Just me and myself

D'espairsray live, Knust/Hamburg 21.07.2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:26:06 GMT

So...with the live two days ago I finally manage to type up my review of that day.

There had been quite a lot of confusion beforehand. I had applied for press again, I thought it would be nice to do another interview with Despa after three years.

The communication with Gekidotours was okay...but It was kind of confusing to get two different informations from two different guys.

Anyway...ther interview was confirmed to me on the Saturday before the gig and I was really happy about it. I had prepared little presents for the band and some stuff that I could use in a raffle during my next show.

Tuesday started for me with nice sunny weather and too few hours of sleep. I had plenty of time to get ready, as I had packed my equipment the night before.

I arrived at the venue around 15h. A group of fans had already gathered, everyone seemed in a good mood. I talked to a few friends before I went to look for the backstage entrance. It was around the building, with the tourbus parking right next to it. The area around the entrance was divided from the rest of the area by a barrier. No one from the staff was anywhere to be seen...so I waited.

Finally, after a couple of minutes one guy from the staff appeared. I started talking to him, telling him who I was and that I had an interview-appointment with D'espairsray.

Well...what should I say...to my horror he said: "I don't have any interviews scheduled for today. I don't think you will get it"

My thoughts were racing...I dug out the email I had received with the confirmation...to no avail. No meant no...at least we got him to put us on the guestlist, as the concert was sold out. And I had the chance to talk to ZERO for a few precious minutes and hand him the present I had bought for his birthday. I also gave him some chocolate from my hometown to pass it on to the rest of the band. And I got him and the others to sign the stuff for the raffle.

On a side note...ZERO was really sweet, but seemed awfully tired...or maybe hungover? He barely said anything, but nodded and smiled as he left.

After that we returned to the crowd on the other side. I couldn't hold back the frustrated tears...but I knew I'd at least get the chance to see the show.

Doors opened with a delay of half an hour...and the crowd was awfully pushy. When it was my turn, I told the guy that we're on the guestlist...he let us pass, shouting "GÄSTELISTE!!"...even though the guy with the list was only one metre away from him *sweatdrops*

So...I told the guy my name and where I was from...he looked at us with a quizzical expression before asking: "Who accreditated you?" I was SO confused...but my dear Tashi was able to provide the correct answer. He was like "Hm...he didn't pass the information to me...I don't know..."

Gosh...my heart sank. I told him about the staffguy promising to put us on the guestlist. Again the answer was: "I didn't get any notice from him."

I was near panicking. All I thought was "This can't be happening..."

But then that guy smiled at us and said: "I believe you. It's okay then...go inside."

I was so glad...*phew*

We got our stamps and went inside.

The Knust is...well...kind of small. The stage was probably one of the most narrow stages I've ever seen.

We were standing sixth row...but I knew that about halfway through the show we'd be in third row...because of the crowd pushing so much.

Time ticked by...it became almost unbearably hot in there. Security was really good...they started handing out water in bottles and cups very early on.

With another half hour of delay the show finally started. During the intro everybody yelled and cheered and immediately the energy that I knew from previous Despa-shows was there again.

As soon as the boys started into the first song the pushing started. By the time they played the third ot fourth song (I think it was during BORN), I had been pushed forward to fourth row. While I had been standing almost in the middle at first, I was pushed into ZERO's direction more and more. My eyes were glued to Karyu though...he looked REALLY good.

I sang along to every song...but the heat and the constand almost violent pushing took it's toll. After the battle between ZERO and Karyu I started to feel really dizzy...it became harder and harder to breathe. I had two friends standing behind me, who now started asking if I was fine...held me to keep me standing...another song and I felt like fainting. I gave them a nod to help me outside...they gave me a push into the right direction. I fought my way through the crowd, almost collapsing half way through. By then I was gasping for air...that didn't seem to be reaching my lungs.

I finally made it through the crowd and was standing in the hallways towards the exit. But I wasn't standing for long...I collapsed moments later. I remember a guy asking me if I was alright...all I could do was cough and shake my head. He replied: "Hold on..." and went to get the paramedics.

I was guided outside and pushed onto a chair. One of the paramedics asked me what was wrong...I managed to tell him that I had trouble breathing. I was wearing a corsage under my vest and he rushed to open it to make it easier for me to breathe.

I was shaking like a leaf and it took me a couple of minutes until I was able to drink a few sips of water from a bottle he handed me.

From the inside of the venue I could still hear the music...they were playing "Garnet" and I hated myself for being so weak. One of my alltime favorite songs...and I was outside. There were a few others with me...all had collapsed at some point. Funny enough most of them had been standing in the same area as I had.

Next they played "Paradox 5" and all of us were like "Nooooooooo...I wanna be inside there now... T_T"

A few more minutes and I decided to go back inside. I took a look at the crowd...it was SO crowded they were standing well into the hallway...so there was NO chance of me getting back in. I decided to head over to the merch. Which was a good decision...they showed the concert on a huge screen there.

Speaking of SCREEN...they played that song later on. By then I was sitting on a comfy couch...and felt tears coming to my eyes again...this song...people who know me, know that this song has a very deep meaning to me.

Before the Despa-boys went into the break, Tsukasa at one point was alone onstage. I already knew what was coming and even in the bar the conversations got quieter as the first notes of his flute-play drifted though the air. Sooooooooooooo beautiful!

After the break the guys returned for the enchore.

I noticed that Hizumi was having troubles with his voice...and it had me worried. Poor Hizu...he must have noticed it himself, because they shortened the enchore by one song.

I watched them tossing picks and water bottles afterwards, Tsukasa also threw a couple of drumsticks into the crowd.

Then it was over.

I left the Knust with mixed feelings.

The show had really been awesome...Despa did an amazing performance. But for me the circumstances had been a little troublesome. I really hope things will work out much better next time.

And I hope next time will be soon. Next year perhaps? I hope I won't have to wait two or more years again.

