Cö shu Nie Discusses Anime Song Creation Process

Rock band Cö shu Nie detailed the creative process behind their famous anime theme songs in an interview at Japan Expo Paris. The conversation with members Miku Nakamura and Shunsuke Matsumoto covered their work on series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Ghoul, and Black Butler.

Inspirations and Manga Dreams

When asked what kind of manga they would write, both members described distinct visions. Nakamura stated her story would be dark but feature cute, Sanrio-style characters, drawing inspiration from her own life. Matsumoto said his would definitely include katanas, favoring battle manga with a distorted artistic style akin to the band's own musical aesthetic.

For their song "Hollow," performed at the convention's Anisong Festa, Nakamura explained the inspiration came from personal life experiences. She described a lifelong lack of belonging at home or school, using music and lyrics as a way to find that sense of place. She aims to connect with others who feel similarly.

Crafting the Tokyo Ghoul: re Theme

The band's single "asphyxia" served as the opening for Tokyo Ghoul: re. Nakamura revealed that manga creator Sui Ishida discovered the band through independent music videos with very few views. Ishida wondered why they weren't more famous and specifically wanted a talented young artist for the project.

Nakamura highlighted the song's use of odd time signatures as a core characteristic of Cö shu Nie's sound. She explained "asphyxia" switches between 6/8, 5/8, and 6/8 time, creating a hectic, progressive feel uncommon in anime music. "Many people don't notice it, but when you count Cö shu Nie's music, you can find progressive elements that aren't common in the anime world," she said. Ishida instructed her not to write lyrics for Tokyo Ghoul, but to write for herself, a process she found deeply personal and challenging.

The lyrics also incorporate the German word "schadenfreude." Nakamura noted a Japanese proverb meaning "other people's misery tastes like honey," and found the single German word perfectly captured that complex sentiment. She expressed interest in using more languages, like Spanish, inspired by the band's international travels.

Emotional Resonance in Jujutsu Kaisen

For "give it back," the second ending theme of Jujutsu Kaisen, the anime staff requested a ballad. Nakamura again drew from personal experience, mirroring her approach for Tokyo Ghoul. The song's first verse, "I woke up with a warm tear down my cheek," was based on a real event where she awoke crying from a nostalgic dream.

She confirmed the melancholic feeling was intentional, designed to resonate even with listeners who didn't understand the lyrics. "I also think it resonated with everybody because it was connected with these real-life experiences," Nakamura stated.

Collaborating on Black Butler

One of their recent works is "MAISIE," the opening theme for the Black Butler: Emerald Witch arc, created in collaboration with artist HYDE. Nakamura admitted the band isn't entirely sure how the collaboration originated, humorously noting they just received a call one day. She credited someone on HYDE's team or the anime's staff with initiating the idea, and said everyone involved was pleased with the final result.

The band's latest album, "SATURATED (in monochrome)," is currently available on digital platforms.