Chilli Beans. Release their Sophomore Album and Welcome Fans to their Castle!

Welcome To My Castle jacket cover

Chilli Beans. has released their second full-length album titled 'Welcome To My Castle'. The 3-piece band from Japan consists of Moto (Vocals), Maika (Bass & Vocals), and Lily (Guitar & Vocals).

‘Welcome To My Castle’ is a captivating musical journey that explores the boundaries of imagination and creativity. With each track, the band transports listeners to different worlds, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure. Through their unique blend of catchy pop tunes and garage rock, the band creates a sonic landscape that is both ethereal and dynamic. 

"This is a concept album inviting everyone to Chilli Beans.'s castle! We would be delighted if you could enjoy the various worlds we have created through the music, from beginning to end." – Chilli Beans. Check out the music video for the track ‘Welcome’ below!

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Formed in 2019, Chilli Beans. has crafted a signature sound that has won over the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Since the band’s formation, they have consistently garnered strong support from industry tastemakers as well as the media.

In 2021, their release “lemonade” climbed to #1 on Spotify’s Viral Top 50 Chart in Japan, and in January of 2023, "rose feat. Vaundy" topped Billboard Japan’s "Heatseekers Songs" twice. “Raise”, which was released earlier this year was selected as the ending theme song for the TV anime series ‘ONE PIECE’, which the music video is located below!

Known for their exceptional songwriting and harmonious vocals, they continue to impress with engaging live performances. This summer, they played at the beloved Fuji Rock Festival and in August  2023, they opened for Two Door Cinema Club in Taipei, expanding their musical impact to a global audience. Building on this momentum, the band's highly anticipated first Budokan show in February 2024 is already sold out, marking an important milestone in their career. The iconic venue holds deep significance for Japan, initially constructed for the inaugural Olympic judo competition but has subsequently expanded to host musical performances. Some notable names that have performed there include The Beatles, Blur, Duran Duran, Kiss, Morrissey, Ozzy Osbourne, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Journey, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. Blackpink too made their debut Japan showcase at this renowned stage. The venue has played a vital part in the Japanese music scene, especially for rock/alternative music fans.

‘Welcome To My Castle’ is the perfect sonic embodiment of Chilli Beans. and this release solidifies their standing as one of the most exciting Asian artists to keep an eye on. Echoing the band's album, the title track "Welcome" also encapsulates the mantra of the album by welcoming listeners to a place where only fun exists, urging them to enjoy the moment and go with the flow. The song features an upbeat and head-bobbing sound that showcases each member's instruments. Merging their vocals with plenty of bass and incorporating the quintessential synth sound of 70s~80s Soul/Disco Funk, it seamlessly complements the guitar riffs, capturing the song's energy and delivering an infectious musical experience for listeners.

Be sure to check out the streaming link for ‘Welcome To My Castle’ here!

Witness FEMM’s final show at “HIMM & FEMM” on Christmas Eve in Tokyo!

Mannequin duo FEMM will be performing their final show with the collaboration with  fancyHIM on Christmas Eve in Tokyo, Shibuya.

fancyHIM continues to provide fashionable and exciting nights that transcends gender, they can clearly be titled as “Tokyo's cutting edge.” FEMM has a long history with them, since fancyHIM were the ones who first discovered FEMM back in 2015, and kept on collaborating. It is truly a “home ground” for FEMM.

This event will feature a number of guest artists who have a close relation with FEMM, such as singer-songwriter Yup'in who worked with FEMM in the group “FAMM'IN," and Micro Mica who co-starred in their Europe tour "FEMM-Isation UK/EU tour 2022,” and “KANNAGI,” who are a vogueing dance duo. As for DJs, UNA + MATCHA, who are famous for spinning at high fashion events and are close performing buddies with FEMM for years. PELI, the designer of ``PAMEO POSE,’’ and UNO FUMI, DJ and fashion press for ``PAMEO POSE.’’ “Wabisabi,” who captivates with music and costumes of various genres. Artists based in “FancyHIM,” are "fancyBOYS", "NAOPIS + TARO" who are also a model and product designer, "CLOUDOM" who is active as a DJ and beauty Youtuber, BCG, who consist of Gwns who actively works to protect the cuteness of orangutans, and ERI KAWAKAMI, a painter. ``SHINTAKA'' from Osaka is also performing.

