Almost three years after they first performed at Onicon in Texas, BORN is back in North America for Virginia’s Nekocon. With a new single, “Psycho Diva,” BORN continues to mix up pop choruses with thrashy metal riffs and growling counter vocals. Nekocon 2011 will take place on November 4th-6th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia.

pSKY: It’s been two years since you last performed in America, how have you grown since then?

RYOGA: Our music has gained more depth and our live performances are significantly crazier than two years ago.
K: Each member has a definitive role in the band now.
Ray: A single mind.
KIFUMI: The atmosphere surrounding us is stronger.
TOMO: We are more closely united.

pSKY: You just released an album in June and a new single in September. Are you working on a new album already? Can you give us some insight on what we can expect from a new album?

RYOGA: Yes, we’re working on a new album already. It will be BORN`s hard music, more evolved from the last one.
K: you can expect a keen music sense of BORN. Ray: It is hard to explain in the words. You’ll just have to listen and feel.
KIFUMI: Don`t think, just listen to my bass.
TOMO: Our range will be wider.

pSKY: When do you have time to relax? What do you do with your free time (if you have any free time at all)?

RYOGA: I sleep or go out for a walk.
K: I watch movies.
Ray: Shopping!
KIFUMI: I go out and look for excitement.
TOMO: Watch movies.

pSKY: What’s your favorite alcoholic beverage?

RYOGA: Plum liquor or beer.
K: Shochu.
Ray: Beer.
KIFUMI: Cocktail.
TOMO: Red wine.

pSKY: You’re performing at an anime convention. How do you think your music ties into anime?

RYOGA: I think there is a great similarity between the fantastic world that animation creates and the unreal world which visual kei lives in.
K: The gorgeous look and style.
Ray: They both have created their own world.
KIFUMI: The amazing characteristics an anime character has can be similar to what a band player has to create on stage and in the music.
TOMO: Both have a story.

PSKY: Do you have a favorite anime/manga?

RYOGA:　DRAGONBALL
K:　SLAM DUNK.
Ray:　SAINT SEIYA (聖闘士星矢).
KIFUMI: YU YU HAKUSHO (幽遊白書).
TOMO: ONE PIECE.

pSKY: You’ll be sharing a stage with some big name acts at V-rock Festival 2011. Have you performed at festivals before? Do you hang around to listen to the other acts? If yes, who are you most perform?

RYOGA: We’ve never performed for a stage like V-rock Festival before. I listen to other artists. I’m excited to see ALI PROJECT.
K: Yes, I’m excited to see SOPHIA.
Ray: I’m excited to see MUCC.
KIFUMI: BLACK VEIL BRIDES.
TOMO: I’m excited to see YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz.

PSKY: Who are some of your musical influences?

RYOGA: Marilyn Manson, Rammstein.
K: LUNA SEA, Guns N’ Roses.
Ray: LUNA SEA, BUCK-TICK.
KIFUMI: L’Arc～en～Ciel.
TOMO: LUNA SEA, Nirvana, Slipknot, and Marilyn Manson.

PSKY: What can fans expect from your upcoming performance? Will you be performing your new single, “Psycho Diva?”

RYOGA: You can expect BORN to give the most aggressive performance of any band from Japan. Whether we’ll perform “Psycho Diva”, I don`t know. You’ll have to come and see.
K: Our performance will be powerful.
Ray: We will show you our performance, it`s one and only.
KIFUMI: Come see BORN at the venue!
TOMO: Come experience our US performance.

pSKY: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

RYOGA: We become fussy and make noise.
K: I breathe deeply and put spirit into myself.
Ray: I go off alone and listen to music.
KIFUMI: we tease each other.
TOMO: I just smoke cigarettes.

pSKY: Leave a message for your fans.

RYOGA: This time we’re coming to see you, so next time you come to Japan for us too!
K: Listen to our CD and enjoy the LIVE performance.
Ray: I want to keep exceeding fan expectations.
KIFUMI: I love you!
TOMO: Please keep your eye on BORN.