Interview Exclusive

Interview with MelonBatake a go go

23/01/2021 2021-01-23 07:00:00 KoME Author: ChrisN, Ashki Translator: Pareesa Madjd, Sophie Copyeditor: Tomo

Interview with MelonBatake a go go

Get to know MelonBatake a go go, the rockabilly superhero sidekick idol group from outer space.


© Gollipop Record. All Rights Reserved.
Believe it or not, idols don’t just come from Japan. Some of them come from outer space! Since their arrival on planet Earth in 2016, superhero sidekick idol group MelonBatake a go go have been entertaining Earthlings with their unique psychobilly, surf rock, schlock-horror mash-up songs and wacky live antics.

A recent line-up change saw MelonBatake a go go boosted by the addition of Tomoyo Chiyo and Amino Coromi from sister group The Grateful a MogAAAz, who double up as members of both groups at the same time. Around the middle of 2020, just before the release of their latest mini-album to IDOLS to US to YOU, we had the chance to ask MelonBatake a go go some questions about the release and to get to know the new members.


For our readers who might not be familiar with MelonBatake a go go, could you please explain your mission as rockabilly superhero side-kick idols from outer space?

MelonBatake a go go: It’s difficult to disclose our mission to the public, but the answer can be found through our music. We foresee a future in which we are a part of everyone’s lives. In addition to Nakamura, Run, and Yuffie, who have come from outer space, the relationship with the two new Earthlings, Chiyo and Amicoro, has become closer. We hope you’ll look forward to our new developments.

You perform as masked superheroes onstage, but if you could have a super power in real life, which one would you choose?

Nakamura Soze: The super power to be able to live underwater (because I love water).

Rutakame Run: Invisibility (maybe I would become an informant).

Sakimura Yuffie: The ability to teleport to my favorite places or to see my favorite people. The ability to not irresponsibly forget what I, and others have said, or the ability to instantly be reminded of such remarks.

Tomoyo Chiyo: Super strength! And immortality! I’ll be able to be an idol forever! (laughs)

Amino Coromi: The ability to stop time, and to create a super assistant person so that I will have more free time to see people, get massages, and handle the cleaning.

In the music video for Kaizoku Queen Amazones from your mini-album to IDOLS to US to YOU, you swap your hero masks for pirate eyepatches. What was the inspiration behind this song and MV?

MelonBatake a go go: We are able to take the form of protagonists of various stories. We enjoy seeing the expressions of Earthlings who are perplexed by the costumes that are made to show both the friendships and distinct characteristics of each member. Sometimes we are heroes, sometimes pirates, sometimes vampires…


Your last single, FINAL GAME ~Idol of Phantasm~, had some interesting changes to your sound and look. Did you try anything new on to IDOLS to US to YOU?

MelonBatake a go go: We used our time in the voluntary self-quarantine period as a chance to brush up on our knowledge of Earthlings. We think that this time, the songs are designed to more closely resemble both the looks and sound of Earthlings. However, if you listen through the album in its entirety, we think you’ll be able to feel the MelonBatake-ness. It’s a funny story, but Chiyo and Amicoro are very talkative and the aliens are overwhelmed everyday.

Going by the music he creates, your producer Kinoshita Moritaka seems like a colourful character. What is he like to work with?

Amino Coromi: I love Produce Kinoshita’s songs and lyrics. He puts into words emotions that I have lived through and felt but haven’t been able to put into words myself, like “how do I express this emotion in Japanese?”. There are many times that make me go, “Oh, yes, this is what I wanted to say!”. Also, there are lyrics about saying farewells, but that do not leave me with any lonely feelings, and there are also lyrics about happiness that make me feel sad (this is just my interpretation though). Every time I come across these kinds of lyrics, I think “Woah, amazing!”. I’ve also always really respected his character, energy, and the toughness that he shows in everything he is involved with.

Tomoyo Chiyo: He is very kind, and friendly. He takes good care of people once he becomes involved with them. He is knowledgeable and gives us helpful advice when we consult with him.

The music industry has been heavily disrupted by the coronavirus over the past few months. How did you occupy yourselves when you were all shut in at home?

MelonBatake a go go: We learned a lot about Earthlings. Not being able to do live shows was a hard blow for us, but our internet streams have made us widely known to the Earthlings. The future of the entertainment industry is still bleak but we are sharing information every day at our home base so that we can become a leading model to others.

Your live shows have a lot of crazy antics and audience interaction. What was it like performing at Gyuzo Farm Festival on the big stage with all the lights and cameras but without a crowd there?

MelonBatake a go go: The performance at Gyuzo Farm Festival was like a ray of light for us.

Tomoyo Chiyo and Amino Coromi from your sister group The Grateful a MogAAAz joined you as support members in March 2020. What have Chiyo and Coromi brought to the group? Chiyo and Coromi, how do you manage being in two groups at the same time?

