Photo Courtesy of Cephalo
Cephalo Band is a four-member indie rock group with a sound that’s both energetic and deeply emotional. The band includes Fuki (lead vocals and guitar), Omae (guitar), Otaki (bass), and Uchida (drums). Together, they create music that feels urgent and alive, mixing sharp guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Fuki’s clear, powerful voice.
In this interview, we talk to Cephalo Band about how they started, their creative process, and what inspires their music. Let’s get started!
How did the four of you meet and decide to form a band? What was the initial musical spark that connected everyone and brought you together?
Fuki: We met on a band member recruitment bulletin board. Gt. Omae had posted a demo, and that’s how it all began. It was because we had shared musical interests.
Can you tell me about the band’s early days? What challenges did you face in finding your sound and establishing yourselves as a band?
Fuki: It was difficult to add lyrics to the melodies composed by Omae. Once I started creating melodies myself, I could immerse myself in the world [of music], and my songwriting speed improved.
Otaki:
Since each of us has different musical roots, we struggled to figure out how to bring out our individual strengths within the band. Now, I think we’re gradually starting to be able to utilize each member’s strong points.
How has your band’s sound evolved since its formation? What factors contributed to these changes? Were there any pivotal turning points or key realizations along the way?
Omae:
In our first EP, there was a slight hesitation among all the members, but for the 1st album, we collectively focused on bringing fuki’s vocals to the forefront. That was the first time everyone truly aligned with what we wanted to create.
Uchida:
After our first cephalo project in January this year, we agreed to increase rehearsal frequency and prioritize syncing our sound. Since then, I think the band’s ensemble has started to improve.
How would you describe the dynamics within the band? How do you navigate creative differences or disagreements, and what steps do you take to ensure everyone feels their input is valued and respected?
Otaki:
After about a year and a half of being active, we’ve recently started paying more attention to the groove. Even after rehearsals or live shows, I’ve been trying to voice any concerns I notice without holding back.
Fuki:
Compared to when we first formed, I think that as our bonds grew stronger, even the more reserved members became able to speak their minds. And I believe it’s because we’ve learned to trust each other’s musical instincts.
Your music blends tension and catchy melodies. How do you balance these elements into a cohesive sound? Is this intentional?
Uchida (Dr.):
For the rhythm section, I focus on harmonizing with the backing instruments and bass. By keeping phrases relatively simple and straightforward, we emphasize highlighting fuki’s vocals. I think this approach is what creates our ‘sound with a sense of tension.’
Cephalo’s music isn’t about complex riffs or intricate phrases—it’s intentionally simpler. Instead, we focus on subtracting sounds, paring back in sparse sections to emphasize density where it matters most. When we layer up, we go all in as a band. That contrast between sparse and dense moments is likely what creates the tension in our sound. It’s all about balance and intentionality.
What role does improvisation play in your songwriting or live performances? Do you intentionally incorporate spontaneous elements into your music?
Otaki:
I think much of our sound relies on fuki’s melodic sense—her ability to weave catchy melodies into any song. As the rhythm section, we focus on phrasing that balances catchiness and accessibility, ensuring the melodies connect seamlessly with the music.
Fuki:
I stopped seeing my voice purely as a vocal role. By treating it as phonetic play, I realized how to blend it with the instruments.
Does improvisation play a role in your process?
Uchida (Dr.):
I believe that by developing the song fragments brought in by Omae and Fuki into full pieces in the studio, we elevate them into the band’s signature sound. During this process, I add my own ideas or phrases requested by others.
What’s the hardest part of being in a band, and how do you overcome it?
Omae (Gt.):
Translating my ideas into the band’s sound is tough. It takes endless studio sessions and compromises.
What’s the hardest part of being in a band, and how do you overcome it?
Omae (Gt.):
Ultimately, it’s the songwriting. I find it tough when the ideas I want to express don’t quite click with the band’s sound. I guess the only way is to keep entering the studio and working through adjustments together.
What message or emotions do you want listeners to take from your music?
Fuki:
I’m happy if you feel anything at all. Whether it’s anger, sadness, or joy—I’m happy if you feel something.
What are your long-term goals? Where do you see Cephalo in 5-10 years?
Otaki (Ba.):
Above all, I believe staying together as a band is what matters most. I hope we’ll still be making music with the same members five or even ten years from now. For our songs, if we keep pushing new ideas and transform into something we can’t even picture today—that’d be amazing.
What advice would you give aspiring musicians?
Uchida (Dr.):
“Don’t wait until you’re ‘good enough’ at your instrument or until you’ve studied music formally. What matters is starting right when inspiration strikes. When I decided to start a band, I pushed past my fears and signed up on a forum—and that’s how I found my bandmates and this whole musical world.
Omae (Gt.):
Just enjoy it, first and foremost!!!! If you stuff everything you want to do and express yourself into your music, it’ll take shape.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would you choose? Why them? How do you think that collaboration would influence your music?“
Omae: Peanuts-kun. I love you!!
Fuki:
“I’m Momoko Sakura. I’ve always wanted to meet you.
Ride the indie rock wave with Cephalo Band!
Stay tuned, turn up the volume, and join the journey! 🔗👇
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