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→
Remember when we told you guys about Moran’s next steps with their live on August 9th over here? Seems that Sizna will be joining Moran as an official member on August 20th! Their site is going through some changes so you can visit and see a more simple layout with Sizna’s information under profile.
There will also be another live on October 14th called Moran Zill – mourning live -「Stand by Me」 at Shibuya O-EAST.
Random fact : Sizna’s birthday is also August 20th.
Sources: vkdb, Moran OHP
Thanks to Lad for the heads up. Soan has updated his blog with some live info. Moran seems to be continuing with their live on August 9th, but they will have two support members. Ex. Sugar members – Sizna and Shingo will be lending their skills and support to Moran under the guise of the name Freeze. By the way, the event has been sold out by now.
The event will be focused on remembering Jasmine You and Zill, we talked about the event which was originally hosted by Jakura called Haikei Yuu-sama～Jakou Renri Sou～.
Its a free event which is probably why it sold out already – if you’re going please let us know how the event played out.
Source: Soan blog
Word has just reached us that Zill, bassist for Moran, has passed away on Friday, July 23rd.
Zill was also known as 未波 (Minami), bassist for Cynical Biscuit, and as 三狼 (Saburo), bassist for KuRt.
Below is a translation of the family’s message posted by Soan, Moran’s drummer, on his blog.
To all supporters of Zill and Moran,
As of July 23rd, Zill of Moran has passed away due to deteriorating physical conditions.
We apologize from the bottom of our hearts for all the worry and trouble this has caused all fans and everyone concerned.
The wake and the funeral is planned to be held among relatives only.
We give our most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Zill, even then as Minami and Saburo.
Thank you very much.
And below is a message from Moran’s members and staff:
Zill, bassist for Moran, has been laid to eternal rest on July 23rd.
To everyone who has supported Zill and Moran, we regret to announce this news.
We had planned on resuming our activities by the end of this year. All of us cannot hide our overwhelming emotion at his death.
We had scheduled to begin our one man tour, 「Freeze」, at Nagoya Bottom Line on August 9th, but due to this, our plans have become completely undecided.
As the dates draw near, we hope to discuss this among us and release an official announcement at the soonest possible time.
We give you our utmost gratitude from the bottom of our hearts.
The entry has also stated that the news was first posted on Soan’s blog before any updates were made on the official website.
We offer our deepest condolences to Zill’s family, friends, and fans.
Rest in peace, Zill.
Source: Soan’s blog, vkdb
Since Velo left Moran, the band had decided to pause activities and the remaining members had even decided to revive their ex-bands, Fatima and KuRt.
KuRt’s oneday revival has already passed, as the live was on February 25th, but don’t forget that the tickets to Fatima’s oneday revival are still available!
According to Moran’s schedule, there is one live to be held at Takadanobaba AREA on March 30th, entitled 「怪人達の謝肉祭」 (Kaijintachi no Shanikusai), which is Hitomi’s birthday event.
Performing at this live will be:
Hitomi (Moran)
Zill (Moran)
Soan (Moran)
aie (the studs)
真悟 (Shingo) (ex-sugar)
冴 (Sae) (ex.BABYLON)
良一 (Ryouichi) (ex.BABYLON)
青月 泰山(セロ弾き) (Seigetsu Taizan (Cello player))
and more
Tickets to this live will cost 3,000 yen in advance, while costing 3,500 yen at the door.
As for Zill’s birthday event, it will be held at LOFT PLUS ONE on April 14th and is titled 「Zill Birthday Acoustic Party」.
Tickets for his birthday live will cost 2,000 yen in advance and 2,500 yen at the door.
So far, the performers are:
Zill (Moran)
Hitomi (Moran)
Soan (Moran)
Tenten (Chemical Pictures)
Shinno (NoGoD)
and more
Source: OHP, Zill’s blog, Soan’s blog, Tenten’s blog
We got this from Messenger – thanks for emailing us~! Seems like Moran and 9GOATS BLACK OUT might be next on their tour to Europe.
The same production company that is helping UnsraW’s tour has also listed Moran and 9GOATS BLACK OUT for early 2010 schedule. You can see the list here at the bottom.