My next show will be on August 5th. I will do a short review of the show then too. For informations on my show pleae visit the show's MySpace

Gazerock in Berlin

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:45:25 GMT

So on Friday the time had come for me to leave for Berlin. The night I hadn't had much sleep, I had done some last minute changes to my outfit and I was much too excited to sleep. And I knew I still had an three-hour busride ahead of me.

I met my girls at the central station, from where the first step of our journey would take us to Hamburg. Everything went smoothly, although the bus was so crowded that we has to take four individual seats instead of sitting together on two double seats.

I slept most of the busride and when we arrived in Berlin, excitement rose inside of me again, all sleepiness was forgotten. We exited the bus and made our way to the hostel we would spend the night at. We checked into our room, stashed our luggage and went straight to the mall, where the signing would be held.

When we arrived, it was already crowded as hell. Fans everywhere, some in cosplay. I saw one incredibly good Reita-cosplay that had us all drooling. ^^ We were lucky to be in the first queue (queue was divided in two), because as it seems not all got their autographs...most people from the second queue had to leave without, as Gaze's management ended the signing practically with the strike of the bell. The boys didn't seem to agree to it, but they couldn't do a thing about it.

Anyway...I don't know how long I waited until it was my turn...but I don't care really, because all was forgotten when I stood before them. I think I was babbling in a weird mix of german, english and japanese...it's a miracle, others could make sense out of it. ^^

First was Uruha. And god...did he look GOOD! I had brought last year's bandana to be signed. So sign he did and afterwards smiled at me and extended his hand to shake mine. I took it and that moment was shouted at "No handshaking!!!!" As if I care. *shrugs*

Next was Kai. His smile is SO friggin cute!

Ruki...he looked awesome, even though I still don't know what to think of the pink in his hair. But somehow he can pull it off. When he saw the bandana he was like "Whoooooaaaaaahhhhh" *giggles*. I had seen some people wear it, but as it seems I was the only one to get it signed.

Reita flashed his trademark grin at me when he signed. He and Aoi had been goofing around the entire time. Like when "Filth in the beauty" came blasting from the speakers they started bobbing their heads in a mock-headbanging simultaneously and grinning at each other afterwards.

Which brings me to Aoi. I noticed he took out his lipring but has his nose pierced now. I had to hold the bandana and stretch the fabric a little so he could sign. Our hands touched for a split second and he smiled at me. His smile is a sin. He already had changed the pen to his left hand and wanted to shake my hand, when I was pushed away by security. Darn. He looked dissapointed, when I turned back to look one last time, so I just smiled at him.

After that we had a snack at McDonalds and went back to the hostel. We had decided to go to bed early and get up at half past three to be at the concert hall as early as possible.

Is was still dark when we arrived around 6 a.m. and not many were there, except for those who had camped out in fromt of the hall. All in all we might have been around 50 people then. We sat down at the barrier that divided the campers from those who arrived later. We were in good spirit that we would make it to first row...or at least second.

Already at the signing I had met miseichan and she had told me that anychan was there as well, up on the upper level taking pics. They arrived after dawn and joined us in line.

The weather was ok, it was cold but the sun shone most of the time. But when it got later and the sun disappeared, it got freezing cold again. And the security thought it funny to keep us standing in line for much longer than necessary.

The security...I'm not the only one mad at them. They didn't care about anything...didn't keep their promise to come and check on us and for a while it seemed as if we'd have to organize the entry on ourselves. And I must say that I'm disappointed in some of the fans. They broke through the barrier and didn't go back even though everybody told them to.

Oh well...we finally were able to get in and we even got places in second row! On the far left side...by the time the show started we were standing right in front of Aoi!

ART DRAWN BY VOMIT is a cool opener. The crowd cheered and sang along, it got all of us in a good mood. My memory of the setlist is blurry, but I think they played almost all songs from Stacked Rubbish. Agony and Burial Applicant had us rocking like hell. My eyes were glued to Aoi most of the time...this guy is sex on legs, really.

One of my most memorable songs was Calm Envy. 1400 voices singing along with the female voiceparts *goosebumps* I looked at Aoi then and could clearly see how his eyes glazed over and how he smiled at us. When we joined in for the second time, he smiled again, making a gesture that seemed to say "You guys ROCK"

Ruki...he looked awesome. And his voice was great. But when he started licking his fingers and teasing himself...my jaw dropped to the floor and I held my breath, following the trail of his fingers down his chest...and to his crotch, which he then grabbed firmly, giving it a few teasing strokes before he dropped to his knees, his hand still firmly between his legs.

I couldn't help myself...he reminded me of Kyo there. And I had that several times during the concert...with his screaming and the whole attitude...and my friends shared that thought.

When they played Chizuru I felt tears in my eyes. But they wouldn't spill...but did so, when I was sitting outside at the paramedics-camp. I had collapsed because of the heat and the constant pushing of the crowd...I got out on my own feet but dropped to my knees at the barrier. They immediately got me out, from where I could hear People Error. My friends told me that Ruki had been lying on the floor then. *sighs*

I went back in for the encore, right on time for Ride with the Rockers. Kai and Reita came onstage together, starting the familiar game of shouting.

When the others came back on stage, I noticed they hadn't only changed to the tour-shirts, but had changed to other pants as well. And Uruha was showing off his thighs again... *_*

And as if we hadn't had our share of fanservice already, Ruki went to lick Uruha's guitar. RAWR!

When Ruki was brought his guitar, my heart skipped a beat. Would they finally play Cassis?

They did...and I cried through the entire song. Everywhere I saw people hugging and singing along, some had lighters in the air.

After the final and Ruki's "Baibai" I went to get our stuff. It felt strange to know the live was over...I was melancholic, sitting outsie in the cold waiting for my girls. We still had a night in Berlin ahead of us, our bus was leaving at 7 a.m. the next morning.

