Virtual Idol Group V.W.P Amazes Fans with Latest Release!

“Rinne” Jacket Cover

V.W.P, KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO’s virtual group consisting of members KAF, RIM, HARUSARUHI, ISEKAIJOUCHO and KOKO, is releasing “Rinne” (Reincarnation), their second digital single and opening theme song of anime “Mav-Luv Alternative”, available worldwide midnight November 3rd (Japan Time) on various streaming platforms. On the same day at 20:00, their storybook-esque music video, a combination of 3DCG and animation directed by Yusaku Kumagai (STEREOTYPE.Inc.), premiers on YouTube.  “Rinne” was written and composed by Iori Kanzaki, a popular Vocaloid Producer who writes the majority of KAF’s songs. It is an anthemic song with lyrical reflections of the narrative, struggles of despair and anger, and of seizing the future. 

The anime “Mav-Luv Alternative” exists in a world of shared universes and mixed media, adorned by fans from all over the world. Crunchyroll, an Animation Streaming Platform and part of the series’ production committee, distributes “Mav-Luv Alternative” to over 200 countries and regions.  V.W.P and their song “Rinne” will head out into the world along with this global endeavor.  They announcement is just the beginning for V.W.P. Be sure to check out the music video in questions below!

MONDO GROSSO Shows Everything with a Japanese Version of Everything Needs Love feat. BoA’!

Since forming as a band in 1991 and later becoming a solo project for Shinichi Osawa, MONDO GROSSO has been a fixture of the music scene in not only Japan but around the world, effortlessly fusing genres such as acid jazz, R&B, Latin, 2-step, house and pop. A new hits collection, MONDO GROSSO OFFICIAL BEST, was released on November 3 across all digital music streaming platforms, compiled by Osawa himself to showcase the trajectory of MONDO GROSSO’s unique sound.

Comment from Shinichi Osawa

“Rather than just a collection of old songs, please consider this a new kind of best-of album, with new remixes, updated mixes, edits and remasters that show these songs at their very best.”

BoA

The album also includes “Everything Needs Love feat. BoA”, which was originally released in 2002, when diva singer BoA was just 15 years old. Now, 19 years later, a new version featuring a brand-new Japanese-language vocal performance from BoA is included on the album, while a video has also been released. The gorgeous video, which pays homage to 1980s Japanese animation, was created by Los Angeles-based animation artist Ben Lam and produced by Jordan Freda, who has worked on music videos for Katy Perry as well as commercials for Nike, BMW and Mercedes Benz, and even visual effects for The Amazing Spider-Man.

In these times when even a simple hug is complicated, the new Japanese lyrics on “Everything Needs Love feat. BoA (RE-NEW JP)” look back on the dance floors of the past and express a new hope for the future. As the lyrics say, let’s look inside ourselves for the loudness we crave!

Be sure to check out the music video for “Everything Needs Love feat. BoA” below along with he streaming link for MONDO GROSSO OFFICIAL BEST here!

Music Corner Week 95: Kiki Vivi Lily

Kiki Vivi Lily is a singer-songwriter who often crosses the boundaries between pop and R&B style music. She is a remarkable vocalist with her sweet pop vocal style and ear for unique melodies that can easily translate into other genres depending on the composition. Kiki Vivi Lily got her start in the industry in 2016 with the EP Lovin’ You, however, it wasn’t until 2019 that she released her first studio album Vivid in June 2019. From then on, Kiki Vivi Lily teamed up with composer and beat maker (also a Music Corner alumni) SUKISHA for the album, Over The Rainbow. She is known for her wonderful collaborations which include Sweet William, nobodyknows+, Shin Sakiura, as well as SUKISHA. As Kiki Vivi Lily’s vocals are sweet and smooth, she tends to switch between the R&B and pop genres making for nice fusion tracks with memorable compositions.

Kiki Vivi Lily first caught my ear on the collaboration album, Over The Rainbow, she did with SUKISHA. The track “Gray Spring” immediately had my heart with its soft composition and Kiki Vivi Lily’s vocals stood out as they not only showed her range, but showed her ability to match her voice to the melody - making this a perfect track to relax too. Kiki Vivi Lily’s “80Denier” has a nice beat that flows with her vocals and pulls you into the song. The chorus is so nice with the piano playing and Kiki Vivi Lily matching every bit of it making it magical. “Lazy” is a more upbeat track and from the opening of it, you are immediately pulled it. Kiki Vivi Lily’s vocals are sweet, serene, and have a more Pop-R&B fusion feel that fits perfectly with the fun melody.

