Not Secured, Loose Ends – “We live to shout this all over the world” (July 2024)
It’s been about three and a half years since the disbandment of Yukueshirezutsurezure, and now, a new group called Not Secured, Loose Ends (NSLE) has been formed, led by its former member, Mei Yui Mei. The group also includes Higaminari Yuchiomi, Yuzuriha Ouhi (from TOKYO TEFUTEFU), and Kisaragi Megumi (from Zenbu Kimi no Sei da). On July 17, they will release their first single titled “GENESIS.” Earlier this January, they also released an album called “OUROARBOROS,” which features English versions of Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs. NSLE has inherited the emo/post-hardcore sound and essence of their predecessor group but reinterprets their repertoire in English. The single “GENESIS,” meaning “beginning,” allows you to feel the passage of time since the day Yukueshirezutsurezure’s activities came to an end. At the same time, it loudly celebrates a new start, urging everyone to unleash their shouts again. Undoubtedly, it serves as a fitting cornerstone for NSLE’s history. In the interview, the members discuss how the new group came to be and what emotions they felt during this process.
— Mei Yui Mei, you were previously a member of Yukueshirezutsurezure and after its disbandment, you joined Zenbu Kimi no Sei da. How did you come to start the new project NSLE, where you sing Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs in English?
Mei Yui Mei: It was decided that after Zenbu Kimi no Sei da’s concert at Budokan last year, the group would go on an indefinite hiatus. During this break, I was contemplating my next steps and heard at a meeting that our director suggested performing Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs in English as NSLE. I immediately wanted to be a part of it and contacted him right away. Initially, I planned to perform solo, but during the hiatus of “Zenkimi,” Yuchiоmi auditioned for codomomental, and the director and Omegu (Kisaragi Megumi) told me there was a girl who would be perfect for NSLE. We met, and indeed, she was very fitting, even in terms of her appearance.
Higaminari Yuchiomi: That’s how I am (laughs).
Mei Yui Mei: And her voice was so charming and low. The director also said her low voice would blend perfectly with my high one, and we started considering working as a duo. Then Ouhi joined, followed by Omegu, and we decided to work as a quartet.
Kisaragi Megumi: We proposed several options, but ultimately, it depended on what Mei wanted. In the end, Mei decided there would be four of us.
Mei Yui Mei: After all, I wanted as many people as possible to know about NSLE and listen to the group. I thought we could achieve more together with other members than I could alone, so I decided we’d be a quartet. I also felt that if Omegu, someone I completely trust in terms of concerts and everything else, was in the group, I could try even harder.
Kisaragi Megumi: Thank you.
— Yuchiomi-san, what made you decide to audition for codomomental?
Higaminari Yuchiomi: I’ve loved singing since childhood and was always involved in something related to vocals. But at some point, there was a period when I wasn’t doing anything, and I decided I wanted to do something mega-cool one last time. After digging through many things, I found out about codomomental and applied. But I never thought I’d get into NSLE! When I auditioned, I wasn’t yet familiar with all the groups in detail, but after passing the audition, I listened to the songs of all the groups, and Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs were my favorite. I wanted so much to join Yukueshirezutsurezure, and I actually did (laughs).
Mei Yui Mei: She says she wanted to join Yukueshirezutsurezure, but by that time the group had already disbanded (laughs). And back then, NSLE wasn’t even mentioned yet, right?
Higaminari Yuchiomi: I think it was around the time when information about it just appeared on X.
Mei Yui Mei: I see, you thought it might work out.
Higaminari Yuchiomi: Yes, during the audition, Yukueshirezutsurezure was also mentioned, and I realized it was possible.
— And how were you offered to join NSLE?
Higaminari Yuchiomi: Actually, until the day of the photo shoot, I didn’t know I would be in NSLE (laughs). I was suddenly invited to a LINE group named NSLE, and all the current members were there, and I was like, “So that’s how it is?”
— And you, Ouhi-san, when and how were you offered to join?
Yuzuriha Ouhi: I am active in the group TOKYO TEFUTEFU, but the director said that I should join another group to get even more worn out.
Kisaragi Megumi: Uh, that’s a bit lacking in detail (laughs).
Mei Yui Mei: Quite lacking (laughs).
Kisaragi Megumi: To elaborate, this applies to “Zenkimi,” Yukueshirezutsurezure, KAQRIYOTERROR, and Seireki13ya, but we all had members leave and new ones join — for better or worse, our members constantly changed. And when you go through this, you become significantly stronger. When new members join the group, you feel the need to change yourself, and the relationships with fans become even closer. In TOKYO TEFUTEFU, although there were departures, all its members have been in the group from the beginning, so it felt like each of you needed to gain new experiences, didn’t it?