This time the bus was rather empty and we got good seats. We still were all dead tired, but before I fell asleep I noticed heavy rain pouring down as the bus started rolling. As if Berlin was crying because we left. ^^

The trip was awesome and worth the strain. It will stay as a cherished memory in my heart. And I won't quit travelling around to concerts, it's part of my life and what I enjoy. No matter what my mother tells me...she doesn't understand. This is not just a phase...and it will be part of my future. It goes more than well with my plans of becoming a music-journalist.

Ready, steady, GO!

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 20:05:02 GMT

Okay...tomorrow I'll be off...once again.

This time it's London. Yeah, LONDON BABY!!! *giggles*

I still haven't packed everything and I'll have to go to my mom's office tomorrow to print out some last minute stuff. My own printer has run out of ink (once again), I'm glad I can bother her with it.

I'm excited. I will see Dir en grey in concert and I will be in London again. It's been a while...my last (and first) visit there was for my birthday in 1999. And I will meet ironic_sun there.

I will stay in London till friday, then I'll fly back to Germany. My dear Saku's parents will pick us up and drive us to Wacken...as we'll be attending the W:O:A festival...as press that is. I hope I have all the papers we'll need, but I'm quite sure. I'll spend quite alot of time in the presstent, I hope to be able to do a few interviews.

Okay...tomorrow I'll buy better batteries for my camera, so I can REALLY take tons of pics this time. ^^

*waves*

Counting down

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:14:12 GMT

Okay...today's the day. In a few hours I'll be off to Hamburg and then it's less than 12 hours until our flight leaves for Helsinki.

I'm excited as hell...even if I don't get to talk to the guys directly (although I hope I'll get a chance). But I'm ecstatic to see them play live...I'm curious which songs they're gonna play. I bet they'll have a different set at Tuska then at the live in Stockholm.

Oh...who's them? For those who didn't answer that question by themselves...I'm talking about D'espairs Ray here. *laughs* Sometimes I fear I'm getting on the nerves of people with my constat babbling about those guys.

Anyway...as I said, in a few hours time I'll be off to Hamburg. And then I won't be able to come online unless I spot an internet-café somewhere. Which I will surely do some time during the trip, as I can't be without my darlings for too long. *hugs the GH-users* *hugs the gals from Soompi*

And there has been another change of plan. As my little soulsister said she needs more time to learn for her finals, we'll be flying home from Stockholm on thursday already instead of returning to Helsinki and going to Turku from there (and staying till sunday). I'm fine with that as my budget is rather small.

Wow...my stomach is starting to do flipflops here...*nervous grin*

My suitcase is packed and a little overweight for the flight back, but I think I'll manage. I hope I got everything...*sighs* I always think I'll forget something essential.

*huffs*

'Kay...baibai until I'm back with tons of pics.

*waves*

New Layout!

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 22:39:43 GMT

Thanks to accursed_desire, a dear friend from Soompi, my LJ finally has a more than decent layout. She did a great job! *huggles her*

Apart from that there are no news from me at the moment. I'm still in the middle of getting my show burned to CDs...and I have to put those copies in the mail as I promised. In less than a month I'll be off to finland...there's still alot of work that needs to be done before that. Still I can't wait to finally get there.

MUCC and me - Part 2

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:28:25 GMT

Okay...here's the second part of my concert-/Interview-trip.

After I had returned home on Wednesday and had coolapsed in bed and slept like a dead, I got up in the evening to meet up with my colleagues from Campus Radio. And well...I got a date for my show.

So the second Campus Radio J-Rock Special will go on air on the 23rd of May at 18h CEST.

Then on Friday I packed my bags and went to Hamburg again, again staying at my dear friend's (mana_sakura) house. Our bus to Berlin left at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday and we used the time we had on the bus for a nap, as we hadn't had much sleep during the night.

We arrived in Berlin around 10:10 a.m. and our first way brought us to the hostel where we had booked two beds. We had already stayed at that place when we went to see BAAL/Calmando Qual/DJ SiSen two weeks earlier, so we knew the place.

We sat at one of the terinals checking our email, when my mobile rang. It was Midori, asking me if we could postpone the pghotoshoot with MUCC. I said it was no problem but at the same time asked if we could get in early. It wasn't a problem, so we killed the time ntil we could get into our room. Right before us a group of five chinese men had checked in...I looked at Sakura and said: "If they are booked on our room, I'm gonna scream."

Well..OF COURSE they WERE booked on our room...but I didn't really care...all we needed that room for was to get ready for the concert and for having a bed to crash on after the show.

We finally arrived at the Columbiaclub at 5 p.m. and after three tries I finally reached Midori and asked her to let us in. The place was already packed with waiting fans/fangirls and I felt a little nervous, as they were all watching us. I felt more secure when the gate closed behind us and the fence was between us and them.

Midori showed us the way, but when she guided us down the stairs there was this voice in my head screaming: "That's the backstage-area!!!"

And it was, indeed. She said we should sit down in the catering-room. So we took a seat and not long after Tatsuro sauntered into the room, grabbing something to eat and a drink. He saw us and said "Hi.", he obviously recognized us. Not long after I spotted Hirosuke (the vocal of BALZAC) and every now and then some other guys from the bands came to grab a drink or a snack. And they all greeted us with a smile.

With us there was another press-team and they got to interview MUCC before we had our photoshoot. It was interesting to listen to their conversation...and those guys were lucky...the got the whole band, although Yukke and Satochi were silent most of the time.

When they ended, MUCC stayed and Midori came to us, saying we'd do the photoshoot. So we didn't really have a plan, just a vague idea what we wanted...we took a few pictures outside and then in the catering-room...I think it went pretty well. Aftewrwards there was still some time, so we got some more stuff signed. I had printed out the photo we had taken in Hamburg with tatsuro and Yukke and gave it to them to sign it. Unfortunately I'm not allowed to show it, and I respect that. So we still all sat in that room and I took all the courage that I had and asked Midori to ask if we could get a guitar-pick from Miya and one from Yukke. She did and only moments later Miya handed me one of his picks...I couldn't stop smiling, just like Sakura, wo was given one of Yukke's picks. We exchanged them so now I own one of Yukke's bass-picks.