The last performance outside of Japan will be “Last FEMM-Isation” in London, which will be held on December 16th. This will be an emotional show and will be a must see for sure. They will have special merchandise for the day as well.

Be sure to check out more information about their final Tokyo performance here, along with their music video for ‘We Got Each Other’ below!

"HIMM & FEMM"

Date: December 24, 2023

Venue: BAIA Shibuya

Luna's Ongaku Go for November 2023!

As the autumn leaves of November has passed us by, that means it’s time for this months 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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“Celebrate” by TWICE

When in Japan, I picked up TWICE’s Merry&Happy album and it re-sparked my interest in TWICE and got me to dive down the rabbit hole of listening to all of TWICE’s music. Upon listening to TWICE’s album, Celebrate, which released last year, I became obsessed with the title track ‘Celebrate’, which made it into my rotation instantly. ‘Celebrate’ is a fun song that can work for the holiday season or feel good for your love and happiness. For me, it hit around my anniversary and just seemed to fit with its up beat composition, smooth vocals and harmonies, and its relatable lyrics. ‘Celebrate’ just puts me in a good mood, bringing a smile to my face, especially the chorus as it is super catchy - leaving you singing to it even after the song is over.

Check out ‘Celebrate’ here and the music video below!

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To The Stars by FAKY

FAKY recently announced that they will be disbanding and going their seperate ways in January 2024, which is disappointing but I wish them the best. FAKY is nonetheless disbanding with a bang as it’s been a good year musically for them. They just dropped their newest and probably last release, Departure, on November 10th, which contains one of my favorite tracks by them called ‘To The Stars’. Despite ‘To The Stars’ having a more up beat, dance like composition that gives off a reminesence of J Soul Brothers, the emotion I can hear in their vocals resonated with me. Upon listening to ‘To The Stars’, I can hear the power in their voices deliver a meaningful and emotional message that hits on all levels for me. ‘To The Stars’ instantly made it in my top 5 favorite FAKY tracks and is slowly moving its way up to the top.

Check out ‘To The Stars’ here and the audio video below.

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Our Way by Sincere

Sincere just released her newest EP titled When was that at the end of September, which was highly anticipated by myself and it did not disappoint. The track ‘Our Way’ easily pushed its way into my usual rotation. ‘Our Way’ is a soulful yet playful track as you can easily hear Sincere’s soulful voice, but the composition is more on the poppy side giving that a fun easily listening song. The lyrics are easily relatable, its easy to sing-a-long too, and gives you a good feeling. It’s a song that really makes you want to celebrate what you have to be grateful for.

Check out ‘Our Way’ here and the music video below!

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What’s going on? by I Don’t Like Mondays & Celina Sharma

IDLMs. just dropped ‘What’s going on?’, a collaboration with Celina Sharma halfway through November and I am already obsessed. This track is the perfect easy listening song with a chill composition that oozes that old school R&B vibe with the perfect combination of vocals to accompany it. IDLMs. leader, Yu shows off his vocal prowess with smooth mellow vocals that match the composition and play to Celina Sharma’s style. The lyrics alone draw you in as anyone can relate to this track and feel it in their soul. ‘What’s going on?’ hits on a major level and gives you those feels you’ve been wanting.

Check out ‘Whats’s going on?’ here and the audio video below!

