After The NOVEMBERS met their Thai fans for the first time at FEVER Tours 2024 in Bangkok, their intense sound and powerful vocals left a deep impressionâone that fans still talk about today.
This year marks the bandâs 20th anniversary as rock artists, and instead of simply looking back on past achievements, theyâre charging forward with fresh creative energy. To celebrate, theyâre bringing a setlist that best represents who they are right now to fans whoâve supported them over the yearsâincluding those in Thailand.
In this Space Invader, we catch up with Yusuke Kobayashi, the bandâs vocalist and guitarist, to talk about The NOVEMBERSâ evolution, the ideas behind their music, how theyâve managed to stay true to their sound through two decades of change, and the special connection they feel with their Thai fans whoâve helped them get to where they are today.
Reflecting on The NOVEMBERS 20-year journey since you started making music in Utsunomiya, how has your music-making process changed? Were there any significant moments that helped shape you as an artist?
My approach to making music has definitely evolved. In the early days, it was more impulsive and instinctive, but now it’s much more introspective, and I value communication both within the band and with society. One particularly memorable moment was when we recorded our first EP. We were still figuring out our style, but the way we challenged each other and pushed ourselves to create our own sound had a lasting impact on later works. Also, social issues, human history, science, and philosophy have influenced our music over the years. Performing live abroad, including in Thailand, has also expanded the way we approach music.
Your albums show a wide variety of musical styles. How do you feel your music has evolved over time? Are there ideas or themes that have remained constant?
I feel that our music has become more expansive and layered. Early on, our sound was more straightforward, but now we focus more on creating a specific atmosphere or mood. However, one thing that has never changed is our commitment to the “core of emotion.” Whether it’s joy, anger, loneliness, or longing, expressing these personal emotions has always been at the heart of our music. Our desire to share positive energy with our fans and the world has only grown stronger over time.
Which artists or music movements have had a significant influence on your sound? How do you incorporate these influences while maintaining your own style?
Weâve been influenced by a wide range of genres, including J-pop, alternative rock, new wave, shoegaze, post-punk, ambient, and noise rock. Bands like The Smiths, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Radiohead, and Deftones, to name just a few, have been a huge inspiration. However, rather than intentionally imitating them, we focus on letting our own ideas flow naturally into the music. We don’t construct our music like a model kit; instead, we approach it with a free mind, letting the music unfold on the canvas. This approach makes me feel that both my heart and body are truly enjoying the process.
Your new album, The NOVEMBERS (2023), shares the same title as your first EP. Why did you choose this title again? How does it connect to your journey so far?
When we choose a title for a work, itâs always based on the theme, message, and the imagery of the world we want to express. The theme of this album was essentially about “the band” itself. We wanted to create a work that declares, “This is who we are now.” By using this title again, it feels like one chapter is closing, and a new story is beginning. Itâs a reflection of where weâve been, while also representing who we are at this moment in time.
After 20 years, how do you view The NOVEMBERS ‘s place in the alternative and indie music scenes, both in Japan and internationally? What do you hope people will remember about you?
I feel that by staying true to our expression and not getting caught up in trends, we’ve been able to carve out our own unique position. Itâs great to continue to maintain “The NOVEMBERSâ style,” both in Japan and abroad. I hope that people will remember us as a band that brought deeply emotional music to their hearts.
Itâs rare for a band to stay together for 20 years. How have you supported each other to continue making music together for such a long time?
In a world that values efficiency and cost-effectiveness, being in a band may seem inefficient. However, I believe being in a band reflects the essence of “human nature” as creatures that live in groups. Life is about taking detours and seeing many different landscapes with your own eyes, and I think being in a band is the best way to avoid missing out on that. It hasnât been an easy journey, but the trust and respect between the band members have always been the foundation. Even as our personal lives and values have changed, weâve remained connected through our music. Weâve built a relationship where, even if we need space at times, we can always come back to The NOVEMBERS.
Your first concert in Thailand made a strong impression. What memories do you have from that time? How do you hope your new show at Blueprint Livehouse will continue that connection?
Our first live show in Thailand was truly special. The energy and reactions from the audience were incredibly passionate, and we could feel that our music had reached them in this foreign land. The excitement and emotion from that moment are unforgettable. At Blueprint Livehouse, I hope to continue building that deep connection with our Thai fans. I look forward to creating an even more immersive experience and enjoying the concert with them.
It seems like Thai fans have a deep connection to your music. What has it been like meeting Thai fans? How does their energy impact your live shows?
Thai fans are incredibly passionate, and itâs clear they genuinely connect with our music. One of my most memorable moments was when I shook hands with fans who had waited over 10 years to see us live. The gratitude and emotion I felt at that moment was amazing. Their energy adds something truly special to the atmosphere of the live shows, and we respond by giving everything weâve got in our performances. With each interaction, the bond with the fans grows stronger, and we are reminded of the true power of music.
What kind of special show have you prepared for the fans who are excited to see you at this concert?
Weâve prepared a special setlist to meet the fans’ expectations. Weâll mix in some nostalgic tracks with new ones to create a sense of timelessness during the show. We want to offer a unique experience, one that fans can look back on with fond memories.
How do you feel about the differences between concert culture in Thailand and Japan?
Live shows in Thailand feel much more open and energetic, with the audience expressing their emotions more freely. Of course, Japan also has enthusiastic fans, but in Thailand, the expression is more immediate and unreserved, which makes the dynamics of the live performance even more unique. In Japan, the culture tends to be more orderly, with the audience often focused intensely on the performance, but both cultures are amazing in their own ways.
Now that youâre celebrating 20 years, what are your hopes for the future of The NOVEMBERS? Are there new styles or projects youâre excited to try?
Weâre excited to continue challenging ourselves in the future. We want to experiment with even more experimental sounds and collaborate with other artists. I also hope to try new forms of music expression that we havenât explored yet. We are always seeking new ideas to evolve our music.
What advice would you give to Japanese bands who want to perform and grow their audience in Thailand?
Itâs important to understand who your music is reaching. Thai fans are incredibly passionate and enjoy music from the heart, so forming connections with them is key. Itâs not just about preparing for the live shows; understanding and respecting the local culture is equally important.
Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to your Thai fans?
To our Thai fans, thank you for your continuous support. Weâre really looking forward to seeing you at the live shows and are so happy to be able to create music together with you. Thank you, and we hope to see you again in a bright future!
The NOVEMBERS Live in Bangkok 2025 ; Japanâs iconic rock band is making their explosive return, ready to set your adrenaline on fire with their searing sound and heavenly roar. Get ready for a special setlist crafted just for their Thai fans. Donât miss it! Saturday, May 31 at Blueprint Livehouse. Tickets are only 500 THB and available now on Ticketmelon.
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