Currently, Kiki Vivi Lily has three studio albums, Vivid (2019), Over The Rainbow (2019), and her latest Tasty released in October 2021; two EPs, Lovin’ You (2016) and Good Luck Charm (2020); four digital singles and has been featured with many collaborating artists. Check out her official website, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube channel, and also her latest music video for “Lazy” below!

WITHDOM Continues with Spinning Their Style with A Cover of "Gunjou"!

Popular four-member vocal group WITHDOM released the cover song, “Blue” which is the English version of the song “Gunjou” by YOASOBI through various online streaming sites like Apple Music and Spotify. This is their third official cover song so far. The music video of this cover song was also released on the same day. They arranged the cover song with influences from Jazz and R&B. They created a song displaying their amazing vocal work. They succeeded in making a slow jam cover song whilst preserving the atmosphere of the original song. WITHDOM previously covered “A HAPPY NEW YEAR” by Yumi Matsutoya and “Hakujitsu” by King Gnu as well.

They have released music videos on YouTube which covered many famous Japanese songs including “Curtain Call feat. TAKA” by Shota Shimizu, “Feel Special” by TWICE, “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer” by ONE OK ROCK. WITHDOM covered those songs incorporating their own unique sound.

Be sure to check out music video in question below!

Ken's Ongaku Go For October 2021!

Picking up after Gray and Luna with another month down from 2021, we at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“FLOWER” By TENDRE

The main stay track off his IMAGINE album, TENDRE’s transition to a major label has been a success for the most part. While I loved a good amount of the songs on the album, the main track “FLOWER” would be the stand out one for me. The piano composition for this work is one of the strongest I ever heard from TENDRE as it feels like it deals with a more personal matter. While it isn’t his most bombastic or stand offish track from the album, I find myself drawn to the simplistic matter of “FLOWER”. I was fairly scared about TENDRE’s transition to the major label as he might have to change his style, I’m fairly relieved that he doubled down with the release of this album. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “FLOWER” below, along with the track here!

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“Change” by SIRUP

SIRUP continues to have a great 2021 with the release of “Change” near the end of September and just missing my Ongaku Go list for last month. I was originally quite scared that he wasn’t going to have any more releases in 2021 after riding high from the various endorsements that he has received from his album cure back in March. But he has this way to just take me on this smooth ride of sounds with his vocals and while he might not be changing the wheel per-say of the genre, SIRUP is an absolute master of his craft and I honestly can’t wait to see what the remainder of the year and beyond has for this artist.  

Check out the lyric video for “Change” below, with the song here!

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“BLACK LOTUS” by RONDO

It wouldn’t be a me list without some sort of Bushiroad involvement, and this time around it is RONDO from the D4DJ franchise. What is very interesting is that this particular track was used for the D_Cide Traumerei ending theme song which Bushiroad is also involved in. What’s very interesting is that RONDO in particular uses very mature themes and topics in their lyrics and I absolute love it. They are what I wanted ROSELIA to do tone wise since they are a very gothic styled group and while I never thought I’d get that itch from D4DJ of all franchises, I’m very happy that Bushiroad isn’t afraid of stepping out of the norm with these groups.

Be sure to check out the music video for “BLACK LOTUS” below, along with the track here! 

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“Yellow” by back number

I’m absolutely loving what back number has been releasing as of late, wither it be the more higher tempo style of “Kaito”, or something more intimate like “Yellow”. That’s one thing that I absolutely love about them as of late, as they don’t just go for a one-trick pony type of thing and try to mix it up every so often to the sound that made them famous in the first place. While the composition might be somewhat simplistic, the real strength lies with Iyori Shimizu’s amazing vocals that just pop with this work. The lyrics are also something that had really stayed with me and are something that I could really relate to. Albeit this might be my first work to be added by them on my Ongaku Go, this will certainly will not be the last. 

Check out the music video for “Yellow” below, with the track here!

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“Ayayay” by ELAIZA

Making a big debut with her album Paradise Lost in November, debuting ELAIZA started off with a bang with “Ayayay”. Very simple concept and composition but she just makes it work and I can get lost into it hours on end. While this is a small sample size for this artist it had really peaked my interest and I honestly can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this vocalist. 

Be sure to check out the music video below, along with the song here!