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Chapter 1: About OCCULT

“This title also carries a wish that my work will become something that can be "both poison and medicine" to others”

──Thank you for agreeing to the interview! First, I'd like to ask you about your first full album OCCULT. While it features songs in various styles, there's a retro-futuristic vibe throughout, and it makes me feel like I'm immersed in sci-fi works from the 70s and 80s, which I really love. So, could you tell us about the concept of this album and any works that inspired it?


The works that I believe influenced the creation of this album include Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, David Bowie's Space Oddity, Hiroyuki Yamaga's Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise, Ango Sakaguchi's Discourse on Decadence, and Takeshi Kitano's Sonatine. While most of these works are from the 70s to the 2000s, I think the influences come from a wide range of sources, not just from sci-fi.


The concept of OCCULT is that each song on the album has its own separate story. I devised plots akin to short sci-fi novels for each track, using these as a kind of background setting for the music. Rather than focusing on cutting-edge technology, I’ve always loved older sci-fi with a handmade, nostalgic feel, including its ideas. I think that influence definitely played a role in shaping the storylines, and I’d be happy if that comes through in the music.


For example, "Error404: Ghost Of Venus" is, in my mind, a story about a fictional computer virus... However, I don’t want to go into too much detail about the story because I feel that it might limit the listener's imagination. (laughing)


──Yes, it’s about leaving it up to each listener’s imagination. As for the title OCCULT, what meaning is embedded in it?


When the tracks were nearly finished, I started thinking about a fitting title... The word "OCCULT," which also has a somewhat nostalgic, legacy-like connotation from when it was once a trend in Japan, seemed like the perfect fit for this album, which brings together retro sci-fi-inspired stories.

▼OCCULT Cover art



Also, since OCCULT is my first full album, I wanted it to be something like my introduction—a reflection of what I aim for in the future. With that in mind, this title also carries a wish that my work will become something that can be "both poison and medicine" to others.


──"both poison and medicine"... So what does that mean?


I believe there was an occult boom in Japan as well, and for those who believe in occult phenomena, it represents a powerful source of hope. However, for those who don't believe, it can only appear as madness. When it comes to making music, I have a strong belief that 'I don't want to make songs that are constrained by trends' and 'I want to create something unlike anything that’s been done before.' In that sense, I feel that my music, much like the occult, can be something that is deeply appreciated by some but completely incomprehensible to others. And I think that’s actually an important part of what I want to achieve. If it’s not like that, it just wouldn't be interesting.


In modern times, many things have been explained by science, and with the widespread use of surveillance cameras and dash cams, as well as the ease with which amateurs can create videos of paranormal phenomena, people are often left feeling disappointed, thinking 'Is that all there is to it?' I feel that because these things have been explained, the dreams of the past have been lost. However, the occult that was once popular was filled with the hopes and imagination of those who dreamed of it, and I find a certain irony and beauty in that. I really like it, and I hope that everyone can nostalgically remember the excitement of that time.

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Chapter 2: About Visual Art

“I believe that sometimes a photo taken spontaneously in the streets can turn out better than a meticulously planned shoot in a high-end studio”

──moë, you not only handle lyrics, composition, arrangement, mixing, and mastering, but also direct and edit your music videos and design your own album covers. In line with the concept you mentioned earlier, it seems that you place a lot of emphasis on the visual aspects as well. Are there any particular things you are consciously focusing on or specific styles you are particularly particular about?


There are many aspects to consider, but... As an indie artist, I don't have much funding available. However, it's precisely because of this limitation that I find it interesting, and I appreciate the charm of a handmade approach. I'm always thinking of ways to be creative within these constraints. Just like with music production, I am conscious of avoiding falling into a mold.


Since I'm not working in the video industry professionally, I believe that sometimes a photo taken spontaneously in the streets can turn out better than a meticulously planned shoot in a high-end studio. I’m always thinking that the limitations in funding and human resources, which are typical of being an indie artist, can actually become one of the appeals of the work.


Also, I believe that visuals and videos are ultimately an added value, so I make sure that their purpose is to enhance the music, and I stay true to that idea.


──I see. For example, in the music video for "No Disk," items like photo stickers, handheld gaming consoles, and snow globes appear. While these are still things we can see today, I think they can also be considered 'things that were once popular,' much like the 'occult boom.' Did you incorporate these nostalgic items because you find them appealing, and want to evoke that sense of nostalgia?


