K: Two of your tracks, Break Free and VANE have English versions (at the time of this interview). Is there a reason you decided to do an English version of these specific tracks? Can fans expect more tracks to have English versions?
H: We actually have English versions to all the four singles ( Break Free, VANE, TOUCH, and CHRONIC). We decided to release that as we seek to be abroad in the future and we want non-Japanese listeners to understand the meaning of these songs. It’s pretty funny how some of my listeners abroad like the Japanese version more and some Japanese listeners prefer English versions. We are planning to continue releasing English versions of our songs in the future too, as we feel like we can deliver slightly different vibes in each language.
K: What has been the most challenging song to produce so far?
H: I feel like every song was challenging for me in various ways but I think “VANE” was the one I remember being hard to record as I had to keep shouting the chorus.
K: The image for your “NAQT” is you taking your face off like a mask, where did that idea come from and what kind of symbolism were you going for there?
H: NAQT VANE consists of three members - myself, Sawano-san and there is a creative team called “Classic 6”. They are in charge of all the art work of NAQT VANE. With the keyword “Metamorphose”, the image shows the mask, which symbolizes the new “real” NAQT face that NAQT VANE and the listeners find as they move along the generation.
Evolution unfolds in time as we live, and we hope that people find the next new mask to suit the purpose.
K: What song(s) had an impact on you while on this project?
H: We feel like every song has impacted our growth but TOUCH and CHRONIC has been a good impact for us as we feel like we were able to reach more audiences through dramas that these songs were used as theme songs. We felt more reactions from listeners and we were able to hear what they wanted from us, so it definitely affected us in a good way.
K: What are some challenges you have faced as an artist? How have you overcome them?
H: I personally still struggle with the high notes with chest voice- I am still trying to control my voice and practice to get better but NAQT’s songs are never chill (lol) so I’m trying to figure out how to perform all the songs without running out of breath.
I also am facing the difficulties of how to actually be myself while showing them in an attractive/fascinating way to people. I feel like all those artists I admire know how to show their best- so I’m learning from them.
K: Is there a particular genre of music that you would like to try that you haven’t already?
H: In this EP “NAQT '', for the first time ever we have a ballad song - not too ballad but definitely quieter than other songs we put out. Having this out I received many compliments as we were able to show NAQT’s other side. In the future I definitely want to try more ballad/chillipop or very rock tunes.
K: For international fans, how they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. First, do you guys watch anime, and if so what would you say is your favorite?
H: I actually don’t really watch anime but I know a lot of you do. When I was in the states, I got so many questions about anime and I was a little sad that I didn’t know any of those titles that people were talking about. I am interested in watching them if any hits my interest. Please let me know if any of you have recommendations!