Comments from Vaundy, Chiaki Sato and six others who participated in Masaki Suda's new album "SPIN" have arrived

■ “I can’t help but turn my head, I can’t help but bend over, I can’t help but wipe my face. Every time I hear his song, I feel like his voice has the power to make me do that.” (Vaundy)

The first set of comments has arrived from artists who participated in Masaki Suda’s third album “SPIN,” which will be released on July 3rd.

Comments have arrived from a total of six people, including band member Taihei (Dr), who produced the album together with Suda, fellow band member Ochi Shunsuke (Ba), who was involved in the production of the album tracks “Emerald” and “Mono no Aware”, Vaundy, who provided “Mayau Ito,” which was the theme song for Nippon Television’s “news zero” from April 2022 to March 2023, Sunday Kamide, who provided the single “Utsukushii Seibutsu,” Sato Chiaki, who wrote “Kakashi Ai” specifically for the album, and Maki Tatsuya (go!go!vanillas/Vo&Gu), who produced “Kujira.”

You can also listen to all the songs in the album trailer.

■ Comment from Shunsuke Ochi
※M9 “Emerald” arrangement, M13 “Mono no Aware” composition and arrangement
In the early summer of 2023, my friend and colleague Taihei told me in a casual conversation, “I’m currently working on an album for Masaki Suda.”
“I’d like to have a song like this,” Taihei said, and an idea came to my mind. “How about Sora from Bialystocks, who I’m currently supporting?” I suggested, and Taihei immediately agreed. And so I asked him to write a song.
During the summer that followed, sometimes we were engrossed in writing songs, other times we just talked over tea. Little by little, I felt the music taking shape in the noisy streets of Shimokitazawa at night.
There were a lot of other things going on. We worked with different members on each song, and I think new ideas were born each time.
I have so many memories for each song, so if I were to write about them all, it would be too long. Maybe I’ll write about them on my SNS someday.
During the days I spent like this, I realized that both the finished work and the memories of the process were meaningful.
I feel like I’ve created something that I can truly cherish from the bottom of my heart.
■ Comment from Chiaki Sato
※M4 “Magic Love” Lyrics and Composition
Actually, I had always wanted to write a song for Suda, so when I received the offer, I was so happy that it was finally my chance!
What would happen if you visualized hidden sexiness? I think this song provides one answer to that question.
I also directed the vocals, and I remember that there was one line before the chorus that I was personally particular about, and there were so many good takes that it was actually quite difficult to narrow it down to just one.
“Deceptive Love.” Fall in love all over again with the meaningful words and languid singing voice.
Her dignified voice runs freely through each soundscape, her presence undiminished.
As he grows older, his songs become deeper and he has mastered various methods of expression, and it is clear that he enjoys music purely.
For example, what about Suda Masaki like this, with these words and this tone of voice?
Imagination is essential for creativity, and there are few things that can stimulate it to this extent.
“I didn’t know him like this yet.”
I think this is an album where you can hear those kinds of impressions. I would be very happy if that were the case.
■Sunday Kamide Comment
※M12 “Beautiful Creatures” Lyrics, composition, and arrangement
I wanted to know what Suda-kun had inside him, so I asked him if he had any songs he was working on at the moment, and he replied that he had some in the works, so I think we were able to move on to songwriting incredibly smoothly.
The first demo track, which Suda-kun recorded at home, has a very beautiful and ephemeral voice.
And yet, I was touched by the opening lyrics, which sounded like the song was trying hard to sing about someone.
We immediately went into the studio together and, after confirming each other’s musical perspectives, the production progressed smoothly, which was a lot of fun, and it made me realize once again that I am making music in order to pursue moments like this forever.
I’m proud to have created such a wonderful song that everyone, both those of us who are alive and those who have lived in the past, will say is beautiful.
Throughout the album as a whole, I felt that there were two very large pillars standing at the back of it.
The message of Masaki Suda, and the rock that we and people all over the world have been listening to.
These two great pillars stand side by side and offer a wide range of musical possibilities.
And Suda’s voice, which stretches out into the distance, makes us feel like we can go somewhere, anywhere.
This album is filled with the realism of life, and it’s both heartening and satisfying to think that it will make the world a much kinder place.
I felt that from deep within my body.
■Taihei Comment
※Total production of the album “SPIN”
Anyway, I worked out the finer nuances with Suda-kun.
What I feel every day, what excites me, and the opposite is also true.
One of the themes was to make this album an extension of my life and my current situation (both subjective and objective), so I worked it out carefully and meticulously.
This was our first time producing together, so it felt refreshing to work toward the same goal together, and I often thought about what a precious and luxurious time it was.
His senses are really cool.
I was in charge of vocal direction for most of the songs I was involved in, but we both became so absorbed in the recording that we were obsessed with each other, and there were some songs where we both collapsed at the same time the next day, so it was a hectic time.
Furthermore, musicians and artists I am close to were involved in this album, so I feel like it was a series of miracles in terms of schedules and compatibility that made it possible.
Each song has a strong character. At first glance, it may be perceived as simply “rich in variety,” but it’s a little different. If I had to compare it to something, it would be like a team.
I get the impression that each position is filled by the right character.
There’s a captain, there’s a delinquent, there’s a multiplayer, and there’s people who can’t act as a group.
It seems like there will be similar items in the merchandise for the next live tour that Suda has come up with, so I guess it’s the same feeling.
The more I listen to it, the more I realize how adorable the songs are.
In terms of sound, I was able to create the album based on my personal preferences, while also preserving the warmth of my previous songs and searching for the next step, so it makes me want to make my next album as soon as possible.
It really feels like SPIN.
There’s no more fitting album title.
■Vaundy Comment
※M5 “Wandering Thread” Lyrics, composition, and arrangement
Congratulations on the release of your album.
I find myself turning around, bending forward, and wiping it away.
Every time I listen to the song, I feel that his voice has the power to do that.
He has a history not only as an actor but also as a creator.
It gives his appeal the persuasive power it needs.
This album allows you to experience that through the songs.
Even when I close my eyes, I can see his movements reflected on my eyelids.
■ Comment from Tatsuya Maki (go!go!vanillas)
※M2 “Kujira” Lyrics and composition
Last summer, when it was so hot it could melt concrete, the word “whale” came up in a conversation with Suda-kun, whom I met for the first time.
When I heard his meaning and feelings, I felt from him both the severity of a raging cold sea and the hope of an ocean of life illuminated by the sun.
At some point, we started moving our minds more than our bodies, and together with our friends, we created a physical energy of the heart.
The whale is the creature that I thought of as Masaki Suda.
The stars, each with their own unique characteristics, swirl together through the gravitational force of the singing voice, creating a spectacular effect that is yet so microscopic, like our everyday lives.
These songs have precision and humour, and the speed at which they play changes depending on the listener’s location, time, and temperature.
They’re all friendly and nice people.