Interview Date: December 30, 2015
With the arrival of the winter CM, we interviewed three well-known composers from HARD CORE TANO*C: t+pazolite, Massive New Krew, and aran.
In this first-ever interview for TANO*C BLOG, we heard about the highlights and secrets of the winter CM new CD from the three composers, precious information related to music production, and many personal topics such as their experiences. Be sure to read to the end!
Starting with the interview with t+pazolite, we will release the interviews with Massive New Krew and aran in three parts, so don't miss them!
Personal Information: t+pazolite
Active since 2004.
From the early days, characterized by unprecedented melodies, this uniqueness has become more pronounced with age, releasing greedy and unprincipled music that absorbs all styles. Recently, he has provided music for various rhythm games such as Taiko no Tatsujin, maimai, and Groove Coaster, and is currently expanding his activities.
OFFICIAL SITE: http://c-h-s.me/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tpazolite
A Strong Ambition
DOLCE.: Since this is a special feature for the TANO*C BLOG winter CM interview, we have invited three composers! First, I would like to learn various things from Mr. t+pazolite!
t+pazolite: Thank you for having me!
DOLCE.: Thank you for coming!
DOLCE.: Then I will get straight to the point. This is a winter CM feature, and I want to start with the story behind the CD made for the winter CM! This time, you released a work titled "Ponko2 Girlish." How was this work completed?
t+pazolite: This is t+pazolite's third album, featuring the long versions of what are called music game tracks for the first time, with 2 CDs, 5 long versions used in rhythm games, and remixes of other tracks!
"Ponko2 Girlish": https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1S7411X73e/
DOLCE.: It also includes 5 tracks from rhythm games!
t+pazolite: Yes, in addition, there are about 15 original tracks on this CD, making it a large-capacity CD.
DOLCE.: I see... This is definitely a CD worth listening to...!
Mr. t+pazolite, how do you personally feel about the quality of this CD?
t+pazolite: 120 points…! I originally wanted to say that… (laughs) When the tracks were nearing completion, I couldn't help but want to remake and revise them, so I kept getting into a loop… As a result, I think I got about 90 points out of 100. I always feel like there might be something I'm not satisfied with… (laughs)
DOLCE.: That's amazing… You have a strong ambition…!
t+pazolite: I can't compete with DOLCE.'s ambition (laughs).
DOLCE.: No, no, no, what are you talking about? (laughs) So, the next question, what is your favorite/recommended track from this CD?
t+pazolite: Well, I don't need to mention the extended versions, but personally, I highly recommend the title track "Ponko2 Girlish," sung by ななひら. The name of the circle C.H.S stands for "Cutie & Headshaking Sounds." The cuteness that makes you want to shake your head is well reflected in this song.
DOLCE.: It really fits the circle's name!
t+pazolite: Yes. This CD has a very different feel between the first and second discs. The title track "Ponko2 Girlish" on the first disc is quite different in its cute direction compared to the other tracks, which is one of the reasons I want to recommend this song.
DOLCE.: So, it's a mix of bright and dark tracks?
t+pazolite: Yes, among the dark tracks, there are also a wide variety of elements such as ethnic music, gothic music, and jazz, so comparing these different elements is also quite interesting.
DOLCE.: Thank you very much! Besides the title track, is there a track that you would say, "You must listen to this!"?
t+pazolite: Until now, I've created many songs with the concept of "fast" and "hard," but this time I made something different from that concept. One of the tracks is "Lazy Crack," included in the second album, which has a BPM that is about half of what I usually do. It feels like mixing slow elements like Trap and nu disco. I want those who always listen to t+pazolite's music to feel something different from usual. Of course, there are many tracks in the album worth listening to, so I hope everyone can listen to all of them.
DOLCE.: It also includes many rhythm game tracks! It's great to have them all on one CD.
t+pazolite: From maimai to Taiko no Tatsujin, from Rhythm Coaster to… whether you're a fan or someone hearing t+pazolite's songs for the first time, I recommend this CD.
DOLCE.: Thank you very much!
Creating an Atmosphere Suitable for Various Works
DOLCE.: When you asked other composers to create and remix this time, was there anything different?
t+pazolite: This time we commissioned 4 composers for remixes, including aran and Massive New Krew, who are active in TANO*C, to give their 100% effort in production! As a result, we completed some very good remixes as expected. This is the first time I've asked sasakure.UK and Cranky, but since we've had many opportunities to work together in maimai and other projects, I was hoping that if rhythm game players listened to it, they would think, "Ah, it turned into this style," and I wanted everyone to experience unexpected chemistry. Although it's a remix, they created powerful remixes full of personality, which was very moving to listen to.
DOLCE.: Sasakure.UK and Cranky are both quite rare composers here.
t+pazolite: Sasakure.UK is well-known in the VOCALOID scene, and Cranky is someone I have a bit of distance from, so this time I wanted everyone to feel unique elements that are different from the past.
DOLCE.: Not only Mr. t+pazolite's works but also the other composers' tracks are a must-listen!
Next, I want to ask a slightly more technical question. I believe the tracks this time were produced using DTM; could you tell me what DAW and synthesizers you used?
t+pazolite: I used "CUBASE" as the DAW, and besides the three major synthesizers "Nexus, Massive, Sylenth1," I also used synthesizers like "Omnisphere" and "Iris," as well as sound sources including "Goliath."
