A blog dedicated to helping the visual kei, J-rock, and J-pop industry grow and thrive! Submit asks and discuss the genre with Haley, owner, manager, and publicist of the American based company Nesshin Music! Feel free to ask me any questions you may...
Japanese game song singer, Sakina, will make her US debut at Sabaku Con in Albuquerque, NM on the weekend of April 24, 2015! Sakina is scheduled to perform a one hour show on both Friday and Saturday, and will be participating in a panel and autograph session. Sakina will be performing 3 original songs and her own original-arranged version of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” one of the most popular Japanese anime songs and also the theme song of “NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.” Otome game goods will be made available alongside Sakina’s at the booth.
Make sure to visit Sakina’s homepage and check out her Facebook and Twitter.
For more information on Sabaku Con, please visit their official homepage!
Sakina is an emerging game song singer from Japan, signed to FTL Entertainment. Sakina will release her debut EP on February 25, 2015 in Japan. The album is set to be released in the US in mid-April, by Mar Creation, Inc, and will feature even more tracks than the Japanese version. Sakina sings for video games by the Japanese game brand, “Petit-Reve,” and will be featured on the theme song of the game “SA7” in the spring of 2015.
Visual Kei Band heidi. is set to perform at Pacific Media Expo (PMX) 2014! PMX 2014 will be from Friday Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 9.
This year PMX will be presenting heidi. live in concert, but the band needs the support of their fans!
If you'd like to support heidi., you can visit their IndieGoGo campaign page and purchase the following goodies...
VIP Pass ($50)
A VIP pass gets you up close and personal with the band:
Commemorative VIP badge (you get into the concert first!)
Private Acoustic Performance
Meet and Greet with the band
Polaroid Photo with the band
Lucky Bag ($50)
Lucky bags are popular in Japan for containing a high value of items at a low price, but the contents are a surprise! Grab a limited-edition bag full of vintage, new, and exclusive heidi. merchandise, which you can pick up at PMX or have shipped to you (S&H $12.65 within the US; International please inquire). Each bag will contain:
A Vintage heidi. Tshirt (Sizes available)
An autographed photocard
Selection of random goods, such as photosets, guitar picks, CDs, Heizo (plush mascot), rare items, and more!
For an additional $12, fans can select to have their lucky bag shipped to their homes.
All purchases made will go directly to supporting the band and their appearance at PMX.
Please visit PMX's homepage for more info on the convention and registration!
MeteoroiD's New Look, Name Change, and Sponsored Live
Now continuing as a four person band since the loss of guitarist Yutori on their 9/27 oneman, MeteoroiD have made some changes starting with their name. Formerly METEOROID, they changed the stylization officially to MeteoroiD.
That’s not the only thing to change however, as their look has been transformed from bright green to all black, imitating the “western funeral” style. Traces of their signature color are not gone completely, as the doll in the cage held by Machi wears a green dress.
This week, METEOROID announced that their guitarist Yutori would be leaving after their performance on the 27th of this month, which is also the oneman live for both him and Machi.
The band issued an official statement and each member made a comment regarding his decision to leave the band which I have translated below.
Statement:
Thank you for always supporting METEOROID.
This is a sudden announcement but following the oneman performance “Domestic Alien at O-WEST” on 9/17 at Tsutaya O-WEST and Machi and Yutori’s birthday performance, “Time Flies Like an Arrow“ at Kichijoji SHUFFLE on 9/27, guitarist Yutori will be leaving METEOROID.
After discussing it many times between the 5 members, Yutori decided to withdraw because of a directional difference with the respect of the other members.
While it is an abrupt announcement, we deeply apologize from our hearts to our fans who consistently supported us and to all of the staff to whom we caused much worry and trouble.
Furthermore, we will be discontinuing the “GEMINI PROGRAM,” which we implemented last year, following this announcement.
While we only have two performances left as these 5 members, we will be very happy to have your support.
Please continue to support Yutori as an individual and METEOROID from here on out.
