Interview with M.E.S.S

M.E.S.S is a four-member band that stands out in the visual kei scene. They don’t feel limited by any particular style and  work together to write songs and perform live with energy, impressing the audience. The band’s lyrics, written by singer Yuuka and influenced by each member’s unique personality, match their eye-catching visual stage outfits. Motivated by their instincts and a desire for freedom. M.E.S.S music is always changing and aims to make their listeners feel many different emotions.

■■■INTRODUCTION■■■

■ Please introduce yourself.

憂架-Yuuka-: Vocalist・ November 19th・163cm in the morning・ I like all kind of alcohol, especially whiskey・I like any kind of tasty food・Terea Mint^[1].
嫉-Shitsu-: Guitarist・July 13th・I’m not small・Pilkul^[2](ピルクル) instead of alcohol・Grandma’s katsudon!・I hate smoking. 
有哉-Yuya-: Likely guitarist・May 26th・About 170cm・I don’t drink・Any kind of cigarette.
翔-Syou-: Bassist・December 21st・175cm・ I’m weak to alcohol・Meat!!

※IQOS cigarettes. ※Probiotic drink

■ Do you have a favorite Japanese mascot character?

Yuuka: Honestly speaking I don’t have any. It’s so miserable! 
Shitsu: Anoko from Chiikawa、Tama from the educational program.
Yuya: Chiikawa・Sergeant Keroro・Crayon Shin-Chan
Syou: Most mascots are my favorites, so I can‘t decide my number one!

■ What‘s your favourite Kanji and why?

Yuuka: 冥 (Mei)　唯(yui)　I like the reading and how it’s pronounced.
Shitsu: 魔 (Ma)    邪  (Ja)   The meaning is cool. 
Yuya: 玲 (Rei) I like the meaning.
Syou: I‘d say it‘s 黒 (kuro), because it‘s my favourite colour.

■ Do you have a favourite phrase? Please tell us why.

Yuuka: 『In the end, people become what they hated the most.』Because that’s exactly how my life has been.
Yuya: 『Cool people just do it silently.』Because it’s always a phrase that’s in my heart.

■ Is there something you are really obsessed about or something you used to be obsessed about?

Yuuka: To dry your hands completely with a Jet hand dryer. I’ve never seen anyone else do it. Everyone just does a little and stops. I don’t get it, everyone’s dumb.
Shitsu: Only my guitar has stuck with me… nowadays it’s about 90% M.E.S.S and the rest just hobbies.
Yuya: Being considerate of others
Syou: Collecting gadgets for my desk! Pretty much doing everything else I want to, life’s good!

■ What inspired you to become a band member? 

Yuuka: Before I knew it, I was on stage. I didn’t even really want to be a vocalist.
Shitsu-: Heard someone else’s guitar solo and thought, “Whoa, I was born to play guitar“, totally fooled myself.
Yuya: Back in fifth grade, I just wanted to have more fun in life and by chance, I came across band music and it felt like this could actually make it happen.
Syou: I thought bass was super cool and before I knew it, I was at music school for it.

■ What made you decide on your current part/instrument?

Yuuka:  I hadn’t built up the mindset to really devote myself to an instrument.
Shitsu: HIDE is the root of everything. 
Yuya: After seeing HISASHI from GLAY performing on stage…
Syou: I tried a bunch of instruments, but the bass felt most comfortable to me!

■ If you could choose another instrument, what would it be?

Yuuka:  Piano
Shitsu: If I have enough time, I could probably handle all of them to some extent. I want to play everything, but… piano comes first.
Yuya: Piano and singing. 
Syou: Piano and Violin

■ Do you have any hobbies besides music?

Yuuka: Riding my motorbike and car. Interior design, traveling, experiencing things for the first time.
Shitsu: Collecting things I like. I like diving.
Yuya: Reading, watching movies, and self-disclosure.
Syou: Gadgets, Cars.

■ Do you have a favorite quote or motto that you live by?

Shitsu: Enjoying taking detours
Yuya: Believe in yourself and always keep questioning.

■ If you could send a message to your future self, what would you say?

