chilldspot Release the Music Video for HIRUNE NO KUNI, a Collaboration with the Manga Saturn Return!

“HIRUNE NO KUNI” digital Jacket Cover

Four-member rock band chilldspot have released the music video for their new song “HIRUNE NO KUNI” (The Land of Naps). Released to music streaming services earlier in the week, “HIRUNE NO KUNI”, was written for a manga music video by chilldspot as part of a collaboration project to commemorate the completion of the manga Saturn Return, an impactful piece of work from Akane Torikai published in Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan).    

The “HIRUNE NO KUNI” music video is grounded in the panels of the manga Saturn Return. The manga author Akane Torikai created new illustrations for the video, with the crazy and edgy sounds of chilldspot overlaid to faithfully recreate the world of the manga. The result is that both the illustrations and the music come together to deepen one another. Particularly in the chorus, a sense of comfort is drawn from the rhythm of the compounding words in the melody, with the lyrics of Hiyune (Vo&Gt), who read the manga in depth, dripping with her trademark wit. Fans who have read the original manga will enjoy the word choices, and a dance scene in the video in which the protagonist of the manga Ritsoko Kaji engages in a unique dance to the music has garnered particular attention. The video, enriched by the music, is a is a must-see right up until the emotionally charged final scenes.

[ Comments from Hiyune (Vo&Gt）]

The manga was packed with both the majesty and horror of humanity, and it really made me wonder if it was possible to encapsulate such an extraordinary manga in a song. I believe that the charm of the work is in the sense of crazed exhilaration that emerges all of a sudden from a place of stagnation. We continually worked to combine the charms that we ourselves offer with this addictive feeling, and then pour it into the track.

With Saturn Return, the images and words resonate in the heart, and through their transformation into song they are spread out among the people. This is then, in turn, returned back to the work. I am truly grateful to be involved with such a wonderful network of people. I hope this piece of work and the acompanying song will be shared and loved far and wide.

[ Comments from Akane Torikai ]

From the point when I originally thought that it would be great for a song to be attached to Saturn Return, to now releasing a video into the world in which we can see this alternative character Ritsoko Kaji that I created for my manga dancing around to childspot’s wonderful newly composed song “HIRUNE NO KUNI”; all I can say is that I think that every step taken to reach this point was a miracle. The result is something that surpasses all my expectations. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all of those who make music, make images, make pictures move and who put all of these together!

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

YOSHIKI to Be the First Japanese Artist to Headline Historic Venues Including Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and More in a Classical World Tour with Orchestra!

Japanese rock artist YOSHIKI's highly-anticipated 2023 classical world tour was announced at the GRAMMY Museum® yesterday May 15.

During a press conference attended by U.S. and international media, YOSHIKI – composer, classically-trained pianist, rock drummer, and leader of rock bands X JAPAN and THE LAST ROCKSTARS – revealed details of the upcoming tour, titled Yoshiki Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour with Orchestra 2023 "REQUIEM".

YOSHIKI will perform a series of classical concerts with orchestra this October, headlining shows at Tokyo Garden Theater (Tokyo), Royal Albert Hall (London), Dolby Theater (L.A.), and Carnegie Hall (New York). This tour will be the first time a Japanese artist has headlined all these historic venues. The concerts will celebrate the tenth anniversary of his Yoshiki Classical album which reached #1 on iTunes Classical charts in 10 countries.

YOSHIKI will perform his new compositions, orchestral performances of his chart-topping songs from X Japan and his new groups, and pieces by classical composers Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. The tour will also feature several special guest performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to his groundbreaking world tour, YOSHIKI will release his latest single, "Requiem", on July 21. X Japan's first single in eight years, "Angel", will be released on July 28. YOSHIKI was invited by the GRAMMY Museum to make the announcements at a performance and conversation event hosted by the museum's Chief Curator and VP of Curatorial Affairs Jasen Emmons. During the event YOSHIKI had also released a teaser video for “REQUIEM” which can be viewed below!

Be sure to check out all the information for YOSHIKI’s Upcoming World Tour below!

Yoshiki Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour with Orchestra 2023 Requiem

Tokyo Garden Theater

Tokyo, Japan

Performances: October 7-9, 2023

Ticket information (Japan time)

YOSHIKI Card Holder and Membership-Only Pre-Sale:

Tue. 5/16 12:00 - Sun. 5/28 23:59: Yoshiki Rakuten Card (first tier)

Mon. 5/29 12:00 - Sun. 6/4 23:59: Yoshiki Rakuten Card (second tier)

Mon. 6/5 12:00 - Sun. 6/11 23:59: Yoshiki Visa / Yoshiki MasterCard pre-sale / UDO Premium Members

Mon. 6/12 12:00 - Sun. 6/18 23:59: Yoshiki Mobile / Yoshiki Channel / UDO Members

Mon. 6/19 12:00 - Sun. 6/25 23:59: Overseas residents / Team Yoshiki / Lawson

Sat. 7/1 15:00 - General On Sale

https://l-tike.com/yoshiki-classical/

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Royal Albert Hall

London, UK

Performance: October 13, 2023

Tickets on sale:

Thursday, May 18 at 10:00am (UK time) – Royal Albert Hall Friends & Patrons pre-sale

Friday May 19 at 10:00am (UK time) - General on sale

https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2023/yoshiki

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Dolby Theatre

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Performance: October 20, 2023

Tickets on sale: Tuesday, May 16 at 10:00am USA PT

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09005EABD2E95718

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Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage

New York, NY, USA

Performance: October 28, 2023

Tickets on sale: Tuesday, May 16 at 1:00pm USA ET

https://www.carnegiehall.org/calendar/2023/10/28/yoshiki-classical-0800pm

Aiobahn releases a new song on his first major label! The featured artist is singer-songwriter yanaginagi!

