Music Review Database: Is it true that Code Geass was not only the reason
behind your band name, but also the reason you guys started a band in the first
place?
Area 11: That series certainly influenced our band name,
although it didn't contribute to the band's creation as we were already (half)
formed by that point. The desire to play rock music, of course, was the main
factor, closely followed by the fact that a packet of guitar strings once
opened only stays good for so long, so time was of the essence and we worked
with who we had. The name 'Area 11' was place-holder until we could find
something better. We're still looking.
Will you ever make songs about anime you don't
like?
I shouldn't think so.
For those who don't know, could you tell us what
"Gaijin Rock" is?
Gaijin Rock is one way of describing our brand of
in-yo-foice rock music, although really it's a joke that went too far. It pays
tribute to how we have take influence from Japanese culture, but realistically
it's such a small part of what the band is about, it's not a very good
description.
It pays tribute to how, as outsiders, we draw
influence from a wide range of art forms and media. Particularly so in our
first album that drew from Japanese culture and music.
How long have you guys been a part of Yogscast?
Have you enjoyed your time with Yogscast?
Sparkles* and Parv worked for the Yogscast for a
couple of years, although Sparkles* has not worked there for a few months now.
But Parv is still technically a Yogscast member. It was often enjoyable, yeah, and
also very stressful.
Was Area 11 the main reason why Yogscast Studios
was created?
One of the reasons, but not the main one. The Yogscast
already released their own songs by this point. It was a long time coming.
Three of your songs have charted, did you expect to get
charting positions?
The first time we got in the charts was a total shock
(especially how due to an administrative error we got to the top spot of the
American comedy charts). However chart numbers don't really mean that much to
us, but conversely it shows how many fans took the time to support us by buying
one of our songs, and that means a great deal to all of us. To them we are
incredibly thankful.
How do you come up with a song about an anime? Do
you watch specific scenes and content to sing about?
Essentially the same way in which you come up with
songs about anything. You expose yourself to something and it either inspires
you or it doesn't. Some concepts or narratives really stick out in your
mind, and those are the ones you want to write about.
How did you get Beckii Cruel to sing on Shi No
Barado? Did you know her previously?
We put out a Craigslist advert, and she was the nicest
person who replied.
Do you plan on collaborating with anyone else in
the future?
At the moment we're focussing on writing as a
tight-knit four piece, although we are always open to working with other
musicians. So Burt Bacharach, if you're reading this (and I know you are), get
in touch.
You're recording your second EP, which is exciting
news for me and other fans! How many songs have you got planned for it?
Three songs on the new EP, and then it's on to the
next full-length album after that.
Has their been any difficulties recording the EP?
The hardest thing over the summer has been getting all
of us in the same place for prolonged periods of time, which is kind of
ridiculous as we all live within two minutes walk of each other. But now with
our various summer adventures behind us, the pace has really picked up.
Have you guys got enough material to write another
album maybe?
Yes sir.
With live performance you seem quiet compared most
bands, do you ever plan on touring the UK or Japan?
We've got quite a long UK tour coming up in November
which we're all very excited for. We'd love to tour in Japan, it's been on the
cards for the while, we're just thinking about the most effective way to make
it happen.
Would you guys ever play somewhere like The
Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent (nudge nudge, winkwink)?
Absolutely. bookings@area11.email
You shared a "plugDJ" link on your page,
what is Radio 11? Will it be music and anime related, or is there more?
It's a place to connect with fans, where we can share
music with each other. It builds upon our ethos of immersing yourself in music
of all types of genres. We've heard a lot things that we wouldn't have
otherwise been exposed to in there. We generally don't encourage people to play
anime music as we want to hear new and exciting music, not intros to TV shows
that we've all heard 1,000 times.
Did you know Area 11 is also a youth organisation
for pony riders? If you had any four items from an anime to equip the pony to make
it the ultimate war machine, what would they be? And would you be able to draw
it?
We'd actually rather not discuss the Area 11 youth
organisation for pony riders, as we are currently in a fierce legal battle with
them for rights to the name. The feud has gotten progressively worse over the
last few months, and just the other morning Parv woke up with a severed pony
head in his bed with a note attached saying "All opposed to Area 11
....say neigh". It was a very distressing time for all of us.
Wonder Momo is being rebooted, how did Namco
Bandai approach you guys to play the theme tune for it?
We'd worked with Namco Bandai before on their Bravoman
cartoon series, and we were so polite they invited us back for seconds.
What are your favorite anime theme tunes?
There's been some strong tunes on Naruto, probably
Haruka Kanata by Asian Kung-Fu Generation. We've covered it live a couple of
times, and coincidentally it's the song we all lost our virginity's to (for the
most part) on different occasions.
How far are you guys willing to push your fanbase?
You seem to have enough fans
If by "push" you mean "grow", then
as far as possible. Whereas if by "push" you mean
"wind-up", then as far as possible
And the last question, in a brief sentence, how
would you describe Area 11?
I would describe it as
taking some honey, and plenty of money, and wrapping it up in a five pound
note. And then trying to spend that five pound note, but nobody will accept it
due its being covered in honey.
~Matthew Clewley
