UDO Artists, Inc. Brings Celebrated Super J-Rock GLAY to U.S. Audiences in San Francisco and Los Angeles

Celebrating fifteen (15) rocking years and with over 56,000,000 sold Singles, CDs, DVDs, Japan’s super rock group GLAY will take the U.S. by storm with concerts in early September at The Fillmore (San Francisco; Sept. 9, 2009) and with two (2) shows in Hollywood at the House of Blues Sunset Strip (Sept. 11 and 12, 2009).

UDO Artists, Inc. is launching the GLAY U.S. TOUR 2009-THE GREAT VACATION, a limited live concert series for all lovers of great radical Japanese rock music.  Don¹t miss GLAY U.S. TOUR 2009-THE GREAT VACATION it is a “MUST ATTEND” event for any J-Rock fan!  Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and Live Nation. More information can be found on the GLAY official website and their official Myspace page .

San Francisco tickets available starting at $45.00/each and Hollywood shows available starting at $37.50/each with special group rates.

GLAY tour dates and performance locations are as follows:

• Wednesday, September 9, 2009; 8:00 PM:
  San Francisco CA:  The Fillmore
• Friday, September 11, 2009; 9:00 PM:
  Hollywood CA: House of Blues Sunset Strip
• Saturday, September 12, 2009; 9:00 PM:
  Hollywood CA:  House of Blues Sunset Strip

About GLAY

Formed in 1988 by two (2) high school friends (TAKURO and TERU), GLAY considered on of the most successful and popular J-Rock bands still today with a total of four (4) band members (TERU-Vocals, TAKURO-Guitar, HISASHI-Guitar and JIRO-Bass).  To date, GLAY, has sold over 56,000,000 Singles, CDs, DVDs and has drawn over seven (7) million concert attendees.

http://electropica.com/animove/index.html

I think the new M.O.V.E. website pretty much rocks in it’s design. Their new album is full of anime cover songs!

It is also being aired on the United Television Broadcasting System (UTB), which is the leading Asian Network in Southern California, reaching 6.2 million homes and 95% of all cable households in Southern California.

JrockRevolution.com and Anime Network teamed up to create the ultimate Jrock video show, featuring a combination of Jrock’s iconic artists along with newer up and coming Visual Kei bands who are getting a lot of buzz throughout the Jrock fan community! Hosted by Xion, from the L.A. based Jrock band VAEIDOS, with Jrock news hosted by JrockRevolution.com’s Ai Aota, Bento Beatbox provides a platform for Jrock and Visual Kei artists to showcase their music videos, along with live concert performances, Jrock news, and interviews.

Finally, the demand from Jrock fans for more access to their favorite bands has become a reality! JrockRevolution.com is proud to be associated with Anime Network and AnimeNetwork.com, which is one of the leading anime sites providing programming schedules, forums and previews of upcoming anime as well as webcasting the new Bento Beatbox program. Stacy Dodson, Vice President of Anime Network, explains the program’s impact on Anime Network, “Anime Network takes its ties with Japanese culture a step further, partnering with JrockRevolution.com to bring viewers the latest music videos from Japan through the hit series Bento Beatbox.”

JrockRevolution.com is the leading Jrock community website outside of Japan featuring exclusive articles, interviews, forums, and several social networking sites promoting and exposing Jrock and Visual Kei. JrockRevolution.com will also be webcasting Bento Beatbox on Anime Corner each month.

Jonathan Platt, Bento Beatbox Producer (along with Neu Bauhaus) and JrockRevolution.com’s founder says “We are proud to be able to provide a TV show featuring the hottest Visual Kei and Jrock artists as well as new and upcoming bands.” Along with the 30-minute program, Bento Beatbox will also feature 10-minute webcast editions on both www.jrockrevolution.com and anime network’s website for fans who do not have access to the television stations. More information about the artists and upcoming shows can be accessed on www.jrockrevolution.com.

Shocking Bloom: American Dreams Filtered through Eastern Themes at Electric Cherry Blossom

Back in 2004, Stephanie Yanez sang “Ningyo Hime” from the popular anime series Chobits as part of a karaoke contest at Southern California’s mega-convention Anime Expo. The performance won her the title AX Idol and a collection of one hundred CDs. Shortly thereafter, anime company Geneon tapped her to sing on the compilation album Anime Karaoke Collection…continue reading at laweekly.com

Liz Ohanesian is a Los Angeles-based journalist covering music, media and club culture. She is a staff writer for Club World and her work regularly appears in such publications as the L.A. Weekly, Razorcake and Outburn. She has written for such publications as Punk Planet, PopMatters, Santa Monica Mirror and others.