2014.09.08
From everyone in METEOROID
Member Comments:
Yutori:
To all of the fans who have given us support, I am sorry for this sudden announcement. With this kind of news I feel very sorry. I made the decision without consulting anyone except the members. I’m sorry. I know I’ve caused an inconvenience to many people.
If it was a decision that could be changed by talking to someone, I would not come to this conclusion from the beginning.
After discussing it with the generous members until morning I received their understanding.
If I said it very simply, it’s a “directional difference.”
There was neither dissatisfaction nor anxiety with the other members.
There is only fog in my life.
It is the same with all of the other members.
It is sad that with wanting to do different things our paths will be divided but it is reality.
The one thing that I can say is that without change, even in the future, I will always love METEOROID, the members, and everyone.
Until September I was active as METEOROID’s Yutori so I think it will be difficult but please give me unchanged love from the path I have taken up until now.
That is my last request.
I often lie, but on my own stage, even up until now, I didn’t lie once.
From now on, as soon as I am able to calm down I will put together my thoughts on my blog. I’ll be very happy if I am able to receive your understanding.
GENKI
Even after my previous band broke up, without throwing away my dreams and yearning, I thought something would certainly change if I pour into my passion.
Feverishly believing so I searched for new compositions and members.
And the ones I happened across were these five people.
It seemed as if Yutori certainly had the same dream and yearning that I had.
Those are no longer intersecting…
Therefore we will part here.
Everyone, I’m truly sorry!
After this, I will no longer be able to walk the same path with Yutori…
I’m sorry.
GENKI
Machi:
Is this good to say; I still haven’t really put my thoughts together but enjoying being in a band together, enjoying music, that hasn’t changed.
Even if the path that Yutori takes is different from mine, I still love him.
ral:
It became a very sudden announcement and I’m really sorry that you’re being informed this way.
Talking again and again between the 5 members, we arrived at this conclusion so that we may have a better future together.
Yutori also considered us and METEOROID. Even in that, this unbending person has a path he wishes to advance on.
I think he greatly considered, thought, and said it.
So, we wanted to respect Yutori’s opinion.
I love Yutori very much, so I’m very lonely when I think whether or not we can once again be stupid together; the things that we did together up until now will certainly be mutually helpful to the future and are important treasures.
We only have two remaining lives together as these 5 people but I want to have the best live, leaving behind regret. I want to send off Yutori with the best live.
And I want to go to firmly etch it into everyone’s eyes and hearts as well.
ral
Tomoya:
I am sorry to everyone who has always given us support.
We discussed this over and over again between all of the members once we consulted with Yutori a little while ago.
It’s something that Yutori decided so I think that as much as possible we wanted to respect his opinion and discussed it.
He also thought of this band before anything else, and we tried to discuss it with mutual assent.
We all have lives and things that we want to do.
And our solution is to make the best of the things that we did together until now and together do better things.
So, we will take a different path from Yutori in the future but because it is a solution we thought of for our future and Yutori’s, we hope for your understanding now.
There are only two remaining lives with Yutori as a part of METEOROID and this will be the last time that you can see us as these 5 members, so please come see with your own eyes.
Thank you for reading until the end.
Tomoya
Fans who are in Japan can catch METEOROID's final two performances with Yutori this month. They will be holding a oneman performance on 9/17 at Tsutaya O-WEST, and again on 9/27 at Kichijoji SHUFFLE for Machi and Yutori's birthdays.
Please check their live schedule on their official website for more details and tickets.
Schwartz Stein to make overseas debut at Anime USA
Presented by ViSULOG, the electronic unit Schwartz Stein, featuring Kaya and Hora, will be making their overseas debut at Anime USA this October!
In addition to the standard convention JRock experience, Anime USA will be offering limited amounts of VIP packages, which guarantee priority access to Schwartz Stein events, a private meet-and-greet before the concert, and a Poloroid photo with the artist.
Kaya will also be participating in Anime USA's tea party.
For more information on how to register, please visit Anime USA's registration page.
Moon Stream is set to perform at Saboten Con in Glendale, Arizona this weekend! Not only will they be holding a concert, but they have a special surprise for fans.
