“Music is painting: the genre doesn't matter, the energy matters.”
Two decades after the launch of Pink, Boris continues to expand its sound imaginary without ties or labels. In the midst of celebrating the album's 20th anniversary, the band returns to Latin America with a lively reinterpretation of its own past: a journey that mixes Pink, Akuma no Uta and the unpredictable essence that has always defined their live shows.
In this conversation, Atsuo —between humor, mysticism and responses that seem like brushstrokes—reflects on the legacy of the album, its relationship with Mexico, artistic freedom and the energy that is shared in each show.
Indie Rocks!: Atsuo, hello. How are you? We are very excited to talk to you, not only because of their return to Mexico, but because they are commemorating an album that is already 20 years old. What does it feel like to touch Pink again, from start to finish?
Atsuo: We have an old live album called Pink Days. That's why this tour is called Do you remember the Pink days?. We are playing the same repertoire as that concert in New York in 2006. We will play songs from Pink and of Akuma no Uta. It's kind of a mix.
Indie Rocks!: Will it be the same order as on that album? What is the difference between listening to the album and seeing them in concert?
Atsuo: You can't compare. Nothing replaces communication with the public.
Indie Rocks!: You guys have released more albums than almost any band—sometimes two a year—so celebrating every album would be crazy. What does Pink so important?
Atsuo: Don't know. People like it.
Indie Rocks!: I remember a concert two years ago in Mexico that was spectacular. Did that presentation change the way you approached what we will see now?
Atsuo: The last time we played at House of Vans I sang in front. We were four members at the front and that changed everything. This time there will be three of us, and I will play the drums and sing.
Indie Rocks!: So now there will be three. It is a different presentation.
Atsuo: Yes. Everything changes. The audience, the public, the energy.
Indie Rocks!: You play drums, tambourine, electronics… you don't want to be labeled as noise, psychedelia, sludge, anything. They just want people to enjoy the music. Why do you think their instruments and forms end up opening up so many genres at the same time?
Atsuo: It's as if we were painters, not musicians. I don't care about the musical “channel.” We can mix everything on the same canvas.
Indie Rocks!: Why do you think Mexico fits so well with Boris in all these genres?
Atsuo: Because wrestling is very important there… and I love it!
Indie Rocks!: So, thank you wrestling! You are coming to our country on December 2, right? Will there be opening acts or will it just be Boris?
Atsuo: I don't remember… ah, yes. There will be a Mexican band. They are my friends and they will open.
Indie Rocks!: Any more Mexican bands?
Atsuo: Yes, haha. There will be wrestling! Last time we went to see wrestling.
Indie Rocks!:And do you want to come back?
Atsuo: Yes. And I want to go to a small restaurant… like a stuffed animal. What a monkey, that's what it's called. We bought a lot of souvenirs there.
Indie Rocks!: I also love Qué Monito. Last question: do you have songs in English, is language a barrier? Is it important for people to understand what they say?
Atsuo: There are no barriers. We are like painters: everyone can see our paintings. You understand me?
Indie Rocks!: I understand you. Sometimes the letters complement each other and mean the same thing to everyone. Do you think the same?
Atsuo: Yes. We don't want them to understand: we want them to feel good.
Indie Rocks!: And how do you know that the Mexican public likes what Boris plays? Because of his expression or why?
Atsuo: Because of the head movement.
Indie Rocks!: And that makes you happy?
Atsuo: Clear! I want you to enjoy.
Indie Rocks!: The last thing: who enjoys it more, the public or Boris?
Atsuo: Both!