No tour dates or further info has been posted on either bands’ site but we’ll keep you posted when we find out more info.
EDIT: Seems like the site took down the section they had the bands listed under. ;o; – we’ll post when we get more info about this.
Source: A.S.S. Productions
Moran has announced that they have had to cancel and reschedule three of the performances on their 「Freeze」 tour due to their bassist, Zill, coming down the influenza.
They have cancelled the shows on November 9th at Nagoya E.L.L, November 10th at Osaka FNAJ twice and Noevmber 12th at Hakata DRUM SON.
Instead of a performance, Hitomi, Velo and Soan will make an appearance at the livehouses to greet the fans.
The lives have been rescheduled to the following dates:
November 25th @ Nagoya E.L.L
November 26th @ Osaka FANJ twice
November 30th @ Hakata DRUM SON
They apologize to the fans for the trouble, and causing concern, but asks for everyone’s understanding in the matter.
Source: BMA, OHP
Today let’s talk about food, since I’m hungry!
Hitomi and Soan of Moran loves soba (buckwheat noodles). BUT, they will only eat the soba from a specific shop they like that’s close to one of the venues they played at. Are there any foods that you like but will only eat a specific brand/shop/type?
Big Ern likes all types of carrots, big or small, long or short!
When Sanaka (ex. Fatima, now Hitomi of Moran) changed his name to Kanoma, he announced a request to give away his old name, and in the end he gave away the name to a piano! Kanoma states that because the piano makes music, and as long as someone plays the piano, “Sanaka” will never die! Interesting, has anyone named anything after me yet? ;o
Before going on activity pause, Moran will have a oneman tour titled 「Freeze」. The dates are as follows:
November 5th @ Takadanobaba AREA
November 9th @ Nagoya ell.SIZE
November 10th ＠ Shinsaibashi FANJ twice
November 12th ＠ Fukuoka DRUM SON
November 17th ＠ Sendai HOOK
November 19th ＠ Sapporo KRAPS HALL
December 2nd ＠ SHIBUYA O-West
All events will start at 7 PM, the tickets purchased in advance are 3000 yen a piece, and tickets purchased the day of the show are 3500 yen. Except for the tour finale on the 2nd of December, when the tickets will cost 3500 yen before the 2nd and 4000 yen at the day of the event. The tickets will be sold in early sales between the 7th and 16th of September, then since 26th they’ll go on general sale.
Source: OHP, BMA
We have a bit of sad news today. Moran has announced that on the final date of their one man tour, 「Escort to the Deepest」, guitarist Velo will depart from the band. Along with this, they have announced that after that show on December 2nd, they will go on an indefinite activity pause. This was a result of numerous conferences on the matter, and out of respect to Velo’s request, they all made the decision together. They state they will do their best these remaining 3 months as four members, and will continue to do their best to work on the growth of Moran as a band.
Source: Soan’s blog
It was announced at the end of last month that Zill has recovered and returned to his place as the original bassist in Moran.
Source: vkdb
One of my favorite things to know about is how bands get their start. Many members start off as roadies to other bands. Like Hitomi from Moran. Guess who he was a roadie for? Malice Mizer!
Strange right? I know a few more but I’ll save them for another day!
Both Soan and Velo of Moran have teamed up with VanillaEdge to create rings!
Velo’s is called 188495, and it’s a silver ring wth zirconia stones. The motif of his ring is a lion wearing a crown, whose mane is adorned with various zirconia stones and roses. The cost is 18000 yen.
Soan’s design is called m-butterfly-s, and while made of the same materials as Velo’s, it has a medieval-like charm, and uses delicate lines within it’s motif of butterflies. Above and below the wings, are purple and clear zirconia stones. The cost for this one, is 15000 yen.
VanillaEdge will be taking orders from now until September 5th, and sending the rings out mid-October. Twenty people who purchase either one will received a signed photo featuring both of the members (one of two types).
Source: VanillaEdge
That time again to talk about random fact and I love to hear what band members like and dislike to eat.
Zill likes alot of different foods and treats but claims his 2 most hated foods are liver and sea urchin. I don’t blame him, liver is stinky and gross and sea urchin, seems painful to eat!
