#Japan #Tokyo #ROAD59 #INSANITYGRAY #YHU

Behind the Music: Interview with YHU

In a world where artistry meets the vibrant landscape of gaming, YHU, the creative force behind the theme song 'INSANITYGRAY' for the visual novel game 'ROAD59 - New Era of Yakuza District - Skyscraper Monochrome Conflict', shares an exclusive insight into his musical journey. This stunning game, created by Bushiroad Co., is set in a cyberpunk-inspired Tokyo Bay district called Tenkaiku, where the lives of 23 characters intertwine in a narrative filled with desire, betrayal, and loyalty.

Crafting the Theme Song

On October 3rd, Bushiroad announced the release of YHU's official interview, coinciding with the launch of the song on major music streaming platforms. YHU describes the song as a powerful expression of the protagonist’s fate, who finds himself ensnared in a conflict driven by the ruthless underworld. The song melds elements of live jazz with electronic music to evoke emotion and tension.

"When I was given the opportunity to work on the theme song for ROAD59, I was thrilled. It's a real honor to have my past compositions recognized and woven into this new narrative,” YHU stated appreciatively, highlighting his excitement about integrating his love for cyberpunk and science fiction into the project.

As a core theme, YHU aims to connect the essence of jazz with the dark themes explored within the game. He mentioned, “Jazzy elements naturally complement the lives of characters entrenched in darkness. I wanted to encapsulate their struggles and emotions through the song.”

Inspirations Behind the Music

The ambiance of the game world greatly influenced YHU's creative process. The neon lights, towering buildings, and the surreal nature of a fictional highway sparking the journey toward a looming skyscraper ignited his imagination. "It was captivating to think about how this fictitious road could lead to such extraordinary visuals," he reflected.

When asked about his favorite character from the game, YHU revealed, “During the music production phase, I had the chance to see the stage visuals, and I found 八薙バクト (Yanagi Baku) incredibly compelling. The character’s solitary aura resonated with me deeply.”

Crafting a Unique Experience

YHU elaborated on his generally diverse experience within the music realm. He expresses a commitment to thoroughly understanding the narrative of any project he collaborates on, ensuring that the resulting music enhances the audience's connection to the characters and story. This methodical approach, coupled with his passion for the craft, is apparent in his process for 'INSANITYGRAY'.

His dedication to infusing the game's essence into his music resulted in a song layered with complex emotions, seamlessly merging jazz with electronic elements. “The beginning of the track kicks off with just the bass and drums, which mirrors the protagonist racing down a road that doesn’t even exist in reality,” YHU illustrated, pointing out the intentional imagery crafted within the music.

Collaborating with Talented Musicians

In creating 'INSANITYGRAY', YHU worked alongside a talented ensemble of musicians, each bringing their expertise to the project. This collaboration allowed for an intricate sound: full of life, energy, and sophistication. The final product features a range of live instruments, including saxophones, trumpets, and acoustic bass, lending authenticity and depth to the composition.

The significance of the arrangement wasn't lost on YHU, who noted the importance of creating memorable riffs and melodies. He expressed that the opening melody is crucial—it’s meant to leave an impression on listeners from the get-go. “That was an area I was particularly focused on. I wanted it to stick in people's minds,” he added with passion.

The Road Ahead

As for what's next, YHU shared his ambition to lead his original band to perform at Budokan, setting his sights on heightening his musical journey further. This drive reflects his all-encompassing passion for music and the world he creates through it.

With a melodic tapestry that encapsulates the essence of 'ROAD59', YHU’s artistic contributions push the boundaries of music in the gaming landscape, inviting players to immerse themselves fully in the experience through sound.

Song Details

'INSANITYGRAY' by YHU
Composed and Arranged by: Yu Hagiwara
Featuring: Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Programming by YHU; Trumpet by Akihiro Nagata; Piano by Yuki Hirate; Contrabass by Riku Takahashi; Drums by Ryo Shibata.

Find 'INSANITYGRAY' on various music streaming platforms!

For more on the game, visit ROAD59 Official Site.