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[Kurita]

No they're under Victor Entertainment, which is a major label. They're managed by Hip Land Music though.
They did their major debut in 2007. And yeah they're pretty famous, their albums sell really well, they play in big venues (like the Makuhari Messe).
The vocalist also composed two songs for one of Japan's biggest boy bands, SMAP.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

Is JPOP going through some weird "dormant" phase just like Japanese gaming scene is? Yeah, we have Kyari and Perfume and they're both fun, but the whole scene/market used to seem so much more varied and vibrant. What happened to DAI, ELT, Ai Otsuka, Hitomi, Tsukiko Amano, Porno Graffiti, Kokia, Hitomi Yaida, Olivia Lufkin and the rest? Ayu's still around, but I feel like she hasn't really been herself since Memorial Address. Gackt hasn't really done anything interesting recently. Koda's hanging on but she's always been more disposable pop, which is fine.

Only one I could think of that's still going strong and putting out cool stuff is Shiina Ringo.

Not saying there aren't any good new acts, but it just feels like the market has become a lot more barren. (And just full of Idol groups.)

It's really interesting to see how things have shrunk both on the gaming and pop side of things.

(Also, cannot wait for Hikki to end her Haitus. Sakura Nagashi was stunningly beautiful.)

 

[Kurita]

Porno Graffiti are still active, they released like 3 or 4 singles this year.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

Porno Graffiti are still active, they released like 3 or 4 singles this year.

Whaaat! Totally missed that. Will have to go and check it out. But yeah, aside from them, am I the only one that feels like the JPOP market's kinda retracted on itself?

 

[Aizo]

Whaaat! Totally missed that. Will have to go and check it out. But yeah, aside from them, am I the only one that feels like the JPOP market's kinda retracted on itself?

I'm pretty confused about what you mean. The same thing happens in every single music market in the world, I think. Some bands/artists stop recording as much. You may feel that it's more barren just because you don't want to (I'm guessing) listen to Idol music. There are many things outside of that for popular music. Just check Japanese music sales charts.

 

[Larsa]

Aah, new Sakanaction is great.

butts

 

[Kurita]

A pretty busy first quarter is coming. RIP all that Christmas money

 

[Aizo]

butts

 

[Larsa]

Final Fantasy stole my internet name.

Been listening to the debut album by Charisma.com a bunch this week. I love it, just really fun and enjoyable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffH_Mp74xh4

 

[Kurita]

Listened to Kazuyoshi Saito's Seishun Blues while working today, good lord that was awesome.
Don't know how I missed that guy during all these years. Dude's been around for 20 years and I only discovered him a few days ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBQ9F7JYqT4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf9xQmt8WrU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMBfGKJ7tJQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q9QZHFZVuQ

He released two albums this year, I need to listen to them ASAP, as well as his older works.

Since I'm here, I also discovered Nakada Yuji. So fucking good. Midnight Flyer is insane.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-UAgapAjSs

 

[Aizo]

I made a new friend tonight!

Spoiler

Taku, the singer of Nothing's Carved in Stone.

Super friendly guy! Surprisingly, he really love Shoegaze.

 

[bowery]

seiho is da bomb

 

[Kurita]

I made a new friend tonight!

Spoiler

Taku, the singer of Nothing's Carved in Stone.

Super friendly guy! Surprisingly, he really love Shoegaze.

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN
You have no idea how jealous I am right now. :'( Taku is my number 2 favorite Japanese vocalist.

 

[Aizo]

I met him in a hookah bar and talked to him about music for a long time. He's really nice. He even put me on the guest list for a show in January. Hopefully, when you come to Japan, I can introduce you! ^^

He also said he is friends with all the members in winnie (which is one of my very favorite Japanese bands), so he'll introduce me. I'm gonna cry.

Edit: I was also surprised that he doesn't speak much English.

