L~Lotus~ is a five-piece band comprising of three ex. as milk members – 蓮華 (Renka) on vocals, saki and Takayuki on guitars, masato on bass, and YUJI on drums. They officially began their activities on March 6th and have released three digital singles to date: 「worry」 on May 19th, 「snow」 on May 26th, and 「tree」 on June 2nd. The members of L~Lotus~ sat down with us to answer a couple of questions, so give it a read to get to know them better! We’d like to thank JapanFiles... Read→
-LEON- is a five-piece band from Gunma comprising of Yuji on vocals, Shin and Koya on guitars, Yamato on bass, and Masashi on drums. Mixing Asian cultural influences with visual rock, -LEON- has a heavy, modern sound with a distinct, ethereal flavor. On December 13th, the band released their first three track mini-album, 「REGULUS」 along with a PV for their song, 「Kokou ni Tou Tsuioku no Kagen no Tsuki」. The members of -LEON- took time to answer a few of our questions, so take a read through... Read→
GLACIER is a five-member group from Okinawa, comprising of Makoto on vocals, Nao on lead guitar, Koujirou on rhythm guitar, Aki on bass, and Yuuki on drums. The band formed in July 2007 and made their major debut a year later on July 23rd. They have released a full album and six singles to date with their seventh single, 「愛の降る街」 (Ai no Furu Machi) which is the third installment of a 7-month digital release project, coming out on June 30th through JapanFiles and on iTunes. The members... Read→
O-PARTS is a two-man unit that started in June of 2009, formed by vocalist sho-ka (ex. Vogus Image) and bassist Jun (GaGaaalinG, ex. WAIVE). On August 20th, they released their first maxi-single entitled 「向日葵」 (Himawari) which included four tracks, all of which made it into the top ten of the Oricon Indies ranking. On May 26th, their second maxi-single, 「煌[kou]」 was released and will be available through JapanFiles from June 6th. Both sho-ka and Jun took time out of their busy schedules... Read→
In 2002, Kaya made his vocal debut in the Mana produced two-man unit, Schwarz Stein. In 2004, Schwarz Stein disbanded, and departing from the label the band was signed to, Kaya became a free singer. Using “aesthetics” as his main theme, Kaya conducts his activities with the goals of “the revolution of the aesthetic senses” and the “liberation of sexuality” in mind, and manages his own lyrics, CD jacket designs, make-up and costume designs as well as the organization... Read→
born is a five member band that began together under RENNY AMY, which was active from August 2005, until December 31st, 2006. Shortly after, the same five members created D&L, and eventually changed their name to ‘born’ on April 9th, 2008 with the sponsored event at Takadanobaba AREA called “born presents 「bug scremo vol.01」”. About a week later, they released their first demonstration single, entitled 「Dust pain」, which was followed by the tour, 「Abnormal skin’s」. Since... Read→
砂月-Satsuki- began his solo career on February 14th, 2009, after spending seven years as the vocalist for RENTRER EN SOI. His first solo release, 「AWAKE」 came out via his online shop on May 9th, and that month he also started his 「AWAKENING TO MOONLIGHT」 tour, which even made a stop in Los Angeles, California. His next release, 「CRYSTAL」 was out on August 21st, which was followed by his 「PEER INTO YOUR CRYSTAL HEART」 tour, where he preformed in both Tokyo and Las Vegas, Nevada. ... Read→
Did you know that before he was called JEKYLL the singer for unique band Elm was known as Tetora of Kamikaze Boyz?
Its great that all of Kamikaze Boyz are in groups now…Syuri is in Girl Goomie and of course Keiji and Shingo are in Mix Speaker’s Inc.
Any other bandmates you were happy to see in new groups this year?
MaitoreiA put up the preview for their promotional video, “ユグドラシル”(yggdrasil) that is slated to release on December 9th.
I am really looking forward to this release, the song sounds rather nice. The PV gives a kind of good feel too, what do you think? I look forward to see the whole PV after it’s released.