Yuzuriha Ouhi: Yes! Exactly! I was told that in order to develop as a group and aim higher, it was necessary to try something new, so why not join NSLE?
— And how did you react to this?
Yuzuriha Ouhi: I was genuinely happy. I was glad that they chose me, and I was also very happy to work with these members. I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to sit idle, so the more work I have, the more energized I feel. I thought that having a more active schedule would be good for both myself and TOKYO TEFUTEFU.
— After forming this quartet, you started recording the album “OUROARBOROS,” in which Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs were reworked and translated into English. But why did you decide not to use the name “Yukueshirezutsurezure” and instead chose “Not Secured, Loose Ends” while translating the songs into English? Perhaps you had plans for international activities?
Kisaragi Megumi: Yukueshirezutsurezure disbanded, and we wanted to approach this with respect. After all, it was the first disbanded group in codomomental, and I believe that the decision to disband should be made by the members themselves.
Mei Yui Mei: I agree.
Kisaragi Megumi: The fact that the group was disbanded means that if we sing Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs in Japanese, those of us who know nothing about the members who were in the group then would have to, so to speak, empathize with the feelings that were put into these songs. And that would be difficult, and I think starting something new while trying to inherit these feelings would be disrespectful to Yukueshirezutsurezure. Primarily, I think the option of performing these songs in Japanese as they were wasn’t even considered.
Mei Yui Mei: I agree. Besides, we always wanted to perform overseas, both as Yukueshirezutsurezure before the disbandment and as “Zenkimi,” so we were attracted to the idea of competing on the global stage with songs in English. In fact, at our concert on June 12th (“Not Secured, Loose Ends FREE ONEMAN LIVE ~fundamental~”), there were quite a few people from abroad. They came from Europe (England, Czechia, France), as well as from the USA, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
— Overseas fans continued to follow you even after the disbandment of Yukueshirezutsurezure, right?
Mei Yui Mei: The group disbanded during the pandemic, and many overseas fans couldn’t come to our last concert (“Yukueshirezutsurezure ONEMAN LIVE – The Scream”). I think the overseas fans who listened to us and loved us back then are now also following NSLE.
— First, you released the album “OUROARBOROS,” where you re-recorded Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs with English lyrics. How was the recording process?
Yuzuriha Ouhi: It was quite difficult for me, it was challenging.
Kisaragi Megumi: First of all, the lyrics of Yukueshirezutsurezure themselves used very complex Japanese, with unique Japanese expressions and nuances specific to the Japanese language. These uniquely Japanese — subtle but deep — expressions were translated into English, making the English quite complex as well.
Higaminari Yuchiomi: I often encountered English words I had never heard before.
Kisaragi Megumi: And singing it was quite challenging. Conversely, by translating these unique Japanese lyrics of Yukueshirezutsurezure into English, I think we make Japanese culture more accessible and understandable to an international audience.
— It would be great if people could feel the poetic expressions, subtle emotions, and delicate nuances hidden in this swirling vortex of emotions. As far as I can see, you had a lot of songs to re-record. How long did the recording take?
Mei Yui Mei: We recorded “Phantom Kiss” and “Odd Eye” quite a while ago, and the remaining nine songs were recorded in a short period. Comparing the first two songs with the other nine, English became easier for us. Apparently, we got used to it.
— The melodic lines of these songs fit well with the English language, and there’s no discomfort when listening.
Mei Yui Mei: Yes, some songs even seem like they were made for English lyrics.
Yuzuriha Ouhi: For example, “Post Catastrophe.”
Kisaragi Megumi: Or “howling hollow” — the English lyrics sound especially impactful.
— However, songs originally written in Japanese might cause certain difficulties since you are accustomed to the original.
Mei Yui Mei: At concerts, the audience sings along with us, and sometimes I read the Japanese lyrics from someone’s lips, and it throws me off, and I start singing in Japanese (laughs).
Kisaragi Megumi: Yes, that happens.
— Yuchi-san, how was it for you?
Higaminari Yuchiomi: This was my first recording, and since it was in English from the beginning, I didn’t have such difficulties, but overall, I was very nervous. Also, with Japanese lyrics, it would have been easier for me to understand how to sing, but with English, it was harder to catch the right intonations. In “Phantom Kiss” and “Odd Eye,” which we recorded first, my vocals sounded like some kind of demo version, and I have some regrets about that, so I tried very hard to show my individuality in the remaining nine songs.
