The group OHL (short for One Hundred Liminal), owes its name to "100 different potentials, talents and possibilities" and debuted on March 15, 2022 with the digital single “Love Forever” under the agency OHL Co., Ltd.
On January 30, 2024 they released the single "0 (Zero)".
They are: JUNYA (leader), KTA, NAO, SHURU, KANNA, RYUSEI and GEN.
Let's know more about them.
KZ- How did you decide to enter the musical world? What are your influences?
KANNA : I started dancing at the suggestion of my mother's friend. At first, without knowing anything, I simply got involved with dance, but one day, while watching Justin Bieber on YouTube, I found my first idol. I was captivated by his cool performances in both dance and singing, and I am currently working on improving my own stage presence, singing, and dancing skills!
NAO :I originally started learning dance due to my mother's influence. The first artist I ever knew was Michael Jackson, and I thought, "I want to dance like him," so initially, I studied and imitated his dance moves. Later, as an adult, I had the opportunity to dance as a background dancer for famous musicians. Through that experience, I began to think, "I want to sing, dance, and stand in front of people too." From there, I decided to challenge myself in the world of music while also trying my hand at creating songs.
KZ- What are your talents besides singing and dancing, what are you good at?
KTA :I am good at finding clothes and items that suit people! Using this skill, I am currently in charge of OHL’s wardrobe, visiting shops myself and styling outfits for the seven members of the group.
In the future, I hope to be able to do styling work externally as well.
SHURU :I have been good at drawing since I was young. I think this skill was influenced by reading a lot of manga from a young age. Recently, I have also used this skill to create illustrations for merchandize of concerts.
KZ- En dehors du chant et de la danse, quels sont vos talents ?
KZ- After the COVID19 pandemic, you created your own agency. How was the process?
GEN :Initially, OHL was on the brink of dissolution due to stress from not being able to progress in the direction we had envisioned and various environmental factors. Feeling that the group would collapse if things continued as we were, I tried to figure out a solution and eventually came up with the idea of starting a business. After explaining the future vision to the six members, they agreed, and we decided to start the business together. To be honest, I think that at that time, I made a decision that involved taking on full responsibility at a young age and with little experience that was not "normal," but I believed that OHL had that much "value." That feeling has not changed at all, and I have no regrets. The entire team that followed me in this challenging journey, I believe we all want to find happiness together.
KZ- What would you say has changed from "Love Forever" to "0"?
JUNYA : I believe that the members' mindset has changed the most. For example, their approach to planning live performances has evolved. Previously, I think each member felt like "I have to do this somewhere along the line," but now they are able to make decisions based on appropriate roles, such as "this member should be in the spotlight at this moment." I think their mindset has shifted to "moving forward as a unified group."
KTA : I think the most significant growth has been in our awareness towards our activities. Personally, I have started to connect everything in my daily life to OHL's activities and act accordingly. I feel the sense of unity where the aspirations and feelings of the seven members have merged into one. From here on, we will push forward towards our dream of performing at the Nippon Budokan!
KZ- Tell us about "0 (zero)", how did it come about, what do you want to transmit.
SHURU : I am involved in the music production for OHL every time, and I always create songs with the idea of delivering what we want to convey at that moment. The song "0 (zero)" that we released for our 3rd anniversary feels like a song that naturally emerged as a milestone. I hope that listeners can feel our determination and potential through this song.
RYUSEI : This song, derived from the image of GEN, was born from the mixed thoughts and sensibilities of the other six members. Created as the title song for our 3rd anniversary show, this song is a significant piece of work that I believe will greatly influence our future activities. It is our latest work that encapsulates the feelings of our current moment, with our thoughts and solidarity growing stronger with each passing day.
KZ- What has been the most difficult part of the song (lyrics, music, production...) and why?
KANNA : This time, Choreographer KANU, who is also active overseas, participated in creating the choreography, and I think we were able to create a piece of work that we have never had before! Choreography itself is of course difficult and requires physical strength, and there are complexities like changing microphones while performing, so we are always thinking about various things. I believe that the choreography by KANU matched our song perfectly, creating a unique piece that sets us apart from other dance vocal groups!
JUNYA : In the song "0 (zero)" this time, I was tasked with handling an important vocal part in the song. It was challenging to sing while staying true to the image of GEN, the member who wrote and composed the song, without betraying the overall image of the song. I have a slightly unique singing style, but there were requests for me to sing more smoothly. Therefore, I made deliberate efforts to remove some of my quirks, change my vocal delivery style, and try different vocal techniques.
KZ- RYUSEI and NAO worked with KANU for the choreography, who was your inspiration and what is your favorite part?
NAO : I am particularly influenced by Brian Puspos and NOPPO (s**t kingz) in my dancing. For the choreography of "0 (zero)" this time, I made an effort to prioritize KANU's artistic vision while ensuring that the lyrics and dance align well. I especially enjoy the dance break part!
RYUSEI : The reason I started dancing was because of Michael Jackson, but now I study the charisma and atmosphere of NCT's TAEYONG. In our latest work "0 (zero)" I wanted to leave a different impact from the catchy first chorus that KANU created, so I incorporated group choreography with synchronized angles. Additionally, there are parts where I translated the impressions received from the song's ease of listening into dance, rather than focusing on the lyrics. I particularly like the part where the movements initiated by GEN in the second verse are followed by the surrounding members, as it adds a new spice to OHL.
KZ- What is your favorite song from your repertoire and why?
JUNYA : "I love 'Bokura no “ “”. It was the first time I participated in writing lyrics for an OHL song, and I think it's simply a great song. It's a track that is really enjoyable to perform."
KTA : "It's "Bokura no “”."'! I took on a central role in the production of this song, and I poured my emotions from the past and my hopes for the future straight into the lyrics and melody. Moving forward, no matter how big the stage we perform on, I believe that 'Bokura no “ “' will always be a song that allows us to revisit our roots and remember where we started."
NAO : "It's Bokura no''! I personally love the nostalgic EDM sound fused with dance."
SHURU : It might sound similar to other members, but my favorite song is probably "Bokura no “”." Not for musical reasons, but I really love the feeling of being "alive" when rapping in that song.
KANNA : Honestly, I love all our songs, but if I choose the one, I enjoy listening to the most is "SENSUAL," for which I had the opportunity to write the lyrics and compose the music. This song is perfect for the night, but I also think it's pleasant to listen to while commuting on the train or in the car. As for songs I enjoy performing, it would be "Bokura no “ “" It encapsulates the joys, sorrows, and experiences of the seven of us over the past year. I wrote the lyrics for the part I sing myself, so it has become a song filled with soul. Because of this, our fandom PIECE’s excitement naturally increases, and I believe it's the song that conveys our feelings the most!
RYUSEI : It's "Periodt." For us, the most important thing about performing live is enjoying ourselves, and this song allows us to make a lot of eye contact with the members and fans. The choreography is catchy and emphasizes each individual's style, creating a space for everyone to have fun, and I really like that aspect of it!
GEN : Since "Xplosion," I have been involved as a producer, and each song has a unique link to the circumstances at the time it was created, making it difficult to rank them. However, I particularly like the songs "Addictive Luv," which was the first time I projected my own world view, and "Periodt.," which continues the story. These two songs, along with their musical connection, are special to me.
KZ- What are your plans for 2024 (new album, tour...)?
GEN : I am considering taking on the challenge of holding OHL's first-ever large-scale live concert. To be honest, booking a venue with a capacity larger than what we have previously done poses challenges, and we are uncertain about setting a date. However, I would like to reach a decision as soon as possible, set clear goals, and aim for this new milestone. Personally, I would like to transform my role as both an artist and a representative into a source of confidence. I want to make efforts to create new and enjoyable entertainment as much as possible in the coming year.
JUNYA : I aim to double the scale of what we have done so far. While we have been steadily making progress step by step, I feel that there is a tailwind behind us now with OHL. Riding on this wind, I believe it's time for us to take a bold step forward and seize the opportunity.
KZ- A piece of advice for someone who wants to enter the music world like you.
JUNYA : The reason I stepped into the music industry was that I was influenced by my favorite artists and thought that turning my hobby of singing into a job would be fun. There are difficult and frustrating moments, but ultimately, because it's something I love, it's truly enjoyable. I believe that being able to turn something you love into a job is the greatest happiness. If you love music, singing, and dancing, then definitely pursue it. Let's perform together at the end of our dreams!
KTA : Life isn't always about fun, but because I love music and my friends, I have been chasing my dreams unwaveringly for the past 10 years. This applies to any profession, but as long as you have pride in what you do and don't lose sight of why you are doing it, even if it doesn't always lead to results, I believe you are definitely an artist! Let's chase our dreams together!
NAO : It's crucial to keep researching passionately without being dishonest about your love for what you do.
SHURU :
Instead of just delivering music you love, I believe it's important to convey your own thougts and emotions through sound and words. This approach can make both music and life a lot more enjoyable! :)
KANNA : When you're starting out, you might feel unsure of what to do or how to begin. But I think it's important to start with what you love and put in the effort at your own pace without rushing. Every day, try channeling all your thoughts and emotions into your music! With time, you should be able to create something great. While it's good to listen to others' opinions, remember to trust your own judgment and keep moving forward with your music. We're still learning, but let's work together and give it our all!
RYUSEI : Music embodies the landscapes we see in our daily lives, the emotions that sprout within us, and everything we perceive. Emotions are a form of art that everyone can freely possess, and I believe that the more art there is, the richer the world becomes. I really want to feel everyone's music! Please liberate what you have and express it freely!
GEN : I may not have achieved significant results yet, so I feel a little shy in giving advice. However, I would like to expand the circle of companions who aim for their dreams together, so if you are interested, please feel free to come to us anytime. Let's turn something we truly enjoyin to our work together!
KZ- Un conseil pour quelqu'un qui veut entrer dans le monde de la musique comme vous.
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