Luna's Ongaku Go for April 2024!

The spring days of March have arrived, which 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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“Almost 20” by LANA

LANA dropped her 19.5 - EP on March 6th, which I had been anticipating for some time. It already included the hits “99” and “27/7 YOU”, and I fell in love with them instantly. “Almost 20” was a surprising treat as it is a different style than LANA’s usual songs with its dance vibe and obvious 80’s style composition. LANA also shows that she’s no one trick pony as you hear her vocal range more developed in this track versus’ her more hip-hop side. I love hearing “Almost 20” as it shows a different side of LANA that we haven’t quite heard yet.

Check out “Almost 20” by LANA here and the music video below!

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“Picky” by CREAM

I wasn’t expecting CREAM to release another single so soon, “Picky” was a pleasant surprise. “Picky” was written by Minami of CREAM in relation to talking about being “Picky” when choosing her next boyfriend. “Picky” relies heavily on Minami’s vocals more than Staxx-T’s rap, which I love as it’s a personal track for her. Staxx-T’s rap is placed perfectly and gives me some VERBAL (m-flo) vibes with his cadence. The composition is upbeat where you can easily dance to it or just a type of song to enjoy and take in. I’m looking forward to what else CREAM has for us in 2024.

Check out “Picky” here and the music clip below!

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“lonely girl’ by AYANE

AYANE has become a favorite since Ken introduced me to her track “Karappo” last year. AYANE has a smooth voice that fits in both the pop and R&B genres with ease. AYANE’s latest track “lonely girl” immediately caught up ears with its mixture of poppy beats but AYANE brings her sultry vocals that are more fitting to the R&B style. The chorus for “lonely girl” is catchy and addictive, leaving you wanting more. The only turn off is the little bit of auto tuning that is heard in the beginning of the track, however, it can easily be overlooked as it does help with the flow that eases you into this song.

Check out “lonely girl” here and the lyric video below!

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“Reborn” by Nami Tamaki

Its obvious, I’m still on the Gundam SEED kick as Nami Tamai ended up on my OG this month. Nami Tamaki has been a staple in the Gundam SEED franchise with her tracks “Realize”, “Believe”, “Result”, and “Reason”. “Reborn” follows on this same path being used in conjunction with Gundam Freedom and it fits with her other tracks with ease. “Reborn” keeps a similiar composition to her previous tracks with the electronic futuristic style. This track has some See-Saw influence in it as well, whom has also been a staple with the franchise. I love how it feels like a throwback but “Reborn” adds new flavor, especially in the instrumental part of the track, bringing a different feel. Nami Tamaki also shows that her vocals have gained range and matured since her last Gundam SEED franchise songs, which I love hearing the evolution in her music.

Check out “Reborn” here and the music video below!

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“NODO” by Daichi Miura

Daichi Miura just released his newest studio album, titled OVER and first original album since ‘Sphere’ in 2018. “NODO” has released last year as a digital single but somehow I had overlooked it until OVER had released. “NODO” is a very different type of track, the composition is very odd - its hip-hop but has a trap influence. It feels more on the experiental side. Daichi also showcases his rap skills in here in brief instances. He knows how to combine hip-hop, R&B, and pop in his style, making for an interesting listen. “NODO” might be off putting to some as its not your usual type of music you would expect from Daichi, but that is what I personally love about it.

Check out “NODO” here and the music video below!

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Ken's Ongaku Go for April 2024!

As the cherry blossom hit their full bloom 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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Koi ni Ochitara feat sorane and Taku Takahashi. By Airi Suzuki

Honestly, this is one of my favorite songs that has been released in the last year. While I admit I haven’t paid too much attention to Suzuki’s work since her solo debut, but this track brought me back to my high school years. ‘Koi ni Ochitara’ has an absolutely amazing composition, which backs up both Suzuki’s and guest vocalist sorane’s vocals, this song easily becomes a track that I recommend everyone to listen to.

Check out the music video below, along with the song here!

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Roller coaster by SIRUP and SUMIN

After an amazing collaboration back in 2021 with “Keep In Touch”, SIRUP teams up with vocalist SUMIN once again for this release. While this track is a tad more laid back and a slower tempo the the last time they had worked together, ‘Roller Coaster’ brings that summer feel a bit earlier as its been in my ears for the last month. The spotlight vocals this time around makes me appreciate this track even more. I hope this isn’t the last that they will be working together as it feels like a special event each time they do.

Check out the lyric video below, with the song here!

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You’re Young feat Jolene by YOUR SONG IS GOOD

Honestly, this brings me back to Hawaii’s local style of music, with its easy going composition and the laid back feel throughout, I can’t help but just put a smile on my face while I’m listening to this. The saxophone is what really makes this song for me as it brings it together; I’m not sure I would love it as much as I do without it. Joelene's vocals in English also help make this song stand apart from anything in my rotation currently. While this is the last song they’ve released since October, I am looking forward to hearing more by them!