— Were there any instructions during the recording on how best to sing or express emotions?
Kisaragi Megumi: There were moments when we were asked to emphasize certain important parts of the lyrics from the perspective of the English language, but there were few instructions regarding vocals or voice characteristics.
Mei Yui Mei: But compared to “Zenkimi,” Omegu sings quite differently. Despite the lack of instructions, she was able to adapt her voice to the songs, and that’s amazing.
Kisaragi Megumi: (laughs).
Mei Yui Mei: Of course, I knew she could do that (laughs), but I’m used to her delivering a strong voice expressing firm will in “Zenkimi,” so I was surprised that she can sing so gently and even a little quietly.
Kisaragi Megumi: I can! I’ve been singing for ten years!
Mei Yui Mei: It impressed me a little (laughs). Initially, I wanted to invite Omegu to NSLE because I liked the way she recites poetry, and I thought she would fit wonderfully in NSLE’s poetic segments. But she also changed her style, adapting it to the songs, and I think that’s wonderful.
Yuzuriha Ouhi: This isn’t related to instructions, but there’s screaming in Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs, right? I had hardly screamed before and started to panic that I couldn’t do it, so I took lessons from Professor Mei.
Mei Yui Mei: The day before the recording, she sent me a message on LINE asking, “How do you scream?” And I was like, “Seriously, the day before recording?” (laughs).
Yuzuriha Ouhi: For the first two songs, I recorded with unpolished screams, giving it my all as much as I could at that time. But since then, I practiced at home every day, sent my scream recordings to Mei, and received breathing advice from her. Eventually, I improved my skills to the extent that the difference is clearly noticeable.
Mei Yui Mei: The difference is really noticeable.
Yuzuriha Ouhi: I hope people pay attention to that.
— It seems like your voices have reborn these songs into something new.
Mei Yui Mei: It feels like they’ve become different, more powerful.
— Mei-san, you’ve been active in “Zenkimi” for a long time. Now that you’re performing Yukueshirezutsurezure’s songs as part of NSLE, do you feel any changes in yourself?
Mei Yui Mei: After Yukueshirezutsurezure disbanded, I immediately joined “Zenkimi,” so at first, I was too focused on fitting into the group. For about a year, I just desperately moved forward — there wasn’t even time to think. After the Budokan concert, during the indefinite hiatus, I thought about many things and realized that my singing, screaming, and performance skills had significantly improved (though it may not be for me to say). So, I was very excited about how I could express these songs after that. I was confident that I could now express them even better.
— In “Zenkimi,” you had several tours across all 47 prefectures of Japan. The number of concerts was substantial, and it clearly allowed you to refine your skills. Following “OUROARBOROS,” your new single “GENESIS” will be released on July 17. It’s a great and very straightforward song that also clearly addresses those who once listened to and followed Yukueshirezutsurezure.
Higaminari Yuchiomi: “GENESIS” is our first song as NSLE, isn’t it? And I was very happy about it. When I received the demo version, without the lyrics, I was so happy that I listened to it every day. And when I got the lyrics, at first, I felt it was a song about the feelings of the old “Ultramarines” (the name for Yukueshirezutsurezure/NSLE fans) and about how Mei Yui Mei decided to start NSLE, but at some point, I began to relate it to myself. It’s not so much about saying goodbye to my past self before joining NSLE, but I felt it also relates to my desire to move forward, my desire to start a new path as part of NSLE.
Yuzuriha Ouhi: Yukueshirezutsurezure disbanded right after TOKYO TEFUTEFU was formed, so I never saw them live, only on video. I never thought I’d become part of NSLE. And now we’re releasing a new song. Its lyrics, of course, contain the spirit of the former Yukueshirezutsurezure, but it also expresses our feelings as NSLE, our determination to start something new and continue shouting out to the world. When I sing this song, I am filled with a strong resolve to move forward.
Kisaragi Megumi: In the song, there’s a line I sing: “I live to shout this all over the world,” followed by a line sung by Ouhi: “We live to shout this all over the world.” The “I” changes to “we,” and I think these lines reflect not only the “Ultramarines” but also ourselves. It feels like, while before this was what Mei shouted as part of Yukueshirezutsurezure, now we intend to shout it just the same along with her and convey it to the audience at our concerts.
— This power and energy can certainly create a direct exchange of emotions at concerts when you reach out to the audience, and they respond back.
