[MUSIC INTERVIEW] CRYSTAL LAKE – 2026 Australian Tour Interview
Crystal Lake are about to hit Australia for their Aussie tour so this week we caught up with guitarist Yudai ‘YD’ Miyamoto.
It’s been six years since Crystal Lake last hit Australia. How does it feel knowing the band’s reputation has only grown more massive in your absence, and what kind of energy are you bringing back to Australian fans this time around?
YD: Thank you!
I really appreciate hearing that our reputation has grown. Honestly, we’ve just been giving everything we have into our live shows and music, so we don’t always have a clear sense of how we’re perceived from the outside. But if our music reaches more people and brings them joy, that’s the best thing we could ask for.
Nothing has changed. We’ll be bringing full energy and passion to the stage like always, so I hope everyone’s looking forward to it.
PK from PROMPTS is joining you on this run, a vocalist with a powerful cross-cultural story and a completely different background. What excited you most about bringing his voice and identity into the Crystal Lake live experience?
YD: To me, music isn’t just about performance or how good you play. It’s about the energy created between people. That’s why I believe PK’s energy and passion will turn our shows into something chaotic and joyful.
He’s incredibly dedicated and hardworking, and he really understands the kind of stage presence and expression we’re aiming for, so I think we’ll build even stronger chemistry together.
His scream style is also very emotional and fits our songs perfectly, so I hope people get to experience it live.
PK has spoken openly about the challenges of being a metal artist in Korea, where heavy music has almost no infrastructure. From your perspective, how does his journey influence the dynamic within Crystal Lake on this tour?
YD: More than just his background, I resonate with the way he lives and thinks. He’s gotten to where he is by believing in himself and continuing to pursue the music he loves, and I really respect that. We’ve also gone through countless कठिन challenges as Crystal Lake, so I strongly relate to his mindset and effort. That’s exactly why we offered him to come with us on tour. He’s helping create a great chemistry with the band right now. In the end, actions matter more than words, and the key is whether you can truly trust and respect your bandmates. If you can’t, people eventually leave with frustration. He definitely brings a really positive vibe to the band.
Crystal Lake has always fused hardcore, metalcore, and soaring melody with a unique emotional intensity. How do you see PK’s aggressive yet melodic vocal style pushing or reshaping that formula on stage?
YD: His style fits perfectly with Crystal Lake and really pushes the emotional side of our songs even further. He’s also very aggressive on stage, so combined with our performance, I’m sure it’ll create an intense and captivating experience for the crowd.
You’ve built a global following that transcends borders. What do you think it is about Crystal Lake’s sound or spirit that connects so strongly with fans worldwide, including here in Australia?
YD: First and foremost, it’s our love for music. It connects us not just as performers, but as listeners too. Anyone who’s come to our shows and talked with us will understand. It always comes down to people in the end. Being able to connect with people from different countries and share that wild, chaotic space through music is something I always feel grateful for.
Australia has always been known for its wild crowds and deep love for heavy music. Do you have any standout memories from past Australian tours, and what are you hoping to experience this time around?
YD: There are too many memories. We partied a lot with Alpha Wolf, and we traveled to many places with In Hearts Wake. But honestly, holding a koala is still something I remember very clearly. It smelled like eucalyptus, and when the camera came out, it looked straight into it like a total professional. That was adorable.
This tour pairs you with OF MICE & MEN, another band known for massive energy and emotional weight. How do you approach crafting a set that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with such a powerhouse lineup?
YD: Not just focusing on OF MICE & MEN, but we’re also building the setlist for the Australian fans. Since it’s been a while, we want to include songs that longtime fans will love, as well as songs that connect with people who discovered us through the new album. Australia and its people are a special place for us, so being able to tour, play shows, and meet people through music means everything.
Crystal Lake’s live shows are known for being relentless and electrifying. After six years away, how have you evolved as a guitarist and performer, and how will fans see that growth on stage?
YD: That hasn’t changed. I’ve always given everything I have on stage. My philosophy is to perform like I have no regrets, like I could die at any moment, and to always push past my limits. After six years of experience, I think the sound quality has improved, and if that energy explodes on stage, that’s the best outcome. Also… I think I’ve gotten better at talking on stage recently.
With PK joining you, fans are curious whether this collaboration could influence future writing or recording. Has working with him sparked any new creative ideas for Crystal Lake moving forward?
YD: He’s joining us as a support member, so we haven’t really talked about writing music together yet. In a positive sense, we’re fully focused on preparing for the live shows and the tour for now.
What is your absolute favourite guitar to play?
YD: It’s always been ESP for me.
I’ve been working with them for nearly 10 years now. They were a dream brand of mine when I was younger, and I probably own around 20 guitars from them. Also, I found a 90s Charvel Fire Crackle guitar after searching for years. That one is seriously insane.
For Australian fans who have been waiting years for your return, what message do you want to send them before you step back onto that stage?
YD: Thank you so much for supporting Crystal Lake all this time. No matter what, we promise to deliver the best music we can. Beyond nationality, age, gender, or religion, we’re excited to share a wild, unforgettable experience together through music. We’ll be playing songs from the new album too, so look forward to it! Cheers!
OF MICE & MEN + CRYSTAL LAKE May 2026 Australian Tour Dates
Tuesday 5th May – PERTH, Magnet House
Thursday 7th May – ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory
Friday 8th May – MELBOURNE, 170 Russell
Saturday 9th May – SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 10th May – BRISBANE, The Triffid
Tickets On Sale Now From: https://thephoenix.au/of-mice-men-2026/