Source: OHP
Monokuro Kinema have posted the following announcement on their OHP today:
Thank you for continuously supporting Monokuro Kinema.
We only wanted to announce that in February we will be having a coupling tour that covers Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, however, we have important announcement.
Although it’s unexpected, after our performances in February, our guitarist, Shindou Kazuki, will be leaving the band.
This is the result of much discussion between the members, and supports Kazuki’s decision to progress down a new path.
Our coupling tour in February will be the last with the current line-up.
There isn’t a lot of time left with the current members, but Monokuro Kinema will continue to advance ahead, so we hope that you can warmly cheer us on.
Kazuki has also posted his comment regarding his decision:
In the two years that I have been part of Monokuro Kinema, the frame of the band has allowed me to have various experiences and challenges piled upon me, I’ve been able to make music I wanted to make, to express and to convey, and I’ve realized that it’s now time to become disconnected from that frame.
I’ve had this hazy feeling about continuing in the band, which is something that worries me, and with these feelings, I’m sorry to the band members, and to those who have been supporting me, to say that after much thought, I have chosen to leave.
Also, I am grateful to the members for all the experience that they have given me.
There’s only a short amount of time left, but as a member of Monokuro Kinema, I will put all of my power into these remaining lives.Please continue to support Monokuro Kinema.
Shindou Kazuki
Source: OHP
chariots have announced that after their live on February 27th, Akito, Tomo, Loki and Reiya will be leaving the band. Each of the members have posted comments on the OHP regarding the decision:
In chariots, I have been able to express the things that I’ve wanted to. However, for a short time now, we’ve been looking at the five of us continuing activities, and our opinions on the direction of our music and activities has become scattered. This is the conclusion that the five of us came to, against our will, and it seems like this is the right way for the band to continue. More over, the result came from numerous meetings, and has taken this sort of form. I sincerely apologize for how it has turned out.
As far as my personal vision goes, I can clearly see the things that I want to do from here on in, so although it may be difficult, I will continue on with this realization. I haven’t completely thought about the future of the band from hereon in, but although Akito, Tomo, Loki and Reiya are leaving chariots, I plan to carry on with the band.
Both myself and the four members have been eagerly living out our experiences through chariots’ activities, and it’s now time for us to advance down new paths. Originally we announced our February sponsored event tour, as well as a tour for our upcoming release, however, due to the current state of affairs which I feel may be selfish, we have changed it to the last live tour with the current line-up.
To all of you who have cheered us on, to the staff who started KISAKI’s office, to all those connected with the livehouses, everyone who collaborated with us in our events, I apologize for our decision and for the trouble. However, until the end, the five of us will try with all our might to express ‘chariots’, so please support us.
Riku
Time has really flown, but it’s already been two years since chariots started. We’ve passed into a time where the subject matter is very deep, however, for about a year now, I’ve been starting to wonder if me being in this band has any significance, and that the songs I write, don’t suit the band. Therefore, I’ve been doing activities fully aware that I had this feeling of insecurity about being in the band. I felt that there was no way that I could convey these feelings to everyone who has been cheering me on, but I confronted the members and KISAKI with my feelings.
As time has passed, we’ve lost sight of the direction we wanted to take and things have become vague within our songs, and also the goals that the members have started to feel different.
I have some regrets, but to have been able to meet the other for members, and more than anything to be able to meet with the fans that have been cheering us on, is the most amazing thing, and something that I’ll always remember.
The same time that chariots comes to an end, I will also be saying farewell to the name ‘Akito’, as I am starting fresh, want to progress down a new path and I want to meet new challenges.For the remaining lives, one by one, I want the best memories to remain, and ot have the best lives with the other members.
To all of you who have been supporting me, I am truly sorry for always taking and never giving anything in return.
Some day, I want to pay you back by putting my feelings into a song.
I truly thank you.
I also am grateful for all of the amazing memories.Akito
Everyone, I have something that I need to tell you.
