On January 31, ASH DA HERO unveiled their highly anticipated album, New Chapter, marking an exciting milestone as the first release featuring the band?s revamped lineup. This dynamic rap-rock quartet consists of the talented vocalist ASH, skilled bassist Sato, energetic drummer WANI, and innovative DJ Dhalsim. Celebrating their third anniversary in September, the band embraced a fresh identity with this new formation. Their journey took a significant step forward on November 29 when they performed their inaugural solo overseas concert, ASH DA HERO LIVE 2024 in Taipei. Since then, they have been steadily captivating a growing audience with their unique sound and electrifying performances.

Billboard Japan had an insightful conversation with the band regarding their perspective on embarking on this new journey with their updated lineup. They discussed the creative process behind their latest album, the thematic focus of their songwriting, and their excitement for the upcoming performance on February 1 at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo, titled ASH DA HERO LIVE 2025 ?New Chapter,? which represents their first solo concert in Japan since transitioning to this invigorated formation.

Let?s kick things off with a brief introduction from each of you.

ASH: I?m ASH, the lead vocalist of the group. My expertise lies in both rapping and singing, with influences rooted in punk, hip-hop, and reggae. I strive to blend these genres to create a unique vocal style that resonates with our fans.

Sato: My name is Sato, and I take on the role of bassist. In addition to playing bass, which covers a wide range of pitches, I have a passion for brewing coffee. Our band has made a strategic choice to operate without a guitarist, which allows me to explore different musical dimensions within the bass’s rich tonal capacity.

WANI: I?m WANI, the drummer of the band. My drumming roots are firmly planted in the punk genre, and I have a knack for infusing a rap-rock rhythm into my beats. I also contribute vocals and have recently focused on improving my physical fitness through weight training, which enhances my performance abilities.

Dhalsim: I?m Dhalsim, the DJ of ASH DA HERO. My role involves high-speed scratching and music programming on computers. I oversee the overall sound design of our tracks. Although we?ve opted out of having a guitarist, this opens up new avenues for us to innovate and create a distinctive sound. We are currently reconstructing our musical identity to reflect this change, embracing a fresh compositional style that showcases our creativity.

What benefits have you discovered in transitioning to a four-member band?

ASH: The trend of bands foregoing guitarists has been on the rise, particularly among younger musicians. However, our rap-rock ensemble, featuring a DJ and no guitarist, is still quite unique. This distinctive characteristic positions us favorably in the global music landscape, allowing us to stand out amidst a sea of conventional bands.

How does it feel to be embarking on a new chapter in your band?s journey without a guitarist?

Sato: Transitioning from a five-member to a four-member band has required each of us to step up and fill the gaps created by the change. This shift has encouraged us to explore our individual strengths and showcase our unique qualities. We are revitalizing every aspect of our band, from our image and costumes to our playing techniques and instrumentation. This exciting process of reinvention allows us to redefine our identity, paving the way for a fresh sound that defies the conventional ?rap-rock = guitar? stereotype. Each of us is embracing new challenges, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding.

WANI: Initially, I had concerns about how our fan base might react to the shift, as the guitar is traditionally seen as a central element in most bands. However, I?ve been pleasantly surprised by how well the four-member format has resonated with our audience. Their enthusiasm for this new iteration of ASH DA HERO has been incredibly motivating. We aim to not only meet but exceed their expectations through our music and live shows, while Sato and I consider ways to support ASH and Dhalsim in their creative endeavors.

ASH: In our previous five-member configuration, we often felt constrained by conventional notions of what a rock band should embody. With just four of us now, there?s a liberating sense of freedom that allows us to express ourselves authentically and pursue our artistic vision without limitations.

New Chapter marks your first concept album. What should listeners expect from this album?

