The renowned Japanese rock band Alexandros will be turning up the heat tonight at Bentley Music Auditorium, celebrating the group’s 15th anniversary and the release of their ninth original album, PROVOKE. The band is best known for their contributions to anime soundtracks, including Senkou from Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway and Koeru from Umamusume: Cinderella Grey, as well as original songs like Wataridori and Kaze ni Natte.
We had the exciting opportunity to speak to band members Yoohei Kawakami (vocals, guitar), Hiroyuki Isobe (bass guitar, backing vocals), Masaki Shirai (guitar) and Ib Riad (drums) ahead of their show in Kuala Lumpur, where they shared more about their artistic journey.
1. As a prominent J-Rock band, which genre or artist has had a profound influence on your band and its music?
Kawakami: Rock ’n’ roll has always been at the very core for us. No matter how different a song we create may sound, we eventually find ourselves returning to it. As for artists, there are simply too many to count. Beyond music, though, we’re constantly influenced by everything in daily life; movies, conversations with people, even meals.
Isobe: Personally, I’d say the songs Yoohei writes and the stories behind them. Before that, I was influenced mostly by whatever music was trending at the time.
Shirai: Bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Jimi Hendrix, those kinds of artists.
Riad: I’ve been influenced by countless bands and drummers. If I had to name one drummer, it would be Chad Smith.
2. For this current PROVOKE ASIA TOUR 2025, what are some of the goals or even dreams that your band would like to achieve?
Kawakami: I want to deliver shows that make our fans feel, whether it’s that same night or the morning after, “Ah, life really is the best.”
Isobe: In Malaysia, I’d love to see a full house at an even bigger venue. I want this tour to be the stepping stone that leads us there.
Shirai: I want us to make a name for ourselves across Asia and simply become more and more well-known. Our aim is to give the best possible performance and reach those massive venues.
Riad: I just hope that as many people as possible across Asia get to see us live.
3. How does the atmosphere feel while doing a live show overseas compared to doing a live show in Japan?
Kawakami: People are much less shy. It feels like they really know how to enjoy themselves, how to let their emotions out. That’s the best feeling.
Isobe: Just like shows differ from region to region within Japan, the atmosphere varies from country to country abroad as well. If I had to point out something unique about Japan, it’s that almost everyone waves their arms in exactly the same way.
Shirai: It might be a bit simplistic to lump “overseas” into one, but compared to Japan, audiences abroad tend to be more passionate and expressive. Japanese people really are the shyest in the world.
Riad: The way overseas audiences openly express their emotions excites us too.
4. What are some of the notable or unique interactions that your band has had with fans while touring abroad?
Kawakami: It always makes me happy when fans bring us drawings. And though we usually communicate in English, I think the first time I tried doing an MC in Korean abroad was really memorable. It was understood, and that made me happy.
Isobe: It’s always nice when fans come to welcome us at the airport.
Shirai: I really appreciate when fans make the effort to learn Japanese and speak to us in it.
Riad: Meeting fans who greet us at places like the airport makes me feel glad that we came.
5. Your band recently performed the anime opening of Umamusume: Cinderella Grey. How did your band receive the success of the show and your song?
Kawakami: I’m really happy about it. I think fans of Umamusume were probably surprised at first, but gradually they embraced it. I love crossing over genres and adding that element of surprise, so I’d like to keep doing that.
Isobe: It was an honor to be involved in such a hugely popular series. I hope this becomes a chance for more people to discover our band, and ultimately come and experience our live shows.
Shirai: Honestly, I’m just thrilled. Through this tour, I’d like to spread our music even further around the world.
Riad: I’m glad we got to create something alongside Umamusume, which is so popular worldwide. I feel that this collaboration was an excellent match.
6. During the development of your latest album PROVOKE, what were some of the challenges that your band faced, and how did you overcome them?
Kawakami: We never gave up on expressing what we wanted to express. That persistence has become something valuable for us moving forward.
Isobe: We were holed up in the studio until dawn almost every day, to the point where I nearly lost track of time. But just stepping out together as a band to grab coffee from the convenience store got us through.
Shirai: The challenge is always to surpass our last work. We clashed with each other, but through that, we managed to find the answers.
Riad: I believe change always comes with pain, and without it, you can’t climb higher. The process was full of tough moments, but overcoming them allowed us to create something we’re proud of.
7. What are some of the places that you would like to visit, or food that you would like to try during this visit to Kuala Lumpur?
Kawakami: Nasi goreng is actually my go-to order on Uber Eats, so I’d love to try the authentic version here.
Isobe: I want to try all kinds of Malaysian dishes, especially laksa, satay, and mee goreng.
Shirai: Since I often eat Indian food in Japan, I’d love to check out Little India here. And I’m curious about Malaysian cuisine as well, since I’ve never really experienced it.
Riad: As much as time allows, I want to just walk around the city, breathe in the air, and enjoy being back in Kuala Lumpur.
We’d like to once again thank Alexandros for the interview opportunity! Keep up with the band’s latest updates via their official website, Instagram, and X/Twitter.
