LIL LEAGUE Takes the SoftBank Winter Cup with their Latest Single!

‘FeiLong’ Jacket Cover

Up-and-coming dance/vocal/rap group LIL LEAGUE have released their new single ‘FeiLong’, the official theme tune of the SoftBank Winter Cup 2023 national high school basketball tournament.

FeiLong is the name of a mythical flying dragon from Chinese legend, and LIL LEAGUE’s new single is an up-tempo song that cheers on the young basketball athletes, likening their determination to reach the top with a dragon that soars ever-higher into the sky. Tokyo-based trackmaker KENTZ, who has produced numerous gold and platinum-selling hits, has created a hard-sounding track with its roots in 2000s hip-hop and breakbeat.

LIL LEAGUE performed ‘FeiLong’ during their first solo concert-hall tour of Japan this year, titled LIL LEAGUE LIVE TOUR 2023 “LIL GATEWAY”. The group’s powerful performance of the song on stage left fans hungry for its release, which has finally come.

As LIL LEAGUE prepare for the release of their first album ‘TRICKSTER’ in February 2024, be sure to check out this energetic single that will conclude the group’s debut year!

Be sure to check out ‘FeiLong’ across all streaming platforms here!

❏ LIL LEAGUE MEMBERS

Sena Iwaki (19)

Tatsuhiro Nakamura (19) 

Kodai Yamada (18)

Matora Okao (15)

Haima Momoda (15) 

Sora Nanba (14)

FEMM surprises fans with their last Xmas present: RiRi’s solo MV ‘Living in the Spotlight’

FEMM member RiRi’s first solo MV “Living in the Spotlight” was dropped on Dec 26th. This song was included in their last EP “CHERRY,” which was released on Nov 15th.

RiRi directed and edited this MV herself, and it really shows that she wanted to express her feelings directly to agents. In the video, she showed herself both as a mannequin and also as her human self as Emily Kaiho. From this, we can see that she is embracing her two personas and will proceed with her journey.

FEMM took their final year 2023 by storm. They opened with their Poland performance, and then appeared at major festivals in the UK, Germany, US, and Saudi Arabia. Finally in December they had their last oversea concert “Last FEMM-Isation” in London, and final concert “HIMM&FEMM” in Tokyo with the collaboration with Tokyo’s largest LGBTQ+ organization “fancyHIM.”

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Message from RiRi

“Did you watch my solo MV ‘Living in the Spotlight’ already? Since the process of making this song, I always had a vision that it had to be 100% me. In the beginning it feels like a settle graduation song, but it gets pretty aggressive and also fragile. Emotions can easily get messy with me, and chaotic sometimes, but maybe you agents are the same too.

It was the first time that I did the whole thing, from brainstorming to direction and editing. It really has all my DNA in there. I hope you accept by surprise Christmas present to you.”

Be sure to check out the music video for ‘Living in the Spotlight’ below!

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION Releases Captivating Single 'Drifters', Along with US Appearances!

“Drifters” Digital Jacket Cover

Rising Tokyo-based musician STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is set to release his new single, "Drifters" on Friday, January 12th, 2024. This new anime-inspired track seamlessly blends Pop, Piano Rock, and Electro Pop, transcending conventional boundaries of musical genres.

"Drifters" emerges as a captivating anime anthem meticulously crafted with a dance-pop foundation, seamlessly veering towards a pop-oriented style that sets it apart from the ordinary. STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION skillfully integrates a calming ambiance in select segments, intertwining samples and analog synths to create an immersive auditory experience with enchanting vocal processing.

The production of this new song reflects a conscious commitment to the artistry of modulations, deftly playing with passing chords to weave a rich musical tapestry. Crafted with precision, the melody is a testament to STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION's dedication to creating a comforting and enjoyable listening experience.

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION invites music enthusiasts and anime aficionados alike to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of "Drifters." This single stands as a testament to the artist's prowess in transcending musical boundaries and delivering a sonic masterpiece that resonates on a profound level.

