Archive for May, 2010

Miwa Lyric Interview Comments

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Post your comments about our Miwa Lyric Interview and let us know what you thought of her.

“I wanted to be a songwriter, and write songs for big name people, but as I encountered different problems, relating to race, gender, poverty, and life in general, I didn’t find anyone out there who represented me to perform my songs and speak my lyrics.” – Miwa Lyric

And so began a life’s journey into the world of music, poetry and soul searching. Miwa Lyric, born in Los Angeles, has dealt with the issues of Japanese-Americans all her life. Profoundly affected by the works of Tupac Shakur, she took rap as the major instrument in her own self-expression.

So if you are in the mood for some gritty rap about life and death and everything in between (and have no problems with Parental Advisory stickers on your music) come learn the story of the rapper who says: “Light lip gloss, I wear flip flops, I don’t crip walk but I’m still hip hop.”

On May 21, 2010 Miwa Lyric was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Miwa Lyric Interview.

Yui Makino Interview Comments

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Post your comments about our Yui Makino Interview and let us know what you thought of her.

“This song is about girls falling in love. This is a wholly new song for me in a sense that the sound approach is different from songs I’ve performed before.” – Yui Makino

That song would be Fuwa Fuwa♪ from Yui Makino’s first single release on March 3, 2010. Fans of anime might best know Yui Makino for her voice acting on shows such as the “Tsubasa Chronicle” series and her singing theme songs for shows like “Soseino Aquarion”. Gifted with a charming voice for both genres of entertainment, we think Yui Makino is a talent to keep an eye on as she more fully explores the solo musical side of her career.

In June she’ll be returning to Paris to perform at the Japan Expo with additional shows being scheduled for Japan.

On May 21, 2010 Yui Makino was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Yui Makino Interview.

LOUDNESS New Album: King of Pain

Thursday, May 20th, 2010


King of Pain album cover

The grandfathers of Japanese Heavy Metal are back with a new 14 track album. LOUDNESS first formed in 1981.

King of Pain (5-19-2010)

1. Requiem
2. The King Of Pain
3. Power Of Death
4. Death Machine
5. Doodlebug
6. Rule The World
7. Straight Out Of Our Soul
8. Where Am I Going?
9. Emma
10. Naraka
11. Doctor From Hell
12. Hell Fire
13. #666
14. Never Comes

Links:
LOUDNESS official site (Japanese)
LOUDNESS MySpace

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Gurigula Interview Comments

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Post your comments about our Gurigula Interview and let us know what you thought of them.

“Most important things is the melody for Gurigula’s music. First we make a melody and next give it a rhythm and phrase. And last add a gimmick.” – HAL

Gimmick or no, when fashion meets the world of Japanese rock you never know exactly what to expect in the long run. Formed in 2009, the three member rock band Gurigula are taking their shot in a genre of music that boasts both great talent and less-than-inspired processed groups. With a look that is both appealing and distinctive and a sound that impresses we think Gurigula may just have what it takes to play with the big boys.

On May 4, 2010 the members of Gurigula were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Gurigula Interview.

New Vamps Album set for 7-7

Thursday, May 13th, 2010


VAMPS album cover

Vamps will be releasing a new album on July 7th, 2010 featuring the song “DEVIL SIDE”. Limited edition includes a bonus DVD featuring music videos for their single and album songs (subject to change). Vamps is fronted by L’Arc-en-Ciel’s vocalist HYDE and Oblivion Dust’s guitarist K.A.Z.

Order from CD Japan
Order from YesAsia

Links:
VAMPS official site
Vamps MySpace
HYDE official site
K.A.Z. official site

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ar Interview Comments

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Post your comments about our ar Interview and let us know what you thought of them.

“They discovered afterward that “ar” is often used as an abbreviation of such words as “artificial reality,” “Augmented Reality,” “air life,” and that makes them happy about having chosen this name.” – ar

As a name for a Japanese band “ar” probably rises to the top as one of the most improbable we’ve come across. Composed of Atsushi Kubo on vocals, Yoshitaka Fujimoto on bass and Tsubasa Ohta on guitar, this group plays a laidback style of music with a distinctly melancholy mood. Their latest album “LOVE LU LE LO” was released last year through Thistime Records.

So if you’re in the mood for some contemplative tunes come take a listen to the band with the inexplicable name and, should you find yourself in the Nagano area, be sure to check out Atsushi’s club “9k jikan”.

On April 28, 2010 the members of ar were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. ar Interview.