BE:FIRST Unveil Music Video for New Single ‘Masterplan’ – a Fusion of Hip-Hop with a Distinctive ‘Made in Japan’ Flair!

/

Seven-member dance and vocal ensemble, BE:FIRST, announced the release of their latest single, 'Masterplan' across all digital music streaming platforms

The electrifying track 'Masterplan' saw its initial performance during BE:FIRST's inaugural Tokyo Dome concert, titled BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 ‘Mainstream – Masterplan’. Serving as a sequel to their earlier hits 'Boom Boom Back' and 'Mainstream', the single features compelling Eastern rhythms crafted by producer Ryosuke "Dr.R" Sakai, the creator behind previous challenging numbers for BE:FIRST, such as 'Gifted.', 'BF is...', and 'Mainstream'.

This hip-hop anthem maintains the group's unique musical trajectory, showcasing their impressive artistry and solidifying their signature sound.

 The music video encapsulates the idea that BE:FIRST's astronomical rise since their debut has been anything but coincidental, but instead part of a well-orchestrated "masterplan". Paying homage to the group's past works, the video references the success of their track 'Mainstream', which topped 116 different charts, and the significant achievement of their Tokyo Dome concert.

The result is a thoughtfully curated visual narrative, marking each milestone as a preconceived chapter in BE:FIRST's journey.

The video's concluding image of a massive cherry blossom tree aptly embodies the song's spirit and the quintessential "Made in Japan" aesthetic characteristic of BE:FIRST. A grand cherry tree piercing through concrete symbolizes the band's resilience, with seven sturdy branches representing each member, all adorned with flourishing cherry blossoms. It's a visual masterpiece that merges hip-hop with a distinctive Japanese essence, declaring an impassioned musical statement to offer the world.

Be sure to check out the ‘Masterplan’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the dance performance video for the track below!

 ‘Masterplan’

Lyrics by SKY-HI

Music by Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai, Daisuke Nakamura, and SKY-HI

Produced by SKY-HI, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai

Choreography by SOTA (BE:FIRST) and ReiNa

Total production by SKY-HI (BMSG)

Boyband Da-iCE release new song ‘I wonder’ on April 17, along with YouTube Premiere of performance video!

/

‘I wonder’ Digital Jacket Cover

Popular boyband Da-iCE released their latest song ‘I wonder’ on Wednesday, April 17.

The lyrics to this new song were written by members Taiki Kudo and Sota Hanamura, with Hanamura also composing. The song incorporates the vibe of a drama series, focusing on the dual themes of “love” and “finding yourself” and comparing them to colors, from vivid ones to black and white, and all the layered combinations in between.

The performance video for ‘I wonder’ was also released as a YouTube Premiere. The choreography was devised by Hanamura in collaboration with Sungo (avex ROYALBRATS). The video’s simple and stylish composition shows the members of Da-iCE dancing gracefully in a space with no decoration except for the lighting, allowing you to truly focus on the group’s incredible dance performance.

Be sure to check out ‘I wonder’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the music video for the track below!

Ayumi Hamasaki releases new single ‘BYE-BYE’ on 26th anniversary of her debut! Explosive music video features ayu in school uniform!

/

As she celebrates the 26th anniversary of her debut, pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki has released the brand new single ‘BYE-BYE’. ‘BYE-BYE’ was written for the NHK series ‘Minna no Uta’, broadcast in April and May.

As you’d expect from Hamasaki, the song’s immersive lyrics are dark and deep – generating tons of attention among her legions of fans. Along with the release of ‘BYE-BYE’, a music video was also released on Hamasaki’s official YouTube channel.

In a classroom in an apparently abandoned school, Hamasaki and 23 dancers perform intense choreography, especially during the chorus – and all of them, including Hamasaki, are dressed in school uniform.  As soon as this explosive video was released on April 8, social media it up with fan comments, such as “ayu looks so cute in uniform!”, “I have to learn the choreography!” and “This song is the perfect start to her 26th anniversary!”

26 years have passed since the release of Ayumi Hamasaki’s debut single ‘poker face’ on April 8, 1998. As she enters her 27th year, ayu continues to evolve – don’t miss it.

ARKTA Release Brand New Music Video for "The Song for You" from Latest EP!

