-- Many artists are releasing summer tunes one after another this year as well. What kind of image did GARNET CROW expand from while making the new song you are putting forward this summer, "夢・花火"?
Yuri Nakamura:As we were making it, the keyword "something beautiful and fleeting" came to mind. Because it is beautiful, it is short-lived; and precisely because it is short-lived, it tries to live that instant with all its strength. For example, flowers, plants such as cherry blossoms, and fireworks all disappear in an instant, but their beauty is never forgotten by people. We expanded that image by applying it to human beings as well.
-- It seems that "夢・花火" was a song you had worked on until just before release last year, then kept aside in order to build its world once more. How did the song evolve from that time?
Yuri Nakamura:The parts we redid were mainly the rhythm section. I thought a more rock-oriented, powerful sound would suit this song better, so we redid it. Originally, the sound was a little prettier and more restrained. But we redid it, and we were able to make something we were satisfied with, so I am glad we did.
-- In the opening of this song, you sing the phrase "Ti amo." What meaning does that phrase carry?
Yuri Nakamura:It means "love you..." in Italian, but it does not carry a very large meaning there. I hope people will enjoy the feel of the words. "You" can of course be a beloved person, but also family, friends, nature, or Mother Earth.
-- Compared with GARNET CROW songs up to now, the lyrics of "夢・花火" also gave me the impression of being quite direct and passionate. What feelings are written into them?
Yuri Nakamura:If you measure it against the vast scale of cosmic time, a human life is only an instant. The song expresses the wish to treasure that instant, and to live beautifully.
-- What was it like actually singing "夢・花火"?
Yuri Nakamura:It had been a while since we had done an uptempo minor-key tune, so I was able to sing it with a fresh feeling. It felt as though this song purified my own heart as well, in a resolute and beautiful way.
-- I have the feeling this song may come to occupy an important position in GARNET CROW's live performances from now on. How would you like to present it onstage?
Yuri Nakamura:I cannot say yet, because I do not have a concrete image of the live performance, but I want to quickly see what kind of position this song will take in a live setting, where we can directly see everyone's reactions.
-- By the way, what kind of music video is the one for "夢・花火"?
Yuri Nakamura:It is very cool, meaningful, and stylish. Please do watch it.
-- I would also like to touch on the songs included as coupling tracks. First, "His Voyage." What kind of image did you make this song from?
Yuri Nakamura:People try to live with dreams and hopes, and that kind of way of living is considered beautiful. But sometimes those dreams or goals can feel heavy, can't they? I think there are times when you feel, "Who cares about that." But in the end, you start dreaming again. I would be glad if people could feel that human nature, that very human quality. It is a slightly ironic song.
-- And the third track, "Ring Ring a ding." What kind of image did you make this one from?
Yuri Nakamura:In the lyrics there is a phrase, "大好きって気持ち一つで," and I really like that line. It makes me think I should be honest instead of being twisted. The feeling of "I love this" is something you must always treasure...
-- This release also includes two different takes of "籟・来・也," which was released as a single. How did each of them come to be included here?
Yuri Nakamura:We recorded an a cappella version for a program, and after it aired, we received many inquiries asking, "Is that voice Ms. Nakamura?" So this time we talked about it and said, "Then shall we include it?" In other words, "I am the one singing!"
-- I think both takes have wonderful worlds, but in particular the fourth track, "籟・来・也 ～mother earth～," moved me even more than the original. What impression or feeling do you yourself have toward this take?
Yuri Nakamura:It was my first time doing an entire song a cappella, so I think it was a very valuable experience. But the recording was difficult. I had to pay the utmost attention to the way I breathed and to the vocal line. After all, nothing but my own voice is resonating, so there was pressure.
-- I am sure you have strong feelings for every song, but when it comes to "籟・来・也," I think many fans feel it has enough power to be called a new signature song for GARNET CROW. Could you tell us frankly how you feel about having been able to create a song with that much strength?
Yuri Nakamura:Last year we were able to safely reach the fifth anniversary of our debut, and I feel that, how should I put it, GARNET's foundation has finally been built. Just as roots can spread because there is firm earth, I think this is a song we could make because we have now reached our fifth anniversary. When we debuted, we probably could not have given it shape...
-- Listening to this release, I felt again that GARNET CROW is pursuing music that is not swept along by the times, music that only you could create. How is it in reality?
Yuri Nakamura:What we aim for is "to become a standard for that person, something that does not fade no matter how much time passes." So when you say that, it truly makes me happy, and I feel that it was good that we have kept doing this.
-- Then please tell us once more. What kind of music can we say GARNET CROW creates?
Yuri Nakamura:We ourselves are not tired of music production at all, and we are always able to face songs with a fresh feeling. I want us to keep making music that lets everyone who listens feel the joy and depth of music each time they hear it.
-- What developments are planned after this single is released?
Yuri Nakamura:From July 2, our new song "今宵エデンの片隅で" will be aired as the ending theme for *MÄR Heaven* (TV Tokyo network), so please check that out as well. Singing an upper number gives me energy and makes me feel positive!
-- Finally, please give a message to our readers.
Yuri Nakamura:We will continue pursuing high-quality music, so please keep supporting us!
Interviewer:Tetsuo Hiraga