── So you were frustrated how these venues had less care of the content of the music and only functioned systematically.

Leo: It was really boring that the music was like background music. I had resentment towards this whole phenomenon because that was not what I longed for in the city. In that sense, I had the feeling that I could ignite Tokyo, breaking out from of this prison.

── I would like for you to tell us a little more about what you mean by ”prison”...

Leo: I was anxious when the city was literally in lockdown due to COVID-19. However, I think that kind of feeling has been reset once, and everyone feels the necessity to be relieved and I think music plays a major role.

During the lockdown I wasnt able to fully commit to my work, not knowing how things are going to turn out but this feeling is now reset as well.

I feel that every industry can only survive by being able to have a soul. There were a lot of music venues trying to maintain their business, but the ones that were too systematic without any real connection with the people, in other words, soulless operations, tended to all shutdown. From now on, I think its an era where you cant make it unless the SOUL is there.

── With that mindset in place, you set up your own label called "Alien Liberty International".

Leo: Personally, this is my third major debut in 10 years of my music career. In the old days, I didnt like the kind of environment where I needed to be liked by a certain person in the music industry in order to get have any shot of success.

Of course, I couldnt help it because I simply didnt have the ability, but in 2019 I happened to meet Shintaro (our currently A&R) in Shibuya.I was able to believe that I could trust and work together with this person. Im already 33 years old now, so I should [be able to] do pretty much everything by myself, and since Ive been working very hard so far, there were many people helping me along the way, which made my sense of responsibility increase even higher.

During the first year there were various incidents between the members and weve gone through a lot of troubles, and now Ive finally reached this major debut. It was tough but fun (laughs).

──That means you have a strong desire to sign with a major label. Since the band is also registered as a private label company, I believe youll be able to do what ALI desires to pursue.

Leo: Thats why I have to take responsibility for my major debut. You have to deliver the message to a lot of people. The majors will prepare the environment for you to take pride in your work, so we just have to always keep three things in mind: to meet those expectations, to believe in yourself ourselves, and to appreciate the environment that you we are in.

── Whats your personal feedback regarding ALI since youve joined?

Leo: When I first started, I deliberately decided not to create any social media, but except our website. The only way to find out [about us] was to go to our live performance or personally know the members personal Instagram or Twitter accounts. And for some magical reason, various people found us out.