Be sure to check out the lyric video below, along with the track here!

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Tell me? By she said Horny

I came because I was interested in the name, I stayed because I really enjoyed on what I heard. While rock bands like this isn’t too earth shattering, it is the foundation of what they are building off from that really surprised me. Due to this reason, I ended up enjoying my ride with them overall. To me, they are just one breakout single away from making it into the big time. I hope that a breakout single will ultimately culminate into an official album so that I am able to talk about them more in a official capacity such as Music Corner.

Check out the music video below, along with the track here!

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Orange Night by Airflip

While stumbling upon them a couple weeks ago, Airflip made me believe that Pop Punk never died in Japan and I absolutely love that. Bringing back to what I always loved about rock, “Orange Night” brings that energy and urgency which I feel ended up becoming a lost art for our generation. I do hope to continue listening to them throughout the year, however, their last album Echoes will have to keep me company until they drop some new releases.

Check out the music video for Orange Night below, along with the track here!

Survive Said The Prophet Announce Additional East Coast Dates For First American Tour “MAKE / BREAK YOURSELF America Tour”!

International rock band Survive Said The Prophet, have announced three additional East coast dates to the band’s first American Tour, with the title “MAKE / BREAK YOURSELF America Tour”.
Originally scheduled for April, Survive Said the Prophet rescheduled the tour due to visa issues. The band uploaded its latest tour trailer video announcing that the band’s inaugural US tour will visit seven major cities in North America this July, starting at (le) poisson rouge in New York, NY on July 3th, including a stop in Canada at Lee’s Palace Toronto, and concluding at Brick by Brick in San Diego, CA on July 15th.
Formed in Tokyo in 2011, Survive Said The Prophet, also known as “SABAPURO”, is fronted by bilingual vocalist Yosh who had sung for FINAL FANTASY VII Remake. Their eclectic blend of rock, pop, electro, hip hop, and R&B has captivated audiences globally. Featured in numerous popular anime series, their latest single “Paradox” was featured as the opening theme for Vinland Saga Season 2. The band’s hit single “MUKANJYO” was also the opening theme for the first season of the anime series and “found & lost” had been the opening theme of the anime series BANANA FISH.

Tickets are now on sale.  TICKET LINK

ABOUT Survive Said The Prophet

Survive Said The Prophet is an international rock band based in the heart of Tokyo. With western rock as the foundation their sound, the band has incorporated wide range of genres into their music which has crossed them over to be utilized on TV commercials, B-league Basketball theme song, world renounced anime such as Vinland Saga Season 1 & 2, BANANA FISH, and Code Geass.

Since their first single release in 2011, the band has signed with Sony Music put out 6 records and headlined tours that has sold out Shinkiba Studio Coast(2.5KCap) in 2020(Pre Corona). Survive Said The Prophet has also performed at major rock festivals throughout Japan, (KNOTFES, SUMMER SONIC, WARPED TOURJP, ROCKIN JAPAN, etc) and also shared stages with INCUBUS, PARAMORE, HOOBASTANK, The Used, Stand Atlantic, and more.

While keeping their domestic numbers intact, Survive Said The Prophet has always traveled around the globe to perform. From touring to performing at festivals in neighboring Asian countries, the band has even developed a collaborative relationship with Chinese Rock Band Supper Moment and has released the song “To Whom” which led to performing at Hong Kong Coliseum. The band has also toured across UK and is starting to get exposer in North America performing at Anime convention in Key cities such as Toronto, NY and Seattle.

Interview: STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is the sound making project of songwriter/music producer and former rock band OLDCODEX member R·O·N who produces various sound contents and music for varieties of popular Japanese artists and Anime series.

To celebrate the latest release of his single ‘PEACEKEEPER’ which is the opening theme song for “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” Season 3 which you are able to listen to here! We were able to interview R·O·N at Hawaii’s anime convention Kawaii Kon!

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Ken: First of all thank you so much for letting us do this interview, we are fans of what you bring to the Japanese music industry. And congratulations on passing your tenth year in the industry!

RON: Nice to meet you Ken and thank you so much for having me!

K: As this is your first Hawaii convention, are you having fun and is there anything you would like to do while you are here?

RON: Yeah, I’m having a lot of fun so far! I wanted to eat Poke (Raw fish with sauce) and I did!

K: Where did you go to eat Poke, might I ask?

RON: Oh just UberEats haha

K: Honestly, one of my favorite places to eat Poke is nearby at Foodland Farms and I would highly recommend it.  Be sure to have the legendary Poke Bowl which is like Danburi style (Fish and Rice) and is very delish.

RON: The Poke I had was very good, however it was also very spicy.

K: Ah I see, yes, they probably gave you the Spicy Tuna which is a local favorite.

RON: I see!

photo credit by jus. management

K: For your upcoming release ‘PEACEKEEPER’, where did you have the idea to talk about a theme of handling the difficulty of communication.

