Hedigan’s Reflections: The Art of Coexistence

The Creative Force Behind Extra Effort

“Chance” is truly an amazing album, and I think we’re getting to that time of year when people start talking about ‘Best Albums of the Year,’ and I feel like this is definitely a must-have on that list. Do you all feel the same way about the response?

YONCE (Vo, Gt): Yeah, definitely. We were constantly saying, “This is incredible, this is incredible,” while making it.

After about a year and a half with Hedigan’s, what would you say Hedigan’s music is all about? While each of you is also involved in other bands, how do you feel about the uniqueness of Hedigan’s as a band? Could you each share your thoughts on this?

Shoji (Gt): Hedigan’s is a band that can do anything, musically, live, or in any other way. One of the specific triggers for this recording was the lead track ‘Saisei’ (Rebirth). This song is quite different from the style we showed on our first EP 2000JPY—it’s pop and very Japanese, and it’s a song with lyrics. At first, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out if YONCE sang it in Hedigan’s style. But we can do this kind of song, and at the same time, we can also play intense blues and rock ‘n’ roll. It really feels like we can do anything. It’s about doing whatever we like,””that’s the vibe.”

It wasn’t that Hedigan’s started with a specific music genre in mind. It was more about the importance of making music with these five people.

Shoji: Yeah, that might be it. With Hedigan’s, we don’t really have to overthink our intentions. There are many different types of band relationships and styles, but I think Hedigan’s, with its comfortable, friend-like dynamics, is a unique style in itself. If we can continue like this, I think that would be the most ideal. I never thought I’d be in a band like this after turning 30. If you try too hard to force fun, it can become tough, but that hasn’t been the case at all. It feels comfortable, both with the five of us and with Terry, the engineer, and all the staff. It’s been about a year since we formed, but it already feels like home. This is a band I want to keep going with.

How about you, YONCE? What kind of place has Hedigan’s become for you?

YONCE： As Shouji said, it really is about feeling comfortable. How should I put it… I feel like I’m becoming more and more free, like I’m gradually opening up more. The dynamics of the band, as well as our relationships with Terry the engineer, and even with our management and label, have all become more relaxed. Of course, we still have to tighten things up where needed. I think there are still plenty of things we need to do on the business side, but that’s just something we’re not so attuned to yet.

Even with all that, we’ve been able to maintain a relaxed and natural approach, and right now, there’s this overall harmony that feels really comfortable. That’s why I’ve been able to enjoy things without worrying too much. I’m really satisfied with the current situation, and it’s a really happy thing to just focus on ‘making better things’ and ‘things will get more fun.’ That’s how I’ve spent this past year.”

For example, instead of aiming for conventional success like becoming successful, it sounds like you’re focused more on how can these five people have more fun? or how can we make music that we enjoy even more?

YONCE： That’s really what it all comes down to. We’re constantly capturing those moments like ‘this is fun’ or ‘we had such silly conversations.’ As for the music itself, it’s not like there’s no intention or goal, but we all bring a little bit of our own mischievousness into our parts or arrangements. At the same time, though, there’s a sense that the time we spent together, where we went, what we did, all those memories are intertwined with the music. And I think that’s a healthy thing. So, Hedigan’s music might be considered ‘healthy music.’

What struck me, and made me feel like it belongs on the ‘Best of the Year’ list, is exactly that. It feels like a record of the time the five of you spent together, the atmosphere, the ups and downs of your emotions. There’s no right or wrong in music, but this feels like an ideal example of what a band’s sound could be.

YONCE： Yeah, it’s not a lonely piece of work. Everyone came together intentionally, exchanged opinions, even had moments of frustration—all of that together. And within that, there are plenty of laughs and trivial conversations sprinkled throughout. This is the kind of thing that can only happen when you’re with other people.”