In February, after our last tour, I will be leaving chariots.
The reason is that between the five of us that are in the band, we are unable to come to an agreement on the direction of the band.
Each of us took time to think about the shape of chariots, and we came to the decision that it would be best for us to each progress down different roads, and therefore I have decided to leave the band.
I am truly sorry to all the fans for these circumstances.
The five of us will pour all of our power into the last tour, so if you can support us, we will be very glad.
There are about three months left of my time in the ‘cool’ chariots, so please continue to support me.Tomo
As expressed in the announcement, we have decided that the four people will be leaving the band.
As for my feelings, I’m fairly sad, and I feel that it’s shameful, and I’m sorry.
I feel like a band is a living thing.
I don’t think that it’s all of the time.
About the evolution of the band, it’s something you create without being able to see the model.
However, there were too many things… so it ended up like this.
I’m not sure, but in chariots, from even the beginning there wasn’t anything that held the gears together.
When I joined, the band was already a year old, and it was quite a fast decision….
I regret that there will be fans who have supported us that will feel betrayed.
I’m truly sorry.
There’s only a short amount of time left as a bandman, but I want to make it count.
So, at our remaining lives, let’s set off huge fireworks!Loki
Our live in February, 2010, will be my last with chariots as I am leaving the band.
I’m deeply sorry for the sharpness of the announcement.
The recording for our three part single has come to an end, we finished up our twoman with Nega, and I think that the members, for quite some time, have strongly felt that we are not aimed towards the same road. There are a lot of things that I cannot write here, and I have a lot of regrets, however, I feel confident in the conclusion that chariots cannot continue as it is.
During our activities there have been tough times, difficult times, regrettable times, and tears, but of course above all, we’ve had a lot of good times.
In the tough times, I was rescued by the fan’s smiling faces, you have given me a lot of energy.
I feel apologetic towards those who have been coming to see us all this time, however, there’s a huge discrepancy in our opinions on both music and the direction of the band, and it’s even more difficult because I can’t express myself 100%. I feel that facing everyone, this is extremely rude.
As it is, the core and the music that is put out by chariots is something that I feel I cannot continue on in, however, I don’t want to lie and cheat myself out of what we’ve done, and I’ve honestly put my all into it.
Riku will be the only one left in chariots, but after this please don’t forget that me, and the five of us who stood on the same stage.
As for the band’s future activities, I think that is something that KISAKI, who remains the producer of UNDER CODE will discuss and decide.
I love music, and I love the drums, and I still have some way to go, so I will continue to play.
Please wait for me.
I think that there will be a lot of people who will be saddened by this sudden news, but please understand that this is a positive decision for each of the members.
There isn’t a lot of time left, but for all that I’ve learned in chariots, I feel grateful, and will tackle these remaining lives with my full power, so please support me.
Reiya
The band’s last tour with the current line-up will be called 「carnage opera」, and the dates are as follows:
February 14th @ OSAKA MUSE
Performing: chariots, Nega, ClearVeil, Aicle., -OZ-, LuLu, Kalvary
February 16th @ Hakata BEAT STATION
Performing: chariots, Nega, Heisei Ishin, -OZ-, LuLu, Kalvary, Arc
February 17th @ Hiroshima NIMIKI JUNCTION
Performing: chariots, Nega, Heisei Ishin, -OZ-, LuLu, Kalvary Arc
Februray 18th @ Matsuyama SALON KITTY
Performing: chariots, Nega, Heisei Ishin, -OZ-, LuLu, Kalvary Arc
February 20th @ Nagoya HEART LAND
Performing: chariots, Nega, Heisei Ishin, -OZ-, LuLu, Kalvary, Juliette
February 23rd @ Sendai HOOK SENDAI
Performing: chariots, Heisei Ishin, -OZ-, Nega, LuLU, Kalvary, Wednesday, MoNoLith
February 24th @ Niigata JUNK BOX
Performing: chariots, Nega, Heisei Ishin, -OZ-, LuLu, Kalvary, Wednesday, MoNoLith
February 27th @ Takadanobaba CLUB PHASE
Performing: chariots, Nega, -OZ-, LuLu, Arc
Source: vkdb, UCP OHP
Zip.er have totally reconstructed their OHP and posted their new look as well! It promotes their 2nd anniversary oneman live 『milky way』, which is going to be held on the 6th of January at Shibuya O-WEST.
