An interview with Thai up-and-coming artist LUSS and globally popular VTuber Mori Calliope | A brilliant remix of the ending theme “Go-Getters” from “Isekai Suicide Squad” and LUSS’ popular song “Pao Ying Chub!”LUSS, an electro hip-hop/pop duo based in Bangkok, Thailand, has collaborated with Mori Calliope, a popular VTuber active on Hololive English! Two songs have been released: “Go-Getters plus LUSS,” a remix of Mori Calliope’s “Go-Getters,” the ending theme of the TV anime “Isekai Suicide Squad,” and “Pao Ying Chub! drinkin’ (with Mori Calliope),” a remix of LUSS’ “Pao Ying Chub!”.

This time, we were able to interview LUSS’ lead singer COCO, producer and beatmaker BEN, and Mori Calliope.

We asked them about the appeal of both songs, as well as their feelings towards each other.

──First of all, may I ask you about your impressions of each other? What were your impressions before and after you met?

COCO: Actually, it was through this collaboration that I really got to understand VTubers. I knew about Calliope before. Before we worked together, I had the impression that she was tough and powerful, so I thought she might not be that friendly.

However, when I actually talked to him, he was a very nice person with a bubbly (energetic and lively) vibe. In fact, he was a lot like a friend of mine, and as I was talking to him, I felt like I was remembering that person, so I felt like I’d known him for a long time.

I think Calliope is truly a professional when it comes to songwriting and producing art. I spoke with Calliope and his team during production, and they were truly professional, handling everything effortlessly and working on the song with a great sense of tempo. Calliope’s team was also really wonderful, so I’m really grateful to have been able to work with them on this collaboration.

Mori Calliope: I first learned about LUSS on TikTok, and when I listened to their music, I thought it was really cool. They’ve always been open to collaborating with other artists, but I happened to come across them at a time when I was thinking about working with Asian artists in particular.

The members of LUSS are very creative, and their songs are pop, catchy and fresh, but also quirky and unique, and I thought it was a style I’d never seen before. I contacted them right away because I wanted to work with them, and we had a conversation before we started, so I talked on the phone, and it was really clear to see that the members of LUSS were working on this song with passion.

When we make songs together, there are some artists who go into the studio and see what they can do in the moment, but they were the type of artists who had a clear idea of what they wanted to do and had a vision. It was really exciting working with them on the songwriting process.

Although we participated in remixes of each other’s songs, they ended up with something truly unique, and I think that’s because they are passionate about music production. They were exactly what I expected.

──Not just this song, but what do you like about each other’s songs?

COCO: I became a fan of Calliope the first time I heard about them. My favorite song is “End of a Life.”

It sounds like a completely different version of the songs that Calliope has released so far. Usually, she has a lot of energetic songs like “Let’s go!”, but “end of a life” feels very personal. I’ve always wondered what was going through her mind when she was actually making this song. I’ve never asked her, but I was curious enough to want to ask her here.

This song has a personal and sentimental feel, like her diary, and I think it feels different from her other songs. I also think the range of her voice is impressive. Sometimes she has a cute, anime-like voice, and sometimes she has a strong vocal range. Artists like that are rare in Thailand.

BEN: I actually work as a vocal coach in Thailand, and I really like Calliope’s vocal design. They have a singing style that embodies a variety of styles, so I think they’re talented. I think that’s what’s so appealing about them.

──What about you, Calliope?

Mori Calliope: I’m really happy that the two of you from LUSS feel that way. As you said, “end of a life” is a very personal song.

Actually, there’s something I wanted to touch on about LUSS, and that’s how their music explores a wide range of emotions. I think it’s important for musicians to have a distinctive sound, and when I listen to their music, I can really tell, “This is a LUSS song.” I think that’s one of the most important elements of music.

When I listen to someone’s music and feel like I’ve really fallen in love, I actually have those kinds of emotions.

They also participated in the song “Last Days” on my album, and it has a sound that you can tell it was made by them. It’s different from the sound I’ve heard from their songs, but I still know it’s them. The finished product has a distinctive emotional feel to it, and I think that’s what attracts me to LUSS.