spring is also a season of partings, with graduations and the like. At such a time, think of someone precious to you and listen quietly to this song. We spoke with Yuri Nakamura, who handles vocals and composition, and AZUKI Nana, who handles keyboards and lyrics.

● Please tell us how you composed “夢みたあとで.”

Yuri Nakamura: I did not write it with a powerful intention, and it was not triggered by any particular event. It really was a song that suddenly appeared in ordinary daily life. I think it is a ballad that feels comfortable and can be accepted naturally. I wrote the key melody in the chorus first, and then the rest came very smoothly, as if it were guiding me.

● How do you usually compose?

Nakamura: It is different every time. Sometimes a melody occurs at a perfectly ordinary moment; sometimes I work hard to write the song I want. Sometimes I watch a film or something similar and am inspired to write a melody. There are all kinds of situations. So I always carry paper, a pencil, and a recorder. I also call my own answering machine and record melodies there...

● How do you feel about the finished work as a whole?

Nakamura: This time I explored how to make something simple that people would still want to hear. Rather than using something new, I kept removing things, trying to create the greatest emotion with the fewest elements and make music that would slowly seep into the heart.

AZUKI Nana: We revised it repeatedly for a very long time, probably about a year. At each stage someone would say, “I tried doing it this way,” and we kept repeating the process.

● What about the lyrics?

● Where did you write the lyrics?

● Where do you usually write lyrics?

● Nakamura’s music must easily create images in your mind, right?

● When you add lyrics to your own music, does it ever turn out differently from what you imagined at first?

Nakamura: It is never completely different. Adding lyrics can expand the song or let it continue growing, so I never feel that it is wholly different from what I imagined.

● GARNET CROW songs have a sense of nostalgia running through them, whether they are fast or slow. Do the members create that consciously?

Nakamura: Each person brings together the things they are good at and like, and it naturally becomes this way. We do not pay particular attention to it.

From music freak magazine Vol.88

New Maxi Single *夢みたあとで* arrives March 13!

● Is there a line in “夢みたあとで” that you particularly like?

Nakamura: The line “a rain of flowers falls.” When I recorded it for the first time, I imagined cherry trees lining a road. No previous song had made me picture a scene so vividly, so it was fresh in that sense too. The cherry blossoms really appeared before my eyes, so I am glad it can be released in this season.

● If you described “夢みたあとで” with a color, what would it be?

Nakamura: Pale pink.

● What is the part listeners should pay closest attention to?

Nakamura: The chorus, and the crying guitar solo in the melody.

● What kind of people would you like to hear it?

Nakamura: I hope people listen while thinking about someone they cherish.

● Please tell us about the coupling song “幸福なペット.”

Nakamura: This time I wanted to try a cute song unlike anything we had done before, so it is also a type GARNET CROW had never tried. I wanted to make something cute and easy to listen to, and this was our attempt. There is a little joke hidden in it for people to discover. If you listen to the end, you should understand (laughs).

● What color would you give this song?

Nakamura: Light blue.

Nakamura: Yes. In any case, this time we wanted to make a very cute song.

● As a vocalist, what do you want to convey through your singing?

Nakamura: I want to keep singing songs that make people who are lost or troubled think, “All right, I will try a little harder,” and give them a gentle push. I want to encourage them with my voice, or help them feel a little more at ease. It would be good to be the kind of presence that gives someone a light tap on the back and says, “Try a little harder.”

● As a lyricist, what do you want to convey through your lyrics?

● Did everyone record separately?

Nakamura: Yes.

● How long does recording vocals usually take?

Nakamura: A day or two if it goes quickly. Sometimes I need more time and record again about a week later... But three or four days is usually enough.

● Was there anything worth sharing from this recording?

Nakamura: Compared with the beginning, both the lyrics and arrangement changed. In that sense we tried many methods while searching for the best presentation. In the end we removed everything unnecessary, so it should be easy to listen to.

● Nakamura also participated in an R&B concert. How was it?

Nakamura: It was very enjoyable. Surprisingly, I was not very nervous when I went on stage and was able to enjoy the performance. Since it was my first experience like that, and the first time so many people had come to hear me sing, it was fresh and enjoyable for me too.

● You seem to get along very well. Are you like this normally too?

● AZUKI once said she was especially in love with Nakamura’s voice, right?

● What would you like to try in magazines or programs in the future?

Nakamura: I would like to do a feature where I make things by hand, or cook and taste food. I like sweets, so I would like to try making delicious pastries.

● Finally, a few words for your fans.

Nakamura: I want to leave many songs that encourage everyone and sometimes help them feel at ease, so please continue to support us.

Release information

GARNET CROW New Maxi Single *夢みたあとで*
Released March 13 / GIZA studio
GZCA-2031 / ¥1,260 (tax included)

1. 夢みたあとで
2. 幸福なペット
3. 夢みたあとで 〜Gomi’s Lair Remix〜
4. 夢みたあとで 〜instrumental〜

Special feature: association game

Like
Nakamura: Music.
AZUKI Nana: I am not sure.

¥100,000
Nakamura: Travel. I want to go to France.

Composing
Nakamura: The most important thing in my life.

Television appearances confirmed!

• March 12 (Tue): *AX Music factory*, Nippon Television network.
• March 15 (Fri): *Music Station*, TV Asahi network.
• March 19 (Tue): *melodix!*, TV Tokyo.
• March 20 (Wed): *速報！歌の大辞テン!!*, Nippon Television network.
• March 22 (Fri): *CDTV-Neo*, TBS.
• March 24 (Sun): *musix!*, TV Tokyo network.