After that Midori told us we'd have the chance to do an interview with BALZAC. I was happy, but I got really nervous, when Midori told me it would take place in the band's dressingroom.

So we went into the dressingroom and met the band. Hirosuke, Akio and Atsushi sat on a blak leather couch, Takayuki on the matching chair...but there was no seat left for us...As I needed to have them all within easy reach, I just plopped down on the carpeted floor.

The interview itself was incredibly funny...we couldn't stop laughing at one point...in the end I got almost 20 minutes of material...it's gonna be tough to decide on what to use for the broadcast.

When we finally came out of the dressingroom after BALZAC had signed some things for us, it was already time to go into the hall. So we had to leave the backstage-area and go to the front entrance to get our tickets and the photo-pass for Sakura, as she was allowed to take pictures of the concert itself.

We got in and were almost sent out again, but lickily one guy from the security crew said he'd handle it for us. He knocked at the door of the ticket booth and gave them our names. So that was settled.

Same as in Hamburg BALZAC played as opening act...and the energy was even higher than in Hamburg...as berlin is THE city of punk-music and -culture and there were much more BALZAC-fans in the crowd.

When MUCC came on stage the crowd went wild. And Tatsuro was soooo sweet...he did a small speech...in GERMAN! His final words were: "Dies ist MUCC's letzter Abend in Deutschland. helft uns, diesen Abend niemals zu vergessen." (translation: "This is MUCC's last night in Germany. Please help us to never forget it.")

I had tears in my eyes after that...but I couldn't help it, I had to smile, when Tatsuro thanked the crowd saying "very dankeschön", which is a mixture of english and german.

The show ended with "Daikirai" as enchore, just like in Hamburg. We all gave it every single bit of energy that we had left and afterwards I felt completely drained. But at the same time I was on a high and yet sad...all at the same time.

So we bid our farewell to MUCC...but BALZAC I'm gonna meet again on Friday in Hamburg, at the first Shocker EU-event.

MUCC and me - Part 1

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:33:29 GMT

Okay...as requested, here's the first part of the concert-report on the coupling-tour of Balzac and MUCC.

As always everything got a little hectic, when I prepared for the trip. Again I had failed to finish my outfit, but I still had a whole night to work on it, as I went to Hamburg a day early again. So my dear mana_sakura and I spent most of the night sewing and doing stuff...but we both still didn't really finish...oh well.

On Tuesday, when we got up, we were greetet by chirping birds and warm sunshine, beautiful spring weather and it was really good for my mood. We got dressed and got on the bus to get the train to Hamburgs central station...on our way we realized my little soulsister had forgotten to take her posters with her...so we took the bus back. Luckily we had plenty of time so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Finally at the central station we went to have a snack and then did a little shoppig, getting chocolate and sweets for MUCC to give them as a present after the interview.

I still was pretty calm...but that changed when I called my contact. Because he told me the following:

"You're scheduled for Saturday, not today."

Err...WHAT?????

He handed me over to another person...and I talked to her explaining that originally I had been scheduled for Hamburg, not for Berlin. She said she'd ask and that she'd call me back.

She did about ten minutes later...and with good news. The band had agreed to let me interview them! And although it was still fairly early we could go in already. She said she'd wait for us at the backstage-entrance.

As we arrived, we were greeted by a small asian woman...it was the one I had talked to on the phone. Her name is Midori and she'd do the translating, too.

It was fun to sit there again and listen to the soundcheck, watching all those people. Suddenly Sakura pointed to the area behind me, saying: "Look, over there!" As I turned, I saw Yukke, Tatsuro and Satochi coming our way...but it was way too early for the interview. They passed us, smiling and went outside...to get something to eat as we saw later.

Still recovering from the surprize, I looked to the hall...only to see Hirosuke (the vocal of BALZAC) coming our way. He, too, smiled at us and took a good look at Sakura's cleavage...which made her blush almost crimson when she noticed it. *laughs*

Time passed and the clock turned to half past five...and just as I returned from the restroom, I saw Midori coming our way...with Tatsuro and Yukke not far behind. I had already prepared my equipment and as I set everything up, Tatsuro suddenly grabbed the straps of my bondage-pants, saying something really quick...too fast for me to understand. Midori translated it for me...as it seems, Tatsuro had seen one of the straps lying on the stairs...I had lost it without noticing.

Well...after that was settled, we could begin...although it was pretty distracting that Tatsuro sat next to me and played around with my equipment...taking the spare MD out of the case, looking at it and stuff like that. But he and Yukke were really sweet and gave very interesting answers...random fact that I didn't know, MUCC celebrate their 10th anniversary this year!

After the interview we sat around for a moment, chatting and handed over our gifts. Then Tatsuro and Yukke signed our stuff and we gave it to Midori to have it also signed by the other two.

We still had an hour until the admittance and we used it to have our stuff stashed and grab a drink.

Then we went to the hall to reserve our place in the first row. I saw some familiar faces and time passed qwuickly...before we knew it, we heard the intro for BALZAC.

I must say...those guys rock, they really do. Lots of energy and I felt sweaty and thirsty after their gig ended.

When MUCC came on stage some time later, I felt a stabbing pain in my left knee...the one that's damaged since Despa...but I didn't want to leave. But the pain got worse and after the third song I had to leave...I went to see the paramedics, only to find familiar faces there...the same team that had treted my knee at the D'espairs Ray-concert. After cooling my knee with a coldpack for a while I went to the bar to grab a drink...and I was a little annoyed that I hat had to go out again...but it wasn't that bad, as I knew I'd have a second chance to see them.

I was back in the hall for the finale, they played "Daikirai" as encore...one of my fav songs ever.