The song is also the official Ending theme of the TV anime series “SYNDUALITY Noir”
RON comments, “This song is perfect for times when you want to unwind, like during a leisurely drive! Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial in living each day to the fullest. It is important to always have a sense of purpose, think consciously, and act with intention as the key to living flexibly."

2024 SHOW INFORMATION

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION 10th Anniversary World Appearance

2/2 - ANIME EXPO SANTIAGO Santiago, CL: ​EVENT LINK

3/8-3/10 - ANIME MILWAUKEE Milwaukee, WI: EVENT LINK

3/29-3/31 - KAWAII KON HAWAII Honolulu, HI: EVENT LINK

Completed:
10.29.2023 - Anime Weekend Atlanta, GA:
11.11.2023 - KYOANI MUSIC FESTIVAL Kyoto, JP

11.17-11.19.2023- Kumoricon Portland, OR:

11.26.2023 -  Kita Kyushu Pop Culture Festival Fukuoka, JP
12.16.2023 TENSURA 10th LIVE Chiba, JP

Atarayo’s song ‘「I am...」’ selected as anime series ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ Season 2 opening theme song!

“A band that feeds on sadness.” Three-member rock band Atarayo will provide the opening theme song to the second season of the anime series ‘The Dangers in My Heart’, which will begin broadcasting in January 2024. Their song ‘「I am...」’ was written especially for the show, and will be released as a digital single on January 8, 2024.

‘「I am...」’ is a dramatic, emotional song that will pierce your heart, with lyrics that dissect the feelings of ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ protagonist Kyotaro Ichikawa through Atarayo’s eyes, and a melody that expresses the viewpoint of a character whose lonely world is suddenly blown wide open. 

Atarayo vocalist/guitarist Hitomi commented, “The song ‘「I am...」’ presents an unvarnished look at Ichikawa’s perspective and feelings. We created a song that is shot through with the essence of Ichikawa’s personality.”

On Sunday, December 10, Atarayo performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo as part of an event titled TV Anime ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ FAN FESTA 2023~karte12.5 Bokura wa Shibuya ni Atsumatta~. At the festival, Atarayo played ‘「I am...」’ live for the very first time. On the same day, the official trailer for the second season of ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ was released, raising anticipation for the upcoming new season to a frenzy.

 Look out for the new season of ‘The Dangers in My Heart’, and keep an eye on Atarayo as they forge forever forward.

Shinichi Osawa and RHYME’s dance music unit RHYME SO release long-awaited first album ‘IAFB’

IAFB Jacket Cover

RHYME SO are a dance music duo featuring pioneering DJ and producer Shinichi Osawa (MONDO GROSSO) and music partner RHYME. Since making their debut with US-based music company 88rising, RHYME SO have explored the artistic processes and pathology of creative work in the modern age, with their innovative electro sound revealing the psychology and conflict inherent to the craft of making music.

Released on November 24, RHYME SO’s first full-length album ‘IAFB’ marks an important milestone for the duo. Throughout the album, the euphoric electro songs are infused with acid house-style modulation and deep bass, folding in the destructive power of industrial hip-hop, the deep low end of modern trap, a tech house vibe, and even classic “parapara” and Eurobeat elements – stretching Osawa’s versatile musicality to new limits. 

Over this, RHYME’s lyrics coolly and sometimes violently describe the conflicts that artists face in modern times, from the ills of consumerist society to the rise of influencers, lack of self-esteem, feelings of despair and emptiness, and an unquenchable thirst for recognition. These themes intertwine via reinterpreted takes on Japanese poetic verse such as haiku and tanka, resulting in a truly unique album. ‘IAFB’ is a love letter to all music fans and cultural explorers, created by a duo who are constantly searching for “that special something that will provide the next wave of Japanese sound with a bridge to the world”. 

The next step in the global evolution of J-pop and dance music has arrived. Check it out and hear it for yourself by checking out the music video for ‘POSEABLE’ below along the streaming link for IAFB here!