Interview with ROCK AND ALCOHOL

Rockandalcohol is a Newcomer Japanese rock band formed in Tokyo in September 2025. They are known for their high-energy live performances and multi-layered music. With a mix of powerful riffs and melodic hooks, the band draws their audience into a unique sonic world. Even though they are a newly formed band, they have already released a music video for their new single, “TRiGGER“. In this interview, we’ll introduce the members and the journey that has brought them together.

■ ■ ■ INTRODUCTION ■ ■ ■

■ Please introduce yourself.

ICHI: I am ICHI the vocalist. 
SOARA: I’m SOARA, guitarist on stage right and composer. Born February 1st. I like to drink wine.
Emu: I am Emu, I play the guitar. My Birthday is the 21st of August and I like to drink Jack Daniel‘s.
Maya: I‘m Maya, I play the bass. My birthday is the same as Marilyn Manson and my height is the same as Joey Jordison from Slipknot. 
A-39: I am A-39, the drummer. It‘s read as Eisaku.

■ What’s everyone’s number one catchphrase or something you tend to say all the time?

ICHI: Finally! Haha
SOARA: It’s kinda crazy!
Emu: I catch myself saying „What should I cook for dinner?“ 
Maya: I always say „I‘m hungry.“
A-39: „it’s like 〇〇〇!“

■ How would you describe your personality in one word?

ICHI: I’m picky about odd details. Haha
SOARA: A kind of perfectionist.
Emu: Free-spirited
Maya: Easygoing.
A-39: I‘m the type who always fixates on something.

■ What made you decide to start a band?

ICHI: I watched footage of the Beatles’ Japan show and for some reason, just thought “this is it” haha
SOARA: Probably after seeing bands on TV.
Emu: A friend invited me, when I was a student.
Maya: My first band was in high school when a classmate asked me to join. We called it „Martsun Head“. We still keep in touch every few years.
A-39: There were instruments at home, messed around out of curiosity and before I realized it, I was in a band.

■ Why did you choose your current part in the band and what’s the story behind it?

ICHI: I never even considered anything other than vocals.
SOARA: I just found myself picking up the guitar.
Emu: It lets me express myself instinctively. I think the moment you play a guitar, anyone can feel like a guitar hero.
Maya: I actually enjoyed playing bass more than guitar. Plus, the strings don’t break as often, which is nice.
A-39: The instrument I can lose myself in while playing is the drums.

■ Which musician or artist has influenced you the most so far? How has that influence shaped what you’re doing now?

ICHI: If we’re talking about influences, I’d say Western pop and R&B singers! Their full-on vocal power is just so intense!
SOARA: It‘s my hometown senior band, xTRiPx. I still listen to them even after 18 years. Their songs’ free-flowing structures were really inspiring.
Emu: Definitely VAN HALEN and Steve Lukather. How that connects to my style… you’ll have to watch what I do next!
Maya: Jack Johnson. His approach to music and lifestyle really influenced me.
A-39: PIERROT and GACKT, the way they express themselves really shaped how I play drums.

■ What are your hobbies outside of music?  How do you like to spend your day off?

ICHI: Watching movies while drinking
SOARA: Either having a drink or going for a ride
Emu: I like to stream games. Follow me on Twitch at emuchantv
Maya: I love animals, so I often go to aquariums and zoos.
A-39: Enjoying art.

■ What got you started with playing an instrument?

ICHI: I don’t really remember, but somehow I ended up playing the violin. haha.
SOARA: I realized I had been saving up to buy a guitar, so I guess watching stuff on TV inspired me.
Emu: I joined the brass band in middle school, that’s how it started. I actually started on drums.
Maya: In middle school, a classmate asked me to practice guitar together. We started with PUFFY’s “Ai no Shirushi“, but they had acoustics and I had an electric. Our approaches were too different, so we split up after two days. haha.
A-39: Bass was my first instrument. Simply because it has four strings.

■ If you could try playing an instrument other than your current one, which would it be and why?

