Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Yuta and Sota from Japanese metalcore band Graupel. They are set to independently unleash their debut album, “Bereavement”, on July 4th.We had the chance to chat about a variety of topics including overall influences, working independently, and even their most anticipated upcoming releases. Be sure to help support these guys by either checking them out on Facebook and/or buying their album on Bandcamp! Be on the lookout, these guys are going to be going places with their fantastic song writing, crushing breakdowns, and excellent understanding of what makes a metalcore song and album enjoyable.
*Do be aware that English is not their native language, so apologies from the band if anything is hard to understand*
In terms of the writing process, what kind of mindset did you all have recording a full length as opposed to just a single?
Yuta: When I write songs for a single, I just try to write a good song, but when I write songs for a full length, I also try to write good songs and try each song can make synergy, sometimes I arrange each song to make it better as a full length.
Sota: There is no difference. I just try to put my heart and soul into the songs, and express my thoughts.
What were some of your most listened to albums while writing/recording?
Yuta: Misery Signals “Of Malice and the Magnum Heart”
Utada Hikaru “Deep River”
I Killed The Prom Queen “Beloved”
Lil Peep “Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt.1”
While She Sleeps “You Are We”
Sota: The Ghost Inside “Get What You Give”
Architects “The Here and Now”
August Burns Red “Messengers”
Crystal Lake”The Sign”
The Plot In You “Could You Watch Your Children Burn”
What are some of the lyrical themes or meanings behind some of the songs?
Yuta: I tried to express the emotions when I feel separation with dear friends and family and distance among each person.
Sota: Every time I write lyrics, I intend to express every hardship I’ve ever had and every beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen.
Who did you work with as a producer? What was the experience like?
Yuta: Most songs are produce by ourselves.(Song 1:Memories is produced by Kei Toriki). Sound Engineer is 克哉(Katsuya) and Mastered by Galaxy Blast Studio. Vocal direction and engineer is Toshihiro Goto. This is our first experience to make the full length, so it’s hard to complete the album, especially writing process. We ultimately made great progress as a band throughout full length production.
What bands are some of your biggest influences?
Yuta: Misery Signals, Protest The Hero, I Killed The Prom Queen, Hellne and Veil of Maya
Sota: The Ghost Inside, Underoath, Memphis May Fire, Dismember and Bullet For My Valentine
If you could tour with any 3 bands, past or present, who would you choose?
Yuta: Our Hollow, Our Home, While She Sleeps and END
Sota: Northlane, Architects and Wage War
Do you have any tour plans to help spread the word about the release?
Yuta: Yeah, We have a plan of Japan Tour and some Asia Tour. We want to play some show in US and Europe if we have any chances.
What’s it been like to be independent and release your own material?
Yuta: This is the first time for us to distribute our music, so it was really hard to find a way for promoting us and our music.
If you could be signed to any label, which would you hope for?
Yuta: Epitaph Records, SharpTone Records and Solid State Records are nice.
What albums are you all most looking forward to this year?
Yuta: New album of Utada Hikaru. In addition, not sure when it will release, but we look forward to new BMTH and The Ghost Inside albums
Sota: While She Sleeps’ album (I don’t know if they’ll release anything new this year).
If there was one song you all would love to cover, what would that be?
Yuta: Misery Signals -The Failsafe-
Sota: The Ghost Inside -Engine 45-
Is there anything you’d like to tell your current or future fan base?
Yuta: Our new album “Bereavement” is an epic metalcore album. Check it out if you love metalcore.
Sota: I hope to be able to perform for everyone who loves our music. Those who love metalcore need to listen our songs. Thank you.
