• Submissions
  • Support Us
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
  • nl Nederlands
  • en English
AVO Magazine - One click closer to Japan
  • AVO Magazine
    • AVO Magazine, who?
    • About us (日本語)
    • AVO Magazine presents
    • AVO Magazine Podcast
    • Join AVO Magazine’s Discord Server
    • Support AVO Magazine
  • Staff picks
  • Music
    • Japanese Music News
      • Concerts and festival news
      • Musical Snack
    • Curtain-raiser
    • Weekly MV Roundup
      • About: 7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out
  • Japan-related Events
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Reports
  • Colophon
  • Contact
    • Submissions
    • Join the AVO Magazine team
No Result
View All Result
AVO Magazine - One click closer to Japan
No Result
View All Result
Home Interviews

AVO Blog interview with MIKARU (G.L.A.M.S)

Sofia by Sofia
23 February 2016
in Interviews, Musicians
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
0
Fotografie door Francisca Hagen

Fotografie door Francisca Hagen

MIKARU was in the Netherlands on July 11th to perform with his solo project G.L.A.M.S at the first edition of Fan Base Project. For the short existence it is the third time that MIKARU is in Europe with his project. Time to know more about his project and future plans!

Fotografie door Francisca Hagen

AVO Blog: We know you as the previous singer of BLACK LINE and even before that as the singer of Dio-Distraught Overlord-. However now you are very busy working on your own project called G.L.A.M.S. Why did you pick this name and when did the first idea come to let this project arise?
MIKARU: I was thinking a lot about it, so many times. Eventually, GLAMS comes from GLAMOROUS DIAMAND. At first I only chose GLAMS and thought it was cool. I made a Photoshop of the word GLAMS on a black wall and it looked cool, beautiful. I thought something is missing and I tried to add the points between each letter: G.L.A.M.S. and realized – oh, it’s even better this way! So the points do not mean anything, it’s just beautiful. (smiles)

AVO Blog: This is your second European tour as G.L.A.M.S.. How does it feel to come back to familiar places? Have things changed since the last time?
MIKARU: The biggest change this time is that we have our guitarist Yudai with us. First tour was too difficult: one singer only and the DJ style for the first try-out. I have always had a band: drums, guitar, bass. But DJ style is very-very difficult. So I let the guitarist join us this tour and the sound is better. Next time I hope I will bring the real drumkit, guitar, bass and me. I hope!

AVO Blog: So will it be a full band or still stay as a solo project?
MIKARU: It’ll stay as a solo project.

AVO Blog: You are visiting a lot of European countries, such as France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg… Do you have any association for each country? What is the first feeling you get?
MIKARU: Well, France (Lyon) was my first European country ever on tour so every time I come to France I feel like I’m home, I came back!
Next day was Luxembourg. This was my first time, beautiful town! *MIKARU points* Is that a castle? I don’t know! It’s too hot, too hot, I’m dead! But I wanted to go sightseeing, unfortunately couldn’t go this time, not enough free time.
Next day was Munich (Germany). Same place as the last year, same staff, same engineering. It’s a very good place, very good and special engineering. I felt like I’m home again, I came back!
And Next day was Vienna! Also the same place and the same engineering as during my last tour. They remember me, I remember them. This feeling of me together with the engineering and staff feels like a family. I have a family in France, Belgium, Germany. It’s fantastic! Fantastic baby! (smiles)
The Netherlands was a big surprise for me. Last tour in the venue the bar was upstairs, downstairs was the showcase, and the backstage was upstairs too. I went down the stairs and I was thinking: “What’s the smell? Not tobacco, not cigarettes, no, no, no! Oh my god, wonderful country!” (laughs)
Belgium. I love Belgian beer, but there are so many! I heard there are like 5.000 kinds of beer. I want to try everything! I can drink Belgian beer in Japan but there is a very little choice, maybe 10 or 20 kinds.

AVO Blog: If you could have a concert in any place you want around the world, in any stage or stadium, where would you like to play and why?
MIKARU: Tokyo Dome, Madison Square Garden, Paris, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Japan, every Disneyland, Everywhere! Cinderella castle! Yeaaah, stand on top and shout “Wake up children!” (laughs)

AVO Blog: We know you as a very creative person, first of all as a musical artist but also as an overall rounded artist with the exhibition being proof of this. Is there a form of creative expression that you have not tried before, but would love to do?
MIKARU: In the beginning I only wanted to paint, this is my passion since I was born. Then I realized that I want to play music, my own music! Black Line was 4 members, 4 brains working on 1 song. G.L.A.M.S. is only me and it’s very interesting! This was the first time for me. After making my own paintings and music I realized that I like jewelry and I was thinking: “What if mhm…I want to make my own jewelry!” I’m imaging the girls with my necklace or my ring on and it’s a wonderful thing. Then I tried to make one and yes, oh… I can do it! And I tried to make the next one and in my head was “Oh, I really can do it!”. Painting, music, jewelry and everything is so interesting and fun. I’m not getting tired of it. Maybe next year I’ll try something else… I don’t know yet… I only know my heart and passion.