Juno Reactor returned to the U.S. for the first time in seven years, and as a J-music fan I simply couldn’t resist the chance to see Sugizo, the “legendary” guitarist from LUNA SEA, in action.

Juno Reactor is an electronica act that specializes in blending genres and breaking down barriers. The “Gods & Monsters” tour is a multi-cultural event that includes composer Ben Watkins; Amapondo; a South African percussive ensemble; as well as ex-Asian Dub Foundation vocalist, Ghetto Priest; American drummer, Greg Ellis; UK vocalist, Tamsyn Alexander and Japanese guitarist Sugizo. Juno Reactor has created, or lent, music for the Matrix, the anime Texhnolyze, as well as other movies, anime and video games.

Sugizo Live at the Metro in Chicago (click image to enlarge)

I have to admit my knowledge of Juno Reactor is sketchy at best, but I was determined to make the best of it in order to watch Sugizo perform. The performance at the Metro was a late night show and was scheduled to begin at ten o’clock P.M. The show started half an hour late with an opening act who weren’t too bad. They were a good warm-up for Juno Reactor and got the crowd rolling.

Juno Reactor came on stage in a blur of smoke and dimmed lights. We were on the opposite side of the stage from Sugizo and I took this opportunity to enjoy Tamsyn Alexander’s wonderful vocals and the overall feel of Amapondo’s percussion.

Sugizo Live (click image to enlarge)

Amapondo was in what I suspect is traditional African dress, and Sugizo was wearing gothic-styled Japanese dress. The music practically flew. After about three songs, we moved to the other side of the stage in order to better see Sugizo’s performance.

Sugizo really is an amazing guitarist, and it was something of a shock to see him pull out his violin, another instrument he performs well with, and perform on that. He really plays to the crowd and drags attention to the larger event at hand. Watching him play against Ben Watkins was stunning.

The show was set up to give spotlight time to each person on stage; and seeing the music change to give way to one instrument was the best part of the show. The feel of the music is what I remember most.

I strongly suggest seeing Juno Reactor at least once in your life – shows like this are so uncommon and worth the price of admission.

SUGIZO will join Ben Watkins and Juno Reactor’s multi-ethnic live show that will break boundaries and open minds with their pulsing, tribal world of sonic awareness.  Besides SUGIZO, the U.S. shows will include Amapondo, a South African percussive ensemble, as well as ex-Asian Dub Foundation vocalist Ghetto Priest, American drummer Greg Ellis and UK vocalist, Tamsyn Alexander.

SUGIZO is one of the founding fathers of the Japanese rock movement. With his band, LUNA SEA, SUGIZO paved the way for generations of bands to follow in a career that has spanned nearly twenty years. LUNA SEA has sold millions of albums worldwide, and is one of Japan’s most influential bands of all time.

Juno Reactor has been in the major forefront of electronic music for over a decade and a half.  In addition to lending their music to a multitude of films, videogames and commercials over the years, as well as being involved in providing the score for movies such as The Matrix, Juno Reactor headlined Japan’s massive Fuji Rock Festival in 2007.

Juno Reactor is a culture clash of sonic cultures that defy the word, “fusion.” Their shows feature incantations, chants, vocals, lighting, mesmerizing visualizations, and raw live action. Video samples of their live performances can be found on the band’s MySpace.

Fuji Rock Festival

The Fuji Rock Festival is arguably Japan’s premier rock festival. This year, there will be more than 200 acts performing on more than 10 stages. Some of the Western acts includes some older artists like The Cure, Beastie Boys, and Iggy & The Stooges as well as more recent artists like Fountains of Wayne, Mika, and Lily Allen. Japanese artists include Shonen Knife, Boom Boom Satellites, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Shinichi Osawa, Kan Mikami, and Shibusa Shirazu Orchestra.

