Yoshiki is the drummer/pianist for the super successful Japanese rock group X Japan. Recently Yoshiki was asked to compose the theme song for the 2012 Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Yoshiki about his work on the piece as well as what it was like being made into a superhero by none other than Stan Lee.
Adam Lawton: How did you get involved with writing the theme for the 2012 Golden Globes?
Yoshiki: I had been invited to attend the Golden Globes last year. I got to know some of the people in the HFPA and we all became friends. After a few meetings during the summer time, the President of the HFPA asked me if I would be interested in writing the theme song for the Golden Globes. I was very delighted to be asked.
AL: When you a write a piece like this what do feel is the hardest part of the process?
Yoshiki: I think the hardest part is overcoming the pressure of each project. I have written for large Japanese events however this is my first time writing for something that is based outside of Asia. I had gotten some information from the people at the HFPA that they wanted the piece to be prestigious with touches of Hollywood. I tried to listen to everyone’s ideas and digest them all while writing the piece.
AL: What can you tell us about your comic book character “Blood Red Dragon”?
Yoshiki: I have been working with Stan Lee and Todd McFarlane on that project. Stan Lee is pretty much the brain behind the project. They will often show me ideas and I give them some input as to whether I think it’s a good idea or not. Stan made me a superhero, which is something he is very good at!
AL: How did the idea for the character come about?
Yoshiki: I had met Stan at a charity event. I introduced myself by telling him I was a rock star and he told me he creates superheroes. That’s really how everything started. Stan is just so big and he has created so many great characters.
AL: With X Japan starting to venture outside of Asia what do you think is the hardest part about breaking into a new market such as here in the United States?
Yoshiki: The hardest part is that no Asian act/rock band has been to other markets. People tend to have a stereotype because of this. They often think we can’t make it. We have to convince them that nothing is impossible. We have to work and keep on rocking to convince people. There really is no easy way to become popular or known when going to a new area. X Japan is pretty lucky because we have had quite a bit of Japanese press. There are also a lot of people around the world who are interested in Japanese culture and they have found are music. We get immediate response from our fans around the world however, in order to take things to the next level you have to keep touring and rocking!
AL: You perform both classical and rock music. Is there one genre you prefer over the other?
Yoshiki: Going back and forth between rock and classical music I think keeps me sane. I think if you listen to too much rock you will go insane and vice versa. (Laughs) I enjoy going back and forth between the two.
AL: Do you have any other projects coming up this year?
Yoshiki: X Japan should have a new album out this year. It is about 90% done however I had to stop work on it in order to focus on the Golden Globes. Once I am done with everything for the Golden Globes we will start recording the album. I also have my solo project Violet UK and I would like to finish an album for that as well. When both of those are completed I plan to start touring again. We would like to be able tour North America extensively in the coming year.
For more information on Yoshiki and all of his projects you can go to his official site at www.yoshiki.net
