As a fan who has had the privilege of witnessing the meteoric rise of this incredible Japanese band, I must say that their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From their humble beginnings to their electrifying performances at Coachella and beyond, they have truly captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.
In a flash, as soon as Japanese pop quartet Atarashii Gakko! kicked off their concert at the Hollywood Palladium, the whole sold-out audience was spellbound by their performance.
Dressed in vintage school attire, the quartet – consisting of Mizyu, Rin, Suzuka, and Kanon – confidently take center stage, delivering distinct pop anthems and complex choreography. This year alone, Atarashii Gakko! has made a significant impact with their electrifying Coachella performances, a guest spot on U.S. late-night television, and the release of a new album. Their international fame, which began with their debut in January 2021 under 88rising, continues to expand globally.
In December last year, the band appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for their first U.S. television performance, playing their worldwide smash hit “Tokyo Calling”. This dynamic song and its equally energetic choreography serve as both a rallying cry and a reflection of the disappointments in everyday life. The lyrics speak to these struggles, expressing: “Dad’s trapped in the daily grind, his job’s grip is suffocating / Brother’s shackled to the screen, on the brink at college / Mom’s fleeing from reality, hooked on false idols.
Before their performance at L.A.’s October crowd left everyone on their feet, Atarashii Gakko! had a chat with The Hollywood Reporter. This dynamic four-piece group expressed, through a translator, that they aspire to be seen as a symbol of hope by fans worldwide. In simpler terms, Atarashii Gakko! aims to serve as the beacon of hope for many around the globe via their music and performances.
In the conversation below, they share their unique interpretations of personal expression, explain how their music resonates with diverse cultures worldwide, and express their aspirations for the time ahead.
How has the tour been?
SUZUKA For the very first time, I was part of this incredible journey, and the unwavering support from everyone around us made it even more special. Determined to deliver top-notch shows, we managed our schedule with two performances every few days. Our primary focus was always ensuring that each performance was nothing short of spectacular.
For your collective, the principle of challenging conventions and self-expression is central. Can you share how this concept resonates with each one of you personally, as part of the group?
SUZUKA We strive to surpass the ordinary in both our professional and personal lives. This drive pushes us to find new ways to make our performances exceptional, and also to make each moment as enjoyable as possible in our daily lives. “How can we make the most of every experience?
How come your music resonates universally, considering that isn’t always simple? In your opinion, what makes it so relatable across various cultures and regions worldwide?
Originally, we launched our career abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant our debut happened online. This unique debut through digital platforms, discovered via social media, might be part of our allure too. It highlights our distinctiveness and passion. Furthermore, we believe we can captivate audiences in a way that makes them perceive us as almost iconic figures, viewing us from various perspectives rather than just one narrow viewpoint.
Now that you’ve resumed your travels, did you notice any changes when performing for international audiences?
SUZUKA Viewing an event from the stage brings about a unique perspective. In Japan, there’s an ingrained sense of collectiveness and unity that is instilled from childhood. A request to the audience here will often be met with a synchronized response. Contrastingly, in other parts of the world or overseas, individuality is more emphasized, resulting in diverse and personal experiences. It’s almost as if one were observing a vibrant carnival procession.
What was your Coachella experience like?
SUZUKA The entire globe pays attention to Coachella, a festival renowned by all. Its grandeur and electric ambiance were truly extraordinary, serving as the launching pad for our tour (the AG! Calling Tour). The set list we’re currently performing was initially designed for that very Coachella performance. It was at Coachella where we first introduced AG! from Japan to the world. That concept was solidified there, marking the beginning of something significant. I believe the Coachella performance signaled the start of a major event in 2024, a moment when we truly felt, “This is the birth of something big.
Discussing significant beginnings, “Tokyo Calling” seems to mark a milestone in your journey towards international acclaim. Could you share what it’s been like to witness the entire evolution of this song, from its debut to the present moment?
It’s really exciting to observe the growing enthusiasm from AG! fans and other listeners alike towards our song. Interestingly, this surge in popularity seems to align with what we had envisioned for the song when we first released it. Since Tokyo symbolizes Japan, we always hoped that our creation would become a massive, intense anthem representing the city. The idea is that we’re sprinting towards the future. We felt that it would gain traction and turn out big. When we hear all these fans shouting “we are marching” throughout the song, it’s quite… well, to put it simply, impressive. It’s a pleasure to witness its journey.
What do you hope your fans take from your music and from you as performers?
Regarding SuzUKA, RIN, KANON, and MIZYU, we’re essentially entrusting the impact of our performances and music to them. In essence, we encourage them to interpret it in their unique ways. We consider our performances to be a distinct expression, one that only the four of us can truly capture. Our goal is to transmit this unique energy worldwide, as we continue on an exciting journey that remains unpredictable. The Japanese term omakase perfectly represents our approach – we entrust it to them.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the 10th anniversary is just around the corner for us! We’ve been brainstorming some special plans for it. This year, we were fortunate enough to embark on numerous international tours, and when we return home, we’ve got a tour across Japan lined up. However, next year, we’re eager to keep the global adventures going!
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2024-11-04 09:55