INDEX
“Being Yourself Is Freeing, but It’s Never Simple” — Etsu
The single “Tsukinami-chan,” released this year, was written with Serena in mind. How do you see her from your perspective as a band member in rubens?
Etsu: Lately, I feel like I’m finally connecting with Serena on a deeper level. At first, I simply saw her as a normal university girl, in a positive sense. But over time, I began to sense that she doesn’t fully accept living at the same emotional “temperature” as those around her. That’s probably why I felt drawn to get closer to her. As we’ve grown together in rubens, it seems her determination to challenge what’s considered “ordinary” has only grown stronger.
Serena: I see [laughs].
Etsu: “Tsukinami-chan” is a very straightforward and positive reflection of Serena. She is anything but “ordinary.” I feel like everyone experiences some invisible pressure to be “normal,” yet still thinks, “I’m not that kind of person” or “I don’t want to live so constrained,” always searching for a moment to break free. There are many people who go through life without finding that release. In Serena’s case, I think being in a band gave her a way to channel her wild side effectively. That’s why lately she seems so free and unrestrained.
Serena, how do you feel about that yourself?
Selena: I think my parents had certain expectations for me. They probably hoped I would get a stable job and live in a certain way. But deep down, I’ve always wanted to make music my career. Looking back, I realize there were times when I wanted to live honestly but couldn’t. I did have a regular job once, and working there only made that feeling stronger. I had been avoiding what I really wanted to do and hadn’t faced it directly. After we started the band in 2022, I quit my job in 2023, and since then, I’ve really felt a change in myself. I feel like I’ve become more honest about everything.
I feel like rubens might be a band made up of people who all want to truly be themselves.
Etsu: Yeah, I’d say that’s a strong element of who we are.
Serena: Mary (Ba) and Matsumaru (Dr) are the same. They both have strong tastes and clear ideals of themselves. Being the four of us together creates a really positive synergy, but I’ve also realized recently that if we don’t express what we’re thinking in words, no one can really know.
Etsu: Being yourself Is freeing, but it’s never simple It also brings with it new restrictions. I think it is hard to be free. But even though I know it is hard, I want to admit that I am who I am. I think this great desire is what makes the four of us band members work together.
