FlowBack is back and better than ever with their latest release, SUMMER TRIP. Comprised of five members, TATSUKI, JUDAI, MASAHARU, MARK, and REIJI, FlowBack is currently signed under Ki/oon Music (Sony). Back in 2013, they got together as an indie group, and in 2014, they participated in one of the biggest auditions of Japan, LINE Audition. Out of over 125,000 groups, FlowBack was chosen as one of the eight finalists and gained much-needed attention.
FlowBack released their first ever concept mini album, SUMMER TRIP, last month. It features a mix of old and new tracks and captures the summer feel. Along with their trip to the Philippines, FlowBack also did their first ever photobook, which showcased the essence of summer and the bond between the members.
Congrats on the release of your new mini album “SUMMER TRIP!” I really liked the track “Be Mine.” What tracks from the mini album were your favorite?
My favorite is “Ikenai Taiyou.” It’s a cover song of the famous rock band ORANGE RANGE. This song is one of our favorites. It gets the crowd going because it is exciting for everyone. (REIJI)
I like “See you again.” I thought about a reunion with my old friends, and I wrote the lyrics! (JUDAI)
Can you explain what a concept mini album is? What makes it different from an ordinary mini album?
The album concept is summer. It is not only with regards to the songs, we also made a photobook whose contents were shot in the Philippines. It was so exciting! (TATSUKI)
Are there any plans to continue doing concept releases? It would be interesting to see future concept releases for other seasons like Winter.
That’s still undecided. We were thinking that we would want to make songs for all the seasons. So we would like to make another album of songs with the theme of different seasons in the near future! (MARK)
If I’m not wrong, Ikenai Taiyou (イケナイ太陽) is a song by ORANGE RANGE. How does FlowBack’s version differ from the original?
This is a famous song by ORANGE RANGE. It is our nostalgic song from our school days. The original group has three vocalists whereas we are five. Our version is more sped up than the original, especially during the dance break. In conclusion, we think it’s unique. (JUDAI)
Now for the music video, I love how you did a medley with all the songs in the mini album. What scene was your favorite to film?
I like “See you again,” the last song on this album. The music video starts out with “Let’s Get Together” and you can see the different sides of us. The last scenes were calm and warm, so it’s my favorite. (MASAHARU)
One thing that sticks out for me was the AfterRain scene. Throughout the room, the same outfits that were worn in the music video were there, too, so it felt nostalgic. How did you guys feel about that part?
We wanted to surprise the fans. So we talked about that with our video director. It’s one of the members’ idea! (TATSUKI)
For the music video and photobook, you guys went to the Philippines. Mark and Reiji happen to both be half Filipino. Did you guys do anything during your free time?
I floated in the pool with an inflatable tube float every morning. After the shoot, I played at the pool with the other members. During the stay, I enjoyed spending time by swimming pool. (REIJI)
In the near future, what do you want FlowBack as a group to accomplish?
We would like to be a fashion and music icon. We would also like to monopolize the covers of magazines some day. (MARK)
Looking back from when FlowBack first released music with “Shake the World” and “AfterRain,” how much do you guys think you have improved?
I think we are changing all the time, with every moment. We’ve improved our performance every time. We hold meetings with the members more frequently than before. It has been positive for us. We never forget the basics: passion for music and maturation. (MASAHARU)
I’d like to thank FlowBack for taking the time to answer all of these questions. Was there something awesome or new that you found out about them and what was your favorite track from their latest mini album “SUMMER TRIP?” Leave your comments down below!
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OH! Press readers and FlowBack fans, we’ve got a giveaway for you! Enter down below for the chance to win a copy of FlowBack’s latest mini album, “SUMMER TRIP!”