Kisaragi Megumi: Actually, “GENESIS” as a song has quite a catchy nature, doesn’t it? But at concerts, it’s entirely different (laughs). From the start of the song, both we and the audience seem to collide with each other. It feels like we’re expressing what we’re trying to shout, not just with words but with our whole bodies. During a concert, as a performer, you don’t want to be outdone by the emotions and shouts of the audience, right? Thanks to this mutual synergy, every time I listen to this song, it energizes me. Like, we’ve been entrusted with a truly amazing song. The lyrics are emotional and deep, yet there are brighter moments than one might expect.
Mei Yui Mei: Indeed, until now, most of our songs have been dark, or how should I say, oppressive, but “GENESIS” is a bright song. It feels like it’s truly the beginning of NSLE. And the chorus also mentions the group’s name. It was also mentioned in the “OUROARBOROS” album, but in “GENESIS,” it feels like the true start for NSLE.
— So, “GENESIS” has already become a concert hit?
Kisaragi Megumi: Actually, we’ve only performed it once so far (the interview was held in mid-June), but it already received a great response.
Yuzuriha Ouhi: That doesn’t happen often.
— When a song is performed for the first time, the audience usually hesitates a bit, trying to figure out what it is.
Mei Yui Mei: During the intro, everyone already raised their fists (laughs).
— Your tour supporting the single “GENESIS” starts on July 11, and it seems like during this tour, it will gain even more importance and become a significant song in NSLE’s repertoire.
Kisaragi Megumi: Maybe in about three years, it will become an incredibly emotional song.
Mei Yui Mei: Yes. This song can be sung both with a smile on your face and crying your eyes out.
— Are there both new and long-time fans among the audience now?
Mei Yui Mei: Probably about half and half. New people are coming, and overseas fans have also started attending. The audience has become quite diverse.
— How do you attract new people?
Kisaragi Megumi: I think some came by the invitation of old “Ultramarines,” and some discovered our music during the pandemic and now come to NSLE concerts. We had our previous tour (Not Secured, Loose Ends “OUROARBOROZ TOUR”) and the codomomental label’s joint tour (codomomental presents split tour ‘”Amanojaku”), and probably our participation in joint concerts also had an impact. At such events, even if we’re not headliners, we perform with the mindset that it’s a solo concert. And I think new people feel that.
Mei Yui Mei: Many people come to our concert once, see that it’s fun, and continue coming.
Kisaragi Megumi: As adults, it’s not often you get to unleash a flood of intense emotions, scream at the top of your lungs, or collide in a crowd with a strong-looking person you definitely can’t handle. At concerts, you can see people gather the courage and overcome their fears (laughs).
— Such energy is characteristic of club concerts.
Kisaragi Megumi: Seeing this, you realize how much fun everyone is having and, conversely, how hard people are working in their daily lives. They’re probably not exactly suppressing their emotions; rather, they’re certainly fighting hard to keep themselves together. Watching this, I feel like they are warriors fighting in society—it’s like watching your father, although, of course, not all of them are fathers (laughs).
Mei Yui Mei: I understand what you mean. That’s why even during concerts, I look at them and think, “Come on, give it your all!”
Higaminari Yuchiomi: Like, show everything you’ve got!
— Meanwhile, you’re about to start a tour. It seems like you plan to be very active with your concerts?
Kisaragi Megumi: NSLE is always completely open to offers, including joint concerts. We hand out business cards and actively promote ourselves, so we are enthusiastic about participating in anything that seems interesting.
— You’re open to any joint concerts, even with bands?
Yuzuriha Ouhi: Absolutely, we’re not limited by genre, as long as it’s interesting.
— This is quite a change from the Yukueshirezutsurezure era.
Mei Yui Mei: Yes, it’s a significant difference. Before, we didn’t have this “take on anything” approach. We were more focused on creating a specific world to express our ideas. In Yukueshirezutsurezure, we paid a lot of attention to creating an artistic world made up of what we wanted to express.
Kisaragi Megumi: I think, once we start singing, wherever we are, that artistic world will be born. It’s a different artistic world from Yukueshirezutsurezure, but the artistic world we created as a foursome will be born from now on—regardless of the genre of performers we collaborate with.
Higaminari Yuchiomi: Wow, we’ll even find our place in comedy?
Yuzuriha Ouhi: We can’t handle comedy (laughs)!
Kisaragi Megumi: Well, it’s like mixed martial arts (laughs). The main thing is to introduce people to NSLE, and for that, we want to try everything possible.
Mei Yui Mei: We are always open to interesting offers!