[Honey's Anime Interview] Talking the Blue Lock -Episode Nagi- OST with ASH DA HERO!

Thank you very much for taking the time to talk with us! Beyond your involvement in this movie, your unique blend of rock, punk, and hip-hop is garnering attention worldwide. Can you share how you developed this distinctive style?

From the moment we first started making music together, it was almost miraculous how well our diverse roots blended to create interesting songs. For example, blending rockabilly with hip-hop and adding a touch of punk essence here and there. Each of the five of us has different musical roots, as well as different hometowns, lifestyles, and cultural influences. It’s possible that these diverse backgrounds inevitably led to our distinctive style.

Your songs "Beast Mode" and "Octave" were written for Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-. How do you approach crafting songs specifically for anime, and what was the creative process for these like?

We try to find intersections between the anime’s story and our band’s story. There are always points where they intersect. We also make sure to clearly express our own style.

And speaking of these songs, featured in your latest release, can you delve into the themes behind them and how they connect with the narrative of Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-?

Originally, it was supposed to be one song, but after submitting several demos, the director asked if we could provide two songs for the soundtrack, which we did. It was a wonderful surprise and a great honor.

We love the anime, and that love overflowed into the lyrics. Because we’re fans ourselves, we also felt a sense of responsibility. That was tough.

The danceable beat of “Beast Mode” represents the heart rate of a person when they awaken. The call-and-response in the chorus represents “self-questioning.”

“Octave” depicts the emotional interplay between Nagi and Reo through its lyrics, and the main melody and harmony express the misunderstandings between them.

Blue Lock is one of our favorite anime too! But... How familiar are you guys with football as a sport, and with anime? What are your hobbies outside music?

I'm a huge fan of Blue Lock; I own every volume of the comics! And I’m a big soccer enthusiast, so I often check the MLS. There’s even a Japanese player on LA Galaxy.

Yes! A special shout-out to Maya Yoshida!
And back to your music, your performances are known for their intensity and energy. What brings such passion to the stage, and are there any artists that inspired your sound when starting the band?

We’ve been inspired by many artists, including Bob Marley, Eminem, Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, Zack de la Rocha from Rage Against the Machine, Brandon Boyd from Incubus, and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day.

Could you tell us about your experience performing at overseas events like Anime Matsuri 2023 and OH! MY ROCK Macau Music Festival? How does the international audience differ from your Japanese fans?

I’ve always admired international artists. In particular, the footage of Alanis Morissette at Woodstock ’99 remains timeless for me. Fans overseas seem to have a very free-spirited vibe, singing, dancing, and enjoying the live show in their own way. Our concert at Houston was truly amazing. In comparison, Japanese audiences might be a bit more reserved.

ASH DA HERO has rapidly gained popularity since its formation in 2021. What can fans expect from the band in the near future?

We’re busy writing a lot of songs, so please look forward to their release!

Now for the last question, and considering many people could be discovering your music through this interview, what message do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

We would like all people, regardless of language, culture, or country, to come together as one through our music.

Thank you, ASH DA HERO, for giving us the chance to talk about the music of one of our favorite anime. We love your music, and we look forward to your upcoming songs and projects!

If you haven't seen Blue Lock -Episode Nagi- yet, we highly recommend watching it soon because you'll absolutely love every second of it!
Also, if you're craving more from ASH DA HERO, you can stream all their music right now and connect with them online!