Amino Coromi: In regards to being in two groups at once, there are different start dates and times, more songs and choreography to master, and more lessons to take, so I think it’s both physically and mentally impossible for a normal person to do (laughs). I myself wondered if I would be able to do such things, but I worked through it anyway until this day without having much time to think about it. But I want to become famous, and I want more people to know me and our groups, those aspirations keep me moving forward. I can only do these things because I have support from the staff, group members and fans both when I am in MogAAAz and Melon. You only have one life, so I figure it’s okay to have a period of being swayed by the things you love. Right now, I’m devoting this precious period in my life entirely to MelonBatake a go go and The Grateful a MogAAAz. There is great value in that. There is no guarantee that what I can do now can also be done next year, so all I can do is live today to the fullest.

Tomoyo Chiyo: It’s hard, but the experience has helped me grow, and I think that our fans, the members, and our staff all feel the same way. I decided that this is the very last time for me to be an idol. I will do everything that I want to do.


You performed at the Monster of Dolls festival in Italy in 2019 and were due to return again this year. How was performing for an overseas audience, and did you notice any difference in the way the fans reacted compared to your shows in Japan?

MelonBatake a go go: Our overseas GO-GO’s are all super fun. We enjoy seeing the richness of the facial expressions of Earthlings. It was the kind of show where we received more than we gave to the audience. And the foods were very delicious. We got to try flavours and foods that we had never tasted before. And everyone was warm. There is nothing we want more than to somehow give that warmth back to everyone through our live performances. Thank you so much.

Were you surprised to see the amount of international interest in Japanese idols?

MelonBatake a go go: We had heard rumours in outer space but we didn’t expect it was this strong. It’s a huge honour for us to be accepted among the many fascinating international cultures and productions.

Do you have a final word for your fans around the world?

Nakamura Soze: Thank you for always supporting MelonBatake a go go! We will continue moving forward.

Rutakame Run: Thank you always. I look forward to your continued support.

Sakimura Yuffie: Thank you for all your love and interest. I know it’s hard to meet right now, but I’ll always be watching you through SNS. I want to return all the love and energy you have all given me through a live show again. Stay healthy and have a good time. Thank you.

Amino Coromi: I LOVE YOU.

Tomoyo Chiyo: I will keep evolving as an idol. I want to meet you on a grand stage.

Until we meet again!

JaME would like to thank MelonBatake a go go and Chaotic Harmony for making this interview possible.



to IDOLS to US to YOU was released in August, and it is available on digital stores and streaming services now. If you'd like to learn more about the release, you can also check out our review of the mini-album here.

Related Artists

Related Releases

Mini-Album CD 2020-08-19 2020-08-19
MelonBatake a go go

Idol & Alternative Idol Interviews

Interview with TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE © TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE

TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE continue to evolve and change rapidly, just like Tokyo.

Interview with Broken By The Scream © Broken By The Scream. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Broken By The Scream

Broken By The Scream talk about their latest album, "RISE into CHAOS".

Interview with Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu © Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu are sending out sparks of joy to everyone with their new mini-album "Heart-Gyutto!".

Interview with Ryo Enomoto © Ryo Enomoto. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Ryo Enomoto

Ex-WILL-O' member Ryo Enomoto discusses her collaboration with the mysterious masked band MISTRESS OF THE DARKROOM and her future plans.

Interview with Tsukimori Kaede © Tsukimori Kaede. All rights reserved. Cameraman: moriya takaaki

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Tsukimori Kaede

In her first overseas interview, rising idol star Tsukimori Kaede talks about her past and goals, and gives an exclusive insight into what's coming next.

Interview with Derek Vasconi © The Flowers of Passion

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Derek Vasconi

We take a look behind the scenes of a behind the scenes documentary.

Interview with MANACLE © M-SMILE.inc. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with MANACLE

Meet the idols who want to set you free.

Interview with BABYBEARD © BABYBEARD. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with BABYBEARD

Ladybeard's new unit BABYBEARD has arrived to lift spirits and bring kawaii culture to the world.

Interview with RAY © RAY/SOVA LLC. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with RAY

Meet the shoegaze idols.

Interview with MelonBatake a go go © Gollipop Record. All Rights Reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with MelonBatake a go go

Get to know MelonBatake a go go, the rockabilly superhero sidekick idol group from outer space.

Interview with BURST GIRL © BURST GIRL. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with BURST GIRL

Punk idols BURST GIRL are still eager to explode on American soil someday.

Interview with ANGERME © DC FACTORY. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with ANGERME

Idol group ANGERME talks about their past, present and future, as well as their expectations about the Mexican public.

Interview with GANG PARADE © 2019 GANG PARADE official.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with GANG PARADE

JaME interviews idol group GANG PARADE, which had recently signed to Warner Music Japan.

Q&A with Wasuta at Anime North 2019 © Avex Management/Stephen Echavia (J-rock North Promotions)

Interview

Q&A with Wasuta at Anime North 2019

Wasuta fields questions from fans at a Q&A panel at Anime North.

