INTERVIEW: CRYSTAL LAKE IN CONVERSATION WITH YUDAI "YD" MIYAMOTO
Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Hi Yudai. I hope you are well.
How are the band members coping with all the touring?
YD: We’re always having fun. Partying with the band members and friends we meet along the way. We’ve been living the tour life for many years, so no matter how much we party, we always make sure we’re fully prepared to deliver on stage.
How is PK settling into the band?
YD: We’ve played together many times through his band Prompts, so I already knew his potential and talent. I reached out to him directly and asked if he could support us — that’s how it came together.
What are looking forward to doing or seeing in Australia and what can the fans expect?
YD: Above all, what I’m most excited about is simply being able to share our music with people there through live shows.
Also, our bassist, Mitsuru’s older brother works as a tattoo artist in the Gold Coast, so getting to see him is definitely something I’m really looking forward to as well!
Crystal Lake has been breaking boundaries with your music. How does that feel for you?
YD: That’s really great to hear.
I think it comes down to always believing in ourselves, loving music, and genuinely enjoying being in the band.
More than anything, I’m grateful for the people around us. Our members, our team, and our friends. We’re lucky to have so many amazing people who always push us forward.
How has the new album: ‘The Weight Of Sound’ been received by fans?
YD: To be honest, I don’t really check reviews or feedback on social media or the Internet. But I do get a lot of great comments from friends and people around me. For me, music is art.
Rather than worrying about what others think, what matters most is whether it truly reflects my own core feelings.
I’ve never tried to make music that everyone in the world would like and that’s impossible anyway.
Everyone has their own tastes. Some people prefer the older Crystal Lake, while others connect more with what we’re doing now. it’s different for everyone and it should be.
Regardless of any kind of evaluation, I’m always just really happy and grateful that people are listening to the music we put our heart and soul into.
Who are your top three guitar influences?
YD: Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, Paul Gilbert.
When you aren’t playing guitar what do you like to do?
YD: I’d probably run my favorite local ramen shop or brew craft beer.
What music have you listened to that you would recommend to others?
YD: Black BoBoi (JPN), Adabana(JPN)