Yuuka: Even if you are an idiot I love you. I love you too.
Shitsu: Are you alive? … or are you dead?
Yuya: You did your best right?
Syou:  Did you do everything you wanted to do?

■ ■ ■ VISUAL KEI ■ ■ ■ 

■ Visual kei is often said to be characterized by the ‘freedom of self-expression.’ Aside from darker or ‘mental health’-related themes, in what ways do you think that freedom is expressed? Also, compared to other music genres, do you think there are any major differences?

Yuuka: I don’t really feel there’s a big difference. If anything, I think visual kei places more emphasis on emotions and the human element during performances compared to other genres.
Shitsu: It’s the freedom to become anything and immerse yourself in any kind of world. I haven’t experienced other genres much, so I don’t want to speak over them… Other genres are their own thing and we do our own thing.
Yuya: To me, the main difference is that visual kei lets you convey a distinct, one-of-a-kind beauty.
Syou: First and foremost, it’s the visual aspect! Beyond that, visual kei also divides into many different sub-genres.

■ What are the strengths and challenges of visual kei? Also, how do you tackle the challenging aspects?

Yuuka: Honestly, almost no song melodies of other genres are that  difficult than visual kei. They’re so complex it’s hard to make sense of them, all you can do is keep going and not to give up. 
Shitsu: The great thing about visual kei is the ability to transform and express yourself beyond just the music. The challenge is that if you’re not fully in it, your appearance and stage presence won’t match and you can’t fully embody the song. A live show without the right look just comes across as uncool and flat.
Yuya: I feel it’s challenging to express an entire world through visual kei. Unlike, say, West Coast hardcore punk, where you can just perform in shorts and have fun, this genre requires much more to convey its essence.
Syou: We can explore various types of music, the fans’ furitsuke (choreography) is incredible and it’s important for us not to be overshadowed by other talented artists.

■ Visual kei artists often seem to incorporate androgynous or feminine styles. Is this mainly to make it easier for female fans to relate to them, or is there another reason behind it?

Yuuka: Just playing around with the idea of reversibility.
Shitsu: Honestly, I feel like gender is a hindrance . I do think women are definitely more fashionable than men, seem to have more fun, and appear to express themselves more easily.
Yuya: I wouldn’t call it discrimination, more like a distinction. From that point of view, that feminine or androgynous vibe is pretty much essential for showing the beauty of Visual Kei.
Syou: I think it’s simply because you can express yourself much more freely that way!

■ What does Visual Kei mean to you and how has it influenced your life?

Yuuka:  It means everything to me. I’m just full of gratitude.
Shitsu: EVERYTHING.
Yuya: I’m glad that I’m still doing music activities as a band.
Syou: It helped me to take my first steps as a musician. 

■■■BAND / MUSIC■■■

■ Can you give us a 3-5 sentence introduction to M.E.S.S.? I would be happy to give an introduction that gives a sense of the atmosphere, which can be understood by first-time visitors.

M.E.S.S: If we’re just talking about the songs and lyrics, sure, they’re on the heavier side, but M.E.S.S isn’t really a band with a set concept. The four of us resemble the M.E.S.S . We choose songs we really like and then Yuuka adds lyrics on top of them. Into that, each of us pack our own idea inside of what “visual kei” means, to create M.E.S.S.
All of us can compose, so honestly, we could make pretty much any kind of song, sorry not sorry (laugh). That said, there’s no doubt we’re a band that brings intense live performances.

■ Could you tell us how M.E.S.S was formed? How did the members meet and what was the reason or trigger for starting the band?

Yuuka: There are lots of reasons, but basically we just gathered people who are shiny and fully passionate. 
Shitsu: Yuuka and Shitsu started preparing a unit → decided to make it a full band → who should be the second guitarist? → Yuya-tan → who should play bass? → Syou-chan → alright, let’s persuade them → persuasion complete → M.E.S.S {born!}
Yuya: A one-night mistake
Syou: I was seduced♡

■ May I ask about the origin and meaning of the name M.E.S.S, as well as the person who gave it?

Yuuka: 
• In Japan, it’s a familiar, somewhat androgynous word: “MESU”.
• Sound.
• Easy to understand.
• Can be said in one word, without abbreviation.
• Unique.
• For overseas, we wanted it to be impactful and not lame, so we made it all uppercase.

