The Rampage from Exile Tribe, is a J-pop vocal and dance boy group and is one of newest groups to come out of LDH. The Rampage is part of the collective supergroup, Exile Tribe and is composed of sixteen members. The group was formed in 2014 at Exile’s Vocal Battle Audition 4. The Rampage made their debut on January 2017 with the release of their first single “Lightning.”
Since the success of their debut single, they have gone to release three more singles, Frontiers, Dirty Disco and 100degrees, which all debuted in the top 10 of the Oricon Weekly Chart. The Rampage is currently embarking on their first ever live tour, “GO ON THE RAMPAGE,” and recently released their 5th single, Fandango.
Since THE RAMPAGE’s debut back in 2017, you have released 4 singles and Fandango is the latest. Tell us more about this new single.
Zin: This single has its own unique “THE RAMPAGE” edge combined with the hottest trends in Latin music. We tackled this single in our own way but also brought a new excitement to the track.
Now about the music video itself, what scene was your favorite to film?
Kenta Kamiya: My favorite scene was when a swarm of hands appear like Senjukan’non during the chorus.
(Editor’s Note: Senjukan’non or Guanyin is a Buddhist Goddess commonly associated with Mercy or Compassion)
Do you have any dreams or goals as a singer? For example, performing at a certain music venue or collaborating with another artist?
Kazuma Kawamura: I truly appreciate the lyricists that support us and work with us to create our songs but in the future, I hope that I can participate in the songwriting process. If I can be a part of writing my own lyrics I think I can feel the responsibility of what I am singing and share my emotions clearly. I also want to collaborate with other artists and ultimately share our music worldwide.
Are you guys involved in the composition and writing process of your tracks or would like to in the future?
RIKU: Kazuma wrote the lyrics to some rap parts in our songs. I also write songs and lyrics personally so it would be amazing if I could release my ideas with the group.
What is a genre of music/concept that you would like to try?
Itsuki Fujiwara: ‘Fandango’ combines THE RAMPAGE with Latin music trends to give the single a unique sound. I would like to tackle new genres such as R&B and merge these genres with “THE RAMPAGE STYLE”.
THE RAMPAGE went on their very first overseas trip to South Korea for the Asia Artist Awards. How was the experience?
Shogo Yamamoto: We all love K-POP so it was satisfying to watch them perform up-close. I could feel the admiration they have as a group and share with their fans. I felt that warmth and happiness within their heart and performance. This sharing of emotions is what is the X factor in a group performance. K-POP artist’s performances were inspiring and motivated me to improve so that THE RAMPAGE can be a representative of Japanese artists.
Also, THE RAMPAGE is currently on their first national tour, “GO ON THE RAMPAGE.” How’s the experience so far and have you faced any difficulties?
Makoto Hasegawa: We are fortunate to participate in our first national tour, and because we perform in so many different venues across many different locations we truly experience inspiration and excitement each show. The tour is an amazing experience for us and we also want to take this as an opportunity to improve and develop our “entertainment.”
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
LIKIYA: Go to the GYM, Sauna or watch a movie.
ZIN: We use a lot of our energy towards training and performing so I tend to want to relax! I usually go to Onsen as well.
Kenta Kamiya: The GYM, I watch movies, and try to do something I have never done before.
Rui Yonamine: I often travel alone to the Tokyo countryside.
Shogo Yamamoto: I usually stay at home but sometimes go out at night with other members for dinner
and drinks, to talk about our group.
Kazuma Kawamura: I tend to clean my room or do laundry. I go out to buy food and spend time sleeping. I also play video games when I feel like doing so.
Hokuto Yoshino: Watch movies!
Shogo Iwaya: Watch movies, read books, and spend time to learn many things. I also tend to relax at my house.
Shohei Urakawa: Recently we are on a national tour, so I tend to rest my body as much as possible and refresh! For example, I would go to Sento (Japanese public bath) or go somewhere far on my own.
Itsuki Fujiwara: I love watching movies so I often go to the theater. Also, I work out at my house.
Kaisei Takechi: Body building!!!
Makoto Hasegawa: I love fashion so if I have a day off, I would first go to a shopping mall. I would also relax at home or go watch a movie.
RYU: On my day off, I usually watch International artists online and watch their music videos as much as possible.
Takahide Suzuki: I love video games so I play games throughout the day or I sleep!
What is your favorite part about singing and performing?
Hokuto Yoshino: My favorite part of singing and performing is when the audience is listening to my songs and they smile.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Shogo Iwaya: Definitely ‘100degrees’ I get a flood of adrenaline and my on-switch goes off within me when the hard intro beat comes on.
Looking back from when THE RAMPAGE first released music with “Lightning,” how much do you guys think you have improved?
LIKIYA: When we released ‘Lightning’ we wanted everyone to feel our energy and enthusiasm. However, now we are able to devote a different kind of energy into THE RAMPAGE music and stretch out our music in various ways.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
RYU: Performing in one of the 5 Stadiums across Japan! I hope that each member of THE RAMPAGE can stand out so that all of Japan will understand the characteristics and talents we have.
A few fans have submitted their own questions for THE RAMPAGE.
Have you guys ever thought about going on tour internationally, particularly the United States?
Takahide Suzuki: I haven’t really thought about it but I know that I want to try an international tour. I have only been to Korea so far, and it is my dream to go to America so I will have to work much harder!
Are there any western artists or bands that you like to listen to?
Kaisei Takechi: I really love M.O.P, Lil Jon and Busta Rhymes!
To Takuma, what inspired you to choreograph Fandango?
Takuma Goto: I took inspiration from Reggae and free-flowing music. I really made sure that the strength and energy that THE RAMPAGE is known for wasn’t lost but incorporated some different styles as well.
Who are you the closest with among your senpai at LDH?
Rui Yonamine: I am shy because I am not good at making friends. I will do my best to make friends from now on. haha.
I’d like to thank THE RAMPAGE for taking the time to answer all of these questions in detail. Was there something awesome or new that you found out about them and what was your favorite track from their latest single “Fandango?” Leave your comments down below!
Wow! Thank you so much for the interview. Looking forward to their next interview as well! lol
Amazing! Thank you for this interview!!! I hope that RMPG can perform overseas! Please come to Singapore hehe!