ICHI: All of it! Every instrument is awesome!
SOARA: Saxophone! It’s kinda sexy. haha.
Emu: Sitar, lute, lyre… those kinds of instruments interest me. I’m really into folk music.
Maya: Probably the Chapman Stick. It’s a difficult instrument, but it looks fun.
A-39: I’d like to try piano. It feels kind of similar to percussion.

■ Can you play any instruments other than your current one?

ICHI: I can casually play guitar, drums and piano. Probably can’t play the violin anymore. haha.
SOARA: I can manage pretty much anything to some extent, once even playing drums live.
Emu: I can play bass and drums. I sometimes join other artists for live shows or recordings.
Maya: Guitar, ukulele, violin, double bass. Not great, though.
A-39: Guitar, Bass, Violin.

■ What kind of music do you like?

ICHI: My tastes change depending on the situation.
SOARA: Honestly, I’m all about every genre. I’d even say I’m one of the most all-genre guys among band members.
Emu: I like music that shakes my soul. It’s not about genre, I’m drawn to whatever hits me in the heart.
Maya: I like so many types of music, I can’t really pick just one.
A-39: Music with heavy bass that you can dance to or bright, upbeat songs.

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

SOARA: Don’t be ordinary, be a star.
Emu: No pain, no gain.
Maya: No sleep, no life.
A-39: Stay energetic and have fun!

■ What’s the most moving or memorable experience you’ve had so far?

ICHI: That’s tough, picking just one!
SOARA: Probably when my own song was recorded and released for the first time.
Emu: The moment I held my child.
Maya: Realising that orcas are majestic…
A-39: Hmm… there are too many to pick just one.

■ If I were reborn…

ICHI: I want to be able to use magic.
SOARA: I’d like to try being a martial artist.
Emu: I‘d want to be born as me again.
Maya: I’ll be 196cm tall, so look forward to it.
A-39: I want to be myself again. 

■ ■ ■ Rock and Alcohol ■ ■ ■

■ Can you tell us how 「Rock and Alcohol」 was formed? How did the members meet and what led you to start the band?

ICHI: Way back, SOARA and I, we used to face off at live shows years ago. Eventually, we both ended up in Tokyo, reconnected, had drinks, talked a lot… and before we knew it, we’d become bandmates. That’s pretty much how it all started.
SOARA: The band itself only officially started this year, but between me and ICHI, it’s been in motion for a long time. We’d already been writing songs and recording together for years. It just finally took shape.
Emu: A-39 invited me. We’d been saying “let’s start a band together” for like eight years and now here we are.
Maya: A-39 and I have been in three bands together: VEPALAPIS → Zeke Deux → Rock and Alcohol. Our first live show as this lineup was on August 22, 2024. Or wait… was the BBQ we all had together first?
A-39: It started with a meal I had with ICHI and SOARA. From there, we all began reaching out to one another.

■ Can you tell us the story behind the band name 「Rockandalcohol」and who came up with it?

Rock and Alcohol: It’s a made-up word: “Rock & Alcohol!” Of course, there’s a backstory behind it, but we’ll share that somewhere else, eventually…

■ What do you think is the biggest challenge about being a band and how do you overcome it?

ICHI: Probably not knowing what’s “right“. I think it’s about how much you can keep believing in yourself.
SOARA: Don’t forget your roots. Always look for new angles in sound. Keep listening to lots of music to constantly expand your expressive range.
Emu: Maybe drinking too much. haha
Maya: I’ve been helped and supported by everyone and thankfully, I’ve gotten this far without too much struggle. I’m really just full of gratitude.
A-39: I’m exploring every day. There’s still a long way to go!

■ Lastly, as a band, what goals are you all aiming for? And personally, what do you hope to achieve? Where do you see yourselves in a year with this band?

ICHI: I want to be someone who can hype up the scene.
SOARA: To be the TOP of the TOP.
Emu: To conquest the world
Maya: I want to create fun times together with the members, fans and staff. I also want to do shows in other cities and overseas.
A-39: I want to have the best possible time with everyone. We’re aiming for the top.

■ ■ ■ 1st SINGLE & MV ■ ■ ■

■ As a completely new band, you’ve just released your debut single “TRiGGER”.  How does it feel to have released it?

