FEMM Puts the Cherry On Top with Upcoming Release!

Cherry Jacket Cover

Popular mannequin duo FEMM comprises sentient mannequins RiRi and LuLa. Their first album ‘Femm-Isation’ entered the Top 10 of Billboard’s World Albums Chart and was featured in the Best Indie Albums section at HMV stores across Britain, while their pioneering ’90s-pop-punk-infused track ‘We Got Each Other’ ranked on the influential Mediabase Activator Chart in the United States for 12 consecutive weeks. FEMM have previously declared that they will split up at the end of 2023, the year of their 10th anniversary. Now, FEMM have announced their final EP, ‘CHERRY’, which will be released on November 15.

The lead track is “CHERRY on TOP”, which was selected as the theme song for a rap-battle series Freestyle Nihontouitsu, on TV Asahi. The EP includes production from MYLK, with whom FEMM collaborated on their releases “Plastic” and “80s/90s J-POP REVIVAL”; and Radical Hardcore Clique, who worked with FEMM on “THE SIX” and “ID:T1G3R”. It also includes RiRi and LuLa’s first ever solo songs, “Living in the Spotlight” and “Butterfly to the Moon”.

The lyrics to the lead track and the solo songs were written by the members of FEMM themselves. The EP title ‘CHERRY’ has two meanings: Like the cherry on top of a cake or a parfait, it is a final gift from FEMM to their fans, while it also represents RiRi and LuLa together as one.

“CHERRY on TOP” is a song bursting with feminist power, reminiscent of FEMM’s signature track “Fxxk Boyz Get Money”, which was a smash hit among teens in the United States and Europe. “SUN” is a song about the hope that shines like a ray of light in difficult times. The five songs on the EP are rounded out by FEMM’s first ever solo songs in their 10-year career, ‘Living in the Spotlight’ and “Butterfly to the Moon”, along with “We Flood the Night (MYLK Remix)”, a re-rub of their 2014 track that marked their first meeting with MYLK. 

Riri’s solo song “Living in the Spotlight” is about her determination to live life in the spotlight, even if it is a confined space; while LuLa’s song ‘Butterfly to the Moon’ is about moving on while embracing the things that matter most, and is filled with gratitude to FEMM’s fans, known as Agents.

---

As they deliver this EP as a parting gift to the Agents around the world who have supported them over the years, the members of FEMM gave the following comments.

Comment from RiRi

“I’m sure many of our Agents are surprised to hear that the title of our final EP is ‘CHERRY’. We wanted to be ourselves right until the very end, which is why we have created this final EP. Its production brought a series of challenges, as we were involved in writing the lyrics ourselves and we each created a solo song for the first time, but we made it with the hope that it will reach all of you. This may be our last EP, but never forget that our songs will be with you forever. Thank you so much for these past 10 years!”

Comment from LuLa

“As a surprise gift to the Agents who have shown us so much love, we made this EP with all our hearts. ‘CHERRY’ is an EP that we were deeply involved in making from beginning to end, and so it holds special importance for me. I hope FEMM’s songs can give you even just a little strength. On my first ever solo song, I tried to convey the message and the sound that express my feelings right now. I think it sounds pretty different from other FEMM songs, so please check it out ;)”

As we look forward to the upcoming release be sure to check out their latest album Tokyo Ex Machina here!

Himika Akaneya Shifts into the Next Gear with Latest Release!

“Stereo Sunset” Jacket cover

MF GHOST, the new anime series that is a successor to classic street racing series Initial D, began broadcasting on Sunday, October 1. Now, a “TV size” short version of the ending theme song to this highly anticipated anime, ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’, was released today – sung by Himika Akaneya from voice actor/idol hybrid unit I☆Ris across all digital streaming platforms.

The ending theme song is performed by Himika Akaneya, who is also a member of i☆Ris. In addition to her work as a voice actor, Akaneya is also active as an actor in movies and on stage, but this will be her debut performance as a solo artist. Akaneya’s song ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’ is based on city pop, a genre that is hugely popular both in Japan and overseas, and Akaneya was selected for her transparent singing voice that matches the vibe of the song, as well as her unique presence and awesome singing ability. 

The track was produced by Japanese masked production duo AmPm, whose music is beloved by fans all over the world – indeed, 80% of their listeners are based outside of Japan. The track combines AmPm’s delicate production skills and comfortable beats with nostalgic lyrics by ARAKI, who regularly writes music for idols, artists and voice actors, to deliver a unique spin on the city pop sound. Akaneya’s gentle singing voice at times veers on spoken word, and the result is a medium-tempo song that is warm and comforting.

In addition to the “TV size” short version of the song becoming available, a teaser video was also released on YouTube.

This teaser video offers a glimpse of the full version, which will be released at a later date, and was shot among the picturesque scenery of the Kamakura/Shonan area of Japan where the anime series MF GHOST is set.

---

Himika Akaneya commented on ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’, saying, “The lyrics to this song reference imagery related to driving, such as the ‘stereo’ and ‘a neon heart reflected in the windows’, while the word ‘sunset’ melds perfectly into the song’s relaxing melody, putting the listener right there in the scene. I think you will be able to immerse yourself in the lingering afterglow at the end of each episode of the anime. This will be my first time to sing solo, and while I do feel a little nervous, I’m very happy to be involved with the music for MF GHOST, which is a series loved by many fans. I hope that as each episode ends, this song’s casual melody and poetic flow will touch your heart – even just a little. Please check it out.”

---

ampm

AmPm, who produced and arranged the music, and ARAKI, who wrote the lyrics, also commented.