The theme of "No Disk" is about the preciousness and fleeting nature of ordinary days, and I wanted to express that in the video as well. So, when I started gathering items that evoke a sense of nostalgia for the everyday things that are being lost, it naturally ended up having a retro vibe.


──"No Disk" is the final track of the album, and I think it’s the song where the sadness and fleeting nature conveyed through the melody stand out the most. With the addition of the video, it creates a synergistic effect, enhancing each other's charm.


A few people noticed in the YouTube comments, but another theme of the "No Disk" music video is 'time machine,' so there are items related to that concept as well. Also, simply put, antique items are often inexpensive and unique, which is another reason I chose them.(laughing)

moë - "No Disk"

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Chapter 3: About moë

“Even now, I think making music is similar to drawing. I have an image or world I want to create and show first, and then I search for sounds that match that”

──Next, I'd like to ask about you, moë. What was the reason you became interested in music?


When I was young, I was more focused on drawing than music. I've always been very imaginative, almost like a dreamer, and with my drawings, I rarely focused on sketching things from reality. Instead, I mostly drew the world in my head. I feel like the roots of my creative activities, including music, come from that. Even now, I think making music is similar to drawing. I have an image or world I want to create and show first, and then I search for sounds that match that. The process of selecting sounds one by one in music production feels very similar to choosing colors for a painting. By the way, I drew the cover art for my 1st EP Toy Box and the single Paper Moon myself.(laughing)

▼Toy Box Cover art


▼Digital Single Paper Moon Cover art



──I was surprised to learn that you yourself drew those album covers, and I was even more surprised to realize that both illustrations were created by the same person! The styles of the artwork are different—Toy Box is more dreamy and Paper Moon is more pop—but both have beautiful color schemes and unique compositions, which I think is wonderful. So, how did you transition from drawing to starting your music production?


My shift from drawing to music happened when I became obsessed with L'Arc~en~Ciel [*Japanese four-piece rock band] during my student years. I found them on YouTube... Of course, the music was great, but I think I was also drawn to their unique worldview and the somewhat otherworldly atmosphere they created. Inspired by L'Arc~en~Ciel, I started a band and began writing my own songs. At first, I composed while playing the guitar, but a friend recommended a DAW software to me, and since then, I've been composing using electronic music production.


──I didn’t see L'Arc~en~Ciel coming! If there are any other artists who have influenced you or ones you particularly like, I'd love to hear about them.


There are so many, so it's difficult to choose, but as for Japanese music, I think I’ve been influenced by JUDY AND MARY [*Japanese four-piece pop-rock band with a female vocalist YUKI, active from 1992 to 2001], especially in terms of how they craft melodies and lyrics. JUDY AND MARY's melodies are so catchy that you can easily hum them after just one listen. But they are never simple; there’s always a development that exceeds the listener's expectations. And this is another really important aspect, but there’s also a sense of Japanese emotional depth and a strong sense of longing within their songs. I truly think it’s genius how all of these elements come together at once.


──I completely agree.


Like them, when I create music, I place great importance on having catchy melodies, as well as emotional depth and a feeling akin to sweet sorrow. I believe this comes from truly being mindful of the listener. In my search for what makes a song stay in people's hearts, I think I have been greatly influenced by that.


──It was surprising to hear both bands mentioned, but when I hear your description of L'Arc~en~Ciel as having a 'distinct worldview' and an 'otherworldly atmosphere,' and JUDY AND MARY as having 'catchy melodies' and 'Japanese emotional depth with strong longing,' it really makes sense, as these elements are also strongly felt in your music. By the way, I don't think you belong to the generation that experienced JUDY AND MARY in real time, so how did you come to listen to them?


To be honest, my memory is a bit fuzzy on the details... Originally, I was a fan of the vocalist YUKI, and I started listening to her solo albums. From there, I gradually began to listen to JUDY AND MARY as well!


──I see. Are there any international artists who have influenced you as well?


I really like many international artists... Among them, AURORA is one of my favorites. On her first album (All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend), there are quite a few dark tracks, like "Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)," but at the same time, I feel an innocence that flows like water at the bottom of a dark sea... It's such a powerful feeling, and it was really striking and comforting. It made me realize how comforting darkness can be.


