After their third European show in Cologne, XMAS took some time to answer JaME's questions.
X Made Alcoholic Santaclaus, or XMAS, are an ambitious rock band from Yokohama, Japan. From 2013 onwards, they’ve managed to gain a lot of attention, thanks to their loud and rocking sound. Right now, XMAS are touring Europe for the first time to promote their new album Nouveau départ, which was released on August 28th. After their stunning concert in Cologne, the four rockers took some time to speak with JaME.
Who are you exactly? Could you introduce your band?
yu-ta: My name is yu-ta and I play drums.
MASAYA: I am MASAYA and I am one of the band's two guitarists.
KEI: My name is KEI, I am the lead singer and play bass.
CHARLIE: I am CHARLIE, I play rhythm guitar and support KEI with my backing vocals. We are X Made Alcoholic Santaclaus, a loud rock band from Yokohama and we are happy to be here!
When did you start making music together as XMAS ?
CHARLIE: That happened almost two years ago, on Christmas Eve 2013. And right now we are already able to tour Europe. It’s just amazing.
Before XMAS, you all were in different bands. How did you come to all be rocking out in one band?
CHARLIE: We’ve been friends for a very long time. We already knew each other before XMAS, but mainly as drinking buddies. The resolve to shred the stage together comes quite alone by time.
How did you get your exceptional name?
CHARLIE: Truth be told: I like Christmas – that’s the only reason why. We definitely wanted a name which could be shortened to XMAS, so we came up with X Made Alcoholic Santaclaus. Hands down, we think that one fits us quite well.
How would you describe your sound?
CHARLIE: Heavy, loud and rock'n'roll. No more words needed.
Do you have any favourite artists that inspire you?
yu-ta: I really like Deftones.
MASAYA: Me too, I love Deftones.
KEI: Korn.
CHARLIE: Guns'n'Roses, and a lot of Swedish rock bands.
Does your new album Nouveau depart have a special theme?
CHARLIE: It doesn’t have a particular theme, per se. On this album, we really wanted to show off our skills. We tried our very best to give our fans an exact preview of what they would experience at one of our concerts. Therefore, the album features a very raw sound.
Was it a special wish of yours, to tour Europe?
CHARLIE: In some ways, yes. We didn’t expect a European tour to happen so early, but we’re still happy to be here.
Do you already have some funny experiences from your tour, that are worth reporting?
MASAYA: I was really surprised, that – especially in Germany – they stocked cold beer for us backstage. We also had a really great night in Belgium, where we drank loads of tequila at a local bar. Of course we had a massive hangover the day after, but that's who we are.
Who is the most crazy of you guys?
CHARLIE: Actually none of us are crazy. It doesn’t come across on stage, but we are really shy guys. (Everybody laughs)
Then I will ask like this: who is the most rock'n'roll of you all?
CHARLIE: That would be me. Though off the stage, I will only rock if the music is heavy enough.
If I wanted to recommend XMAS to a friend, which song of yours should I show them?
KEI: Throw away tonight, definitely. (Everyone else agrees)
Do you have any kind words for your European fans?
CHARLIE: Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! We are truly thankful for the chance to be here. I am looking forward to meeting you at one of our shows. I promise to learn more English before our next tour!
JaME would like to thank X Made Alcoholic Santaclaus, Shota and REALive for making this interview possible.