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NIGHTINGALE by NAQT VANE

When I was in Japan, I was lucky enough to get to see NAQT VANE perform live (and get to meet them). They are absolutely amazing live, with HARUKAZE’s beautiful vocals and Hiroyuki Sawano’s composition that works in tandem with HARUKAZE’s vocals, its the perfect match. ‘NIGHTINGALE’ is a alluring ballad that contains so much power musically, lyrically, and vocally that you feel it on every level. NAQT VANE is an artist that knows how to create a track that will stick with you and ‘NIGHTINGALE’ is another one of those. The other reason I believe ‘NIGHTINGALE’ really got me, it is stands out from all the other tracks they’ve done. NAQT VANE has done slower tracks, but not a ballad like this and it shows how well composed and sung this was.

Check out 'NIGHTINGALE’ here and the music video below!

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See-Saw Returns with First Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Song in 19 Years! “Sarigiwa no Romantics” Chosen as Ending Theme Song for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom

It has been announced that the ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, which will be released in theaters in Japan on January 26, 2024, will be See-Saw’s “Sarigiwa no Romantics.” See-Saw is a unit consisting of Chiaki Ishikawa on vocals and Yuki Kajiura on the keyboard

See-Saw was responsible for two previous theme songs in the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series: “Anna ni Issho Datta no ni” from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002) and “Kimi wa Boku ni Niteiru” from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY (2004). This marks their third project in the series, with approximately 19 years having passed since their last involvement.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom is set in the C.E. (Cosmic Era) and continues the narrative from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, depicting the ongoing conflict between original “Natural” humans and the genetically modified “Coordinators.” This latest installment features a completely new story that takes place in C.E. 75 following the events of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY.

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that “Sarigiwa no Romantics” will be released as a single on January 24, 2024. This single will also include a recording of the surprise performance of “Anna ni Issho Datta no ni” at InuFes 2019, the 10th-anniversary celebration of FlyingDog.

In commemoration of this, the live video of “Anna ni Issho Datta no ni” performed at InuFes will be available for a limited time starting today, located below!

Vicke Blanka Announces First-Ever North American Tour with 10 Dates!

Highly acclaimed artist Vicke Blanka has announced his first-ever headline tour of North America, simply titled ‘Vicke Blanka North American Tour 2024.’  The tour will include a total of 10 shows, launching in Vancouver on January 31st and closing in New York on February 20th.

This year, Vicke Blanka has performed at a number of overseas events, drawing a peak attendance of over 5,000 fans per show.  In May, he played at Jeddah Events Calendar 2023  Anime Village at City Walk in Saudi Arabia, in July he performed at Riminicomix in Italy and at Japan Expo 22nd Impact 2023 in France (as Music Guest of Honor), before returning to Saudi Arabia again in August for Gamers8 Cosplay Cup Supported by WCS.  In December, he will perform at Magnificon Expo 2023 in Poland, and at Manga Barcelona 2023 in Spain.

In addition, his opening theme tunes for the anime series ‘Black Clover’ continue to be ongoing hits: His Season 3 opening theme song “Black Rover” has now been played over 170M times, while his Season 10 opening theme song “Black Catcher” has surpassed 200M plays, ranking in Spotify’s Top 10 chart of songs by Japanese artists played by overseas users for the third consecutive year since 2020.

As Vicke Blanka continues his meteoric rise around the world, it will be exciting to see what kind of performance he brings when he hits stages across North America for the first time.

Tickets are on sale now and located below!

★ Tour information 

Vicke Blanka North American Tour 2024

• Jan 31 (Wed): Vancouver - VOGUE THEATRE (ticket)

• Feb 2 (Fri): Denver - GOTHIC THEATRE (ticket)

• Feb 5 (Mon): San Francisco - GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL (ticket)

• Feb 6 (Tue): Los Angeles - THE BELASCO (ticket)

• Feb 8 (Thu): Dallas - STUDIO AT THE FACTORY (ticket)

• Feb 9 (Fri): Houston – SCOUT BAR (ticket)

• Feb 13 (Tue): Chicago - PARK WEST (ticket)

• Feb 15 (Thu): Toronto – ANNABEL’S (ticket)

• Feb 18 (Sun): Montreal - RIALTO THEATRE (ticket)

• Feb 20 (Tue): New York City - PALLADIUM TIMES SQUARE (ticket)