RADWIMPS On 20 Years Together, Their Latest Album ‘Anew,’ And Returning To Manila (Someday)

Two decades after their major debut as a band, RADWIMPS are retracing their steps while embracing new beginnings, starting with their latest studio album, the aptly titled Anew.

Consisting of 13 tracks, this brand new record from the Japanese rock veterans is more than just them releasing a new album or celebrating the past 20 years. It is them rediscovering and redefining who they are as artists, as it sees the band continue to innovate their sound and songwriting once more while navigating this exciting new chapter as a duo for the first time.

With Anew, singer and multi-instrumentalist Yojiro Noda and bassist Yusuke Takeda took on fresh perspectives and approaches when it came to tackling its creation. Beyond the usual challenges that come with crafting a full-length record, the two also found moments of serendipity in bringing the songs to life, resulting in an album equally born from both deliberate artistic effort and creative spontaneity.

With this, Billboard Philippines caught up with the members of RADWIMPS to discuss Anew and the past 20 years, their favorite memories from the band’s first ever Manila concert last year, their advice for younger bands just starting out, and more.

Billboard Philippines: Congratulations on the release of your latest album Anew! Its release comes as part of RADWIMPS’ celebration of your 20th major debut anniversary this year.

As you commemorate this milestone, what would you say has been your proudest achievement that you have accomplished as a band in the last 20 years?

Yusuke: There have been a lot of wonderful experiences throughout those 20 years, but the fact that we could continue as a band for 20 years is the biggest milestone that we have.

Yojiro: Twenty years ago, not even maybe ten years ago, I couldn’t even imagine doing a sold-out world tour (‘The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace’ world tour) like we just did, so that’s what I’m most proud of.

Throughout these past two decades, countless people have discovered the band during different chapters of your musical journey.

For the people who will discover RADWIMPS for the first time through Anew, what sort of first impression do you hope to leave behind when they listen to the songs on the album?

Yojiro: I’m just really curious about how they’ll react.

We do have a long history [as a band] but as we recorded [the album], we almost felt like a freshly debuted band. So, let’s forget about our past albums and listen to this one like we’re a freshly debuted band and it should really be fun.

Yusuke: I have no requests as to how I want them to listen to it but just have fun. We can’t imagine how people are gonna react, so we’re just looking forward to it and we hope they like it.  

Just last year, you held your first ever show in Manila and it was sold-out!

Looking back on that concert and meeting your Filipino fans for the first time, what surprised you the most or what made the show unforgettable for you?

Yojiro: I still remember it so clearly. The audience, the venue, and everything. That was just so insane.

It was definitely one of the highlights of our tour. Just selling out the venue with 10,000 people was something we couldn’t believe and it didn’t feel like it was our first time there. Everyone knew all the songs and were just so welcoming, so we were very touched.

Yusuke: We were visiting for the first time and playing in front of 10,000 people and it was just such a wonderful experience. After the show, my Instagram followers increased by 500 people and they left so many warm comments so we both felt like, “Why haven’t we gone here before?”

Yojiro: Yeah, we’re sorry about that (chuckles).

With that, can your Filipino fans expect you to come back to Manila soon?

Yojiro: We definitely want to come back. We can’t tell when, but hopefully if there’s gonna be an Asia tour again, Manila will definitely be included.

In the past 20 years, you have gained a lot of experiences and lessons that can be helpful in guiding the younger artists of today in their own journey.

So, for the bands or artists that are just starting out, what advice do RADWIMPS have for them, especially if they want to keep making music together for 20 years like you have?

Yojiro: It’s really hard to believe in your music while you’re making it at certain points. Along the way, there were times when I couldn’t believe in my own music but being in a band, my band members told me that they love my music and that carried me through those hard times. That’s something you cannot get as a solo musician. Definitely treasure your connection with your bandmates.

Also, be proud of what you’re doing and continue with it.

Yusuke: This might not be the secret to continue for 20 years but 20 years ago, we never saw this far, first of all. We only saw what was in front of us at the moment so, do not set too big of a goal. Take it one by one, day by day. Set smaller goals like making your next song the best song you’ve ever made or your next show will be the best show you’ve ever done. Take it one by one, day by day.

Finally, where do you see RADWIMPS in 20 years?

Yojiro: Well, we’re gonna be 60 in 20 years so we’re definitely gonna be old (chuckles). But hopefully, we’re gonna be on stage and performing in front of a bunch of people.

At 40, this was not the 40 I imagined 20 years ago when I was 20. I thought that I would have a format for making music figured out by 40 but I’m no where near that. So, probably at 60, I’m still making music — it’s an endless journey — and it will probably not be the 60 that I imagine right now.

Yusuke: At 60, I’d still want to be down-to-earth and take it day by day. But something I’m looking forward to is becoming a grandpa potentially. Also, my kid is 5 years old right now so, when I’m 60, we can drink together (chuckles). It’s something I’m looking forward to.

Listen to RADWIMPS’ Anew below: