In October of last year, the Malaysian-based Toybox Projects presented the first edition of Toybox Showcase, where they introduced four Japanese indie bands to a worldwide audience through a live broadcast. This special event included performances and short introductions to the band and resulted in a special digital release. Soon after this event, we had the chance to ask these bands a couple of questions. These interviews all have their own article, so be sure to read them all. The second in the line of interviews is the rock band TRILL-DAN.
TRILL-DAN are a rock trio consisting of guitarist and vocalist JUAN, bassist and vocalist MARU and drummer GIVA. TRILL-DAN’s music often gets described as a fusion of rock & roll with punk has a wild, fierce, fighting spirit with a tinge of unpredictability in their style. The band’s major debut album Megabasutarizumu released in 2007 was produced by Kiyoharu (former Kuroyume’s vocalist & Sads). The rock band has toured in Europe, including a show at Japan Expo Paris in 2009.
AVO Magazine: Let’s start at the beginning. How did TRILL-DAN start out and how did you decide on what the sound and concept would be of the band?
TRILL-DAN: We met and formed the band when we were university students. At that time we listened to bands like Zebrahead, Limp Bizkit, and THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS, which influenced us to develop the sound we have now. Our concept is being the only band with our secret weapon— two female vocalists.
AVO Magazine: The unfortunately still current situation of the global pandemic means that a lot of things may not turn out as they were planned, which also creates a challenge to remain focused with so much uncertainty around. How have you stayed motivated to continue with your project?
TRILL-DAN: Though a pandemic is going on, we got to make full use of videos of our performances with the cooperation of live houses, and held a one-man live show making use of many things you can only do with online streaming. The response we got from many of the people who watched has increased our motivation to keep doing lives in the future.
AVO Magazine: In 2001, you started activities as TRILL-DAN, which means that you have been active as a band for more than 20 years. How do you look back on your activities as a band, and as musicians over the years?
TRILL-DAN: Because we’ve been together for a long time, we’ve been able to experience a lot through the band and through music. Our members have never changed and we’re happy and grateful for all the things we’ve been able to do.
AVO Magazine: It has been 12 years since you had your first performances in Europe, and after that, you returned to Europe a couple of times. Do you have a special memory of these tours that you want to share with the readers? Do you have plans to return to Europe?
TRILL-DAN: France is an especially memorable country for us because in addition to the tour, we also did recording there. Having become convinced that you can connect to people through music, even if you don’t speak the same language, we want to perform in Europe again and share TRILL-DAN’s music more in countries all over the world through our lives.
AVO Magazine: Your latest album, AROUSAL, came out in 2014, and after that, you participated in an omnibus release, Revision Underwear, which was a KUROYUME tribute album with covers from several bands including TRILL-DAN, followed up with a single. Is there a new release in the pipeline?
TRILL-DAN: There is. We’re working on music every day so that we can deliver it to everyone soon.
AVO Magazine: Do you have a message for the readers of AVO Magazine and can you share with us what currently are the best ways to support TRILL-DAN?
TRILL-DAN: The best way you can support us is for all of you to be healthy and not be defeated by the current situation in the world. Also, when the pandemic settles down, we’ll return to playing lives like we used to, so please come see us once both the band and the audience have a place to unleash our energy. That’s the best support you can give.
A big thank you to TRILL-DAN for taking the time to answer the interview questions. If you want to find out more about this band, please check out their official homepage, Twitter, and Facebook. Many thanks to the lovely people from Toybox Projects who facilitated and translated this interview. The digital release of Toybox Showcase Vol. 1 can be found on several major streaming services.
