Rol3ert’s First Interview: Music That Comforts a Divided World

Honesty Above All

Your latest song, “say my name,” explores your thoughts on life and death, yet it still leaves a sense of hope, like saying “I’ll be there even after death.”

Rol3ert: I actually learned about this in a social psychology class, which is called “existential fear.” It’s that sudden, abstract fear of death, like thinking, “When am I going to die?” To ease that fear, there’s the concept of “symbolic immortality,” believing that something continues to exist, or that there’s something comforting even after death.

I wrote this song to create my own symbolic immortality, but then I framed it through love. I’m writing the lyrics from the perspective of someone who’s no longer alive, but the love remains. Some things physically die and nothing lasts forever, but there are ways that love and connection persist. For me, it might even be my favorite song so far.

Why do you think that is?

Rol3ert: I just really love the sound. I’m drawn to the feel of live instruments. For this track, the drums—played by Yusuke Okada from BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON—are live, and it turned out closer to the image I had in mind than anything I’ve done before. The raw, alive sound really hit me—it was incredibly moving.ed by it.

From the very first cymbal hit, it shakes you. Yuto Uchino from The fin. worked as the sound producer. How was it working with him?

Rol3ert： Working with Yuto was a lot of fun. He really respects my sound. Of course, he made a few adjustments here and there, but mostly he kept it intact. It wasn’t about whether the sound was “good” or “bad.” He focused on bringing out my unique voice as an artist. I thought that was really thoughtful. He drew out my ideas while adding his own touch in just the right balance. He also uses only analog synths, and that sound totally resonated with me. It was incredible.

The song’s tagline reads, “Foolish Logic and Its Charm.” What inspired that line?

Rol3ert: It’s about not just resisting or complaining when faced with something unavoidable. Instead, it’s finding beauty and charm even in the things you can’t change. That’s the meaning I wanted to capture.

We’ve talked about so many aspects of your music. What’s the most important thing for you when writing a song?

Rol3ert: Above all, I try to be honest with myself. Of course, I listen to lots of reference tracks to craft cool sounds, but more than that, I write what I immediately feel or what comes to mind. For lyrics, I let the track guide me, like with “say my name,” I listened to the track and instantly thought about life and death, so I wrote that down. I guess I try to be sincere about whatever I’m writing.

You’re also set to perform at NiEW’s monthly free event exPoP!!!!! Vol.178 in Shibuya this November. When it comes to live shows, what kind of experience do you want to create as Rol3ert?

Rol3ert： I want my live shows to express the Rol3ert world, a little dark, but calming and reassuring just to watch. I’m learning the techniques and presentation I need through each show, and for my solo live in February, Rol3ert Live “katachi”, I want to present that culmination.

What’s the meaning behind the title Rol3ert Live “katachi”?

Rol3ert：I think there will be a lot of people seeing me for the first time, so I wanted it to serve as an introduction, a way to show the shape of Rol3ert. My first solo live was called 3mpty (Empty), representing the earliest stage of Rol3ert—the “raw me,” an empty state. Over the past six months, through various live shows and songwriting, I’ve been building that shape, and with katachi, I want to show the result of that process.

say my name

https://friendship.lnk.to/saymyname_Rol3ert
Release date: August 27, 2025
Format : Digital
Label : Exciter Records
Tracks : say my name

NiEW presents “exPoP!!!!! vol.178”

Friday, November 28
Spotify O-nest
Doors: 18:30 / Show starts: 19:00
Free Admission (must purchase 2 drinks)
Live stream available

Performers: Rol3ert, Utō, BabyCanta, and more!

Ticket Reservation
Please note: Entry may not be allowed without a reservation.
https://expop.jp/news/uucqvgv9t7y2