On Sunday, following their Masquerade halftime performance, the band will host a special VIP event, exclusive for Saboten Con attendees.
The purchase of a VIP ticket guarantees you a private meet and greet with both Satsuki and Tomo, as well as viewing an acoustic session. VIP party guests will also be able to take a signed poloroid picture with the band!
The fun doesn't stop there though. Moon Steam also crafted special drinks just for the VIP party.
MIDNIGHT MOONSLIDE: Tomo select drink. Bailey's Irish cream, Kahlua, and cream.
Virgin MOONSLIDE also available!
There will be additional drinks available, as well as those for people who won't be drinking alcohol.
The event is limited so Saboten Con attendees who would like to attend the party will need to send a payment of $25 by Paypal to [email protected].
If you don't have paypal, attendees have the option of reserving their spot via e-mail, and paying at Moon Stream's merchandise booth in the Dealer's Hall!
**ID will be checked upon entry. Only VIP 21+ may consume alcoholic beverages.
***You must already have a Saboten Con badge to attend this event!
You can register for Saboten Con now at www.sabotencon.com! Get your ticket today and don't miss out on the fun!
*Event information courtesy of Moon Stream's official Facebook page.
Would you be willing to talk about how you got into the industry? Or is that too close to rule 3?
Thanks for your question! I can answer it, but only vaguely so I hope you don’t mind. Because I can speak Japanese, I was able to get in contact with a band I was really passionate about and went from there. I found that I had a knack for it and was really happy doing the work, despite how stressful it is, so here I am now!
If you want to get involved, there are plenty of ways to do it! There’s quite a few Facebook fanpages, blogs, etc. that are used to support artists. Even if you don’t have the time to keep up with these types of things, posting about bands you like on your own social media pages can help. :)
Thanks! For me it’s more of a matter of finding someplace to start than anything ^^’. I’ve been trying to get into blogs lately but many seem to be surprisingly strict about the people they take.. So someone like me with hardly any experience or references is a big “no”. To be honest I never gave fanpages much thought, just kind of saw them as unattainable, but I’ll definitely look into it now. Thank you for the advice. >w<
No problem! I want to see fans more active in the community. You could even take the initiative and start your own fan blog or fanpage to talk about the bands that you love. There's a lot out there that people can do and every little bit counts. :)
Would you be willing to talk about how you got into the industry? Or is that too close to rule 3?
Thanks for your question! I can answer it, but only vaguely so I hope you don’t mind. Because I can speak Japanese, I was able to get in contact with a band I was really passionate about and went from there. I found that I had a knack for it and was really happy doing the work, despite how stressful it is, so here I am now!
If you want to get involved, there are plenty of ways to do it! There's quite a few Facebook fanpages, blogs, etc. that are used to support artists. Even if you don't have the time to keep up with these types of things, posting about bands you like on your own social media pages can help. :)
Would you be willing to talk about how you got into the industry? Or is that too close to rule 3?
Thanks for your question! I can answer it, but only vaguely so I hope you don't mind. Because I can speak Japanese, I was able to get in contact with a band I was really passionate about and went from there. I found that I had a knack for it and was really happy doing the work, despite how stressful it is, so here I am now!
LOST ASH recently participated in an interview with Shattered Tranquility! Make sure to take a look at it, and keep an eye out for many more goodies and articles coming soon!
WING WORKS is the solo project of former Lolita 23q bassist Ryo:suke that first emerged on September 23, 2012, the same year that Lolita 23q went on hiatus. While the support members of WING WORKS, known as WING-MEN, are constantly changing, the lineup as included artists such as Narukaze of Fo'xTails, Intetsu (ex - AYABIE), Aki and Sato of LC5, Kei Hirosue of MASQUERADE, Teruki of An Cafe, Yuchi (Sukekiyo, ex-Kannivalism), and more.
WING WORKS notably experiments with a variety of musical styles, namely rock with electronica at the core of each song, called Hybrid Shock Music. WING WORKS' visual style is as equally interesting as their music, with the look and styling for each release varying and completely different from the last.
