PCM's Kristyn Clarke recently had the opportunity to have a few questions answered by Dir En Grey bassist Toshiya. Read the interview below to gain some insight into the band's writing process, future plans and more! Also, be sure to stay tuned for our live review of Dir En Grey's upcoming show at the TLA in Philadelphia, PA! It is sure to be an incredible night!

Q: How would you say that your latest album release "Dum Spiro Spero" differs from that of your previous releases?

Toshiya: The sentiment and feelings that we put into the album is different.

Q: How would you best describe your music to a first time listener?

Toshiya: Music that is a whirlpool of human emotions

Q: Who are some of your top musical influences? Do you have a dream artist that you would to share a stage with?

Toshiya: I am influenced mainly by Japanese artists but also by some overseas artists as well. If there is a chance I'd love to share a stage with as many people as possible.

Q: I like to look at music as a universal language, what do you hope that your music speaks to listeners?

Toshiya: Honestly, we are not creating music to send out specific message to a particular person. There are good and bad things about being alive, and music is a form of our hope, so if our listeners find something in our music, then it creates a meaning for us to continue making music.

Q: How do fans differ in Japan vs the United States?

Toshiya: They're not that different really, but the fans in America, outside of Japan, really know how to enjoy their music.

Q: Can you share with us any details about the writing process for "Dum Spiro Spero", what types of situations inspire you artistically?

Toshiya: We didn't come up with a concept from the start but we focused on what we wanted to create, what we wanted to do, and came up with DUM SPIRO SPERO.

Q: What has been one of your biggest career challenges thus far?

Toshiya: The biggest challenge for us has to be the first time we stepped foot out of Japan to play concerts away from home.

Q: What has been one of the most memorable shows you have played?

Toshiya: Definitely our first show in America at South x South West and the Family Values Tour that followed after.

Q: What is the strangest rumor you have heard about the band?

Toshiya: All I can say is that there is a Japanese saying that goes like this "Hito no uwasa mo hachijyuugo nichi" (Rumors last only for 85 days).

Q:What is your favorite aspect of playing a live show? What do you enjoy the most?

Toshiya: To see the crowd become one with us as the five of us become one on stage.

Q:How are you enjoying the current tour? Any big plans for more touring in 2012?

Toshiya: The tour is going well, and in 2012 we will touring again of course and be making new songs.

Q: What is the best way for fans to keep up to date with the band?

Toshiya: Head over to our official Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/direngreyofficial) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/direngrey_web).

And also please see our site www.scream4truth.com in regards to the current situation in Japan.

Q: Any final message or comment to share with our audience

Toshiya: This is our last tour for the year 2011 in America so don't miss out the chance to come check us and the new album out at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia!!