INDEX
Reflections on the Band Members: “Emerald Is a Collective Effort, Not Just My Own“
-The presence of others in the songs can be either specific individuals or abstract concepts, creating various layers.
Nakano： That’s right. “Sakasa no Me” is about how we tend to compare our band to others that have become successful, but it’s not about that. It’s a song about focusing on our own path rather than relative evaluation. This too is a reflection on how to coexist with others.
-It’s about how to coexist with other bands and within the music industry as a whole. In “Sakasa no Me,” the lyrics express that “even in this world, there are stars that continue to shine brightly despite taking a long, indirect path.” Emerald’s goal has always been to grow as a band and to continue for a long time, which is a different approach compared to PaperBagLunchbox.
Nakano： That might be true for the other members. For me, when I’m performing and singing in front of people, I try to connect with the audience, and it feels like I’m digging into a cave or mine, like I’m constantly digging (laughs). The energy that keeps me going comes from the music and the band members. So, Emerald is not a band sustained solely by my efforts. I’m the one who keeps digging, but the energy comes from the band’s performance, each member’s personality, and their individual contributions to the band. That’s what Emerald is all about.
-So, you weren’t specifically aiming to “keep it going for a long time.”
Nakano：When PaperBagLunchbox disbanded and I started Emerald, one thing I decided was to “let go of the band’s leadership.” But rather than relinquishing it to the outside, I wanted to entrust it to the members. For me, this required a lot of patience. There were times when I felt the urge to push forward, but by holding back, each member could think for themselves and move in the direction they believed was best. My role was to amplify that direction as much as possible. I believe this approach has been one reason why the band has lasted so long. If I had been driving things with my own momentum and constantly making noise, it probably wouldn’t have lasted this long [laughs].
-During times of verbal conflict, Isoyo would act as a mediator, and during production, bassist Tomoyuki Fujii would oversee the overall process in a producer-like role. Each member has come to fulfill their own roles.
Nakano: Yes, that’s right. Also, my older brother (Kenji Fujii) joined, and he might have been the most active in terms of shaping the production environment this time. As each member’s role has become clearer, I really feel like I’m just riding along with that. My job is to keep myself in good condition, incorporate what the members want to do into my own ideas, and shape it together. I think it’s a somewhat unusual type of band.
