Star Coast Exclusive Interviews!

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Celebrating the New Year, Star Coast has made one big mega issue. Included in it are interviews with rising stars Ivan Karelin, Greg Universe, and Tamara Dawdes!

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Dragging a ninja into the spotlight: Ivan Karelin!

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The name on so many people’s lips these days is a fragrant one. Flowers Over Bones, Virgo’s latest darling, is a band people just can’t seem to get enough of. Fittingly, co-leads Luce and Doctor are the most vocal and public of the group to their fans’ adoration. Just for Star Coast, however, writer Ruby Flare has managed to search the shadows for FoB’s enigmatic shamisen player Ivan Karelin.

Q: As I’m sure you’ve noticed, a lot of bands lately in Virgo are going through some changes when it comes to their member lineup. Flowers Over Bones has the distinguished title of being Virgo’s only band to keep it together. Do you think the bond between you all is just that good, Mister Karelin?

A: I do. We're like family, and I'm honored to play beside them.

Q: [laugh] So it sounds like the family image you project isn’t just for the media attention! Was that just something that happened naturally between you?

A: It was.

Q: Good to hear. Not a lot of people are so lucky to get a great group dynamic like that. I’ve also heard that you’re going to take part in the Double S Charity Concert at the end of this month. Can you tell us about your role in that?

A: I am performing a song I wrote about another musician.

Q: Sounds interesting! It’s not often we get to hear you perform. How do you feel about it, and the person you’re writing about?

A: My role is to support my band. In this case, my role is to create a song that will showcase the musician and their musical style.

Q: Are you just approaching it as a role, or have you been having fun with this?

A: Fulfilling one's duty can both be a role and something one enjoys doing.

Q: That makes sense, considering you’re in the music business. I suppose you wouldn’t have lasted long without enjoying it! You also have a good following on twitter for your haikus. Do you write them all the time, or just online?

A: Do birds only sing, when blossoms are in full bloom, breathing their fragrance?

Q: Very nice! What got you into writing haikus like that, and have you thought about incorporating it into FoB’s music?

A: Elements of haiku have already been added, though not in the same form.

Q: Oh really? What would you say the differences between them are?

A: The rhythm and meter differ, but invoking a season or element of nature is the same.

Q: That sounds like it will make your music come off as quite relaxing. Is there a particular season or part of nature you lean towards most when it comes to haiku and song writing?

A: It depends on the song's story.

Q: Makes sense. Besides the song for the charity, what kind of stories are you writing for your songs now then

A: The stars, the flowers, memory and time, what will they dream now?

Q: Sounds interesting. Well it looks like we’re all out of time, so is there anything in particular you’d like to tell to our readers and your fans?

A: Thank you for all of your support of the band. Shu shu. [does a shuriken throwing motion to go with it]

The subject: one fantastic Mister Universe, the shooting star of Defying Atmosphere!

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Every band relies on teamwork, but none can deny that they’re defined by the talent and face of their lead. When it comes to some of the recent talent, none can deny that at this, Greg Universe excels. Star Coast’s Chika Strutt managed to get an interview with the rock sensation on his current success, the recent Double S charity concert, and music!

Q: So, Mister Universe, you and the notorious ice queen Meril are some of the hottest celebrities in the business right now! Did you ever imagine that you’d rise this high this fast when you first signed on with Virgo, and how do you feel about it?

A: I absolutely always believed I’d be able to get this far. Music’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, long as I can remember, and I haven’t dreamed of anything less. But getting here feels completely different than I expected! Does that make sense? [laughs] Nothing could have prepared me for the reality of it. It’s everything I ever hoped for, and then some.

Q: Sounds like you’re taking to it like a fish to water! Defying Atmosphere has gone through some changes lately, however, isn’t that right? New members to the band. Have you met them yet, and what are your thoughts?

A: Yeah! Kokoro, Marty and Rarity are all really great people, and talented to boot. It’s a pretty wild mix of personalities, but that’s what makes it exciting; everyone’s bringing new ideas to the table, and we’re stronger for it. Our music will be just as harmonious as we are, promise.

