Exclusive Interview! [musbime]
musbime is a five-piece alternative rock band consisting of Kenmoku (Vo./Gt.), Koide (Gt.), Taisei (Gt.), Mamoru (Ba./Cho.), and Bachio (Dr.).
Their music constantly shifts its tone even within a single song, throwing listeners off balance, like an intricate maze that’s hard to solve.
What is the origin of their free-spirited sound that refuses to be bound by conventions?
And where is musbime heading from here?
We sat down with all five members to hear their thoughts on what musbime is all about.
(Interview by KAON)
The Origins of musbime’s Music
First of all, where does the name musbime come from?
Koide: At first, we didn’t even have a band name when we started posting our tracks on Twitter, but we got way more response than we expected. Around the time we started getting invited to play live, we thought, Okay, we need to decide on a name! We even shot some artist photos before settling on one…
Bachio: Even at the drinking session where we gathered to choose a name, we couldn’t decide. At one point, I jokingly suggested Mokoyama Mokozou, and for some reason, everyone got stuck on that for a while. (laughs)
All: Yeah, that’s true! (laughs)
Bachio: Actually, I’d already had the idea of musbime in mind. It works well in both Katakana and English, and it’s easy to design a logo around it. It also carries the meaning of “connecting people,” which felt right. In the end, everyone agreed, and we decided to go with musbime.
Can you tell us how the band came together?
Koide: I play in another hardcore band, but I wanted to start something closer to my musical roots — that’s what sparked the idea for this band.
Mamoru, our bassist, had already played in my previous band, and Bachio was a friend of mine, so he joined as our drummer.
We found Taisei, our guitarist, through a musician’s bulletin board. Funny enough, I realized later that he’d come into the guitar repair shop where I work as a customer once before. At the time, I didn’t notice, but later I thought, Oh! That was him!
After that, Taisei introduced us to Kenmoku, who was his friend from their university light music club, and she joined as our guitarist and vocalist.
What genre of music do you play?
Koide: Our foundation is alternative rock. But we also blend in elements of math rock and shoegaze.
It feels like a fusion of different genres.
What made each of you start playing music?
Koide: I got into music because of my older sister — she played classical music, which inspired me. And honestly, I also just wanted to be cool and popular. (laughs) So in my first year of high school, I bought a guitar and started covering ELLEGARDEN songs. About six months later, I started covering DIR EN GREY too, and played live with the school’s light music club.
Mamoru: I was influenced by my parents. I started playing piano at age three, and later joined the school brass band in junior high. But I quit because of some drama there, and switched to drums for a while before finally settling on guitar. In high school, I tried singing and playing guitar in a band, but it didn’t suit me, so I eventually found my place on bass. I played covers of ELLEGARDEN and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, and also wrote original songs in bands. My parents still come to see me play live sometimes.
Kenmoku: I took piano lessons as a kid, but quit because I hated competitions. In junior high, I got into BUMP OF CHICKEN and started practicing their songs — and Spitz too — on a guitar we had at home. In high school, my parents bought me my first acoustic guitar, and I started doing solo acoustic performances. At the school festival, I covered miwa, and later in university, I joined the light music club and formed bands there.
Bachio: My parents were into hard rock and always played it in the car. My dad bought me a guitar when I was in fourth grade, but his way of teaching was really strict, so I didn’t stick with it at first. Later, I became a big BUMP OF CHICKEN fan, and when I joined the light music club in high school, I switched to drums. I practiced at home on an electronic drum kit.
Taisei: I was actually in the judo club until junior high, but I wasn’t very good at sports. In high school, I joined the light music club instead. A friend who was into Western music introduced me to bands like Green Day and Neck Deep — I fell in love with the sound of the guitar and started playing. I played in both cover bands and original projects.
When was your first live show?
Koide: Our first live show was in April 2024 at Nishi-Ogikubo FLAT.
How did it go?
Koide: Honestly, I think it went well. We gave the best performance we were capable of at the time, and the audience was great — the crowd was into it, and it felt exciting. We realized then that we enjoy the DIY vibe of building our shows and creating our own space.
Who mainly writes the songs?
Koide: I’m the main composer. Kenmoku writes most of the lyrics. Sometimes Taisei also contributes songs.
Is there anything you keep in mind when writing music?
Koide: I try to pack in as many musical elements as I can. I want to play all the “cards” I have, so to speak. I also try to avoid repeating the same patterns within a song — I like to keep it constantly evolving and changing.
How do you usually write your songs?
Koide: It depends on the song. Sometimes I write both the music and the lyrics and hand them over to Kenmoku. Other times, I just write the melody and ask him to write the lyrics. But Kenmoku seems to prefer having the lyrics already written, so these days I don’t usually give him just a melody anymore.
Kenmoku: Yeah, that’s right — it’s easier for me when the lyrics are already there!
Koide, do you share the chord progressions with the other members when you write a song?
Koide: I’m not that good at explaining things in musical terms, like chord progressions. So instead, I usually just share a video of me playing the guitar.
For the melody, I program it on a synth.
