Napalmer's Bomb House interview with Hiroshi (Russia, year unknown)...
Cheers, Hiroshi! How is it going my friend? Tell us about Raagg! How the band was formed, band upline, releases etc...
Raagg was formed in spring 1996, as "Honkon" in the following line-up to play traditional hard core (such as SxOxB etc) Hideyuki (vo/guitar), Ryosuke (drums), Hiroshi (bass), Ryosuke and Hideyuki had made experiences in bands, but Hiroshi had none. The first demo tape named "Harsh noise -Shizuka Demo-" was recorded in 1997 February and at that time, we renamed to "Skip Rope". When we recorded this tape, Keita joined us as a guitar. So, line up became as follows: Hideyuki (vocal), Keita (guitar/vocal), Ryosuke (drums), Hiroshi (bass). And the first local gig is 1997 summer with FOB and more crazy bands at Watts Nishi-Ogikubo. In summer 1998, we restarted as "Raagg" and recorded "Death Of Last Species", "Extinction", "Shit Liquor". Some gigs we played in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Yamanashi, and some demo-tapes we recorded and now, we have just finished the latest demo-tape "Rag-002". Our 1st ep will be released from Ratious Record [I think he meant Riotous Assemby records. --S] in USA with "Rise Above" (Japan), and we are searching for a label that supports us. Raagg like to thank the following bands they have played with or supported us: Mind Continue, Sound of War, Discord, No Rest for the Dead, Power of idea, Battle of Disarm, FOB, Bangling Bay and many more.
Well, I think "Sick Society Suicide System" your 2nd stuff, tell us about upcoming releases!
We were on rest for 2 months, so there is no upcoming releases. But, now restart again and compose many songs. They are to be recorded in this year, so, please wait!
What about shows/gigs? How is it going?
Next gig will be 10/15 on Tokyo Japan.
I wanna ask about your musical style. I think u play a kind of noise based on Japanese fastcore. But u titled yourself as a noise band I think Raagg isnt a noisegrind band like others! You added flanger effect your fast/crust tunes for making it noisy, maybe...what kind of music do u like & what bands are your main influences?
When Raagg started, we like very noisy/brutality/crusty and of course very fast music such as, in a word, "Japcore" [take THAT "don't say japcore" fuckfaces! --S]. But because Hideyuki and Hiroshi like traditional '60, '70 rock and Jazz, Raagg's music style was gradually changes. Recently, we are very influenced by King Crimson, Pink Floid, Led Zeppelin, Doors, Free and the Beatles! Of course, modern heavines, such as Korn, Rare Against The Machine, Sound Garden, Alice in Chains, Pantera etc are very influence us.
How were the reactions on the materials you've already released?
Good reactions we received. They were released in live house for free.
I'm not sure but can I guess from the titles your lyrix contain politic messages, don't they? What the lyrix about?
Raagg's lyrix is not similar to many crust bands. We sing someting like we think everyday, such as, "I hate Smoking". Not very serious, but don't want to sing trifling lyrix.
By the way you know, we gave many victims to bullshit earthquake? What's your ideas about this fuckin' shit...
I've heard this news every day. Is there anything I can do for you? In Japan, huge earthquake is often occured, like Kobe '96. So, if there is we can do for you, please tell me!! I would do everything I can.
Ok, thats about it! Any last comment my friend?
Thank you very very much for this interview!! We are very proud of it! Maybe, there is many mistakes in English, please correct as you think. So, very thanks again!! We are waiting for your reply! Thank you and take care. Bye!