AVO Blog: Are music, painting and photography equally important in your life or do you prefer one of these activities over the other?
MIKARU: Sometimes I think: “Actually I’m a musician”. So music comes first, then painting, and then jewelry. So my center is music! Yeah! When I’m on stage every time I think I’m alive! This is my place, yeah, I think so. My center is music.

AVO Blog: Let’s talk about your paintings! You are using a very interesting technic in your painting “MY FACE”. Why did you physically place your face in the paint? What were your thoughts while making this painting?
MIKARU: I’m always looking for something new so first I drew a white old wall and thought that it was beautiful but I wanted something more…mhm…(Showing with gestures) Look…(put a little bit paint on the face with the fingers, look in the mirror) Oh, it’s cool! I want to put more! More and more! (applying the face on the painting of the wall) Oh, it looks good! Yeah, it’s really good, I should hurry, OK! (quickly put the whole face on the painting). Oh my god, that’s really something new and something I’ve never seen before. And here is my face. I do not know why I did that, just spontaneous (smiles).

Fotografie door Francisca Hagen
Photography by Francisca Hagen

AVO Blog: About your painting “REAL” with a description “Everyone has two faces. I am lonely. But I’m enjoying the loneliness.” It is a very touching and heartbreaking scene. Could you share with us what is the exact meaning for you behind this artwork?
MIKARU: This painting is very special. We all have two faces: outside and inside, our other side. Everybody who sees this work is thinking that it is scary or something similar, but this painting is very sad, very-very sad. When I am home, lonely, looking in the mirror and seeing the other face. The black line in the corner represents the cage. If you have noticed, the sad face on the back is smiling a little. This is a representing of a good feeling, feeling free when I am coming home. G.L.A.M.S. is symbol of freedom. That guy is me.

AVO Blog: Last year you have composed the 1st EP of G.L.A.M.S. “Under the Moon”. The last song of this album is called “The Light of My Life”. This melodic moving ballade was a closure of your shows during the last European tour in 2014 and it haven’t changed since then. What did inspire you to write this song? Does it have a special meaning to you or what feelings do you want to invoke from your fans?
I always sing for the fans. Maybe not everybody understands the Japanese lyrics but I sing: “I want to stay by your side forever! Spring, summer, autumn, winter, I want to stay with YOU always and forever!”. I sing this kind of feelings. Maybe they understand the word “Aishiteru (愛してる – I love you).” This is the very first time I’m using this word in a song. I couldn’t say “Aishiteru” before because I’m too shy. (laughs). Yesterday in Lille people were singing “Aishiteru” together with me and I was so happy, “Aishiteru yo! ( 愛してるよ – I love you!)”. This is why this song is the closure. I don’t know if this will stay this way but I like this feeling a lot. Wonderful world, very good and beautiful.

AVO Blog: What song of the EP “Under the Moon” describes you the most? What is your favorite and why?
MIKARU: Maybe “The Other Side Of The Moon”. This song was the first song I made for G.L.A.M.S.. I always make a melody first and the lyrics come after. I asked the guitarist, the bassist and the drummer to help me record the melody, but all of the songs are made completely by me. When this song was complete and finished I felt so happy and deeply emotional.

AVO Blog: You want to travel the world with G.L.A.M.S. What places/countries are next on your list?
MIKARU: For this tour: tomorrow is Liège (Belgium), Cologne (Germany), Atsusacon (Belgium) and the final show is in Paris!
This tour is unfortunately too short, but I also want to go to Poland, Greece, Finland, England, Chili,…EVERYWHERE!

AVO Blog: What are your near future plans with G.L.A.M.S.? Could we expect any new releases?
MIKARU: In August we will start recording the new EP. Perhaps we will need 2-3 months and after the release I want to start painting again. I also want to hold an exhibition again. Maybe next time it will not be in Paris. I do not know where yet, but I am thinking about Germany or Belgium.

Fotografie door Francisca Hagen
Photography by Francisca Hagen

AVO Blog: Did you have an exhibition in Japan?
MIKARU: Maybe someday I will have one in the future. I tried contest this summer and autumn. In japan a lot of painting contest and I tried a lot of contests so after 1-2 years later maybe I’ll have exhibition in Japan, 7 days in Japan.

AVO Blog: Do you have a message for the readers of AVO blog (from The Netherlands and Belgium) and your fans?
MIKARU: Thank you for reading and thank you for the interview! I hope I will see you guys again next (longer) tour in more cities and we will have even more powerful shows! With drums! Follow me baby! I love you! *MIKARU says: “Rooaaar!”*

I want to thank MIKARU for his time, Fan Base Project, Râmen Shô and AVO Events & Promotion for making this performance possible and Francisca for her support. Follow MIKARU on his official website, Twitter andFacebook!