Mamoru: When I asked him, “Can you tell me the chords?” he just said, “I don’t know,” and sent me a video of him playing guitar instead. (laughs)
Is there anything that inspires your songwriting?
Koide: I try to get out of the house as much as I can.
Things that happen or feelings I have when I’m out often become lyrics.
For example, one time in front of Akihabara Station, I got approached by an underground idol scout and felt this weird mix of emotions because I didn’t know how to respond. (laughs) I also write about the emotions I feel when I see certain landscapes or scenery. Sometimes those feelings become the starting point for creating a story in a song.
Kenmoku: I try to make sure the songs don’t get too dark. I tend to write based on memories, which can sometimes bring up negative emotions, so I’m conscious of keeping it balanced. I have a notebook by my bed where I write lyrics — but no one can ever see it!
Everyone: What?! We want to see that notebook! (laughs)
Taisei: I also write a lot based on my own experiences. For example, I often look back at old photos, and the emotions they bring back inspire my lyrics. It’s like rediscovering forgotten feelings and turning them into songs. Of course, I also try to experience new things — not just dwell on the past, but connect it to the present and the future too.
Is there anything you’re intentional about when it comes to your live shows?
Koide: We try to do things that feel fresh — things other bands in our scene aren’t doing. We aim for a catchy kind of branding, and it’s about 40% trial and error, and 60% just doing what I think is good.
For example, we’ve done studio shows instead of playing only at the usual live houses. When it comes to bookings, we often play with bands from the same genre, but when we organize our events, we deliberately mix genres.
We don’t want to just stick to the usual formulas.
Do you ever get overwhelmed by the atmosphere at a venue?
Koide: We’ve played about 15 shows so far, and they’re mostly fun and satisfying. Of course, there are times when we feel down after a show, too.
Taisei: Sometimes the vibe crashes when I get too hyped and accidentally unplug someone’s pedalboard or break a guitar string. It’s like a funeral on stage. (laughs)
Koide: Yeah, that’s happened. (laughs) But overall, playing live is a lot of fun, and the audience seems to enjoy it in their way, too.
Which artists have influenced you?
Koide: I’d say American Folk Research Society. They have this fascinating contrast where they make machines without feelings perform poetry readings. I like their lyrics and worldbuilding, and I’ve borrowed some elements for my songs.
Mamoru: As a bassist, I’ve been influenced by tricot, SAKANAMON, and Akai Koen. My playing style is mostly based on those bands.
Kenmoku: For me, it’s rem time rem time. Their vocals have this great dynamic range, they’re powerful and charismatic, and I admire their personality too.
Bachio: I like, the instrumental band. Takashi Kashikura’s drumming — detailed yet bold — has influenced me a lot. I also love the drum sound of hardcore bands like NEXT STEP UP when it comes to structuring drum parts live.
Taisei: For me, it’s A Day To Remember. Their blend of pop punk and hardcore opened me up to listening to all kinds of bands, and that’s broadened my musical tastes.
What are your dreams and plans for the future?
Koide: More than anything, I just want to keep this band going for a long time. From the start, we recruited members who could maintain stable day jobs, and we all prioritize balancing our time so we can keep playing. Of course, it would be great if more people heard our music and we grew our along the way.
Lastly, any message for your fans?
Koide & Taisei: We’re planning to release an EP next spring — please look forward to it!
What does musbime mean to each of you?
Koide: It’s like brushing my teeth — just a natural part of my everyday life.
Mamoru: It adds color to my life. It’s something that gives me motivation without adding stress.
Kenmoku: Having both work and the band as two pillars in my life gives me a sense of purpose.
Bachio: Music has always been an essential part of my life since my school days. Even in my job now, I’m working with the hope that someday I can do something with other people who love music. To make that happen, I know I need to step up and put myself out there!
Taisei: I feel the same as Kenmoku. Having both work and the band helps me keep my balance. I think having more than one pillar in life helps things go better — when work isn’t going well or when the band hits a rough patch, one always supports the other.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
July 27, 2025 (Sunday) @ Kichijoji WARP
SAYONARA HATE TOWN presents
“CASUALIZE Vol.1”Doors Open / Show Starts: 18:00 / 18:30
Advance / Door: ¥2,900 / ¥3,400with:
SAYONARA HATE TOWN
kienai
Joseph Gen (fulusu)
ende
Bonus question — How do you usually spend your days off?
Koide: I usually spend about 80% of my time eating something good for lunch and working on music. I also enjoy looking at big buildings.
Mamoru: I often go to the sauna — either with friends or by myself.
Kenmoku: I often go see bands I like, and sometimes even travel to see shows. At home, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs — they’re soothing.
Bachio: I love going to live houses and meeting new people. I often go to a live house in Koiwa that I’ve been visiting since my school days. Sometimes I just watch movies or immerse myself in a subculture.
Taisei: I love baseball — I go to games when I can, and watch on TV too. I’m even thinking about traveling to the U.S. next spring to watch the WBC live.
musbime — Profile
Centered around alternative rock, musbime crafts an unpredictable sound with intricate time signature changes, aiming for a presence that feels familiar yet unique.
Their signature style features interwoven triple guitars and a powerful rhythm section.