DOLCE.: The latter are synthesizers that are rarely heard in everyday use.
t+pazolite: I wouldn't say they're niche, but perhaps not many people have heard of them. "Goliath" has a wide variety of instruments, so you can completely avoid the usual brass and strings; the details of various instruments are very meticulous. In "Omnisphere," there are sounds like metal scraping when pulling a clothesline and sounds from a burning triangle piano, which are quite bizarre (laughs).
DOLCE.: That's amazing! (laughs) But adding such things must give the tracks a better flavor.
t+pazolite: This is a synthesizer that contrasts with Hardcore, so I feel that people who make other types often use it. It's not very common to use it in Hardcore.
DOLCE.: So, Mr. t+pazolite, you often participate in the production of rhythm game tracks. Is there anything you need to pay attention to when making rhythm game music?
t+pazolite: Well, this is it. Unlike regular tracks, most rhythm game tracks are around 2 minutes long, so I add a lot of fillers or suddenly drop the tempo. Although the speed of the score doesn't change, the BPM drops to about half, and it unfolds in various forms from Speedcore to hip hop.
DOLCE.: Even though the track time is short, there are more developments.
t+pazolite: Also, don't different games have that special atmosphere? If it's maimai, it will be very pop and dance; if it's Rhythm Coaster, it will be very cool; if it's Taiko, there will be the sound of "don don." With that in mind, I strive to create an atmosphere suitable for each work.
DOLCE.: By the way, are you good at rhythm games?
t+pazolite: I do play them, but if I say "I play" based on my level, I might get scolded by serious players... I don't play that much (laughs), but recently I've been very into chunism.
As Long as It's Cool, Anything Goes
DOLCE.: Regarding DTM, it's a hobby that limits your time for other things. When did you step into the music world, Mr. t+pazolite? If possible, I would also like to hear the reason you got into it.
t+pazolite: I started using DAW to compose after becoming a university student. Before that, some game development software had music-making functions, and I often used those to make music. I originally liked making things, and through the process of getting to know software that made music easily, I began to enjoy the fun of music production. At the same time, I was also immersed in club music, which should be one of the major reasons.
DOLCE.: Moving away from club music, Mr. t+pazolite's current tracks also have their unique aspects. When t+pazolite writes songs, do you think of any other composers?
t+pazolite: Of course, I also listen to the latest popular music. In the past, I mainly listened to Shibuya-kei, music focused on sampling like Capsule and Pizzicato Five; as long as it's cool, anything goes. Rock is also Shibuya-kei, pop is also Shibuya-kei, house is also Shibuya-kei, and it's very similar to J-CORE; I've been greatly influenced by these composers. After that, Cornelius and Plus-tech Squeeze Box also had a significant impact on me.
DOLCE.: By the way, when you're broadcasting or feeling down, what do you usually do?
t+pazolite: Generally, I walk in a quiet place, going to a soundless area. When I compose, I always switch back and forth between input and output, thinking about what type of music I'm currently making and whether it can be combined. During times of depression, I often can't think of those ideas. So, I deliberately walk back and forth in a soundless place, waiting for new ideas to come up. This greatly helps with changing my mood.
DOLCE.: Staring at the computer all the time must be tough.
t+pazolite: Indeed, I find that I think of melodies more when I'm taking a bath or on the move than when I'm at my desk. Speaking of when I think of melodies, I usually hum and record them, but once I return to my desk, I always feel that the melodies I thought of before are better than the ones I come up with (laughs). Recently, there are tools that allow for easy online composition, so I also save melodies there.
DOLCE.: Can iPhone apps be used for that too?
t+pazolite: Yes, iPhone can also be used. I don't really know how to use keyboards, so I just use tools to tap in the melodies. Then, save it, and sleep! Hmm (laughs).
DOLCE.: Melodies don't just appear immediately.
t+pazolite: Even when I don't have much time, many melodies come to mind, but the really good melodies often appear when I have time.
DOLCE.: Thank you, that's great...
DOLCE.: Speaking of your desk, what equipment are you currently using in your work, such as speakers and keyboards?
t+pazolite: I use speakers from a company called dynaudio and a keyboard from Novation. As for the keyboard, I use a very simple one, just something that works. I used to use a 21-key keyboard, but it wasn't enough keys to play melodies and bass at the same time (laughs), so I switched to a 48-key keyboard, allowing me to play melodies and accompaniment simultaneously. I use an audio interface called "Fireface" from a company called RME, and I also have a pair of Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones, which I highly recommend.
DOLCE.: Is there anything to pay attention to when choosing equipment?
t+pazolite: I think it varies from person to person, but recently, rather than speakers, I tend to work more with headphones. I believe it's better to invest the budget in headphones and audio interfaces.
DOLCE.: Thank you for this long interview. Finally, if Mr. t+pazolite has anything to share, please let me know.
t+pazolite: "Ponko2 Girlish" goes without saying, but there's also a CD titled "Sensation in the Sky," which started from the M.O.T.F. circle, with the concept of breaking one's own boundaries, featuring luxurious contributions from composers like 山茶花，PHQUASE, and dRESS feat. 佐仓纱织. Please be sure to listen to it. Additionally, I made t+pazolite gloves, which will also be released in the CM, so please check it out. They can be used for playing maimai.
DOLCE.: If given the chance, I definitely want to try making some clothes. Although it seems like it would cost a lot (laughs). Thank you, everyone!
DOLCE.: I hope everyone can see this precious side of t+pazolite that is usually not visible! Thank you for the interview. Next, we have an interview scheduled with Massive New Krew, so please look forward to it!