/

International hybrid alternative rock unit ARKTA has released a new music video for their song “The Song for You” from their first full EP titled “From Where the City Lights Burn” which was released on February 23rd. The full EP is currently available for listening on all digital platforms worldwide.

Although ARKTA is known to often incorporate programming and synths, “The Song for You” deliberately avoids them, opting instead for a straightforward sound with only raw instrumentation.

Tak, who wrote the lyrics, explains “This is a song for those who've felt crushed by the world, thrown out, and have gotten tired of everything. It's not a grand song about saving someone. I just wanted to turn my wish into a song where no one gives up on themselves. This is because I know people who gave up on life and left this world without giving me a chance to say anything. Because I know people who were rejected by the world due to discrimination. I know everyone is doing their best just by living their life to its fullest, but I thought that even someone like me could deliver a message to the world, that you're not alone. So, I poured my heart into this song. When you're ready to stand up, we'll pull you back up. We'll be here. Just for now, please listen to our song. I’m not saying let's try harder. Let's all just laugh together.”

kenken adds, “This song might feel somewhat different from the other tracks on the EP. But, we hope that listeners will appreciate the gentle, mellow yet powerful message conveyed in this song, which is also one of ARKTA's charms.”

To celebrate the release of their EP, ARKTA will also be having two shows/events in Tokyo, Japan on April 28th at the Shibuya Milkyway with ACME and at the Shibuya ROCKAHOLIC on April 29th which can be purchased here!

“From Where the City Lights Burn” Digital Jacket Cover

“From Where the City Lights Burn” Track Listing

1. The Lily
2. The Last Day
3. The Angeles
4. The End feat. StellarStairs
5. The Song for You

The common theme running through the entire EP is the transience of the present reality and the fleeting nature of the life we are currently living. The band explains that the term “transience” is not solely negative, but it carries the sentiment that something vague, fragile, and easily crumbling can be beautiful and precious. While some songs touch upon unrequited feelings and eternal farewells, the emotions of longing, yearning for life, and feelings towards companions on the journey of life are also scattered throughout the five songs. The difficulty in expressing emotions through words alone is why, as ARKTA, they wanted to convey them through sound and it's the meaning behind creating and singing songs for them. Stream “From Where the City Lights Burn” on all streaming platforms here

ARKTA EP RELEASE SHOWS IN JAPAN

APRIL 28 – Tokyo, SHIBUYA MILKYWAY with ACME

APRIL 29 – Tokyo, SHIBUYA Rockaholic ARKTA “From Where the City Lights Burn” Release FAN MEETING

Find Tickets Here!

Keina Suda Bring Fans to His Utopia with Latest Music Video!

/

‘Utopia’ Jacket Cover

Up-and-coming musician Keina Suda released the music video for his song ‘Utopia’ today as a YouTube Premiere.  ‘Utopia’ was specially written as the opening theme song to the anime series ‘Tsukimichi: -Moonlit Fantasy-’ Season 2, which began broadcasting in Japan in January 2024.

The song’s catchy chorus and main riff will stick in your head, while its dystopian lyrics follow the struggles of moving forward step by step in search of paradise. The music video was animated by Avogado6, a popular creative artist who also designed the jacket artwork for ‘Utopia’. The groundbreaking video brings the song’s setting to life through a mix of animation and live-action footage, with a cool cast of characters and locations to check out.

Be sure to check out the music video in question below, along with the streaming link for the track here!

■ Release information

Keina Suda ‘Utopia’

Anime series ‘Tsukimichi: -Moonlit Fantasy-’ Season 2 opening theme song

https://keinasuda.lnk.to/utopia

 ＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋

■ Live information 

‘Keina Suda yawn event “Marble”’

<Tokyo performance>

February 12, 2024 (Monday/public holiday)

Tokyo, Ebisu, The Garden Room

Part one: Open 14:00 / Start 14:30

Part two: Open 17:30 / Start 18:00

Inquiries: SOGO TOKYO 03-3405-9999

<Osaka performance>

February 17, 2024 (Saturday)

Osaka, Shinsaibashi, Music Club JANUS

Part one: Open 14:00 / Start 14:30

Part two: Open 17:30 / Start 18:00

Inquiries: Kyodo Information 0570-200-888

Tickets 5,000 yen (plus drink ticket), reserved seats only

Further information: https://www.tabloid0120.com/live/4228/

＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋＋