Synchronized Rockers Artist Comments

We have arranged the lead song from the first pillows’ album we heard in Straightener-style power pop. We think it’s turned out pretty cool. the experience of making a pillows cover has been fun, and we are happy to have participated in this tribute record. Let’s do a gig together again and have a drink!

When we were invited to do this tribute album, we were like, “are we even good enough?!” We still think that… Well, we kept worrying about it for a while, and finally we decided to cover ‘Funny Bunny’, because we love the lyrics. Not only was it a great song, but wow, 15th anniversary- that’s awesome. We’ve put our utmost respect into making this song. congratulations, guys.

It’s a song from when the pillows first got together… it’s very emotional. We sang it honestly. Thank you.

There are too many songs we like, so it was really hard to choose one. invite us to the 20th anniversary celebration too, kay? We’ll be waiting for another cool song that we’ll want to sing! thanks for everything! Take care.

Because it’s a good song, i was able to easily express the emotions. The guitar is also filled with sadness.

As i’ve been a big fan for a long long time, i was choked with tears to suddenly be invited to this project. they’re a true rock band that japan can be proud of, and every time there was a new release i would be so excited to get to listen to it. but to be able to take part even in a small corner of this band’s history- i’m even more excited. i’ve secretly hoped to be able to record and perform with you guys… it’s really been fun doing this recording for you. i hope you’ll like it… thank you very much!

GOING UNDERGROUND takes great pride in our hearts to be able to participate in this tribute to the pillows! Keep running! Keep going! Much love and respect, we’ll keep chasing after you.

We met them in 1994, and together went on a journey. Our souls withstood great conflict and adventurous days. Before we knew it, 10 years had gone by. We’d been running with the pillows for two-thirds of their history. When they told [Hitomi- salon music's vocalist] Takenaka about the idea, she kept saying, “a producer, do a tribute? no way…” while starting to think about which song to do. and they keep using our songs for their live show bgm… almost obstinately! But she [Hitomi] also understands their honest respect. “Yamanaka-kun includes feelings of hate, when he says peace…” That’s probably how Yamanaka is… happy 15th anniversary!! We’ll keep it up full speed just like you guys!

Several years ago we received a handmade ‘The Who’ t-shirt from Sawao-san, and we have treasured it. On this tribute we have made our best attempt to perform a pillows song, and once again we all felt the same- ‘what a great song!’ Happy 15th anniversary. Sorry for the time we were late on the radio.

The bulb the pillows have planted in my heart has been there how long…? And its roots continue to grow deep. When you’re making songs, writing lyrics, playing the guitar, coming up with chords… suddenly a flower blooms. But it’s poisonous, it goes crazy, and though it’s stylish it’s clumsy and gentle. Much like me, would you say? Well, humans will give off a smell much like that. They’ve attempted improvements, bred something different, and that flower blooms inside Mister Children. What’s more, there are people who have been charmed by it without realizing. But I know. The roots came from the pillows. The roots, the flowers, the truth- keep growing them.

I’m glad to have been caught up it this whole tribute business. but because I kept pondering this and that song, I kept worrying until the very end. finally, it hit me- I’d do the opening song from the album that got me into the pillows, Runners High. But I’m not doing this as a part of Glay, it’s just a session with friends where you can feel like, ‘yeah, music is awesome’. Sawao-san, Pee-chan, Shin-chan-san – congratulations on your 15th anniversary. Please continue to give us more of the pillows wonderful sound. Jiro out. Peace!