Kanami, Miku: Band-Maid - Interview by David Cirone for jrock247.com

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How long have each of you been playing music?
Miku: Since I was small, I loved singing and I was a child who would sing anywhere. I was going to a vocal school about 3 years ago. I started to play the guitar after starting BAND-MAID, so it’s been about 2 years.
Saiki: I started singing when I was 14, but just as a soloist. This is my first time in a band.
Kanami: I’ve played classic piano for 15 years, and I’ve been playing the guitar for 8 years, also as a singer and songwriter.
Misa: I’ve been playing in bands for about 7 years, but I’ve been playing musical instruments ever since I was 3 or 4 years old. I started on piano.
Akane: 4 years for piano, 5 years on the trombone, 6 years for the drums.

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On YouTube, I see the same comment all the time: “Wow! They can really play their instruments!” Why do you think people are so surprised by this? What do you say when you hear these comments?

Miku: I think it’s because people have a strong image of “idols” about Japan. I’m genuinely happy about the comments. I want to show “We’re not just the look!”!!

Saiki: We’re looked down because of our look, I guess. But we get to change people’s minds.

Kanami: That’s right. We are playing! It’s not air-guitar! We practice so hard every day! (laughs)

Misa: It’s natural to think “Can young-looking, cute girls really play such a heavy sound or play the double bass drums?” I think. If I was just a bystander, my response would probably be the same.

Akane: It’s absolutely a prejudice, so we prove our skill through live shows.



BAND-MAID® "Thrill" (thrill) MV