Q: That’s good to hear. I know a lot of fans would be heartbroken if DA broke apart so soon! Moving on, I have it on good authority that you’ll be taking part in the Double S Charity Concert that’s due to happen at the end of the month. Can you tell us how that works and how you’re involved?

A: It’s pretty straightforward, on paper. I’ve got the name another musician who’s signed up, and I’m supposed to write a song about them before the concert hits. The real challenge is, we’ve barely talked before! It’s a little stressful, just since I want to make something that won’t let them down. But I’m making sure to have fun with it, so I’m hoping the end product is just as enjoyable for everyone to hear.

Q: Oh wow, looks like you drew the short straw there, but it’s encouraging to hear that you’re still as bouncy as ever. 10 out of 10 fans say it’s your best trait. [laugh] Would you agree with that?

A: Wow, all 10? I was sure some would go for the rugged good looks. [laugh] No, uhh. I dunno if I can say anything on that. I’m just glad whatever it is I’m doing works!

Q: People look for a good personality just as much as good looks, Greg, but it looks like you’re doing great in that area too! As we finish up, is there anything you think is important for your fans to remember and keep in mind?

A: Look up more. The sky is a mirror, and we’re all stars.

It’s time to chat it up with gothic royalty, an interview with none other than Tamara Seward of Co

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Pride Records is notorious for the party animals and wild rockstars that come to mind when you think of the music industry. Can the latest gothic sensation Crown of Thorns add a little class to the label? Our own Fate Withhin will ask that and a variety of other topics to none other than the much adored pianist of the band!

Q: Despite being a relatively new band, Ms. Seward, it appears that Crown of Thorns has become rather popular pretty quickly! How are you and the rest of the band taking all the attention, from the good to the bad?

A: It depends on person to person. I myself, mostly prefer to stay to myself, do what I like and I mostly stay away from certain blogs. Mai mostly avoids anyone she doesn’t like. Artolo just doesn’t give a f*** and neither does Tooru. That’s how we live our lives in the spotlight.

Q: I see. It seems to be working well for you all so far, although it’s a shame we weren’t able to speak more with Wolfram before he went for greener pastures. A replacement was recently announced for the lead spot, isn’t that right?

A: Yes, a replacement has been announced. I won’t give out company secrets, but the person may be a familiar face to some of you. But nothing is confirmed until we appear as a group. Don’t believe the various twitter rumors, my precious Court of Thorns.

Q: I’m sure everyone will be on the edge of their seats until the official appearance, then. Let’s talk about some things outside the band, now. You’re part of the Double S Charity Concert, isn’t that right? I’ve heard it involves writing about another musician. Has that been giving you any trouble, or is it fun for you?

A: Yes, I am. It’s a fun little interlabel project that gives us all a chance to put the ‘rivalry’ behind us and just make some good music together. I’m currently in middle of recording my song and well… it’s rare that I get to sing on what I write. Fans of both me and the subject might be… pleasantly surprised at what I can do, hopefully. But you know, I can’t please everyone.

Q: The famous Mother Datura, singing! I know I can’t wait. I don’t suppose we can get any hints for who it is you’re writing about?

A: Loose lips sink ships, Fate.

Q: I guess there’s no getting past you. [laugh] Let’s go with something that should be more acceptable: if you could have chosen the musician to write about, do you have anyone in mind?

A: I admire many musicians. Xanxus from Junkyard Carnival, Squalo from MANTICORE, Bill Cipher from Virgo’s Vandalism in Process, Luce from Flowers Over Bones... I admit while writing this song I listened to quite a bit of Defying Atmosphere. Greg Universe is a genius musician and Virgo is lucky to have him.

Q: That’s quite a mashup of people. It looks like we’re all out of time for now, so I’ll finish things up with one last question- if you had to put together the ideal band that wasn’t CoT together, composed of musicians currently in the business, what members would you put into it? Would you put any of your own on the list?

A: For one thing, Fate. As a musician, there is no such thing as an ‘ideal’ band. All bands have their strengths and weaknesses and that’s what makes them great… but I don’t believe I don’t even have enough time to put together my dream band… Sorry!