HYDE Unleashed: [INSIDE] the Electrifying Return of a Rock Legend
Interview and photos by Christan Copeland
December 10, 2024
After a five-year hiatus, global rock sensation HYDE makes a triumphant return to the USA, fresh off his HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2024 WORLD TOUR in Asia.
With his latest hard rock album HYDE [INSIDE] in hand, we sat down with him in the heart of downtown LA, just minutes from his final tour stop. We delved into the stories and themes behind his new music and discussed his eagerly-awaited solo return to the States.
Thank you for always coming back to the US! We’re really excited for this show! Let’s talk about your new album, HYDE [INSIDE]. What emotional themes were you focusing on when you were writing these songs?
HYDE: Previously, I frequently produced music in the U.S. However, due to the pandemic, I ended up producing everything in Japan. During that time, I still had a very strong desire to do live shows, but I couldn’t do it. Since I couldn’t make that happen, I decided to create all the songs that I thought would be fun to perform live. I wanted this album to really be a way for the fans to release their stress from that time. I held the image of wanting to perform live for the fans in mind.
Which songs on the album did you create first?
HYDE: Hmmm, what was it? I don’t know. Maybe BELIEVING IN MYSELF.
As you were creating songs, did you realize a theme you wanted to explore, or thought “AH! this is the message!”
HYDE: Basically, the concept was to have a lot of fun at a live concert. The aim was making sure the live show was thrilling, so any song that sparked excitement was perfect. However, my emotions were steering me towards a more intense and raw sound. So, that’s the approach I went with.
Your English lyrics open the door for fans worldwide to experience your music. What is your process for writing English lyrics?
HYDE: I’ve been studying English for a long time, but I’m not getting very good at it. (laughs) It’s a really tough language to learn! While composing, I think in Japanese, and then have one of my American friends help with me with the English lyrics. The rock music I create works really well with English, so I think I’ll be using English a lot in the future.
With so many loud, hard rock songs on HYDE [INSIDE], you chose to end with the emotional “LAST SONG”. Why was this the right mood to end the album?
HYDE: You know what? It’s because I wanted to play that song at the end of the concert. Originally, the album could have gone anywhere, but since it was called “LAST SONG”, I thought it would be perfect to end the concert with it. I think you’ll understand why I wanted to do it at the end of the concert when you see it tomorrow.
HYDE – LAST SONG (MV)
How do the visual ideas of the “LAST SONG” music video connect to the song’s meaning?
HYDE: The song talks about a person who can’t conform to this society, who is always being looked down upon and laughed at by someone else. While those around him might not feel like they’re making fun of him, the main character of the song feels like they’re always laughing at him — which is why the people are wearing smiling masks in the music video. From the main character’s point of view, all they do is wear masks and laugh, even if that is not the reality.
The music videos for this album show a diverse range of styles. Aside from “LAST SONG”, you created MVs for “SOCIAL VIRUS”, “TAKING THEM DOWN”, and “6or9”. It’s like you’re creating a movie each time. How do you find the right style for each video?
HYDE: They each reflect how I felt about the songs at that time. I usually have ideas for what visuals I want to create for each song, whether it’s a lyric video or music video — and I work with my staff to bring the vision to life.
Most of the world’s audience experiences music in small pieces — through YouTube and TikTok. How do you feel about creating a “full album” experience and taking the listener through a complete emotional journey?
HYDE: I consider creating an album to be an art form in its own right, possibly because I experienced the era before viral videos. Crafting an album is how I share my full self with the world. Just hearing a snippet of music on something like TikTok, it doesn’t have to be a musician, it doesn’t have to be “ME” that creates it. If I feel “This role doesn’t need to be mine,” then I question the necessity of being a musician.
How does your process in the studio connect to the way you create your live shows?
HYDE: Actually… I don’t really like working in studios. While creating in the studio, I’m thinking of performing the songs for an audience as soon as possible. (laughs). Live performance is very tiring, but I feel it’s very healthy because I get energy from the exhaustion.
Are you already thinking ahead about how these songs will be performed in concert?
HYDE: Exactly. When I create something, I’m already envisioning how the audience will respond, how fans will react, and how enjoyable it will be to execute it this way.
Is there a particular song for this show that you’re excited to see how the fans will respond?
HYDE: I think for America it’s “6or9”. I would like to see the excited reaction from people in the U.S. for this song.
HYDE – 6or9 (MV)
The audience only sees the final product, but we can’t see the day-to-day work that puts these songs together. What is your favorite part of creating your music or visuals?
HYDE: What excites me… when I can create a demo for a song that goes exactly the way I imagine it to be, I’ll just listen to it over and over again, and really enjoy it. But when I can’t do that… When it doesn’t turn out that way, I really want to run away with a baseball bat.
What your intention for the using a similar style to the ANTI promotions and production, with the masked band?
HYDE: It’s an extension of what I’ve done in the past, and I actually designed all the masks myself. I collaborated with the same people that make the masks for Power Rangers, which are also famous over here. Watching many different performances at music festivals, I noticed that having people in masks leaves a bigger impression than just having normal musicians. So, I hope to continue having a masked backing band for a while.
What qualities do you look for in your musicians?
HYDE: Well, there’s the level of skill, such as being able to play the guitar properly, and then there is the personality. Whether they are funny, and whether or not they can tell jokes? That’s all very important.
What excites you most about returning to the U.S. stage after a five-year hiatus?
HYDE: We recently performed in New York, and it was heartwarming to see our fans who’ve been waiting for us for so long. Their enthusiasm and charm are truly touching. I’m excited to see their reactions and the excitement our new music will generate.
You are arguably one of the biggest rock vocalists in the world. What drives your passion to create?
HYDE: Yes, I wonder what it is. I feel like there are so many more things that I can do. I’m still running after my vision of the “ideal rock musician” and… I’m not sure if there’s a limit to reaching that ideal vision, but I continue to chase that dream.
Speaking of the vision, what are your future plans, both musically and creatively? What’s next?
HYDE: Over the past five years, I’ve released numerous singles from HYDE [INSIDE] and now a full album. Additionally, I’ve put out two ballads. An album with those songs is expected to be released in about a year. It will be a quieter album of ballads, the exact opposite of HYDE [INSIDE].
Is this possibly the 2.0 of your very first album ROENTGEN? It was very much in that softer, smoother style.
HYDE: Ah… This album isn’t exactly a sequel; it will be its own entity. However, it does retain a style reminiscent of my first album, ROENTGEN.
There’s so much to look forward to next year, and we can’t wait to see what’s next! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today.
HYDE: Thank you.
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