 

[Kurita]

Well, his English pronunciation is really good but I think the guitarist is writing the lyrics.
So lucky *sigh*

 

[Kurita]

androp's new album in March.
https://twitter.com/androp_official/status/417671648385306624
You can listen to one of the new songs here
http://www.androp.jp/period/

Can't wait, the singles Voice and Missing were fantastic. one and zero released in 2012 was one of my AOTYs.

 

[Kansoku]

androp's new album in March.
https://twitter.com/androp_official/status/417671648385306624
You can listen to one of the new songs here
http://www.androp.jp/period/

Can't wait, the singles Voice and Missing were fantastic. one and zero released in 2012 was one of my AOTYs.

Oh God YES

 

[SolidSnakex]

Well, we're about to see how strong AKB really is because their most popular member (and my favorite) Yuko just announced her graduation. She'll probably be doing her final performance in March at the National Olympic Stadium. :/ They survived Acchan leaving, but not having her and Yuko will be their biggest challenge to overcome.

 

[Peru]

If they can put out more national crowd pleaser phenomenons like 'Fortune Cookie' they should find a new high, but their subsequent singles have not promised much in that regard.

 

[SolidSnakex]

They tend to have one of those once a year. Heavy Rotation (2010), Everyday, Katyusha and Flying Get (2011), and Manatsu no Sounds Good (2012). So, they should be good in that area. It's probably time for them to stop dicking around and actually start pushing Mayuyu.

 

[Peru]

KFC did something slightly different tho in the way it got people covering it, flash mobbing to it, youtubing it regardless of age and usual preference. Obv Oricon sales will not be a problem in the immediate future as proven by the solid sales of mediocre fall releases.

 

[Desmond]

Just came in to see if Yuko would be discussed. Glad it is. I figured she would graduate soon but I assumed KojiHaru would announce hers first

They tend to have one of those once a year. Heavy Rotation (2010), Everyday, Katyusha and Flying Get (2011), and Manatsu no Sounds Good (2012). So, they should be good in that area. It's probably time for them to stop dicking around and actually start pushing Mayuyu.

She's not my favourite, but Mayuyu would be a good push. As long as they don't push Paruru or Jurina any more.

 

[SolidSnakex]

She's not my favourite, but Mayuyu would be a good push. As long as they don't push Paruru or Jurina any more.

They really need to just leave Jurina alone and let her concentrate more in SKE. They're going to burn her out before she even turns 18. I can't even count how many times she's had to take time off because she's been sick. And it's no surprise with her bouncing back and forth between AKB and SKE all the time. She seems to have no off time.

Mayuyu, Yukirin, and Yuihan should be the three that they lean on at the moment. They seem to be position Annin, Paruru, and Ricchan for the future which is fine (and expected).

 

[Peru]

Sasshi now wins next election on walkover.

 

[faridmon]

The new Tamurapan album, while its good, lost all its Avant-garde and quirky elements to a more regular, run-of-the-mile Jpop music.

I like it, but as much as Mitaina and New World

Oh, man! I found a new Shoegazey, New Wavey band!!!!! The Florist is made up of members from a few bands, most of which I do not know. Awesome song. Ahhhh. Now I can sleep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx-PFkz5Kxs

NIce!

 

[Kurita]

New MAN WITH A MISSION album in March. (｢ﾟД&#65439｢
http://ro69.jp/news/detail/95006?rtw
(｢ﾟД&#65439｢

 

[Desmond]

They really need to just leave Jurina alone and let her concentrate more in SKE. They're going to burn her out before she even turns 18. I can't even count how many times she's had to take time off because she's been sick. And it's no surprise with her bouncing back and forth between AKB and SKE all the time. She seems to have no off time.

Mayuyu, Yukirin, and Yuihan should be the three that they lean on at the moment. They seem to be position Annin, Paruru, and Ricchan for the future which is fine (and expected).

Exactly, Jurina needs to be left to SKE for the most part.

Hmm, I feel like Yukirin will graduate soon too. Maybe she'll wait to she how she does in next years elections.

I'd love to see Takamina (or Miichan, unlikely ) centre a single.