While I had been outside, I'd had a chance to talk to Hirosuke. He's a really sweet guy and very shy offstage. If I'm lucky, I'll get to interview BALZAC in Berlin and then I'll probably see them again in Hamburg on the 6th of april. They're holding a special event then and if my luck holds I'll be invited as member of the press there, too.

Right now I'm preparing stuff to leave again...tomorrow I'll be on my way to Hamburg again and Saturday morning our bus leaves for Berlin.

Of course I'll write a report about that, when I'm back.

Randomness

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 01:24:21 GMT

It's really strange what kind of thoughts run through my head when I sit at my comp at night.

I got a new haircut recently and it was really funny. I took some pictures of Karyu with me, as a reference. First comment of one of the women at the shop: "Hmmm, he's cute." I had to laugh when I replied "Hands off, he's MINE!"

The comment from the hairdresser when she saw the pics was: "But that's a guy...isn't it?"

So what? That doesn't mean I can't get a haircut like his, does it?

Well, I got it...but I don't really look like him, the problem is my haircolor. It's still a brownish black, much more like Zero's. I want to return to blonde till summer but it will take time to grow it out, I don't really want to risk bleaching. My hair is damaged enough already although it looks much healthier now after the cut.

I went to the photographer a few days ago, getting photos done for applications and stuff. So, this is the first official pic of me with my new haircut:

Gah, stupid daylight savings time almost gave me a heartattack. I was so confused when the clock at my comp showed me 3 a.m. when I looked at it...hadn't it been half past one half an hour ago? And my radio-controlled alarmclock seems confused as well, it didn't switch, so I'll have to set it by hand. Oh well. It's sunday, so I can sleep in...at least a little, I still got lot's of sewing stuff to do. I want to finish a new outfit so I'm gonna look good on tuesday. I got confirmation about the MUCC-interview. Tuesday 16:30 till 17:00h. Wish me luck, everybody!

Calmando Qual/BAAL/DJ SiSen in Berlin

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 16:12:36 GMT

Okay...this is gonna be my first concert review here on LJ. And the thought that I'm gonna have to type it in german as well somehow annoys me...but as I want to post it to my german blog as well...*shrugs*

Okay...let me sort my thoughts.

It was back at the Aural Vampire-concert when I talked to Steff (the lovely guy from the ASTAN-magazine) about doing an interview with Calmando Qual. I had heard they'd come to Germany for another tour and wanted to take the chance to finally see them live.

Steff said it shouldn't be that much of a problem so that was settled and I was kind of excited about it.

Time passed and suddenly all happened so fast. Once again. It seems I'm always running out of time. So I packed my bags and headed to Hamburg, from there we (being myself and my dear little soulsister mana_sakura ) would take the bus to Berlin, as usual.

On the Bus to Berlin we fell asleep again, but it was fine, in Berlin we'd have plenty of time since we'd arrive around 10 a.m. and would probably have to be at the concert hall no earlier than 6 p.m. or so.

We had booked a room in a cheap hostel and I was never more happy about that. We stashed our bags at the hostel and went to do our usual tour of Berlin, which takes us usually directly to the Neotokyo-shop. I was curious to see who'd be there and I smiled broadly when my eyes caught sight of Dieter. He's one of the guys I know since Onmyou-za and we're good friends since last years D'espairs Ray-tour.

He was really busy unpacking the latest delivery of manga and stuff so we didn't really have time to talk. We told him we'd come back later and went hunting for some food.

It was pretty much of a surprize, when Dieter told us he'd be at the concert as well. So we agreed that we'd meet later at the concert hall.

I still hadn't heard a single word from Steff and it made me nervous. So I called the K17 to ask if he was there. he wasn't...so I asked them to drop him a note, asking him to call me back ASAP.

Nothing happened, so at 6 p.m. we decided to ive it a go and head to the concert hall.

The K17 is huge...but locating it is somewhat difficult. Even people who had been there already said it was hard to find.

Well...when we finally arrived there we spotted some gfamiliar faces in the crowd, but no Steff in sight. It took some time but then he came out. He looked at tus in surprize, saying: "I thought you wouldn't come."

I was confused. "Huh? Why's that?"

"They told me you had called that you won't make it."

"WHAT??? I called alright, but asking them to drop you a note that you'd please call me back."

He shrugged it off and we came down to business. He said he'd catch the boys and that we should wait at the tourbus.

Tourbus? How on earth should a nightliner fit into this crammed place?

The tourbus was a silver van parked in the back lot of the place. Figures.

The interview itself was incredibly cute. I talked to Hibiki (vocal) and Task (keyboard). While task was silent most of the time, Hibiki seemed to have fun. And some of his answers were just...cute.

CR: Do you see a differnece between the fans in Japan and the fans in europe?

Hibiki: Oh yes, it's like the difference between the summer sun and a fridge.

CR: And who is what?

Hibiki: Europe is the sun.

Honestly...how sweet is that?

Like all interviews I did this one ended much too soon. But we still had the whole concert ahead of us. We said our goodbyes to Hibiki and Task, the interpreter asked if we wanted to come in backstage, we went in for a minute or two but went outside again because there wasn't much space and we felt like intruders.

And Steff had promised to put us on the guest list, so we'd get in easy.

Or so we thought. When we wanted to go in, the guy at the entrance told us there was no guest list. When I heard that I was about to freak. Luckily Sakura kept calm and persuaded some other guys to let her in so she could get Steff. Who came out in the emantime. I told him what had happened and that I wouldnt get my stamp to get in. Steff seemed pretty annoyed and practically forced that guy to give it to me.

So I went in and told Sakura to go out and get her stamp. Guess what happened...SHE DIDN'T GET IT. So we had to bug Steff again...he went outside with her and let out his rising anger on that entrance-controller guy.