The video for the song Fushichou -FENNIX- is a brilliant example of WING WORKS' unique song style and visuals, featuring intense breakdowns and guitar solo alongside beautiful photography.
While featuring an electronica breakdown, WING WORKS' title song from their second single, VAD†MAN, is comparably both darker and heavier than their third single and includes deep growls from Ryo:suke.
There is no doubt that WING WORKS will continue to surprise fans, who have affectionately come to be known as "WINGERS," with their music. WING WORKS' fourth single FIXXTION BOY will no doubt be no exception to this, and is set to be released on the 20th of September, although it will be exclusively sold at lives.
If you'd like to purchase WING WORKS' music however, their first three albums are all available for purchase on CDJAPAN.
For those of you in Japan, WING WORKS currently does not have any scheduled oneman performances but will soon undergo a national tour! Check out their live schedule for more information.
Make sure to check out Ryo:suke on Facebook for posts and news in English!
*A special thank you to WING WORKS' official international promoter Vivienne Nguyen for providing additional information and all of the photos.
In the past year, Babymetal have received significant amounts of publicity in America through popular sources like the LA Times and the Huffington Post, which is extremely rare for J-Rock artists, much less female J-Rock artists.
There are however many, many female musicians and bands that deserve attention for their talents, which is why I've taken the time to research and list some out for you here!
SHAKALABBITS
SHAKALABBITS are probably one of my favorite artists in general. They aren't visual kei, but they are J-Rock and fronted by the talented and stylish vocalist UKI. The other members are TAKA-C, YOSUKE, and MAH. SHAKALABBITS are never dull and do a range of musical styles from punk to ska and tend to have a true feel-good sound. For a taste of SHAKALABBITS' sound, check out their music video for "HELLO WORLD" on YouTube!
SHAKALABBITS will be releasing their very 1st acoustic album "HALLELUJAH CIRCUS ACOUSTIC" on August 20. They also have a range of albums available on both CDJapan and iTunes if you'd like to hear more.
*Photo from SHAKALABBITS' OHP.
DAZZLE VISION
I first listened to DAZZLE VISION a few years ago and found them to be a very unforgettable band. While once again not visual kei, they are a self-described screamo-pop band with a heavy rock sound. Fronted by singer Maiko who's known for her alternation between screaming and melodic singing, DAZZLE VISION are also made up of John, Takuro and Haru. The title track of their latest album, "FINAL ATTACK," is a perfect example of how DAZZLE VISION manages to skillfully blend multiple genres in one song.
DAZZLE VISION made their US debut at Sakura-Con in 2010, and once again returned to America in 2013 to perform at Tekkoshocon. DAZZLE VISION's album "FINAL ATTACK" can be purchased on CDJapan and iTunes.
*Photo from DAZZLE VISION's OHP.
exist†trace
Exist Trace are an all-female visual kei band formed in 2003. The members are Jyou, Naoto, Mally, Miko, and Omi. Exist Trace have done a variety of rock styles, usually with dark or gothic undertones, though their more recent songs are lighter and more upbeat. With Jyou as their vocalist, their recent releases have included guitarist Miko as a dual vocalist alongside Jyou. Exist Trace's song, "DIAMOND," from their single of the same title, features both Jyou and Miko on vocals and shows the band's attempt at a much lighter song.
Exist Trace have already made both their American and European debuts, first touring Europe in 2008 and the US in 2012. Exist Trace made their US convention debut in 2011 at Sakura-Con and later returned in 2013 for Tekkoshocon, and again later in 2013 for A-kon. Exist Trace opened their international fan club Archangel Diamond in 2014, promising to bring exclusive goods and features to their international fans. Their most recent single "Spiral Daikakusen" can be purchased on CDJapan and iTunes along with several of their other albums.
*Photo from Exist Trace's OHP.
