BMSG (Japan) Introduces its Uprising Artist Trainees, RUI & KANON, Through New Single ‘The Voice’

Japanese label and artist management company, BMSG, is thrilled to introduce its dynamic artist trainees, RUI and KANON, who are set to captivate the music scene with their upcoming release, 'The Voice' (‘声’ Ko-é in Japanese). The music video will premiere to a global audience via YouTube on 21 August 2023, which you can view below.

‘The Voice’ is a soul-stirring ballad that is set against a luscious R&B track produced by Japanese leading music producer, UTA of TinyVoice Production. The song is a harmonious fusion of lyrics and melodies jointly composed by both RUI and KANON, with a main theme of beautifully capturing the essence of a human connection through their expressive falsetto vocals. Notably, ‘The Voice’ is the first-ever release for KANON who not only sings but has also contributed to the single’s heartfelt lyrics, showcasing his multifaceted talent and exceptional musical sensibility at just 17 years old.

(Photo credits: BMSG, Inc.)

RUI emerged onto the Japanese music scene with a dazzling performance on the acclaimed audition program "THE FIRST" in 2020, at the age of 12 years old. His husky singing voice, accompanied by his infectious smile and friendly persona, garnered attention and admiration throughout the competition. Despite his elimination from the show, RUI’s magnetic presence left an indelible mark on both viewers and contestants alike. The result was an artist trainee contract with BMSG. In 2022, RUI showcased his talents further by producing his first solo song ‘Diamond’ as well as participating in numerous concerts and shows as guest performer and opening act. This includes renowned rapper and CEO of BMSG, SKY-HI’s nationwide tour "Cho Hachimenroppi”, solidifying his position as one of Japan’s most promising amateur vocalists.

(Photo credits: BMSG, Inc.)

KANON, on the other hand, made a resounding entry onto the scene through the "MISSIONx2" audition program in 2022, at the age of 16. Although not progressing to the final round of the audition program, his exceptional vocal prowess led him to be the only participant offered a trainee contract with BMSG. KANON's striking opening act during the SKY-HI ARENA TOUR 2023 -BOSSDOM- wowed the audience, showcasing his remarkable singing abilities and setting the stage for his promising future as an artist. 

Music Corner Week 138: Sundae May Club

Sundae May Club, a three-member pop-rock band, has carved a unique niche in the indie music scene with their dreamy melodies, introspective lyrics, and captivating performances. Formed in the vibrant city of Nagasaki in 2019, the band's history is a tale of artistic evolution and sonic experimentation that has left an indelible mark on their listeners

The band's inception can be traced back to a chance meeting between the lead vocalist and guitarist Ura Koyuki, guitarist Miyahara, and drummer Hiroto during college. United by their shared passion for Jazz, crafting music that transcends genres, and wanting to stand apart from their contemporaries.

Sundae May Club's debut album, Shoujyo Manga, released in 2022, served as a potent introduction to their unique sound. The album's intricate layers of instrumentation and Koyuki’s emotive vocals created a lush sonic landscape that resonated with listeners seeking an escape from the mundane. One of the things that I love about the group is how they are able to go out with their energy with the pop-rock sound. While it might be an overplayed genre at this point, Sundae May Club brings a fresh breath of air to it. Tracks like “Shounen manga” showcase their penchant for infusing their music with emotional depth, while their latest release ”Hareruna" demonstrates their mastery of their craft. Songs like “Haru”, and “Shangli-La” encapsulate their iconic pop-rock sound, with their hazy guitars and wistful melodies.

They currently have two E.P.s released in 2020 and 2022 respectively, along with one single in 2021, with their album Shoujyo Manga in 2022. You can follow them on their Twitter X, Instagram and official website along with the music video for their track “Hareruna” below!

Sundae May Club stars

Ura Koyuki- Vocals/ Guitar

Miyahara- Guitar

Hiroto- Drums

TRUE Reunites A Ensemble with Latest release for Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest!

Esamble Jacket Cover

Renowned anime singer TRUE released their special edition of the “Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest” theme song “Ensemble” across all digital music streaming platforms on Friday, August 4th.
The 4th main theme in the “Sound! Euphonium” series was composed by Takuya Watanabe of “Soundscape” fame. “Eupho” themes thus far have been upbeat toe-tappers, but this song is a gentle and affirming mid-tempo ballad that supports all those who are working hard towards their dreams. It is also the first to include a string arrangement, which only serves to enhance TRUE’s warm, majestic lyrics. The song is wonderful on its own, of course, but has so much more impact when paired with the movie. Please experience it for yourself in theaters!

A music video for the song has also been released. Blackboard style animation works in concert with real photographs and rotoscoping to depict the hills and valleys of everyday life. The smallest things during our time as students could have sent us over the moon or plunged us into the darkest depths. Although this video focuses on student life, it was designed to give those of us who have graduated a chance to reflect on those days and our current selves in a new light.

Be sure to check out the music video below along with the streaming link here!

BAND-MAID, performers of the ending theme song for the 2nd season of the "Kengan Ashura" anime, have made huge waves with their first ever performance at "Lollapalooza Chicago"!