What is the grossest thing you ever eaten?
Following the 3 live period of Haku on bass, Moran announced they will now have Shingo (ex-Sugar) as their support bassist until Zill returns for their oneman tour. Shingo has stated that he’ll do his best on Zill’s behalf.
Source: Soan’s blog
As we wrote about here, until Moran’s oneman tour in August, bassist Zill will be concentrating on getting well again, and in his place Moran will have a support bassist. They announced that for their next three lives (July 5th, 6th, and 12th), Haku (ex-BABYLON) will be supporting them. Past this, there has been no announcement, but we’ll continue to update you as news comes along.
Source: Soan’s blog
In about 20 more days, the second edition of JRR’s Bento Beatbox TV will finally be available on Anime Network!
I have high hopes for the next episode, and not just because one of my all-time favorite bands will be one of the ones featured in it; LM.C!
Here is a short preview of episode 2, from the JRR Youtube channel:
And you can even vote for the CURE artist you think will be featured in the next Bento Beatbox TV.
Voting choices are: R shitei, Moran, OZ, Matenrou Opera, and Gakido.
(Personally, I was quick to vote for -OZ-, since they are my absolute favorite. I really hope they are featured!)
Source: Jrock Revolution
Yesterday, Soan of Moran posted this to his blog:
Thank you to all who have supported Moran in the past.
For several months, Zill’s physical condition has been degrading, and lately his condition has worsened even further.
The doctor has suggested an activity stop, and after repeated discussions about this, the result is that from here on, until the August 21st live, Moran will continue as just three members with a support bassist.
In-store events will be the same, and we want to take the form as 3 members up until August.
Until Moran’s 1st Oneman Tour「Escort to the Deepest」, we hope for Zill to recover from his illness, and the members, staff, and all concerned are concentrated on this.
After this for events and the tour and such, Zill’s performing has become impossible, so we deeply apologize to the fans as well as any authorized people for the heavy trouble.
Though the truth is that Zill himself wishes he were strong enough to perform, after thinking about activity from here on out as well as his physical condition, this was a distressful decision.
We hope that all of the fans will also pray for Zill’s recovery.
Please continue to support Moran from here on as well.
Exactly what is wrong with Zill wasn’t said, but all the same, let’s all hope for a speedy recovery!
Source: Soan’s blog
SCUBER DIVE is an important Visual Kei event that’s been created two years ago, back in 2007. This event takes place both in Tokyo and Osaka, usually on the same day(s) and it gathers a lot of popular indie bands in different live houses of both cities. And it seems the two first editions were a success as the program of this year’s SCUBER DIVE has been revealed !
Like it was already the case last year, the SCUBER DIVE is split in two part, one in Osaka (Naniwa) and one in Tokyo (Shibuya). So, those of you who are lucky enough to be in Japan in that period should definitly go ! Hard choice though !
The timetable has yet to be revealed precisely, but it will be hold on July 31st and August 3rd, and here are the bands that are going to perform this year (more details on the timetable as soon as possible)
愛狂います。 (Aicle)、独立国歌-Ashe’-、Administrator、12012、M、エルム (Elm)、ギズモ (Gizmo)、ゾロ (Zoro)、Dali、DEATHGAZE、DuelJewel、東京ミカエル。(Tokyo Michael.)、NaiL、ネガ (Nega)、ハッチ (Hucci)、少女-ロリヰタ-23区 (Lolita23q)、A&D、Envus 、n’DooL
Art Cube、アヲイ (Awoi)、ALSDEAD、ジュリィー (Jully)、ジュリエット (Juliette)、デンジャー☆ギャング (Danger Gang)、NightingeiL、Hi:BRiD、boogieman、brodiaea、ギルティア (Gilltia)
Arc、カル・ヴァリ (Kalvary)、鬼畜一家 (Kichiku Ikka)、ClearVeil、heidi.、平成維新 (Heisei Ishin)、WHITEBLACK、Moran、Lycaon、VanessA、ヴァルナ(Valluna)、VIDOLL、DOGinTheパラレルワールドオーケストラ (DOGinThe Parallel World Orchestra)
Source : SCUBER DIVE’s OHP
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