AKIRA
Popular as a boys' style model in the Japanese fashion magazine KERA, AKIRA made her major solo debut just this month with her single, "Aoki Tsuki Michite." The title track from her debut single is also featured as the ending theme for the anime Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus. Before her solo debut, AKIRA was (and still is) the vocalist of the band DISACODE. If you want to sample DISACODE's music, I highly recommend "Tsubaki," which is a catchy, heavy song with traditional Japanese influence in both the sound and video.
This year alone, AKIRA came to the US as a model for Houston's Anime Matsuri in March and JPOP Summit as a guest of BABY, the Stars Shine Bright in July. DISACODE is set to make their US debut at next year's Anime Matsuri. AKIRA's debut single "Aoki Tsuki Michite," and DISACODE's albums are available on CDJapan for international purchase.
*Photo from AKIRA's official Facebook.
Aldious
Aldious is a heavy metal all-girls band from Osaka, Japan, formed originally in 2008. Aldious beautifully mixes a heavy metal sound with vocalist Re:NO's distinct melodic voice. Their song "Butterfly Effect," from their latest single "Dazed and Delight," is a perfect example of their musical talent. "Dazed and Delight" reached number 20 on the music charts, while their single "White Crow" ranked number 3 in the indies Oricon weekly charts and "Determination" ranked second in the indies Oricon weekly charts.
While Aldious have yet to make their overseas debut, they recently completed their live tour 2014 "Dazed and Delight" with 14 stops. If you'd like to hear more of Aldious, their albums and singles are available for purchase on CDJapan.
*Photo from Aldious' OHP.
Who are some of your favorite female J-Rock artists and bands?
I decided to start a new segment of blogs titled Artist Spotlight, where I can blog about, and essentially showcase, some artists which are mostly new or indies and who I find interesting.
For the first entry in my Artist Spotlight segment, I'd like to talk about a band I found while just browsing artists on YouTube called Shounenki.
Founded in 2011, Shounenki is currently a 4 member band, comprised of vocalist Kou, guitarists eiki and Nao, bassist Rei, and Kei on support drums.
*Photo from Shounenki's OHP.
For those who haven't heard of Shounenki, they have a few PVs uploaded to YouTube, my favorite being Gazeru Baberu (Gazelle Babel). For a video that was more than likely filmed on a small budget, it has its cheesy moments but it's also very pretty. The band's styling, which is of course an important element in visual kei, is very well done. The song itself is catchy and in no way dull with a change in tempo that varies between measures.
One thing that I always look for when listening to new artists is vocal talent. While there is still room to grow and improve, Kou's vocals stand out to me as being very smooth and not weak by any means.
Although they are already a few years old, I think that Shounenki is a band worth watching as they grow.
For those living in Japan. Shounenki will be holding their 3rd oneman at Takadanobaba Area on 9/7, where they will also be selling their 3rd single, IN THE SUNLIGHT.
If you aren't in Japan but would still like to hear more of Shounenki, their singles Gazeru Baberu and Bloom -in my withered garden- are available for purchase on CDJapan!
What are some indies or new artists that you guys think are interesting?
If you enjoy writing and want to make a difference in the visual kei and JRock community, consider writing for Visual Kei Heaven!
Visual Kei Heaven is a popular source for not only visual kei news but live reports, interviews, and reviews.
Back in November of last year, they interviewed Shinya of Dir en Grey during the band's 2013 tour "GHOUL." They've also interviewed artists like SCREW, Kaya, Girugamesh, and most recently ONE OK ROCK.
Visual Kei Heaven staff also get to cover exciting events like Alice Nine in Singapore, AWOI at Anime North, and even Nesshin Music's own represent artist METEOROID at Ikebukuro Ruido K3.
Now, Visual Kei Heaven is looking for dedicated young writers to join their forces and help spread the news on visual kei and JRock. If you enjoy translating, writing, photography or other media-related activities, joining Visual Kei Heaven's passionate team may be the route for you!
Interested in applying? Check out their application information on their website today!
So, you know how there's that website called Steak House or Gay Bar?
Today, a friend of mine asked why there isn't a picture based website called Host or Vkei Bandman? and frankly I think she has a good point. Bonus points if he's both.