RON: In regard to the lyrics, I first receive a basic overview of the anime and then I think about how I should express the idea for the song. So it ended up not being so difficult to handle a theme like that.

K: Oh I see, so for a majority of the anisong that you have done, is that the usual thought process?

RON: Yeah, yeah it’s almost exactly like that!

K: Oh I see! Since you have done so many anisong in the past, What would you say is your favorite anisong that you have written/composed?
RON: That is such a difficult question haha. In terms of only STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION songs, I would have to say ‘STORYSEEKER’. It is one of my favorites.

K: I see. How do you curate your set list?

RON: So specifically over the last two or three years. I had done about 10 shows or so, and during those shows I developed about 4 patterns of a specific setlist that I built around.

K: Do you take a different approach when making a setlist Japan versus overseas?

RON: Actually as of right now I’ve only performed once in Japan about three years ago, when I was a part of a band setlist. While overseas it’s usually just me as a one-man, so I would say that is the biggest difference.

…my most cherished memory would have to be when I was able to perform in Germany last year…

K: What would you say is your most Cherished memory in the 10 years you have been active?

RON: Oh my most cherished memory would have to be when I was able to perform in Germany last year, mostly due to the fact that I had lived in Germany when I was in grade school and it was a very memorable experience for me.

photo credit by jus. management

K: When performing, how do you prepare?

RON: I usually try to get into the mindset that I hope that the audience would enjoy the setlist that I’m doing. That is the most important thing for me.

K: Is there a venue that you performed at that you’ll never forget? Also is there a dream venue that you would like to perform at?

RON: It would have to be the Mercury Lounge in New York, as it was the first venue that I had done a solo one-man show at.

I hope to perform in Los Angeles and Torrance, California as I used to live there as well haha.

photo credit by jus. management

K: Who is the one artist you would love to work with in the future?

RON: YOSH the vocalist from the rock band SSTP (Survive Said The Prophet), I really want to make a song with him!

…making music feels natural to me.

K: Do you have a process or certain mind set when creating your songs, if so would you like to share that process?

RON: Not really, making music feels natural to me. So there isn’t really a special mind set that I have to be in when composing songs.

K: Which was your favorite song to write/ compose?

RON: I can’t just pick one, I usually compose and write about 200-250 songs a year so to be able to pick just one, is really difficult. I would have to say every song haha .

K: Which artist would you say is your biggest inspiration?

RON: The rock band Korn ahaha.

K: For international fans, how they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. First do you watch anime, and if so which would you say is your favorite?

RON: Unfortunately, not the recent anime but I used to watch ones like Gundam, Evangelion, Sazae-san, Chibi Mariko-chan. Maybe you might not know the last two haha, but I used to watch Anime.

K: Thank you so much for joining and I look forward to the concert tomorrow (at the time of interview) and enjoy your time in Hawaii!

RON: Yes, Thank you very much, and thank you for having me!

BE:FIRST Unveil Music Video for New Single ‘Masterplan’ – a Fusion of Hip-Hop with a Distinctive ‘Made in Japan’ Flair!

Seven-member dance and vocal ensemble, BE:FIRST, announced the release of their latest single, 'Masterplan' across all digital music streaming platforms

The electrifying track 'Masterplan' saw its initial performance during BE:FIRST's inaugural Tokyo Dome concert, titled BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 ‘Mainstream – Masterplan’. Serving as a sequel to their earlier hits 'Boom Boom Back' and 'Mainstream', the single features compelling Eastern rhythms crafted by producer Ryosuke "Dr.R" Sakai, the creator behind previous challenging numbers for BE:FIRST, such as 'Gifted.', 'BF is...', and 'Mainstream'.

This hip-hop anthem maintains the group's unique musical trajectory, showcasing their impressive artistry and solidifying their signature sound.

 The music video encapsulates the idea that BE:FIRST's astronomical rise since their debut has been anything but coincidental, but instead part of a well-orchestrated "masterplan". Paying homage to the group's past works, the video references the success of their track 'Mainstream', which topped 116 different charts, and the significant achievement of their Tokyo Dome concert.

The result is a thoughtfully curated visual narrative, marking each milestone as a preconceived chapter in BE:FIRST's journey.

The video's concluding image of a massive cherry blossom tree aptly embodies the song's spirit and the quintessential "Made in Japan" aesthetic characteristic of BE:FIRST. A grand cherry tree piercing through concrete symbolizes the band's resilience, with seven sturdy branches representing each member, all adorned with flourishing cherry blossoms. It's a visual masterpiece that merges hip-hop with a distinctive Japanese essence, declaring an impassioned musical statement to offer the world.

Be sure to check out the ‘Masterplan’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the dance performance video for the track below!

 ‘Masterplan’

Lyrics by SKY-HI

Music by Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai, Daisuke Nakamura, and SKY-HI

Produced by SKY-HI, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai

Choreography by SOTA (BE:FIRST) and ReiNa

Total production by SKY-HI (BMSG)