──Indeed, the song "Time Machine" from your 1st EP Toy Box, released in 2023, has a darkness similar to AURORA's music, as well as a balanced mix of folk and electro.


It's not just her pure, almost translucent singing voice and worldview, but also the way she portrays the darker aspects of human nature, side by side. And that darkness is elevated into a form of art. I'm really drawn to that kind of complex worldview and beautiful darkness, so I think I always keep her in mind when creating music. Also, in terms of arrangement, the balance between folk-like elements and electro elements is often ideal, and I take inspiration from that.


AURORA - "Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)"

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Chapter 4: Past and Future

“I've become much more focused on understanding my roots, what I really want to do, and what I want to express”




──Earlier, we touched on Toy Box, so I'd like to ask about it as well. It gives a different impression compared to OCCULT, and I find the diversity in your musical style really appealing. You mentioned earlier that OCCULT was created while thinking about what you want to aim for in the future, but what kind of work did you aim for with Toy Box?


When I was working on Toy Box, to be honest, I didn't really know what I was doing at all.(laughing)


Toy Box is an EP created in collaboration with the music production company Syn. Originally, I had a collection of songs that I had written, and together with the project members from Syn, we discussed which songs to release and then remade each one. Each track has its own special meaning to me, but if there's a difference compared to OCCULT, I think it's that I started to explore the idea of creating music that could be enjoyed by anyone around the world.




Toy Box has most of its lyrics in Japanese, and many of the titles are also in Japanese. So, I think the content might be a bit difficult for non-Japanese speakers to fully connect with. Recently, though, my desire to share my music with people around the world has grown stronger, which is why I have more English lyrics now and am focusing on making the titles convey a sense of the song's content.


──The "No Disk" MV on YouTube has comments in many languages besides English.


When I made Toy Box, it was more about expressing my personal inner feelings and introspection. I wanted to communicate something directly by expressing those emotions. However, over time, I think I became more conscious of the listener's presence. That might be the most accurate way to describe the shift. Also, because I’ve always loved L'Arc~en~Ciel and JUDY AND MARY, many of the tracks had an arrangement style influenced by a band setting. But now that all the tracks are made using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and home recording, I’ve come to appreciate the freedom of that approach. I’ve started to embrace and enjoy the creative possibilities it offers, which has made me want to focus on that freedom even more. In that sense, I've become much more focused on understanding my roots, what I really want to do, and what I want to express.


Back then, I was really inexperienced, and even putting into words what I wanted to do was a struggle. But I’m truly grateful to the people at Syn, who sincerely worked with me. Being trusted for the first time as an artist gave me a strong sense of motivation to keep pushing forward. It was a very significant experience for me. Without Toy Box, I wouldn’t have been able to create OCCULT, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today. In that sense, they played a key role in shaping an important turning point in my artistic journey. I hope to collaborate with them again someday.


──Creating Toy Box helped clarify moë's vision, which eventually led to the creation of the next album, OCCULT. I'm also looking forward to your collaboration with Syn once again.

I’m really glad I could hear so many valuable insights from you today. Thank you for answering so thoroughly and deeply! Finally, I’d like to ask about your first solo live performance, which will be held on January 11th, 2025. Since it’s your first solo live show, it’s a bit unknown what it will be like, so could you share your thoughts on it? Also, if there are any specific aspects of the live performance that you’d like fans to look forward to, please feel free to share what you can.


This will be my very first solo live performance, and I’m honestly really excited! Actually, until recently, I had never performed live as moë, but after the solo live show was confirmed, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a few events, and I’ve been training hard every day. This time, I’ll be performing with an amazing band, and I’m confident that it will be the best live show at 120%. Also, I see this opportunity as a big challenge for me, and I believe it will be the starting point for what’s to come, so I would love for you to come witness this first step!■

*This interview has been translated into English by ChatGPT.

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▼Live Info.
moë 1st solo live　"OCCULT"　
on Saturday, January 11th, 2025
@Moon Romantic (青山 月見ル君想フ)
4-9-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, B1F
Open 19:00
Start 19:30
Tickets available here：https://t.livepocket.jp/e/taibp

More Info.
moë official X @moe_wakabayashi
You can purchase the "OCCULT" CD here moë Official Online Store

Also, check this out:
[Previous Article]I’m absolutely in love with moë’s album OCCULT

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