World-renowned girl band "BAND-MAID" has garnered attention from all around the world following their performance at "Lollapalooza Chicago," one of the largest rock festivals in the world.

"Lollapalooza Chicago," a festival held on 9 stages over 4 days from August 3rd to August 6th, 2023, saw over 400,000 visitors, and is said to be one of America's major three outdoor festivals alongside Coachella and Bonnaroo.

BAND-MAID is the first Japanese band since X JAPAN 13 years ago to perform at such a well known festival where artists from all over the world eagerly awaited their appearance. We will deliver a live report on these girls who have had the attention of many since even before their performance, like being chosen by local media as "12 Artists to See At Lollapalooza" along with K-pop group New Jeans.

The audience waited impatiently in the blazing sun for nearly an hour before BAND-MAID's show. They performed 13 songs over the course of an hour from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on August  4th (US local time), the 2nd day of the festival. The Japanese girls rock band left a deep impression at America's largest music festival.

Kobato Miku (guitar and vocals), KANAMI (guitar), MISA (bass), and AKANE (drums) gallantly took to the Coinbase Stage, beginning the day's maid service (live show) with an instrumental song, "from now on". When the petite girls wearing maid outfits suddenly began playing rock music with technical instrumentals, the audience, full of people who were likely seeing them for the first time, couldn't hide their astonishment at the disconnect between the band's heavy music and their cute appearance. SAIKI (vocals) joined in for the next song, "DOMINATION," and powerfully belted out lyrics expressing the girls' ambitions for "world domination".

The highlights of the show were the session parts during the interludes of "Don't you tell ME" and "HATE?" KANAMI and MISA alternated back and forth with guitar and bass solos, as though holding an exquisite dialogue conveyed entirely through their sound. These two girls were able to bring out more than 20,000 people during just their 2022 tour of America. They've already performed in three United States festivals in 2023, and their ceaseless efforts have only further refined their individual performance skills. With SAIKI watching over the powerhouse duo with a big smile, and AKANE and  Kobato Miku supporting the overall rhythm cozying up to the two's session, the band's sense of unity is more apparent than ever after 10 years following its formation.
BAND-MAID trucked on with brutal hard rock pieces, followed sometimes by lighter songs like "Daydreaming" that showcased SAIKI's calmer singing voice. The finale was "endless Story", and with it came the crowd singalong typical of festivals. SAIKI left the stage with a huge smile, saying to the roughly 20,000 people gathered there, "Thank you Lollapalooza! We're BAND-MAID from Japan! Thank you so much!"

BAND-MAID is currently holding a tour of the United States and Mexico, beginning with their appearance at "Lollapalooza Chicago." They'll tour Japan in Sepetmber and October, after which they'll prepare a show at Kanagawa's Yokohama Arena in November in a triumphant return performance and finale to their 10th anniversary tour. Tickets are currently available for pre-order, so be on the lookout.

Additionally, on the day of their "Lollapalooze Chicago" perforamance, BAND-MAID released their new single, "Shambles," the ending theme song for the 2nd season of "Kengan Ashura" anime. We've already received a mass of comments from around the world from people who can't take their eyes of BAND-MAID, who are engulfed in a wave of enthusiasm both at home and abroad.
Photo and Text by FG5

August 4, 2023 Lollapalooza Chicago setlist
1　from now on
2　DOMINATION
3　Choose me
4　Don't you tell ME -session-
5　alone
6　After Life
7　NO GOD
8　Daydreaming
9　DICE
10　HATE?-session-
11　FREEDOM
12　Manners
13　endless Story

Gray's Ongaku Go For July 2023

With Summer officially here and turning up the heat, it's that time of the month for June’s Ongaku Go! 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, along with our Spotify playlist here!

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“HONEYCOMB” by Ayumu Imazu

This is the latest song by Imazu who I’ve been really enjoying since we covered him on music corner. “HONEYCOMB” is a lot of fun and I’ve been having a blast with it. Such a fun singer and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

Check out “HONEYCOMB” here and in the video below!

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“Tokyo” by KAHOH

I stumbled across this and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. It’s got a fun and catchy beat and while this is something I usually don’t really listen to I’ve been having some fun with this. I really need to check out more of KAHOH’s work but for now, this song is really good and I recommend every checking it out.

Check out “Tokyo” here and in the video below!

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“Starry Eyed” by Kenya Fujita

While I’m not as high on this song as I was “Mask In Love” I still think this is a fantastic song. It has a pretty unique composition that combines this electronic sound with his R&B style and it works well. The more I hear by Kenya Fujita the more and more I’m impressed by him.

Check out “Starry Eyed” here and in the video below!

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“All About U” by BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE

While I’m not a huge fan of the lead track for this release, “All About U” is much more in line with what I love about these guys. This track has a great blend of rap and vocals that BALLISTIK BOYZ has really developed over time and I’ve been really enjoying my time with this one.

Check out “All About U” here and in the video below!

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“Sugar Magic” by tonun

While I’ve enjoyed tonun’s first album, Intro, the first song on the album has been on repeat since I heard it. “Sugar Magic” is just a fun, catchy, dance number that keeps me coming back for more. A great way to lead off an album and I can’t recommend this song enough.

Check out “Sugar Magic” here and in the video below!