■ Have you already decided on a name to call M.E.S.S fans?

Yuuka:  I think our fanbase name was “Kometsubu” (rice grain). Might change again though.
Shitsu: Not decided yet… What should I do?
Yuya: I don’t know. 
Syou: If our fans are “rice grains” for our vocalist, does that mean we are farmers?

■ Who’s the leader of M.E.S.S? Could you also tell us why that person was chosen and what his role is?

Yuuka:  It‘s Shitsu-san!
Shitsu: I wouldn’t exactly call myself a “leader“, but I’m more the one who keeps the members in line!
Yuya: Shitsu-san!
Syou: O-Shitsu-san! Boss!

■ How do you decide on M.E.S.S’s visual style? Where do you get your inspiration for the look?

Yuuka:  For me, it’s all instinct. From now on, we’ll keep evolving as a whole.
Shitsu: Roughly speaking, Yuuka decides the overall look every time the costumes change, but right now it’s pretty free. When it comes to makeup, I’m the one in M.E.S.S who’s the most particular. I draw my ideas as illustrations and have the makeup artist bring them to life each time.
Yuya: I get my inspiration from everything I see. As for the visual style and direction, I’m just putting my own spin on the overall direction the band has agreed on.
Syou: I’m just trying out whatever comes to mind. Doing what I want to do!

■ Visual kei has all sorts of styles like kote-kei, medical-kei, menhera-kei, etc. What visual kei style do you think best represents M.E.S.S’ aesthetic?

M.E.S.S: So far all styles are the core and from now on as well.

■ Visual kei music spans lots of genres like rock and metalcore. What genre would you say best defines M.E.S.S’ sound?

M.E.S.S: None! We just do whatever we want!

■ Through M.E.S.S’ music and lyrics, what kind of feelings do you want to give to listeners? For example, moving their hearts or any other reactions you hope to get?

Yuuka: The lyrics are open to interpretation, so everyone can have fun in their own way!
Shitsu: Whenever you hit the play button, I can be there with you. That’s why I want to deliver lots of songs that can be there for you no matter what.
Yuya: It’s enough if the people who listen can add a little color to their lives.
Syou: I’d be super happy if people can feel the power of our live shows through the songs.

■ Could you give a brief explanation or comment for each of the following songs?

➡ 2025-04-13 どうして、死にたい? (Doushite, Shinitai? / Why do you want to die?)
This is the kick off song of M.E.S.S.
It’s kinda like an answer to songs from the bands we used to be in.
Even though it was the start of M.E.S.S, it’s all about the “current” and carries everything from our pasts. We’re ready to take all of that with us.

➡ 2025-04-06 贖罪 (Shokuzai / Atonement)
This song’s perfect for hyping up and getting the crowd involved at a live show. It’s a great mood song to start the setlist, or to use it to ramp up energy between songs or to use it as the last song for a killer close. No matter where it lands in the setlist, it always delivers, it’s a total killer tune.

➡ 2025-03-29 Over・・・?
Another song that really gets the crowd going live.
But compared to the other intense, live-ready tracks, this one stands out, it’s got a brighter chorus and lyrics, plus a rap section, so it’s a bit different. Fans apparently find it kind of “tough” and we can’t help but smirk watching them struggle.

➡ 2025-03-23 呪々 (Juju / curse)
This is the signature track that represents M.E.S.S right now. Some might even say it’s really the “true beginning” of M.E.S.S. The music video shows a story between the performance shots that matches the lyrics, making it feel like a complete work. At live shows, fans can enjoy a special move using the “Waranin” merch.
(straw doll（voodoo doll)  ¥1,500/each – on sale now!♪)

■ Please also provide information for the following unreleased songs. If there are any other unreleased tracks, we’d love to hear about those too.

※M.E.S.S: Actually, except for “Mi-n’na Shiawase ni Natte ne!,” all the songs listed below are still just demo tracks. The videos are kinda “fake” in that we’ve paired the demos with Live footage. Every track is still in the demo stage. For example, songs like “鈍痛(Dontsuu)” and “蛍唄(Hotaru-uta)” have already had some phrases and arrangements changed, and even “傷(Kizu)” has some Live-only approaches that differ from the audio. They’re all evolving constantly. Since nothing is fully finished yet, we’d like to give proper explanations once the official recordings are completed.