I wonder who'll lead team K when Yuko goes? I'll admit they're the team I know least about. Maybe if I look up the members I'll recognise some but off the top of my head I only no Kitahara Rie.

 

[SolidSnakex]

Sasshi now wins next election on walkover.

I'm not so sure that she'll runaway with it. There are a lot of theories as to why she got such a big bump (she went from 67k votes to 150k votes). Many feel that there were some fans that did it to prevent Yuko from being the first member to win in consecutive years.

Hmm, I feel like Yukirin will graduate soon too. Maybe she'll wait to she how she does in next years elections.

I think the main thing that could keep Yukirin around is that she's actually living her dream. She wants to be an idol/singer, so she's doing that in the biggest group in the industry. So, she may stick around for another year or so before she breaks off and goes solo.

I'd love to see Takamina (or Miichan, unlikely ) centre a single.

They're slowly started to work Miichan back into the senbatsu. I think that both may be able to be centers at one point. Almost certainly with Takamina before she graduates (perhaps even for the single after she announces her graduation).

I wonder who'll lead team K when Yuko goes? I'll admit they're the team I know least about. Maybe if I look up the members I'll recognise some but off the top of my head I only no Kitahara Rie.

Team K is the team that Jurina has a concurrent position in, so we'll see just how much management wants to push her. Many feel that they already want her to be the face of AKB, so pulling the trigger on making her K's captain would be the final sign of how serious they are.

They've been bleeding talent while the other teams have been rebuilt. Since 2012 they've lost Yuka, Tomochin, and Sayaka and now Amina and Yuko are scheduled to graduate. Sae is still technically on the team, but she spends most of her time with SNH48 now. And the two main players in Team 4 (Naachan and KojiMako) are probably headed to A and B. Rie is the only really popular member after Yuko. Tomu and Abemaru are the only two that may be able to break out. So, i'm not sure what they're going to do with that team.

 

[Desmond]

I'm not so sure that she'll runaway with it. There are a lot of theories as to why she got such a big bump (she went from 67k votes to 150k votes). Many feel that there were some fans that did it to prevent Yuko from being the first member to win in consecutive years.



I think the main thing that could keep Yukirin around is that she's actually living her dream. She wants to be an idol/singer, so she's doing that in the biggest group in the industry. So, she may stick around for another year or so before she breaks off and goes solo.



They're slowly started to work Miichan back into the senbatsu. I think that both may be able to be centers at one point. Almost certainly with Takamina before she graduates (perhaps even for the single after she announces her graduation).



Team K is the team that Jurina has a concurrent position in, so we'll see just how much management wants to push her. Many feel that they already want her to be the face of AKB, so pulling the trigger on making her K's captain would be the final sign of how serious they are.

They've been bleeding talent while the other teams have been rebuilt. Since 2012 they've lost Yuka, Tomochin, and Sayaka and now Amina and Yuko are scheduled to graduate. Sae is still technically on the team, but she spends most of her time with SNH48 now. And the two main players in Team 4 (Naachan and KojiMako) are probably headed to A and B. Rie is the only really popular member after Yuko. Tomu and Abemaru are the only two that may be able to break out. So, i'm not sure what they're going to do with that team.

Hmm, would it not belittle the sister groups (even further) if Jurina were to become the captain. It would make it seem like the sister groups are just training grounds to be promoted from.

Also, when is the next single scheduled to release? I wonder who will center it, I was thinking Mayuyu, but they may opt for Yuko, graduation date depending.

 

[SolidSnakex]

The next single should be in February. And yeah, Yuko is a lock for center since she'll probably graduate in March. But it could be a double center with whoever they see as her successor. That's what they did with Mayuyu and Acchan for Manatsu no Sounds Good.

As far as Jurina goes, it would certainly piss people off. And of course it wouldn't be good for her due to how she's already frequently unhealthy. But them naming her as the captain is probably an outside possibility. Kitarie is probably the front runner followed by Mocchi and Mariyagi. That's unless they decide to do another shuffle and move some of the more popular members into K (also probably unlikely).