Now that was finally settled and we were both inside. While Sakura went to put away our coats and bags, I spotted a crowd at the end of the hall. I went to take a look...and look who was there...it was DJ SiSen! I grabbed my cam and started taking pics...and I wanted to have a pic taken with him. And I got it. *g*

He was so cute and shy, I just wanted to hug him. But the I got bach into the main hall again, looking for Sakura. I wanted to tell her that SiSen was in the back...but then I met some friends at the stage and we started talking. And when Sakura joined us, SiSen was already gone.

The first band to play was BAAL. I figuted that out when I saw the microphone...it was decoated with cables and stuff...U-tarou's trademark. I got my cam ready and this time I did some really nice pics.

Mikito:

U-tarou:

Chihiro:

Their performance was as great as the last time I saw them, full of energy. U-tarou and Miki enjoyed playing with the crowd, cheering them into screaming, shaking hands and of course Miki threw some of his pics into the crowd again.

It seemed U-tarou and Mikito recognized me from the concert in Bremen last year. After their gig, during the break we spotted Mikito in the crown, so we went to take pics with him.

Mikito and me:

Then Calmando Qual (who go by the name Twisted Clock in Japan now) entered the stage. I couldn't really take good pics then, because my knee (the one that's damaged since that fateful D'espairs Ray-concert last November) gave out and I had to go to the back. I didn't really see much from there...but then I spotted U-tarou in the crowd with her digital camera. I went over to her and she confirmed to me that they had recognized me. Whe had a little chat and I did a spapshot of her and me:

Calmando ended their concert and Sakura came over to me, asking how I was feeling. I was a little better, the pain had faded a little. When I turned around, I practically bumped into Hibiki, who was signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. So we did as well.

Hibiki and me:

Then it was time for SiSen to perform. I wento to the stage again, as I wanted to take some more pics. These are the best I did:

His performance was great. We sat down in the back to rest our sore feet and again I saw U-tarou in the crowd. She seemd to have fun and she came over when she saw us. So we had thachance to take another, better picture.

U-tarou and me...again:

Then the concert was over and we had the chance to get stuff signed. I had my beloved ConHon with me...by now it really is some kind of holy item, if I think about all the autographs in there...after MUCC it will be full and I'll have to find a nice place for it. And every now and then I'll take it out to look at it and remember all those great concerts.

Afterwards we said goodbye to Steff and thanked him again. He hugged us both and then we left.

The next day we slept in, as we had no chance to catch the early bus anyway. We took the bus back to hamburg at 4 p.m. and I got on the next train to Bremen. I was so exhausted, tired an sore...but it was worth it.

So now I have a few days to rest, before hell breaks loose again when I get ready for the MUCC-concerts in Hamburg and Berlin. And hopefully the next interview.

Look alike?

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 22:19:54 GMT

Okay...since some people on soompi confused my avatar (Chachamaru of GacktJOB) with me...I came to ask myself...do Cha and I really look alike THAT much?

Okay...we have our similarities...especially the fact that we have the same hairdo at the same times...but in my opinion Cha is a beauty...unlike me. But oh well...judge for yourself.

So that's me last winter. In October I decided to dye my hair mahagony-red...about a week later I found a recent pic of Cha...

That was the first time I thought "Yukihiro Fujimura...get out of my head!"

This summer it continued...I dyed my hair black and cut it to shoulder-length, so I looked like this:

And then I saw a screencap of Cha from Gackt's latest show-appearance...

But still...I can't believe people are saying that I look like Cha...he's a beauty and I am...well...just me.

Sometimes I regret not cosplaying Cha anymore...it was fun. But I have so many other projects now...at the next cosplay-gathering I'll cosplay Klaha from Malice Mizer...probably it's gonna be Beast of Blood as I still have an unfinished coat hanging around that is perfect for the outfit. I just have to finish sewing it.

And in summer I plan to cosplay Kai from The GazettE. Another project I do with my dear mana_sakura, she'll cosplay Aoi.

And somwhere inbetween I want to change my hair a bit...I love it being black now...but I want to put in extensions again...I'm thinking about some extensions of a lighter colour...maybe even blonde. I was inspired to it by a pic of my darling Karyu...I think I can do it in spring only, as I have to get my hair cut shorter for the Kai-cosplay.

Random thoughts...and all because of Chacha...

Sign of life and something to share ^^

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:08:32 GMT

Wow...I haven't been posting here in AGES! *sweatdrop*

Yes, I'm still alive...still having lots of stress...but it's getting better, and I have a really awesome time ahead of me. On wednesday I'll grab my bags and head to Hamburg to visit my dear friend mana_sakura and visit a japanese class at the university with her. On thursday is my big day...I'll head to the Markthalle (a local concert hall) and wait there until it's time for me to go inside and do an interview with D'espairs Ray. *does a happy dance*

I've been looking forward to this since I heard that Despa would be coming on tour in Germany.

Well, after the concert on thursday evening we'll head back to her place to rest, because on friday morning at 9:30 our train leaves for Kopenhagen. So we'll have an entire day to look at the city and do some shopping before Despa will ariive there on saturday. Yes, we bought concert tickets for the Kopenhagen-concert as well...because it's the evening before my 30th birthday (god...I'm old... ;) ) and I had this weird idea of partying into my birthday with Despa.

Not that it's really gonna happen...but a girl can dream, ne? And dream I do...of them singing "Happy Birthday" for me and stuff...would be nice but I don't think it will become reality. I highly doubt it.

On sunday some time in the afternoon (after we got some beauty sleep *g*) we'll return to Hamburg and I'll stay there for another night, because I don't think I'll feel like going straight home simply because it's my birthday. My mother already told me she's gonna give me a call as soon as we're back on german ground (calling me in Denmark would cost us both too much...stupid phone-companies!) to congratulate me.

Honestly...I don't feel like almost 30. I'm stuck somewhere at the age of 24 in my head...and I don't think that's going to change soon. I'm comfortable with my behaviour...even if it's not fitting for a person of my age. But honestly...how SHOULD I behave? All grown up and serious? No thank you! That's not me.

I still have a lot of stuff to do until then...and since it's two in the morning now, I should see that I get some sleep...