・ 2025-01-08 みーんなしあわせになってね！(Mi-n’na Shiawase ni Natte ne!)[Lyric Video]
➡ M.E.S.S’ first lyric video.
This song is clearly different from the rest of M.E.S.S’s tracks and is rarely performed live. In the audio, you can obviously hear Yuuka’s vocals, but there’s also a female vocal layered on top. Interestingly, this additional female voice was actually sung by AI.
When the song was first recorded with a demo vocal, it was given the title “Reiwa“. The AI vocals and the sounds used throughout the track really reflect elements that feel symbolic of the Reiwa era.

■ If you have any fun stories related to the “eureka!” MV, we’d love to hear them! For example, funny things that happened on the day of filming or how the concept for the MV came about. Please share with us!

※M.E.S.S:  This isn’t actually a music video, it’s footage leftover from the “Juju(呪々)” MV that was stitched together, so there wasn’t really a concept and no separate filming was done for this. That’s why some comments are mixed in from the “Juju(呪々)” MV.

Yuuka: Live footage is just the best, isn’t it!!!
Shitsu: We rented out a supermarket for the shoot and it was very strange to be on our own at a store where other people are usually present.
Yuya: As the shoot went on, my face started to get puffy.

■ When writing new songs, how do you usually get your inspiration?

憂架: I write lyrics 100%, how I get inspiration depends on the song!
Shitsu: I usually get the idea from the chorus melody. Sometimes it just comes out while I’m messing around with chords on the guitar. The tricky part is usually the intro and the verse.
Yuya: I also get inspiration from other people’s works, like movies and stuff.

■ Are there any songs you’d want to turn into a movie? If so, what kind of story do you imagine it having?

憂架: There’ll probably be a lot more in the future. Juju(呪々) already has a story-driven MV, so definitely check that one out!
Shitsu: Right now I usually start with the melody when composing, so nothing like that yet. But I’m planning a song that’s story-driven, so I’d love to make a story-like MV for it someday.
Yuya: Currently none.
Syou:We take everything everyone wants to do and express, pack it in as much as possible and then brush it up into the final video. So the video really reflects the sensibilities of that moment.

■ Lately, have you been working on any new projects? If so, could you tell us a bit about them and what’s exciting about them?

憂架: It’s gonna be an edgy track unlike anything M.E.S.S has done before. It will definitely turn out cool.
Shitsu: I always have a few new songs in my head, but when and how each one comes to life really depends on inspiration.
Yuya: A track that really gets people going.
Syou: Every time, the shooting and editing are really tough.

■ ■ ■ MERCHANDISE ■ ■ ■

■ Could you tell us about the merchandise that fans can buy, like the design concept, prices and other details?
https://messgoods.official.ec

➡愛雌 (Aime) long T-Shirt 
Designed and supervised by Yuuka. The comic-style M.E.S.S logo on the chest is also Yuuka’s idea brought to life in this design.

➡ Signed Cards
Some cards come with doodles by the members as a special “winning” feature. They were so popular that the “Juju(呪々)” version sold out instantly. With the next visual…? (Laugh) The “Doushite, Shinitai” version is still available online! Atari(Winning) doodles are mixed in there too!

➡Acrylic Stand Keychain
This is another popular item. It seems some fans even take it along on their trips! If you take it somewhere and snap a photo together, tagging it on your Instagram story or mentioning us would make the members really happy♪

➡ Rubberband
Actually, it’s almost sold out. 
Will there be a NEW color or NEW design!?

➡ Waranin (Straw Doll (Voodoo doll)) 
An item the audience uses when M.E.S.S performs „Juju(呪々)“ live. At the part where we sing “Korose Korose (Kill, Kill)“, everyone raises their straw doll and nails it together♪

➡ Neck Strap
You can hang your Waranin around your neck.
Of course, you can also use it for your phone or pass case.

■ Can overseas fans purchase all the goods? Does this include the live-limited items as well?