 

[Larsa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne8p6-LIahU

It warms the heart to see that someone cares about Shinsei Kamattechan's miniscule international fanbase. So good, seriously my favorite band by far. Next step, world domination.

They also announced that they plan to release a DVD, three singles and a new album next year. Feels good.

 

[zeopower6]

Is JPOP going through some weird "dormant" phase just like Japanese gaming scene is? Yeah, we have Kyari and Perfume and they're both fun, but the whole scene/market used to seem so much more varied and vibrant. What happened to DAI, ELT, Ai Otsuka, Hitomi, Tsukiko Amano, Porno Graffiti, Kokia, Hitomi Yaida, Olivia Lufkin and the rest? Ayu's still around, but I feel like she hasn't really been herself since Memorial Address. Gackt hasn't really done anything interesting recently. Koda's hanging on but she's always been more disposable pop, which is fine.

Only one I could think of that's still going strong and putting out cool stuff is Shiina Ringo.

Most of those groups just lack a super strong presence. DAI is around, they just did Very Best of DAI but Banchan got married/pregnant. ELT is around and Mocchi went solo for a few albums. Ai Otsuka is still around too, but she had a looong hiatus but is pretty much irrelevant now. hitomi had Moebius but that only sold like 500 copies.

A LOT of people are still around but a lot of groups are also disbanding and shit.

With Ayu, it appears that she is still herself, it's just that she's really changed her outlook on life and as a result, the way her music is presented and created is way different. Her last 'amazing' album for fans is Love songs, I think. Also maybe Rock'n'Roll Circus. The tour for Rock'n'Roll Circus was faaannntastttiiic.

Discovered a great artist, Yonezu Kenshi . He's a former vocaloid producer and started to do songs with his own voice a couple of years ago. He made his major debut this year. He has a quite original universe and his songs are really fun to listen to. His 2012 album, diorama is a gem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PqxOytUjz0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCIJJ2Rb368
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUDI2x5Y0Wo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Tun8O-Tjk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR54fHpcxEQ

Also, new KANA-BOON single this February, hyyyyype! The title song is said to be "pure" and "positive". Can't wait!

Yeah... hachi is a biiiiiiiiiiiiig deal. I kinda saw him and wowaka at AX, lol.

 

[Aizo]

I didn't realize that Arashi had been around for 15 years. That is pretty impressive.

 

[Kurita]

I didn't realize that Arashi had been around for 15 years. That is pretty impressive.

And I only realized this year that I like them.
Mindless boy band at its finest, love these guys, so many great, catchy (and corny) songs.
The only idols I like are Arashi and Kanjani8 (well, and Atsuko Maeda I guess).

 

[Kurita]

FFFFFF'YEEEEEES, new the HIATUS album in March.
https://twitter.com/theHIATUS_offic/status/418408837750607875

3 years since the previous album, god damn, I can't breathe halp
2014 is already an amazing year.

 

[Zoe]

Is JPOP going through some weird "dormant" phase just like Japanese gaming scene is? Yeah, we have Kyari and Perfume and they're both fun, but the whole scene/market used to seem so much more varied and vibrant. What happened to DAI, ELT, Ai Otsuka, Hitomi, Tsukiko Amano, Porno Graffiti, Kokia, Hitomi Yaida, Olivia Lufkin and the rest? Ayu's still around, but I feel like she hasn't really been herself since Memorial Address. Gackt hasn't really done anything interesting recently. Koda's hanging on but she's always been more disposable pop, which is fine.

It's funny you mention Olivia when she's never been a major player.

Namie is still going strong. Aikawa Nanase's been working on a new single. Kahala Tomomi had a comeback last year. MAX had a comeback. Morning Musume had a comeback. The Brilliant Green lives on as Tommy Heavenly. Kuraki Mai never went away. DA PUMP is working on coming back (though they're no longer recognizable). SPEED might be coming back.

Just off the top of my head.