‘Re: searchlight

Aiobahn, a one-of-a-kind music producer and DJ with roots in electronic dance music and a connection to the Japanese subculture scene, released a new song "Re: searchlight" digitally back ob April 26.  Aiobahn's song "INTERNET YAMERO," released on March 17 (Fri.), received over 6.4 million views on YouTube within a month of its release, and the number of subscribers to his YouTube channel increased by 30,000 in a month.

Aiobahn, who is in the middle of such a hot topic right now, has released a new song "Re: searchlight" digitally from "avex trax" featuring singer-songwriter yanaginagi. This is the first major label release for Aiobahn. The music video, which was released on YouTube at the same time as the release, is a fully animated video directed by illustrator/animation artist Wataru Uekusa.

yanaginagi

The story linked to the world view of the song and the use of color in the video are also noteworthy.

Be sure to check out the music video for ‘Re: searchlight’ below, along with the digital streaming link here!

About Aiobahn

Aiobahn is a maverick electronic music producer that fascinates Otakus and TOP DJs around the world. He has been connected to the Japanese subculture scene with creativity that crosses genres and established the “Aiobahn” sound that people would notice once they heard. After actively releasing songs, he participated in the soundtrack of the video game “NEEDY GIRL OVERDOSE,” which has been a global hit. Its theme song, “INTERNET OVERDOSE,” reached over 11.46 million views on YouTube. As a producer, he has created many hit songs.

On the other hand, even in the dance music scene in the West, Aiobahn’s original sound has gained a high reputation. His music has been played by many world’s top DJs such as the Dutch DJ/producers Martin Garrix and Tiesto, who have ranked No.1 in the world’s DJ ranking, and Afrojack. Releasing original songs from big-name labels such as “STMPD” and “Monstercat”, he is truly the one-and-only producer that travels back and forth from Japanese subculture scene to the mainstream Western dance music.

With his roots in electronic dance music, he crosses the boundaries between subculture and POP, physical to digital, and continues to achieve further breakthroughs.

About yanaginagi

yanaginagi is a Japanese singer/songwriter from Kansai, Japan.
She tries to make the whims of our daily life, fill with nostalgia, for example like the music at a scene of a fairy tale.
From 2009, she was invited by the entertainment unit supercell to become their guest vocalist named“nagi”. In 2011, a special project named「Jun Maeda×yanaginagi」began.
yanaginagi made her solo debut with her first single “Vidro Moyou ” released on February 29, 2012. Her delicate and unforgettable voice once heard will open up your mind to a new world supported by impressive music.

SERRA Releases First Single “Always and Forever,” ED Theme of the TV Anime Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion!

‘Always and forever’ Jacket cover

The ending theme song of the currently airing TV anime Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion, titled “Always and Forever,” was released on CD back in April. This marks SERRA’s first anime tie-up song, which she personally wrote and composed. The song is an emotive piece that perfectly complements the anime.

Regarding the song, SERRA stated, “I’m thrilled that my first anime tie-up is Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion. When I read the story, I was deeply moved by Raeliana’s strength and determination to survive. I tried to stay true to her character as I crafted the lyrics and melody and sang with heartfelt emotion. I hope you will appreciate the grand and emotionally charged sound. My wish is that my voice and the story will inspire you, even a little, to keep going.”

©️Whale·Milcha 2017／D&C WEBTOON Biz／「彼女が侯爵邸に行った理由」制作委員会

The coupling song, “Kokotsu no Memento,” is also based on the medieval world of Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion, but while “Always and Forever” is about life, “Kokotsu no Memento” is about death, giving the two songs a relative significance.

A music video of “Always and Forever” has also been released. It portrays the theme of love through a poignant story of a man and woman, whose hearts remain connected despite the distance between them. This wistful tale is infused with a glimmer of hope, making it a heartwarming depiction of enduring love.

Be sure to check out the music video for ‘Always and Forever’ below, along with the steaming links for the single here!

16-Year-Old High School Singer Tsuzuri Releases First Digital Single “Uraomote”!

‘uraomote’ digital jacket cover

Back on May 10th, 16-year-old high school singer Tsuzuri released her first digital single titled “Uraomote.” Tsuzuri is primarily active online, sharing cover videos of Vocaloid and J-pop songs on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. With over 50,000 subscribers on YouTube, she has gained a significant following. Notably, she has also been chosen to perform the opening theme song for the upcoming TV anime series titled The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses, which will air in July 2023 in Japan.

“Uraomote” was composed and arranged by Giga, a sound creator known for hits such as “Odo” and “CH4NGE,” with lyrics by Tanaka (previously known as Boku no Lyric no Boyomi). The single cover jacket was drawn by the illustrator Tabun-ningen.

In addition, an official music video of “Uraomote” released on 20:00 on May 10 (JST) on Tsuzuri’s YouTube channel. The video, which features the character on the cover jacket, was created by Hissha and Okiku, the animator tag team behind Giga’s “CH4NGE” video.

Be sure to check out the streaming link for 'Uraomote’ here along with the music video below!