D.U.N.K. SKY-HI Long Interview - 1/19/2023

From YouTube, D.U.N.K.

January 2023, somewhere in Tokyo.

SKY-HI says. "A project Dance Universe Never Killed abbreviated "DUNK" will start."

Q. What is DUNK?

I hope that the project will make dance & vocal more interesting, the project that makes people doing dance & vocal more fun, and the project that will create new scenes in Japan. 

First, it is about a music program content. There has been a strange decrease in music programs in Japan. I think there are definitely needs and demands for good music programs today. If you only say a word or two in a formal setting, it is difficult to have true exchanges of ideas.

The festival will bring together dance & vocal groups on March 5, 11, and 12. Just as artists interact with each other in less formal places such as cafes, bars, and restaurants, they will do so on that stage as well.

The music program and events (festivals) that some kinds of collaborations will be created. Especially in dance & vocal groups, that such things are hard to come by, there is a need for the festival, and I think that is exactly what people want to see. Hopefully all companies will participate. No, you don't have to be affiliated. It is equally open to all dance & vocal artists, and equally fun.

Our side is not locked. We don't know if they will come in or not. And if we can create something interesting the first or second time around, it will spread rapidly, won't it? If it's fun there, I think people will come. If there is an amusement park that is left unlocked, they will go there. It is not a big deal or a noble intention, but we want to create it more enjoyable even for the staff as well. Yes, I really want to do it.

Staff: Did you make hoodies?
SKY-HI : What? Really? You're right! 

Q. What is the reason for starting DUNK?

Many dance and vocal artists are emerging around the world, and I think this will become even more evident in Japan. Originally, however, dance itself must have had its roots in the fact that it is instinctive and the body moves when we hear music. I want it to be the one that there are no ties, nationalities, genders, or other dividing factors.

Inevitably, as it grows as a performance art, it grows as a business as well. Especially in Japan, each company is completely independent. Therefore a member of one boy group can be in the news just by talking about another boy group. Sometimes it makes the news that someone joined a dance school and used to be in the same school as that artist. I get inquiries in such a case, "Is it safe to talk about this?" Of course it's fine. Those are really simple stories. It is often said that this is the era of dance vocal warfare, but do they need to fight anyhow?

It's ok for me how many great artists there are, and great artists should be seen at the same time. If each of you want to do it together, you better keep doing it. I feel that real competition only comes from fun and friendly places probably. I think it's better to change the atmosphere that we're not supposed to talk, or the feeling that we're not supposed to get involved, or the atmosphere that just a little bit of horizontal connection is to see as an exaggeration.

Q. What will DUNK be about?

I think it is necessary for the pictorial aspect of the performance to be spectacular. Something that looks expensive or fancy is not equal to something good. However, there are definitely some things that can only be done with flamboyance, and having such things in Japan will have a world impact.

Q. Have you had the image of making music programs?

I think I would have imagined. I always said I wanted to make music programs. I want to do more music content and many other things, not just DUNK. The reason why I want to do so many things is because I have always wanted to do them. I think I've been dreaming of such music programs for several years now. While the number of music programs have been increasing all over the world, there are no music programs that are interesting, enjoyable, and that people want to watch all the time. It is a little difficult to speak because people who take part in music programs might think, "What the heck is he doing? The way how to take and so on will need to be worked out in the form of 2023

Q. Is there a theme song for DUNK?

Oops, I created it. I was going to create that and that's what I created. In terms of musical genres, it's Jersey Club. 

It is popular as dance music. We dance the cypher, which all dance in a circle, while playing Jersey Club. There is such a movement and culture which is very close to the image of DUNK. Then I decided to create the Jersey Club theme song for DUNK. Jersey Club sounds like doon doon dadada.

Not only that, but you can take notes in double time and add strange sounds. It is a dance-specific song that allows dancers in various genres to pick up different rhythms and dance in different ways. I just made it too fast. It was a lot of work, but the song was uplifting and euphoric, so we decided to go for it.

Q. What are your favorite lyrics of the theme song?

"I don't mean to change the period. Let's dance in the period that is changing on its own" is my favorite part. I am often misunderstood because of my strong tone of voice. I don't mind misunderstandings. But I have not the slightest intention of changing the times or the music scenes which naturally keep changing. I want to make those what those should be, not as a sense of mission or duty, but as they should be.

"With a strong will, with unwavering faith, with a firm philosophy, and dancing like an idiot."

Q. One word to describe DUNK.

A music scene, movement, and culture that Japan needs to be proud of today. DUNK itself is a new music scene. A new music scene that exists today. And a music scene that is about to be born to thrive. It is "DUNK".

Coming soon.