BABYMETAL and South Arcade met backstage at SUMMER SONIC Tokyo 2026 for an exclusive Rolling Stone Japan conversation about mixing genres, connecting with audiences and the possibility of working together in the future.
The interview took place after South Arcade appeared on the SONIC “METAL” STAGE curated by BABYMETAL at Makuhari Messe. The Oxford band—Harmony Cavelle, Harry Winks, Ollie Green and Cody Jones—spoke with SU-METAL, MOAMETAL and MOMOMETAL about the ideas shared by two groups from very different backgrounds.
South Arcade reflects on its Japanese audience
South Arcade described its SUMMER SONIC performance as a dreamlike experience. The members were struck by a packed standing area, an audience that kept jumping from beginning to end and one of the largest mosh pits they had encountered.
SU-METAL also recalled seeing guitarist Harry Winks enter the crowd. The exchange quickly became playful, with MOAMETAL joking that South Arcade could become a trio if he failed to find his way back.
Why both groups enjoy mixing genres
South Arcade explained that its music draws from the wide range of sounds associated with the 2000s, including nu metal, indie rock, pop, rap and electronic music. Rather than keeping those influences separate, the band enjoys changing direction unexpectedly and keeping listeners unsure about what will happen next.
MOMOMETAL connected that approach to BABYMETAL’s own history of combining metal with contrasting styles. She used “RATATATA,” the collaboration with Electric Callboy, as an example of two artists retaining their individual strengths while producing something new together.
SU-METAL added that collaboration is also a form of cultural exchange. Conversations with other artists allow BABYMETAL to introduce elements of Japanese culture while learning ideas and interpretations that may be unfamiliar to them.
Mutual admiration—and interest in meeting again
Vocalist Harmony Cavelle revealed that she has followed BABYMETAL for years and still owns an old BABYMETAL poster from Kerrang!. Drummer Cody Jones said “KARATE” introduced him to the group and praised the precision and attention to detail behind BABYMETAL’s performances.
From BABYMETAL’s side, SU-METAL said South Arcade’s show communicated a genuine enjoyment of music. She highlighted the band’s chaotic energy and the way its members used their entire bodies to express the songs.
Both groups responded positively when the conversation turned toward reconnecting for a future project. South Arcade joked about learning choreography and getting coordinated costumes. No collaboration has been formally announced, but the interview made their mutual interest clear.
The complete Japanese-language interview and its accompanying photo gallery are available from Rolling Stone Japan.
