Web3.0Metaverse

Exclusive Interview with VERBAL: Continuing to take on new challenges in the NFT field

2023/03/29Editors of Iolite
SHARE
  • sns-x-icon
  • sns-facebook-icon
  • sns-line-icon
VERBAL 独占インタビュー NFT領域であらたな挑戦を続ける——

AMBUSH, the fashion brand led by artist VERBAL, continues to take on new challenges in the NFT field

What was the first event that led you to NFTs and the metaverse?

VERBAL: I was originally looking into the possibility of performing live concert in VR, or virtual space, when I noticed the utilities of NFTs. That's exactly when the idea struck me.

Until then, I had heard of NFTs and blockchain, but I didn't know what they were. I was surrounded by people who bought and sold crypto assets and were knowledgeable about them, but to be honest, I didn't really feel a connection to what I was doing.

Going back a little, I was also working on planning and renting motion capture suits from around 2012. At that time, "Skrillex" was controlling an avatar with just the upper body, and when I learned that it was a motion capture suit called "Xsense" from the Netherlands, I bought a few of them myself.

However, at the time, what we wanted to do and what the engineers in Japan could do didn't match up. At that time, I met a person from France who shared my vision, and we experimented with various performances using motion capture suits at live shows for "m-flo", the music group I belong to.

That experience and know-how made me realize, “Live concert is possible enough in a virtual space!"

I was impressed by the idea of ​​connecting with people all over the world in a virtual space, and just as I was starting to focus on it, the COVID-19 pandemic began.

When physical live concerts became impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I was looking for ways to utilize virtual spaces, one of my friends told me about NFTs and airdropped them to me.

That was from the end of 2020 to 2021. I think I was classified as a latecomer in terms of when I got my hands on NFTs, but from then on I became interested in what they were.

I was surprised to learn that "if you have this, you can enter a token-gated room" and "if you have this, you can wear sneakers in a space like Decentraland" and thought, "You can really do that!?"

I knew that there were similar schemes in traditional games, but I thought the idea of ​​being able to trade and distribute it in a decentralized way was amazing.

I felt that there was potential, such as being able to make it into a ticket like an access pass and being able to attach extras. From there, an idea was born and I got hooked.

Do you discuss NFTs with fellow m-flo member ☆Taku Takahashi?

VERBAL: Taku also likes NFTs, of course, and has a keen perspective on them. I airdropped an NFT for my brand, AMBUSH®, and he mentioned that he recently bought a cryptocurrency called Cardano, so I got the impression that he is more interested in cryptocurrency investments (laughs).

I think he knows a lot about certain cryptocurrencies, so I'd like to hear more about it next time.

The article is for members only. Please sign up to continue reading.

SHARE
  • sns-x-icon
  • sns-facebook-icon
  • sns-line-icon
Side Banner
Side Banner
MAGAZINE
Iolite Vol.13

Iolite Vol.13

May 2025 issueReleased on 2025/03/28

Interview Iolite FACE vol.13 Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and founder of Consensys PHOTO & INTERVIEW Yusuke Narita Features: "Dawnbreak Players 30: 30 Web 3.0 Players to Watch in 2025", "How to Use EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET", "The Global Controversy Over Meme Coins: What Happened in the U.S. and Argentina", "Finally, Technology Has Entered the Social Implementation Phase: Examples of Web 3.0 Use in an Era of Declining Population" Crypto Journey: Interview with Mohsin, a Popular Crypto YouTuber Special Series: Virtual Nishi: "Market Trends in Crypto Assets and Key Points to Interpret" Series: Tech and Future: Toshinao Sasaki, etc.

MAGAZINE

Iolite Vol.13

May 2025 issueReleased on 2025/03/28
Interview Iolite FACE vol.13 Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and founder of Consensys PHOTO & INTERVIEW Yusuke Narita Features: "Dawnbreak Players 30: 30 Web 3.0 Players to Watch in 2025", "How to Use EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET", "The Global Controversy Over Meme Coins: What Happened in the U.S. and Argentina", "Finally, Technology Has Entered the Social Implementation Phase: Examples of Web 3.0 Use in an Era of Declining Population" Crypto Journey: Interview with Mohsin, a Popular Crypto YouTuber Special Series: Virtual Nishi: "Market Trends in Crypto Assets and Key Points to Interpret" Series: Tech and Future: Toshinao Sasaki, etc.