Tags: 2015G.L.A.M.SinterviewMIKARU
ShareTweetShareShareShareShare
Sofia

Sofia

Former music reporter/interviewer.

Related Posts

Photo of the seven members of PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE standing next to each other in a futuristic setting. They are dressed in dark clothing, inspired by suits, but with different elements showing their personalities, from leather jackets to extra accessories.
Musicians

Interview with PSYCHIC FEVER: A chat about their latest release, international growth, touring Europe, and gelato

by Francisca Hagen
2 July 2025
The photo depicts the (support) members of FATHOMLESS SKYWALKER dressed in a gothic-inspired metal style in a dark lit room, probably located in an (old) factory with red lighting to amplify the atmosphere. Photo by Ato4 Sound Factory (@ato4soundfactory)
Musicians

Interview with FATHOMLESS SKYWALKER: “We would be so happy if our music could become a part of the world that each of you carries within yourself”

by Francisca Hagen
12 March 2025
The photo was taken at the ISM Fair, where Tokimeki and their team were actively promoting the new brand. The photo shows their staff in front of displays of their products.
Other

AVO Interview with Tokimeki: “Delicious snacks to connect people and create lasting memories”

by Yuki
24 May 2024
Yutaro Ogida stands in front of a couple of trees and looks away from the camera. He is wearing a dark blue shirt and a fedora.
Musicians

Interview: Yutaro Ogida gives a glimpse into how music shows him a new world

by Francisca Hagen
1 May 2024
The four current members of ASK I FALL (in 2023) posing a dark area with limited light sources allowing the faces of the band members to be visible on one side.
Musicians

AVO Interview with Rid of ASK I FALL: “With hard work and perseverance, we will achieve our goals and dreams”

by Peter Dennis
31 July 2023
Next Post
Photo by emo kawaguchi/sentaro

AVO Interview with yuichi abe: "I want to express things I couldn’t do with the butterfly nine cord"

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

About AVO Magazine

AVO Magazine is more than just an online magazine about Japanese music and culture. In addition to covering Japan-related events in Europe, AVO Magazine also supports and organises them. Under the banner AVO Magazine presents, several concerts and festivals have been held, including AVO J-Rock Festival (2013) and AVO J-Music Festival (2018), featuring performances by Japanese (indie) musicians. More information about AVO Magazine can be found here.

Have news related to Japan or Japanese music you'd like to share? Feel free to send us an email.
Support AVO Magazine with a digital cup of coffee

Recent Articles

  • MAN WITH A MISSION to celebrate 15th anniversary with European tour in October
  • Live Report: Space Rock Lands In Bedford with Acid Mothers Temple
  • 7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 27, 2025)
  • Isiliel’s 2025 world tour “Moonbow Rebellion” continues in Europe
  • Interview with PSYCHIC FEVER: A chat about their latest release, international growth, touring Europe, and gelato

Affiliates

JPU Records

1_General CDJapan
Facebook Twitter Instagram Soundcloud Threads Bluesky Youtube Discord

AVO Magazine

Online magazine since 2012 and based in the Netherlands. AVO Magazine is a Japan-related entertainment website with information about events in especially in Europe. There is a big focus on Japanese music. Other contents we publish are reports, reviews, informative articles, and interviews. AVO Forum, founded on May 16, 2003, served as the foundation for AVO Magazine.

Contact (Francisca Hagen): hello[@]avo-magazine.com

Please do not use text and photos made by AVO Magazine without permission. An email is easily created. Let's support each other!

Affiliates

JPU Records

1_General CDJapan

Featured on

  Lucydafirst - Crate Culture Podcast LOGO

AVO Magazine Approved

  • ANGURA
  • Arlequin Photography
  • Get Your Genki
  • Idol is SHiT
  • iPod of mine
  • J-POP streaming
  • Japan Jams
  • Japone Artists
  • The Sushi Times

Copyright © 2012 - 2025 AVO Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • AVO Magazine
    • AVO Magazine, who?
    • About us (日本語)
    • AVO Magazine presents
    • AVO Magazine Podcast
    • Join AVO Magazine’s Discord Server
    • Support AVO Magazine
  • Staff picks
  • Music
    • Japanese Music News
      • Concerts and festival news
      • Musical Snack
    • Curtain-raiser
    • Weekly MV Roundup
      • About: 7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out
  • Japan-related Events
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Reports
  • Colophon
  • Contact
    • Submissions
    • Join the AVO Magazine team
  • nl Nederlands
  • en English

Copyright © 2012 - 2025 AVO Magazine

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.