ELLEGARDEN于1998年12月正式在千葉成立.

　　成員分別為：HOSOMI TAKESHI (主唱兼吉他手)Ubutaka Shinichi(吉他手）Takada Yuichi（貝司手）Takahashi Hirotaka（鼓手）

　　另外Ubutaka也會為樂隊創(chuàng)作一些歌曲。HOSOMI TAKESHI曾經(jīng)在IT業(yè)做一名工程師，他的朋友Ubutaka Shinichi當時正在找一個主唱并且準備做自己的音樂。而HOSOMI也已經(jīng)在業(yè)余時間寫了一些歌并且有很強的英文能力（他曾經(jīng)工作、生活在加利福利亞）。樂隊在某種程度上有一些偏向于西方的“MELOCORE”朋克風格，但并沒有過多胡亂地粗制濫造。他們也希望在全球的表演中堅持自己的純粹。HOSOMI是WEEZER的超級fan,而Ubutaka更偏愛于JIMMY EATS WORLD,這兩個團也對他們樂隊有比較顯著的影響。他們也和一些另外的日本樂隊走得很近，HOSOMI就和straightener的HORIE是最好的朋友。Ubutaka和Takada先前也在同一個樂隊中，最后，其他的成

　　員也從當?shù)仄渌麡逢犞刑�槽過來， Ubutaka是團隊中最年輕的一個，也普遍被認為是樂隊的LEADER他們在01年5月在DYNAMORD發(fā)行自己的首張專輯，得到了一些認可。之后他們的“DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US”成績比上一張好，由此他們樂隊為了配合專輯的宣傳也做了第一次的巡演，其中也包括在北海道RISING SUN FESTIVAL的那一站。在02年10月發(fā)行的MY OWN DESTRUCTION對他們來說也是一個重大突破，他們的樂隊也緊跟著進行了30站的巡演。在03年7月發(fā)行了同樣銷售很好的BRING YOUR BORAD.專輯的封套上有一個TIKI像，也許是為了有著很多著名沖浪地標的千葉。但是他們的樂隊比起沖浪來，花更多的實踐在巡演上面。在04年的5月他們又帶著新專輯Pepperoni Quattro回來了，緊接著又推出了他們的DVD。在05年2月他們在琦玉的超級體育館開了最大型的演唱會。在05年4月他們憑著專輯riot on the grill 轟動了，專輯封套上是一個張大嘴，嘴里滿是通心粉的人。專輯排上了oricon的第三名，賣了百萬張。專輯也是平穩(wěn)熱銷了相當長的一段時間，ELLEGARDEN也被選作為日本樂隊的代表在得克薩斯的SXSW表演。瘋狂的歌迷也會使表演沸騰起來。

　　Hi, this is Takeshi Hosomi (vocal/guitar) answering the questions. First of all, apologies for my late reply. We just finished out Japan tour on March 3rd.

　　First, some of our readers may not be entirely familiar with Ellegarden. Perhaps you could describe the musical style of the band, and give a brief history of itu2019s formation.

　　ELLEGARDEN is a band that loves live gigs. We usually play fast BPM tracks but we also make sure to write songs with great melodies.

　　Some of the most interesting stories are those of a musicianu2019s influences. Where did each of you grow up, and did growing up in that city or neighbourhood affect your individual musical style? Also, are there any influences to speak of that may have brought about the musical stlye of the band Ellegarden as a whole?

　　The drummer is from Tokyo and the rest are from Chiba prefecture. I grew up in the countryside so I tend to lean towards the more humane and natural qualities than the refined qualities that the city offers. Most of the bandu2019s songs are written and composed by me so you may find those tastes reflected in the songs.

　　On the same topic of musical interests, is there an artist or band (indie or mainstream) that you make an effort to see whenever they are playing near you? Also, did you ever have the chance to be a supporting act for one of your favourite bands?

　　I went to most of Weezeru2019s Japan concerts. Last year we were the support band for my favorite Canadian band, SUM41.

　　Is there a particular venue and/or city in North America that you are looking forward to playing, whether or not you will actually be playing there during this tour? Why?

　　California, especially San Francisco, u2018cause I used to live there for a bit and my friends still live there

　　With that in mind, is there a venue or city in Japan which you (individually, or as a band) would consider your favourite to play in? Is it because of the fans, or is there some other sentimental value attatched?

　　The venue choice would be ZEPP Tokyo. The reason is because itu2019s where I saw Weezer for the first time. You might have noticed already but Iu2019m a huge Weezer fan!

　　Have you had a chance to play with any of the bands that are also on the SXSW Japan Nite bill, or the Japan Nite US Tour? If so, where? And how was the experience?

　　Iu2019ve met some bands through music events and festivals. STANCE PUNKS is our label-mate so weu2019ve done tour supports for each other before.

　　The bands of Benten have become mainstays in American indie clubs, but seem to have made less of an impact on the music industry as a whole (though not necessarily a bad thing). Do you see Ellegarden continuing to stay on the independant side of the scene here — continuing gigs with future Japan Nite tours? Or do you have greater — perhaps mainstream — ambitions on this side of the Pacific?

　　Iu2019d like to have occasional tours and releases, without any linkages to events. If our music reaches a large number of people then Iu2019ll have no complaints. However we are an Indies band in Japan too, so we donu2019t really understand the thin line that runs between the majors and indies.

　　Also, with the continued exponential growth of Ellegarden in Japan, the band has been gaining a reputation among fans of Japanese music in North America. Can we expect domestic (North American) album releases eventually?

　　A. The album we released last April, “RIOT ON THE GRILL”, is scheduled for a March 15th release in the States.

　　Once again, thank you for your time. I hope Ellegarden has great success during the Japan Nite tour and at SXSW. I will do my best to promote, and make that possible.

　　A.　Thank you! Hope to see you guys at the shows!