ASH: We are currently in the process of creating our most innovative music yet, showcasing a sound that is uniquely achievable as a four-member band. The title New Chapter signifies not just our live performance but also represents a new beginning for us as a band. This launch on February 1 marks a significant milestone in our journey. I believe that the music we are crafting is distinctly original within the Japanese rock scene, showcasing our commitment to redefining the genre and our artistic approach.

?Wrangler Beat? served as your debut release as a four-piece, maintaining a connection to your previous works.

ASH: Absolutely! The track carries a nostalgic rock vibe, reminiscent of our earlier hit ?Octave,? while still feeling fresh and relevant.

After breaking free from traditional songwriting patterns with this track, you followed up with ?VANDALISM.? The impactful rap lyrics in the second verse resonate deeply. It seems that your ability to inspire through your music is a key reason why ASH DA HERO connects so well with audiences.

ASH: Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, especially when we feel we?re on the right path. This universal experience isn?t limited to me; it?s something we all face. When confronted with adversity, the choice remains: do you succumb to despair, or do you rise above it? Personally, I choose resilience, often channeling that defiance into my lyrics to inspire others to stay strong.

The album culminates with the uplifting track, ?I?m Your Rock Star.?

ASH: The essence of being a rock star embodies resilience and confidence, especially when facing difficult situations. Characters like Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean epitomize this spirit, effortlessly maintaining humor even in adversity. I encapsulate this feeling in my lyrics, reminding listeners to embrace their strength and never forget their worth.

Can you share insights into your sound production process?

Sato: The main riff features several repeating phrases, and my focus has been on how to inject a sense of swing into those elements. I?m really enjoying the creative process and the energy it brings.

WANI: The drum patterns are intentionally simple yet catchy. While our older tracks had complex fills, I opted for a straightforward yet compelling rhythm in ?VANDALISM.? The live experience amplifies this rhythm, showcasing its depth beyond mere simplicity.

Dhalsim: I streamlined my scratching techniques to their essence. Influenced by early 2000s tracks, I sought to create a sound that resonates with simplicity and clarity, capturing the essence of that era.

This approach is crucial to your song?s foundation.

Dhalsim: In the 2000s, artists like Kanye West popularized techniques like speeding up records and sampling, and I incorporated those elements into our music. It?s common in the Japanese hip-hop scene to take original material and manipulate it creatively, and I hope to infuse that playful spirit into our tracks.

Another track on the album is ?BDC.?

ASH: This is the track where we enthusiastically shout ?botanical dance club.? It?s designed to be a liberating anthem, encouraging listeners to let loose and dance without reservation.

Dhalsim: The chorus features scratching, which is a fresh concept for us. We?re experimenting with our sound, pushing boundaries by utilizing our unique lineup to try innovative ideas.

What insights can you share about the track ?Break Free??

ASH: With the resurgence of drum and bass music, we were inspired to explore how a rap-rock band without a guitarist could interpret the sound of iconic groups like Prodigy, whom we admire. The song features Sato?s aggressive bass riff, layered with rap elements that carry a hardcore vibe, all framed by an emotionally charged chorus.

The rap in this track is particularly intense.

ASH: The lyrics are direct and unapologetic, reflecting the raw energy expected from a rock band. This song serves as a critique of societal consumerism and idol worship, encouraging listeners to think critically about their surroundings.

How many tracks can fans expect on the album?

ASH: We?re currently working on two additional songs that will further showcase our new four-member sound. February 1 will be a pivotal moment for us, marking the release of an album that embodies our evolution as artists.

What can attendees expect from your upcoming show?

ASH: February 1 will unveil how we are transforming as a band. This concert will herald a new chapter in our musical journey. I?m excited to connect with all the music enthusiasts following this interview during our performance at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Looking ahead after this new chapter begins, what are your ambitions for 2025?

ASH: We?ve already arranged multiple international performances, as our goal is to tour globally while remaining attentive to our dedicated fans in Japan, ensuring that we foster our connection with them as we expand our reach.

?This interview by Sachie Tojo first appeared on Billboard Japan