 

[Kansoku]

Just discovered a new band, aquarifa. They released theirs first mini album on 2012 (and that was recommended by a 9mm Parabellum Bullet member acording to their site) and their second mini album last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ev_ozagUvE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pncd-WkrrXI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDLDrEMXLqk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDhWe5mCrs

 

[SolidSnakex]

It's funny you mention Olivia when she's never been a major player.

Namie is still going strong. Aikawa Nanase's been working on a new single. Kahala Tomomi had a comeback last year. MAX had a comeback. Morning Musume had a comeback. The Brilliant Green lives on as Tommy Heavenly. Kuraki Mai never went away. DA PUMP is working on coming back (though they're no longer recognizable). SPEED might be coming back.

Just off the top of my head.

Plus, there are still some good new artists coming out. Ieiri Leo is new and she's every bit as good (if not better) than many of the artists on ZombiePlatypus' list

http://en.musicplayon.com/play?v=487081

 

[Shiina]

Just discovered a new band, aquarifa. They released theirs first mini album on 2012 (and that was recommended by a 9mm Parabellum Bullet member acording to their site) and their second mini album last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ev_ozagUvE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pncd-WkrrXI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDLDrEMXLqk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDhWe5mCrs

Good stuff, thanks.

 

[zeopower6]

It's funny you mention Olivia when she's never been a major player.

Namie is still going strong. Aikawa Nanase's been working on a new single. Kahala Tomomi had a comeback last year. MAX had a comeback. Morning Musume had a comeback. The Brilliant Green lives on as Tommy Heavenly. Kuraki Mai never went away. DA PUMP is working on coming back (though they're no longer recognizable). SPEED might be coming back.

Just off the top of my head.

I think to the west, OLIVIA was a big deal, lol. But Japan never really thought of her as very good, tbh.

Namie's probably not gonna stop unless maybe she decides to retire at some point. I could see her and Ayu performing well into their 40s onward.

MoMusu having that resurgence is weird especially when like... EVERYONE EXCEPT SAYU is gone.

Japan seems to have issues with accepting new solo artists. Groups seem to do okay but when it comes to soloists, they don't give two shits unless they are promoted pretty heavily. :/

 

[Aizo]

I find a lot of songs on the new 80kidz album, 80:XX 01x02x03x04, to be literally difficult for me to listen to. Like the car horn in Capsule's 12345678, I find many of these songs quite annoying. There is too much repetition and really out of place sounds. This is hard for me to write since 80kidz is one of my favorite Electronic groups... Bring back the real Electro-House!

Now this doesn't mean I dislike everything. Tracks like Beater are kinda fun, but there isn't much here for me to dig.

 

[Kurita]

I didn't like this compilation at all. I hope the next album will be closer to their previous works.

 

[Aizo]

I feel the very same.

 

[Aizo]

I was pretty excited to listen to Golden Bomber's new single since they haven't done new stuff in a while...

One of the songs is called "It's a gay world."
The lyrics are just full of homosexual stereotypes... instrumentally, it's a pretty good song, though...

 

[Zoe]

MoMusu having that resurgence is weird especially when like... EVERYONE EXCEPT SAYU is gone.

But you know, I completely lost interest from about Tsuji/Kago's departure up until around Takahashi's departure. They're not the same group, but I really like what they are now.

 

[Kurita]

So I managed to choose my 30 favorite releases of 2013. It's not a ranking, this way there's less pressure :lol
http://lekurita.tumblr.com/post/72102033172/2013-30-japanese-discs-it-was-a-pretty-amazing

 

[Peru]

My 2013 summary

1. tricot - THE
2. the rest of the good albums

 

[Kansoku]

My 2013 summary

1. tricot - THE
2. the rest of the good albums

This guy knows whats up.

 

[Aizo]

New white white sisters trailer for their first album!! I'm excited.

What were everyone's favorite electronic albums of 2013?
Does anyone listen to a lot of Japanese DJs?

 

[Kunagisa]

Anyone know if Kuroishi Hitomi is still working in some form?

2013 went by and ユビキリ from 龍 -RYO- was not released, I just want to hear the complete song ...