Oh...I almost forgot. Since this entry is mostly about D'espairsRay and I was asked to upload one of their albums I think this is the right place to post up the link. And maybe someone on my flist is interested in checking Despa out (if they haven't listened to their music before).

Get Coll:Set here

sigh

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:57:14 GMT

Somehow my life is going upside down at the moment. Everything happens so quickly and I'm almost unable to catch up. I've been through busy times pretty much lately and it seems my body tries to get me to slow down a bit.

I've been feeling sick for days and I should stay in bed and rest, I know...but instead of doing that I'm sitting at my mom's office waiting for work. Yes, I'm working at university again, the contract still has to be signed but I already start working...as always. *sighs*

Me being sick has delayed my plans on sewing a coat I designed. I want to take it with me when I leave for Hamburg tomorrow...but I haven't even started. So when I get home from work I won't rest but start working on the coat. Call me stubborn, but it is something I really WANT to do.

It's funny somehow...how much I have been changing over the last year. Both inside and out. I feel like I'm slowly becoming the person I want to be. The most drastic change must have been me dying my hair. Well, nothing new here, I've done that for years...but never black. Last friday I went to the hairdresser and had my hair cut and dyed black. And I love it...everybody compliments me on it, saying how good I look with it.

Okay...another few minutes to relax before hell breaks loose here. I'll try and calm my stomach a little. Which is hard to do if all you can do is drink water...

So I got tagged again...

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 19:47:13 GMT

So I got tagged again...*laughs* By Esti this time.

Post the name of 8 songs that you love at the moment (in any order) then tag 8 friends to do the same. If your have been tagged and you like one of the same songs that was on your friends list make the song title bold and place a I beside it. If you love one of the same songs that your friend listed place another I after it making it II and so on and so on to see the most popular songs of the moment.

Malice Mizer - Chinumerareta kajitsu
Eve of Destiny - Dead or Alive (2002 Demo)
The TRAX - Liez
The TRAX - Paradise
Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
Moi Dix Mois - Deus ex Machina
Hoobastank - The Reason
Gackt - etude

I'm not tagging anybody on my flist. If you'd like to do this, just go ahead.

It's been a while since I wrote here. I'm still in the middle of a really busy time and it doesn't seem to get any quieter in my life soon. Not that I really mind, like I already said, it's the life I have chosen and I'm happy with it. My head is so full of things these days...it seems like my life finally takes a turn that satisfies me...starting with the work at campus radio, continuing with plans and possibilities that will hopefully lead my steps to Japan in the near future.

I'm not even sad anymore that I didn't win the essay-contest...I suspected beforehand already that my essay wasn't to their liking but I handed it in anyway.

At a Matsuri in Hamburg I had an oracle done...it sounds positive but at the same time tells me not to jump to action now. So I will be patient and watch my surroundings, but I won't be passive, no, there is so much to do and so little time to do it all...I regret that I hardly find any time to continue writing my stories or produce some artwork...I still have a larger artpiece planned but that one will really take time and I don't have that much spare time at the moment, I fear.

But life is good and now that my back doesn't hurt anymore and my headache has vanished (thanks to the splendid massage a good friend gave me yesterday), I look forward to the coming week with renewed energy.

I got tagged again! ^^

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 19:27:36 GMT

gwaevalarin tagged me...again. *g*

1. Turn on your favorite media player and turn your shuffle feature on.
2. Hit "play" and keep track of the next 10 songs that come up. (If you have iTunes, you can make a smart playlist that will automatically list your most recently played selections.)
3. Post your 10 shuffled songs, along with these instructions. You are not allowed to lie, omit tracks or otherwise try to make your musical taste seem hipper that it actually is.

1. Gackt - Future
2. Luna Sea - Genesis of Mind -Yume no kanatae-
3. SID - Charameru
4. Moi Dix Mois - Eternally Beyond
5. Gackt - Orenji no Taiyou
6. X-Japan - Endless Rain
7. Moi Dix Mois - Vain (inst.)
8. Dir en grey - Umbrella
9. Dir en grey - DRAIN AWAY
10. Panic Channel - clear

Tag 5 Friends:

honeybee19
k_yamato
mana_sakura
shiva__k
topgrlangel

My life seems to be a complete mess at the moment. I'm through with most of th stressful stuff...semester at university is almost over and I'm not involved with the next show of Campus-Radio...but there's still a lot to do.

Next month will be full of events and gatherings and there is still a lot to do. I'm in the middle of designing new costumes for cosplay, I will be leaving for the AnimagiC in 15 days and I haven't even started sewing yet. I admit, I'm starting to panic here...only slightly, but still. There are so many things missing that I still have to buy. Oh well...I hope I'll manage to get all of the stuff this weekend and start with the sewing as well. mana_sakura invited me to come over for the weekend and I'm really looking forward to it. Not only will I get my hair done, I'll hand in the essay I wrote for a contest.

It's a contest held by the japanese ministry of foreign affairs. They are inviting 60 people from 34 countries to Japan. The trip would be in October or November...and I really want to go. I'm not sure how good my chances are to be chosen...but I will never know unless I try.

I got tagged!

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 11:50:58 GMT

I got tagged by gwaevalarin and since I finally got some spare time, I might as well answer it now.

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your livejournal along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they're listening to.

Okay, let's see...

1. Dir en grey - Audience KILLER LOOP
2. Dir en grey - Amber
3. the GazettE - D.L.N.
4. the GazettE - Cassis
5. Pierrot - Agitator
6. HYDE - Perfect Moment
7. HYDE - It's sad

I tag:

honeybee19
k_yamato
mana_sakura
shiva__k
topgrlangel
indreams8318
pfefferminzchen

I'm going through a really busy time at the moment. Three shows in three weeks, although only two of those are broadcasted live. But the show at the festival next week will be recorded and probably aired at a later time. And to be honest, it might be stressful, but I wouldn't want it any other way. Because it's fun nevertheless and I enjoy every minute of it.