M.E.S.S: Right now, online orders are only available through Base, so overseas fans can’t order directly. We hope to make it possible for international fans to order someday.

■ Which merchandise would you recommend most to the fans?

Yuuka: Waranin and T-Shirt!
Shitsu: Waranin!
Syou: Anything that becomes a memory!!

■ ■ ■ OVERSEAS CONNECTION ■ ■ ■

■ Are there any members who can speak English or other languages? Also, do they feel confident using those languages?

Yuuka: I speak Japanese only.
Shitsu: Even my Japanese is weird.
Yuya: I speak Japanese only.
Syou: To be honest, I can only speak Japanese

■ When interacting with overseas fans, do you feel a language barrier? Or does music help overcome that barrier?

Yuuka: I’ve always loved traveling abroad, so not at all. People overseas don’t overthink things as much, so I can also let myself get emotional in a good way.
Shitsu: Even though I update all our SNS only in Japanese, we still get reactions from people overseas quite often. I think that shows
we’re able to communicate something through sound and visuals.
Yuya: I can definitely feel that music helps to break down language barriers.
Syou: I also listen to songs with English lyrics, so I feel like there isn’t really a barrier.

■ Have you ever been abroad? If so, could you tell us the purpose of your trip and your impressions of the places you visited?

Yuuka: I’ve been to 20 countries! The best place? My own home! 
Shitsu: I’ve only been to Guam… I totally left the planning up to Yuuka-kun. And I got hooked on diving!
Yuya: I know it’s a tiny sample, so I hope it’s not rude to say, but I really liked Switzerland, it felt classy.
Syou: I never went abroad.

■ ■ ■ ROAD to FUTURE ■ ■ ■

■ How would you like the fans to support M.E.S.S on their 2nd anniversary?

Yuuka:  We want to support our fans emotionally.
Shitsu: There is no point doing this activity without you.  On the other hand, if even only one person needs us, we will also do everything for that person. 
Yuya: Just having you there makes me happy.
Syou: Everyone is precious. I just want us all to stay close and watch over each other forever.

■ The 7-month consecutive solo tour by M.E.S.S has kicked off. Could you tell us the idea behind this tour and why visual kei fans should definitely come see the shows?

Yuuka: Spreading out the name M.E.S.S. I just want people to experience it at least once.
Shitsu: I want people to know that it’s a place anyone can come to anytime and feel welcome.
Yuya: So that, through our presence, we can bring happiness to people.
Syou: We’re still growing, so I want to grow together with everyone.

■ Congrats! M.E.S.S is celebrating its 1st anniversary this year. What are your goals for the band’s second year?

Yuuka: proselytizing, leveling up
Shitsu: Perfecting the core parts of our live performances.
Yuya: Self-exploration
Syou: Leveling up, constantly evolving

■ From now on, what kind of feelings does M.E.S.S want to share with their fans?

Yuuka: Immersion! Like a “Cinderella story” starting as a super minor, kind of a playful take, experienced interactively!
Shitsu: We’re gonna try all sorts of stuff, so let’s enjoy the detours together! (＾ːːːːː＾ )
Yuya: To become a page of someone‘s life.
Syou: Fun! I want everyone to enjoy the LIVE so much that their minds go completely blank.

■ What do you hope for your future self?

Yuuka: nothing.
Shitsu: I’ll give my all today, so my future self won’t be defeated the day after.
Yuya: More amazing songs and performances.
Syou: Do even better than now!!!

■ ■ ■ FINAL MESSAGE ■ ■ ■ 

■ Please give a message to everyone who supports M.E.S.S. from abroad. 
Yuuka: I LOVE VISUALKEI!!  I LOVE YOU!!!
Shitsu-: Please listen to M.E.S.S a lot! Watch our videos as well! We’ll do our best so that one day we can bring our music directly in front of you!!! 
Yuya: I’ll do my best so I can come to meet you in person!
Syou: Listen to us a lot, no matter where you are, even overseas!

■  Last but not least, please share a message for the readers and all the fans!

Yuuka: You’re amazing for reading all the way through. It took me a while to write this!
Shitsu: See you! 👋
Yuya: Thanks for your hard work today.
Syou: Looking forward to more good times together! Love you all!