AmPm said, “We are delighted to have worked on the ending theme song for MF GHOST. As the title of the song suggests, we created this song by imagining a sunset drive. We aimed to leave listeners with a sense of speed, allowing you to feel the shifting landscape in the afterglow of the day. We hope you will listen to Himika Akaneya’s singing voice and immerse yourself in the afterglow of each episode!”

ARAKI commented, “Back in the day, cafes and ramen shops would have rows of Initial D manga books that had been read until they were worn out. All these years later, it's an honor to be a part of this new story. I tried to find words that had a stylish retro sound and convey a sense of purity. I hope it will make you feel, ‘Oh yeah! Now THAT’s an anime ending song!” The full-length version of ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’ will be released on CD on November 22.

Look out for anime series MF GHOST, which is sure to be a massive hit, as well as its awesome opening and ending theme songs! 

After making waves with 88Rising, RHYME SO has started streaming a new collaboration with Vietnam's up-and-coming artist, Táo!

“magick feat. tao” Jacket Cover

Shinichi Osawa (MONDO GROSSO), a leading DJ and music producer from Japan, and RHYME, an Australian poet, performer, DJ, and track maker, have formed a unit and made a remarkable debut under 88rising as RHYME SO.

Their upcoming release "magick feat. Tao" includes Vietnamese rapper Táo and offers relentless and intense lyrics in Vietnamese, English, and Japanese, presenting a noisy and discordant global mandala-patterned HIP HOP.  The track which is available across all digital streaming platforms, features Táo capturing the fleeting nature of contemporary life, the feelings of helplessness in creation, emptiness, and cyclical incompetence. Responding to these sentiments, RHYME expresses, "I want to be your magician."

The discontinuous and disjointed beats by Osawa are, nevertheless, sophisticated and fluid, resonating with modern industrial hip-hop. Be sure to check out “magick feat. Tao” on all streaming platforms here!

---

About RHYME SO

RHYME SO is a dance music duo consisting of Shinichi Osawa, a leading DJ and music producer from MONDO GROSSO in Japan, and RHYME, an Australian poet, performer, DJ, and track maker. By combining Osawa's beats, which have consistently rocked the dance floor, with RHYME's sharp and witty interpretation of modern life in their lyrics, they produce avant-garde club sounds, heralding a new era in electronic music.

Their debut single in 2019, "Just Used Music Again," was released under 88rising and was also included in 88rising's compilation "Head In The Clouds II." It was added to popular playlists on various streaming services and garnered attention from international music media. In the spring of 2020, they released "Fashion Blogger," a disco track adorned with RHYME's cynical and witty lyrics.The video, set in a fictional world of figure skating and featuring MILK from the former RuPaul's Drag Race, reached 2 million views on YouTube. In 2021, they released "Poseable" under 88rising. In 2023, they collaborated with the British POP STAR Sophie Ellis-Bextor, releasing a cover of Malcolm McLaren's "DEEP IN VOGUE." They continue to broadcast cutting-edge music from Tokyo to the world.

NAQT VANE release new digital single NIGHTINGALE!

‘NIGHTINGALE’ Jacket Cover

Popular ensemble group NAQT VANE have released their sixth digital single, ‘NIGHTINGALE’, on Friday, October 27 available across all digital streaming platforms. The song is named after the nightingale, a bird known for its beautiful birdsong. The song expresses the bird’s natural beauty, calmness and tranquillity.

The jacket image is a collaboration between NAQT VANE members/art directors Classic 6 and photographer ayakaendo, presenting a perfect balance between NAQT VANE’s creative sense and the elegant tones of ayakaendo’s photography.

The song focuses on the simple beauty of life, referred to in the lyrics as “The nightingale’s song”, as we listen to the voice of nature, connect with it, flourish, and pass it forward – protecting it as it protects us. We humans coexist with nature in a symbiotic relationship, and the lyrics speak of the importance of respecting the world around us as we live our lives – the unique beauty and irreplaceable existence of nature, humans and animals. We are imperfect creatures whose very existence leaves unintended scars on nature; yet there is always meaning to being born on planet Earth. These are the epic themes NAQT VANE grapple with on ‘NIGHTINGALE’.

The music video features visuals inspired by the movie ‘Six Singing Women’, for which ‘NIGHTINGALE’ is the theme song. Who is the mysterious woman the boy saw deep in the forest? Was it a dream or reality? Right from the start, the music video draws viewers into a fantastical, beautiful world of nature. Be sure to check out the music video for ‘NIGHTINGALE’ below, along with the streaming link for the track here!

LIL LEAGUE Brings the Hype Up with Latest Release!

‘HYPE UP’ Digital Jacket Cover

LIL LEAGUE, a dance/vocal/rap group whose members have an average age of 16 and who made their debut in January this year, have released their latest single, ‘HYPE UP’. 

The lyrics are based on a carnival theme, while the music is based on Brazilian baile funk, making for an ambitious and cool combination.

LIL LEAGUE unveiled ‘HYPE UP’ for the first time this summer, when they performed it on stage during their domestic hall tour, titled LIL LEAGUE LIVE TOUR 2023 “LIL GATEWAY”. They also performed it at this summer’s Mezamashi Live, a festival in Tokyo held by Fuji TV. The choreography features a different dance for each chorus, and was devised by the members themselves. This is the dance tune fans have been waiting for!

With less than a year since their debut, LIL LEAGUE continue to release a variety of new music. ‘HYPE UP’ shows another new side to this group as they continue to grow Be sure to check out the streaming link for ‘HYPE UP’ here!