Source: OHP
MiD DERACINE have announced some time ago that they’ll be releasing their 2nd maxi-single and we’ve mentioned it back here. There is some more info about the CD though – it will be entitled「TODESTRIEB E.P.」 and be released on the 24th of February! It will cost 1575 yen and include 3 songs.
Source: OHP
It seems that more and more musicians get the influenza. This time, it’s about Downer’s member. The band posted the announcement at their OHP:
Thank you for continuing to support Downer.
On November 29th, our guitarist Miu was complaining that he was feeling ill, and the results of a quick exam, showed that he has been infected with the A type influenza, and therefore has gone home to recover.Therefore, at our events on November 30th and December 3rd, we have made the hurried decision that the four remaining members, vocalist Anzu, guitraist hirai, bassist Kagome and drummer Rion, will perform. To all those who were looking forward to our performance, we sincerely apologize.
However, at our event on December 18th, the five of us plan to be playing together again, so we hope that you can continue to support Downer.
All the members of Downer
Source: OHP, Visunavi
emmuree will have a oneman on the 11th of December at the Takadonobaba AREA, under a name 『LIGHT & SHADE.』. The tickets cost 2800 yen in advance and 3300 yen on the day of the event.
However, what’s more interesting, the band will distribute a single entitled 「I hear the clocks counting down」 which is a promotion single for their upcoming album! Not much is known about it, except the fact, that’ll be released in March.
Source: Visunavi
縁Count@er (En-Count@er) is a fairly new band, which hasn’t been introduced here before and since their OHP was totally renewed lately, I have decided to tell you something about them.
Vocal: Guii
Guitar: Katsuma
Guitar: 竜凪 (Tooru)
Bass: MA-SHA
Drums: タカト (Takato)
The band has released only one single so far, which was being distributed during their live on the 8th of November. It’s entitled 「【繋】-Tsunagi-」 and contains 3 songs:
01.【始舞〜Shibu〜】
02.【新たな舞台へ】 (Arata na Butai e)
03.【明日への扉】 (Ashita e no Tobira)
Source: OHP
Lets talk about band folk who are influenced by other groups and bands. Katsuma of En-Count@er listed one of his favorite artists are Dir en grey.
Thats really cool, I wonder how many bands are influenced by virtuoso vk bands out there?
As of November 24th, Hibi Subete wo Nomikomu Fukamoka have added a new bassist to their line-up!
Their new member’s name is collon, and you can check out his ameba here: http://ameblo.jp/f-bass-colon.
Source: vkdb, OHP
Ap(r)il have announced that after their oneman live on February 1st, their drummer ひさと (Hisato) will be leaving the band.
The members will be posting their comments regarding the news at a later date.
Source: vkdb, Hinata’s Blog
We’ve already told you about the new single by Otogadead some time ago here. Finally, there are more details known. The CD will be entitled 「Asterisk」 and cost 1800 yen. The regular version will contain 4 tracks and the limited one 5, with a bonus track 「逃避旅行」 (Touhi Ryokou). The band has also uploaded a flyer promoting the release on their OHP:
Source: OHP
芒命少年 (Boumei Shounen) have finally revealed their new look. What do you think about the new pic? I’m loving it so much, seriously~
Do you remember when we mentioned that the band will be getting the new member? The new member is 游 (Yuu):
Source: Mobile OHP
Even though Naoki seems quiet and perhaps even shy, he is the main producer for his duo – Jinkaku Radio. Did you know he was also part of ANNY’S LTD a session based around the theme from A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (French book and later made into a movie).
