[INTERVIEW] INKT – Skechers Sundown Festival 2015

INKT is a Japanese rock band formed in 2014 and consists of 5 members : KOKI (Vo.), Kei (Gt.), kissy (Key.), SASSY (Dr.) and mACKAz (Ba.). They are having their tour “Re:birth of INKT TOUR 2015-2016” this up coming December in several live houses and will perform in several events, such as “SuGfest 2015” on 13th November 2015 along with SuG and A9. They will also join “SCREW PRESENTS 「LAWLESS AREA」” on 16th December 2015. Besides those events in Japan, INKT will be visiting Singapore for the first time to perform on Skechers Sundown Festival 2015 that will be hold on 21st November 2015. They will perform with EPIK HIGH from South Korea, Potato from Thailand, Caracal from Singapore, J-Rocks from Indonesia, homegrown Singaporean musicians Cheryl Loon, Cashew Chemists and Farrago ; and special guests Ground Zero from Taiwan.

Surprising enough with their visit to Singapore, we managed to have an interview with them. Without further ado, let’s check out our interview with them!

How do you end up together in INKT?
Kei : At first, mACKAz, SASSY, kissy and I often jam together. As we play often we started to say to each other, wouldn’t be great if we actually start a band?? We then went to look out for a vocalist but had no luck for 2,3 years. Then came Koki who contacted me one day out of blue saying “Let’s start a band!” Rest is history. 5 of us immediately went to a studio and started to work on our first album.

Is there any special story for the band’s name?
INKT : Definition wise, INKT can mean a type of paint but on a deeper level, our band name symbolises our desire to colour our listeners with our fresh new colour. Individually, our musical roots are different, and we are all from different backgrounds. But when we come together to make music as INKT, we create something new and different.

As INKT is a new formed band, what is the toughest challenge so far? How do your handle it?
INKT : I think to come out and try something new at this age was really a challenge. Even now, we are still learning and challenging ourselves on a daily basis.

Do you have any favourite musician you want to collaborate together on stage?
mACKAz : Limp Bizkit

Since this is your performance outside Japan, what do you want to achieve by going for the first time?
SASSY : To make cool music as a band is important obviously, but we are so grateful to have this opportunity to perform live and express what INKT is all about. Having to start from Singapore, we are hoping to reach out to the wider audience in Asia and beyond.

For each member, do you have any special things you want to do in Singapore?
KOKI : It’s the same everywhere I go but always looking forward to trying out good local food! And also I want to go take a photo with Merlion LOL.
SASSY : I have been to Singapore once and food was so good. So I’m looking forward to eat as much as I can.
kissy : I want to go visit temples.
mACKAz : I want to hear the voices of our fans in Singapore and for those who are coming from nearby countries who have waited to see us. It’ll be my 2nd visit to Singapore but would like to visit the places I missed on my first trip there.
Kei : I want to go Marina Bay Sands. And eat chicken rice! And I want to meet as many people who are there to support us.

Starting from 5th December this year, you are having “Re:birth of INKT TOUR 2015-2016” tour. How’s your preparation?
SASSY : I wouldn’t say we are 100% prepared yet but having lots of gigs and festival with various bands beforehand have helped shape the band. Having more experience had improved INKT as a band in a lot of ways. Looking forward to show what INKT is all about at our tour.

Please leave a message for Indonesian fans who couldn’t come to Sundown Festival 2015.
KOKI : Personally, I am at the point that I appreciate every moment that I am able to perform. Being able to sing, the joy you get to discover something new, to tell a story, and scream at time, all of it. Timing is important too, but if there will be an invitation, I’m willing to go to anywhere to sing. We are not wasting even a second to store the energy we need to perform the absolute best at the Skechers Sundown Festival. Even for those who can’t make it to the festival, you will be as important power source for us. Please support us!

[Skechers Sundown Festival 2015]
Date : Saturday, 21 November 2015
Time : 4:00 pm till late
Venue : Marina Promenade, F1 Pit Area (next to Singapore Flyer)
Tickets and prices :
$88 – Category 2 : General admission
$118 – Category 1 : Mosh pit
Currently available at Peatix and SISTIC
www.sundown.festival.sg
For more information of the festival, please visit Skechers Sundown Festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mysundownfestival

Psst….Kojacon Report have a little surprise for you. Stay tuned!

Special thanks to : INKT Management and Red Spade Entertainment/Skechers Sundown Festival 2015
Photo credits : Red Spade Entertainment/Skechers Sundown Festival 2015