[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] DIOS, A Trio Of Talented Artists

HypnoticAsia holds an exclusive interview with Rising Japanese Pop-R&B influenced band, DIOS. The trio is made up of individual artists including rapper, vocalist and lyricist, Tanaka (some may know him as Boku no Lyric no Bōyomi), Ichika Nito who is currently known as the best guitarist in Japan, as well as Sasanomaly who is a beatmaker and gaming music composer.

The members of DIOS introduce themselves to our readers from around the world and tell their story of who they are, how they formed and their success!

Check out the interview by DIOS below.

Interview with DIOS – Tanaka, Sasanomaly, Ichika Nito

HYPNOTICASIA: introduce yourselves to the HypnoticAsia readers.

Hello! We are DIOS.

The band comprises of Tanaka (Vocals) of “Boku no Lyric no Bōyomi”, Ichika Nito (Guitar) who is based around the world, and Sasanomaly (Keys) who is active as a vocaloid trackmaker and singer-songwriter

The name DIOS is derived from Dionysus, the God of euphoria and drunkenness in Greek mythology, as well as a character from vocalist, Tanaka’s favourite manga, ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’.

HYPNOTICASIA: Tell us more about each member and how this trio came to be?

Tanaka: I went by the artist moniker of “Boku no Lyric no Boyomi” previously as a rapper, vocalist and lyricist. Ichika Nito, is an up-and-coming world-based guitarist who has gained global following and reputation through a unique combination of complex guitar techniques, via Youtube. Sasanomaly started out with the use of a vocaloid, with accompanying instrumental arrangements and this was really well-received in the online gaming sphere, carving his name to be known for sound design.

I met Ichika through a mutual acquaintance, and we hit it off so well that I invited him to join my band. It just so happened that Ichika also wanted to be in a band with me. I invited Sasanomaly because when I thought of a trackmaker to make music with, there was no doubt that he was the one that I wanted to be involved with making music!

HYPNOTICASIA: You recently released your sixth single, “Paper Plane”, tell us more about it.

Ichika: Paper Plane has a main theme of overcoming trauma. The release also marks our 1- year anniversary as a band. For the song, there is a foreboding resignation that haunts a protagonist as though everything can go wrong, and it feels like a game of zero-sum. This song was created by Tanaka singing on a rough track created by Sasanomaly, and I added guitar at the end. It was interesting for the three of us to create a song that had such a dizzying and unpredictable progression of various genres, such as metal, progressive rock, and jazz. In a way, we wanted to put across the protagonist going through frustration, the longing for something better, and the fear of losing one’s self.

HYPNOTICASIA: You have your debut album coming up. With “Paper Plane”, the music production has so many layers, it sets the tone for your upcoming debut album. Can you reveal more about the upcoming album? What can we expect from it?　

Tanaka: This is an album in which each song shows a completely different sound, while connecting all songs as a story. These songs will fully demonstrate the individuality of each of us. I created this album with the image of a castle quietly built deep in the forest.

HYPNOTICASIA: Your solo show, “Dawn: 1st Man Live” sold out! How does it feel to play a sold out show of your own?

Tanaka: I am so happy! I think this is the first step to reaching more people, and I look forward to more gigs in the future!

Sasanomaly: I am very happy. To know that we’ve played a sold-out show, gives me encouragement for our next show.

Ichika: I am very happy that people are interested in our music and I can see the future of this band growing.

HYPNOTICASIA: Upon the release of your debut album, you’ll be embarking on a 5-city tour. How does that feel?

Tanaka: It will be fun to see the different reactions of the audience in each city. It would be great if we were able to perform and visit not just the rest of Japan, but also other overseas countries.

HYPNOTICASIA: Your singles “Dark Room” and “Theatre” became theme songs for 2 Hulu dramas. How did you feel when you heard the news?

Sasanomaly: We were so pleased that our music was chosen. While we had original ideas of how both music would sound from a visual perspective, we found it refreshing to have our music match a different visual, and in the form of theme songs for drama shows.  We hope to have more opportunities to be associated with more great works in the future!

HYPNOTICASIA: Is there an artist you’d like to work with that you haven’t already?　

Tanaka: Billie Eilish

Sasanomaly: Tennyson

Ichika: Jacob Collier, Polyphia, Joep Beving

HYPNOTICASIA: Do you have anything to say to your supporters/fans?

Tanaka: The three of us will paint countless beautiful sceneries and stories together. I hope you will look forward to them.

Sasanomaly: Thank you for everything. I hope we can continue to create an enjoyable world.

Ichika: Please look forward to the album, it’s going to be great!

Check out their social media to connect with them:

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• Spotify