ICHI: I want it to reach lots of people!
SOARA: I’m proud of this one. Next, I’ll top it.
Emu: I think it’s still just a milestone.
Maya: I hope it becomes an important song for everyone.
A-39: I feel like, “Finally, rockandalcohol’s music can be heard“. I’d be happy if we can keep sharing even more music.

■ Your debut single has only one track, but what feelings did you put into this song and what message do you want to convey to your listeners?

Rock and Alcohol: Everyone faces struggles and inner conflicts, yet we still have to keep living. I’m sure there are many people who’ve failed at something or hit rock bottom in life. Each of us has dreams and visions of the future from childhood. Reality may not match those ideals, but everyone has their own stage to stand on. I wanted to put into words the idea of slowly, step by step, climbing up to the next stage within yourself.

■ Do you have any unreleased songs besides 『TRiGGER』？If so, we’d love to hear about them!

Rock and Alcohol: We‘ll be sharing more announcements as we go, so I hope you look forward to them!

■ Were there any fun or memorable moments or unexpected happenings during the filming of the 『TRiGGER』music video? We’d love to hear about them!

ICHI: It was really out in the countryside, and there wasn’t a place for hair and makeup, so we thought we’d go to a nearby karaoke. But when we got there… it was full, of course! (Laugh) There aren’t even many houses around, you know?  (Laugh) In the end, we did hair and makeup outside in freezing weather. Big thanks to the makeup artist for braving the cold… (laugh)
SOARA: I noticed a tonkotsu ramen shop on the way back and it’s been stuck in my mind ever since. Actually, it still is. (haha)
Emu: That the shooting location being just so far away, that’s about it, I guess.
Maya: Maybe the “happening” is that I didn’t even join the shoot. (Laugh)
A-39: Shooting at night in March… It was way too cold.

■ ■ ■ 1st Live Show ■ ■ ■

■ What are you most looking forward to for your first live show? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

ICHI: Finally, we get to show everyone us in Live action! We were totally fired up.
SOARA: It felt like, “It’s finally happening!”
Emu: First live or not, we just do it like usual.
Maya: Just being able to play live with this lineup makes me happy.
A-39: I was really looking forward to playing live with such an amazing group of members.

■ How was your first stage as a new band? We’d love to hear the members’ honest thoughts!

ICHI: It was just pure passion! Everyone’s expressions were amazing!
SOARA: It reminded me of why you can’t quit being in a band! It was so intense!
Emu: I feel like we can keep growing and getting stronger together with our fans.
Maya: Even though it was our first Live, the crowd was hyped! It was such a fun and happy show. Thank you so much!
A-39: It was an incredibly energetic live show. Thank you all! I want to keep sharing Rockandalcohol’s music and keep putting it out there.

■ ■ ■ MESSAGE ■ ■ ■

■ For those who want to make music but don’t know how to start, what advice would you give? As experienced musicians, we’d also love to hear any tips or lessons you’ve learned along the way!

ICHI: If you feel like singing, just sing! It’s fun! (laugh)
SOARA: Respect what you first feel or think, take your time and just try it. Play, sing or even just keep listening. Any of that makes you a musician. Keep your instincts alive.
Emu: Having the courage to take that first step is key. Instead of being stuck in overthinking, it’s better to just start moving.
Maya: It’s like an onion, you might feel like you’re growing upward on your own, but someone’s helping in the background, keeping you shaded and cared for. Appreciate that and just chase what you’re passionate about.
A-39: Just make some sound, anything! You’ll have an amazing, fun time and before you know it, you’ll be totally absorbed.

■ Lastly, feel free to share anything, messages to your fans, your thoughts, a word for your family or friends or anything else you’d like to say!

ICHI: I want to go on a trip abroad!!
SOARA: I want to do a triumphant return live!
Emu: I love you babe!
Maya: We’ve started a new path as Rockandalcohol. The band’s still rough around the edges, but we’re leveling up fast! I want to spend fun times with our fans.
A-39: I want to have the best time with everyone. Please keep supporting Rockandalcohol!