They even dress similar to the “droogs” (friends) and drink “moloko” (milk) during lives. Just take a look for yourself.
If I could dress similar or create a session around my favorite movie it would have to be….Free Willy. My bandmates and I could all dress like killer whales! How is that for a theme?
If you remember, a few days ago we posted about how Takumi from Juliette was ill, and therefore unable to participate in their oneman live that took place on November 28th.
The band has now updated their OHP with a new message regarding Takumi’s future with the band:
An Important Announcement from Juliette,
Thank you for continuing to support Juliette.
Since second chapter of Juliette began activities, our bassist Takumi has been in poor health, and has been under doctor’s orders to stop band activities, meaning that the four remaining members have continued with lives and so forth, always hoping that Takumi would make a complete comeback to the band. However, at our oneman live at Shimokitazawa Mosaiac, we have decided that Takumi will be leaving the band.Personally, Takumi has been fighting his hardest as he has hoped to return, but in spite of everything, after much thought and consideration about Juliette’s future, we have come to this unfortunate decision.
We sincerely apologize to all of our fans, and everyone connected with the band for causing trouble and making you worry.
We will be posting Takumi’s new homepage and blog on our OHP.
The fans, along with the members, are hoping for Takumi to be able to recover from his current condition.
We hope that you will continue to support Juliette.
－Shimizuya Records－
Source: Juliette OHP
There is a new band on the scene name LIX.! It has formed today and actually, it looks interesting:
Vocal: 龍-Ryu- | ex. Wednesday
Guitar: 裕-Yuu- | ex. SUICIDE ALI
Guitar: 恭弘-Yasuhiro | ex. THE.GOLDEN SPIDER
Drums: 将-Sho- | ex. Wednesday
They’ll have their first live on the 30th of January at Nanba ROCKETS and the support bassist for the show will be 樋口 裕介 (Higuchi Yuusuke) ex. 音鬼 (Oto-oni).
What’s more, LIX. will release their first maxi-single, which be sold at their first live -「Noah」. It will be available at the regular shops as well, with the sale starting on the 3rd of February and cost 1500yen. However, it’ll be limited only to 500 copies:
01. altair -明晰夢- (Meisekimu)
02. Re:vive
03. The stairs to [nightmare]
04. 光ノ降ル世界 (Hikari no Furu Sekai)
05. altair -箱舟- (Hakobune)
There’s no OHP known yet, but once the address appears on any of their blogs, we’ll surely let all of you know!
Source: vkdb, Yuu’s blog
サンドイッチで120分？ (Sandwich de 120pun?) will be releasing a brand-new single on the 27th of January! It will be entitled 「キノドクなシアワセ」 (Kinodoku na Shiawase) and cost 1575 yen. There are no more details givne yet, except the fact that it will have 3 songs.
And by the way, has anyone of you noticed that all bands seem to release something on the 27th of January? Seriously…
Source: Brand-X
Thanks to Emily M. for pointing this out to us! Seems that the official myspace of Versailles has stated that the first 2010 issue of SHOXX will have an interview with Kamijo that will cover not only the loss of Jasmine You but also the future of the band.
This is what the blog entry stated:
KAMIJO’s interview about Jasmine You and further activitiy for Versailles is on SHOXX
(2010.Jan issue). This is the first media appearance after Jasmine You’s death.Please check it out.
-Versailles management
So we can only wait to read and see what 2010 holds for the band, lets hope some hints to the dates and locations for the world tour???
Source: myspace
Speaking of GRIEVER, did you know that 3 of the members used to be in the band BERLIN? They changed their names and really morphed into a new concept when they formed GRIEVER a year ago.
SIN used to be known as KAGUYA, TOKI used to be called TOMOKI and MAY was simply known as MEI. Even after BERLIN disbanded, the 3 were in a session along with YOURI (known at the time as Yu→RI) which you can read about over here.
Ah love it when friends continue on with each other!
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