Interview By Gackto

Moi Dix Mois (MDM) is a jrock band from Japan created by Mana. Other members include K, Sugiya and Hayato.  Previously, Mana had been in another band, Malice Mizer, along side with popular musician, Gackt. In addition to working on music, the band is also connected with the gothic lolita community in terms of fashion, style and brand. At Sakura Con, the Aftercon Staff was able to ask some interview questions during the Q&A session.

AFTERCON: Are you releasing a new album soon?

MDM: Yes, in the summer.

AFTERCON: Mana, what band outside of Japan has influenced you?

MANA: Rammestein.

AFTERCON: Is there a chance for a Malice Mizer reunion?

MANA: There would be a reunion concert in September in Japan.

AFTERCON: How long does it take to do hair and makeup for each concert?

MDM: Between 15 minutes to 2 1/2 hours.

AFTERCON: Mana, did you know that people all over the world read your blog?

MANA: Yes, I'm very glad.

AFTERCON: How do you like being in Seattle for Sakura Con?

MDM: Very happy. We love the seafood.

AFTERCON: Do you enjoy screaming during your concerts?

K: Yeah!!!!

AFTERCON: K, what anime character would you be?

K: Ryuk from Death Note

AFTERCON: Mana, have you seen some good lolitas at Sakura Con?

MANA: I will take some time to go look for some.

AFTERCON: What other bands have influenced the overall band?

MDM: Beatles, Slayers, Slipknot and Queens Right

AFTERCON: How about visual inspirations?

MANA: Tim Burton.

AFTERCON: What influenced you to do gothic lolita?

MANA: In the beginning, there was no gothic lolita. So I created it.

AFTERCON: Mana, if you were on a deserted island and could only have one thing, what would it be?

MANA: Guitar.

AFTERCON: Seth, if you had another job, what would it be?

SETH: A chef.

AFTERCON: And Hayato, what are some good beauty tips?

Hayato: Love. And alcohol.

AFTERCON: You are hilarious. Thank you for answering our questions!

Well, the band is serious about their music. However, these guys are also very funny and personable. If you can catch the band at Sakura Con again or at any other convention, Aftercon would highly suggest it.

Interview By Gackto

While Steve Blum was busy doing panels and signing autographs, we were able to ask some questions for this interview at various intervals throughout the Sakura Con weekend. Some of the questions were asked at his panel, some at his autograph session, and some when we saw him walking around. He is one of the nicest man we have met, and he even signed an autograph for us! Steve Blum is known for his role as Spike Spiegal in Cowboy Bebow and many more. Here are some of the questions we were able to ask him. Hopefully, you will be able to meet him someday too!

AFTERCON: What was it like working on the anime such as Cowboy Bebop on Toonami in the late 90's?

STEVE: Well, it was really normal. Mainly because we had no feedback on what we did. We voiced the characters, and it was not until later that I found out a lot of people watched our product when I went to a convention like this one. I practically raised all of you when you were kids! Did you see the April Fools joke that Cartoon Network was bringing Toonami back? It was funny.

AFTERCON: We wished it wasn't a joke. If you rated Toonami from one to ten, what would it be?

STEVE: 10 out of 10!

AFTERCON: Please tell us what was the hardest gig or role that you were able to audition and get?

STEVE: They were all hard. It's a lot about knowing the right people and then after that, auditioning for those roles. But if I don't get the role, I just let it go. You can't have the mindset where you can't let it go. You have to move on.

AFTERCON: Oh what did you think of the Mass Effect 3 ending?

STEVE: I think the people who wrote the story are geniuses, but I can't really say anything about the ending because I'm not really a gamer. But I did hear the fans thought it was a letdown.

AFTERCON: Another random question. Who would win, Spike Spiegal or Malcolm Reynolds?

STEVE: Spike, baby!

AFTERCON: What's it like to play different roles in the same anime?

STEVE: I like the added challenge. Especially when it's in the same scene. It keeps me fresh.

AFTERCON: Can you explain the ending of the Big O?

STEVE: I don't even know the beginning! I don't think the studio even knew what the ending was about. Haha!

AFTERCON: Changing directions again. How do you like Johnny Yong Bosch and Crispin Freeman?

STEVE: Bosch will always be my power ranger. And Freeman is a genius. He does panels all over the world!

AFTERCON: Before we go, what tip do you have for voice acting?

STEVE: Lots of sleep and water. Be sure you don't injure your voice because you can hurt yourself and damage your voice permanently.

AFTERCON: Thank you. Please, enjoy the rest of Sakura Con!

And then Steve Blum went on his way.