I hope it stays that way. I always said I want a job that is fun and challenging. And right now it feels like I found the ideal job. Well...not that it's a proper job yet, but I can really imagine myself earning my money with it.

It even appears in my dreams. Speaking of dreams, I had a strange one last night. Somehow I was searching for a special someone...

*cough*Gackt*cough*

Right. Where was I? Anyway, I was searching around town and finally found him. We talked but then he left. I was sad and called after him and he turned around to look at me and then made this greeting gesture from Moon Child.

I woke up with a smile on my face...which was nice for a change as my dreams had been quite dark and depressing lately.

Okay, back to work. Still have to prepare some things before I take off to the studio for today's show.

Klaha - Nostal Lab and other goodies

Mon, 15 May 2006 13:52:24 GMT

The weekend really was fun, although my mother is still mad at me that I ruined mother's day for her, because my guests left so late. *rolls eyes* That's exactly what she told me.

Oh well...*shrugs* I had a really good time, watching DVDs and videos, having people around me who share my interest for j-music...and a few artists especially. I think we'll continue that with a lot of Malice Mizer-stuff next time...*laughs*

Anyway, thanks to one of the girls I have some Klaha-goodies now that I want to share.

Klaha - Nostal Lab

Klaha - Scape ~with transparent wings~ (PV)

Klaha - Stay in the rain (PV)

Today the new week has started and I have a lot to do. Apart from the stuff for universitiy I still have to get a drawing done (it's a birthday present) and there's a new shirt that wants to be sewn...I should really start with that one soon, so I get it done in time for the Dir en grey-concert on the 28th in Cologne. Phew...things happen so fast at the moment...but I like it that way. it's better that the feeling of time not passing at all because you have nothing to do.

And it keeps me from thinking too much...I've been havin strange dreams again lately...rather disturbing ones. Dreams that make me worry and hope that all is well with those I love.

Takano Yuri - Requested files

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 10:15:55 GMT

Okay, a couple of files from me today. These are commercials Gackt did for the Takano Yuri beauty-clinic.

"Gackt sexy"

download

"Takano Yuri 2"

download

"Takano Yuri 2005"

download

"Mr. Perfect"

download

Today I have the rare pleasure of a free day. The whole week I was running around, working and trying to get stuff for university done. Today I can relax...and tomorrow stress will be back full force as I'll be going on a workshop-weekend with some of the other people from Campus-Radio. I promised to do one of the workshops...still have to think of a concept.

Spiky - Single "Spiky on the way"

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:52:18 GMT

Today I have a little download for all those interested. On Soompi I was asked to upload it and I'm more than willing to share as I was lucky myself to get this. It's one of Spiky's singles, containig three songs:

1. Final Disgusted
2. Wishes
3. Little by Little

YSI-link:

http://s56.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3UB1UGKLWPVT40MG0NMGUWIMN9

Me and myself ^^

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 11:19:16 GMT

people over at Soompi-forums, especially the girls from the Gackt-thread might know what I'm talking about. They know who I'm talking about, when I mention Voice.

This post is for them. because in my imagination Voice has slowly begun to develop a personality and - more importantly - a look of her own. Well, but how DOES she look? I started scribbling around, the idea for an artwork forming in my head, yes, Voice bugged me alot, she replaced my usual muse on this one.

Well...here it is. Just a quick sketch with equally quick done coloring...I might work on it further...I might even do a little story out of this.

Okay...I definitely need another coffee now.

Don't you want to introduce me to those non-Soompiers?

*sighs* That's Voice. Voice, meet LiveJournal-world. LJ-world, meet Voice. There, happy now?

My my...are we a little grouchy today?

I'm up since seven a.m. and all I had is one lousy cup of coffee. Don't talk to me until I had at least another one.

Okay...it's a joke, really. Voice was born on Soompi as...let's say last bit of reason in my fangirly head. She loves to give sarcastic comments...especially when I have another of my fangirlish moments drooling over pictures of a certain japanese artist. Namely Gackt. Or his guitarist ChachaMaru *grins*

I'm crazy, I know. And proud of it.

What's wrong?

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 19:38:19 GMT

Sorry, no new art today. Just some rambling to get these thoughts out of my head.

I hope this is just one of those days.

Today the weather was awesome, sun was shining from a cloudless blue sky and the temperature was bearable...even without thick gloves and a scarf. My mood was good...

...till about two hours ago. I returned to the computer to check my mails...and htere it was. This uneasy feeling in my guts. Like something was wrong, but I can't place a finger on it. And that makes me worry even more because the last times I had this...always something bad had happened.

I'm trying to distract myself, to keep myself from thiking about it too much, but it doesn't work.

I'm thinking about my friends and those who are close to me in any way and all these "What if..?"-questions pop up in my head.

I hope it's just one of my mood swings, then it will pass quickly. But if it remains...if the bad feeling is still there tomorrow...I pray to every deity that I know that it is not what I fear.

Whoa, it's spring!

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 14:32:33 GMT

Funny how things work, isn't it? Yesterday I was complaining...today I look outside and the sun in shining and springtime is in the air.

I just had a large bowl of hot & spicy thai-soup and it seems my muse is back and gave me a big smooch...I finished another artpiece. And in the beginning I didn't think it would become a complete colour-artwork...it started out as one of my boredom-doodles.

Well, take a look and tell me what you think, ne?

Now I just have to nudge my muse to help me with my writing...I have like three or four fanfictions to continue...*sigh*

A little touch of spring

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 17:57:22 GMT

I'm so fed up with winter...it has been freezing cold since late november. Since the night of my birthday to be exact. Now it's march and the temperature is still terribly low.

I want spring...*sighs* Well...at least here in my journal I can enjoy a little spring with one of my latest artworks.

I originally made the pic as a birthday present...but I don't think she minds if I post it here to share with whoever stumbles across my journal. *smiles*