Video Interview with Colorpointe at the 15th Tokyo International Music Market © Colorpointe

Interview

Video Interview with Colorpointe at the 15th Tokyo International Music Market

Delve into the fantasy world of Colorpointe.

Interview with Mizuki Fukumura, Miki Nonaka and Reina Yokoyama from Morning Musume。'18 © DC FACTORY. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with Mizuki Fukumura, Miki Nonaka and Reina Yokoyama from Morning Musume。'18

Mizuki Fukumura, Miki Nonaka and Reina Yokoyama talk about Morning Musume。'18's newest songs, dancing, favorite anime theme songs and more.

Interview with LONDON BLUE at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018 © Christopher Woods

Interview

Interview with LONDON BLUE at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018

LONDON BLUE talk about their beloved city.

Interview with 22/7 at Anime Expo 2018 © Joan Piedra

Interview

Interview with 22/7 at Anime Expo 2018

Sally Amaki, Mei Hanakawa and Reina Miyase of virtual idol group 22/7 speak to JaME about their characters, personalities and songs.

Interview with Maison book girl © ekoms.inc. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with Maison book girl

Maison book girl speaks to JaME about their UK tour experience and latest releases.

Interview with THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS © BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Interview

Interview with THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS

Yui Makino, Ruriko Aoki, Rei Matsuzaki, Kotomi Aihara, Yuko Iida and Tomoyo Kurosawa speak about their characters, their ambitions, and what it means to be part of the IDOLM@STER franchise.

Interview with Broken By The Scream © Ground-Base inc.

Interview

Interview with Broken By The Scream

The extreme metal-influenced idol group introduces itself.

Interview with Juice=Juice © UP-FRONT PROMOTION Co., Ltd.

Interview

Interview with Juice=Juice

The Hello!Project idol group Juice=Juice on a world tour!

Video Interview with Morning Musume。’17 © UP-FRONT PROMOTION Co., Ltd.

Interview

Video Interview with Morning Musume。’17

Morning Musume。continues to deliver smiles, liveliness and love to all 20 years into their career.

Interview with BABYRAIDS JAPAN © LesPros Entertainment Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with BABYRAIDS JAPAN

BABYRAIDS JAPAN challenges both the cute and cool styles.

Video Interview with Juice=Juice © UP-FRONT PROMOTION Co., Ltd.

Interview

Video Interview with Juice=Juice

Before their upcoming world tour, Juice=Juice speaks to JaME in a video interview about live performances, their music and more.

Interview with Wake Up, Girls ! at Anime Expo 2017 © Green Leaves / Wake Up, Girls!

Interview

Interview with Wake Up, Girls ! at Anime Expo 2017

How does it feel to be an anime idol character and real life idol at the same time?

Interview with callme © 2017 avex music creative. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with callme

callme talks about producing their own works, their new single and more.

Interview with Cheeky Parade © avex

Interview

Interview with Cheeky Parade

Cheeky Parade speaks about their recent news, expectations for Japan Expo, their musical evolution and future projects.

Interview with LADYBABY © 2015 clearstone Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with LADYBABY

Obviously, a beard is the foundation of success. In any field.

Interview with Cheeky Parade © Cheeky Parade. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with Cheeky Parade

Cheeky Parade chats with JaME before their Moshi Moshi Nippon gig in France.

Interview with MOSO CALIBRATION © @JAM

Interview

Interview with MOSO CALIBRATION

For the MOSO CALIBRATION girls, their imagination is infinite.

Interview with Kiyoshi ryujin 25 © @JAM

Interview

Interview with Kiyoshi ryujin 25

One man, seven wives and music.

Interview with Bandjanaimon! © @JAM

Interview

Interview with Bandjanaimon!

Meet the idol group that plays musical instruments!

Interview with Dempagumi.inc © @JAM

Interview

Interview with Dempagumi.inc

Akihabara “otaku” idol group Dempagumi.inc spoke to JaME before headlining @JAM EXPO 2015 at Yokohama Arena.

Interview with Morning Musume。 © Morning Musume。'14

Interview

Interview with Morning Musume。

Shortly after the group's show in New York City, JaME speaks to Morning Musume。members Sayumi Michishige and Erina Ikuta.

Interview with Pour Lui © BiS / avex

Interview

Interview with Pour Lui

Former BiS leader Pour Lui spoke to JaME about her time in the group and her goals for the future.

Introducing Starmarie © STARMARIE

Interview

Introducing Starmarie

The fantasy idol group spoke with JaME at Anime Expo 2013.

Interview with BABYMETAL © Amuse, Inc. / BABYMETAL

Interview

Interview with BABYMETAL

Just before their major debut, we interviewed 'Kawaii' metal girlgroup BABYMETAL in order to get to know this unique project.

Interview with AKB48 at Japan Expo © AKS - JaME - Sophie Surmont

Interview

Interview with AKB48 at Japan Expo

AKB48, guests at the tenth Japan Expo, shared their time with JaME to answer our questions.

ADVERTISEMENT