• Dates: July 27-29
• Time: From 11 a.m.
• Venue: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture
• Information: www.fujirockfestival.com (Japanese & English)

Rock In Japan

Rock in Japan is Japan’s largest rock festival for domestic artists and second largest overall. While the other festivals feature camping facilities, this festival is more for day-trippers. Over 100 artists are expected to perform on the four main stages including The Cro-Magnons, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Dragon Ash, Mars Eurythmics, Ai, and Bump of Chicken.

• Dates: Aug. 3-5
• Time: From 10:30 a.m.
• Venue: Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Information: www.rijfes.co.jp (Japanese only)

Summer Sonic

The next weekend will feature Summer Sonic…a two day festival with two venues (Tokyo and Osaka). The artists who perform in Tokyo on day 1 will perform in Osaka on day 2 and vice versa. The Western acts include Cyndi Lauper, Pet Shop Boys, Avril Lavigne, The Black Eyed Peas, and Gwen Sefani. The Japanese acts include The Pillows, Puffy AmiYumi, Remioromen, Kaela Kimura, Yanokami, and Polysics.

• Dates: Aug. 11-12
• Time: From 11 a.m.
• Venues: Chiba Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe in Chiba; Maishima Summer Sonic Osaka Site in Osaka.
• Information: www.summersonic.com (Japanese & English)

Rising Sun Rock Festival

The Rising Sun Rock Festival In Ezo will be held the following weekend. Like Rock in Japan, the Rising Sun Festival features domestic artists. Unlike the other three festivals, the Rising Sun Festival is held on the northern island of Hokkaido while the other three are held on the main island of Honshu. The artists include Tha Blue Herb, Hidefumi Ino, Scoobie Do, The Cornelius Group, Lost in Time, and Ellegarden. Also, there will be some artists who performed at the earlier festivals like The Pillows and Boom Boom Satellites.

• Dates: Aug. 17-18
• Time: From 11 a.m.
• Venue: Ishikari Bay New Port Tarukawa Futoyoko Special Outdoor Stage in Ishikari, Hokkaido.
• Information: http://rsr.wess.co.jp (Japanese only)

Ryukyu Festival

Fans of Okinawan music who are in the Tokyo area in late July can go to the Ryukyu Festival. This annual event showcases traditional island songs to current pop. Featured artists include Misako Oshiro and the group Pasha Club.

• Date: July 29
• Time: From 4 p.m. (rain or shine)
• Venue: Hibiya Yagai Ongakudo (Hibiya Outdoor Amphitheater), Hibiya Park
• Information: mandicompany website (Japanese only)

Since she’s about to launch a new international tour, this is her first involvement with a record label that includes both European and American markets. When asked about how she feels performing in front of so many different people, she believes that music has no borders, so she’s not worried about how people will reactor to her.

One of the journalists asked if she prefers being a model, actress or singer. Ms. Tsuchiya she said that singing is her favorite, because she feels more alive when singing than with anything else. So she really wants to continue singing!

Some of her music inspirations come from western artists, including Queen, Cindi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Nirvana and Hole.

Regarding her unique sense of style, she doesn’t see it as being limiting. Even though it may appear that she is very different than many Japanese people, she sees a lot of diversity – everyone is different, not just her. Plus, things are changing in Japan. The male idea of traditional roles is changing. She feels that once you cross a barrier, things become very open everywhere.

Anna doesn’t have any specific favorite brands that she wears – she actually prefers wearing jeans and a t-shirt. She has worn a lot of expensive apparel throughout her career, but she likes to feel comfortable. She might dress very casually during the day, then really dress up at night to go out. She also appreciates seeing lolita and gothic styles.

For fans who are concerned that Ms. Tsuchiya’s new single may sound more ‘pop style’ than her previous work, she assures everyone that her j-rock roots will stick with her. She doesn’t bring high expectations of herself and enjoys human nature, without any excessive fears.

Her experiences with Japanese and American audiences differ – she said it was amazing to see the American audience suddenly begin dancing on the floor. The feeling is very different than in Japan, where she is popular but doesn’t get the same kind of reaction.

Anime Expo 2007: Anna Tsuchiya Press Panel Part I of II

Anime Expo 2007: Anna Tsuchiya Press Panel Part II of II

Special thanks to Anna Tsuchiya, Mad Pray Records and the press staff at Anime Expo 2007!

Anime Expo

ORESKABAND is an all-female ska band from Osaka, Japan. They have released one full album, in July 2006, titled Ore. They have performed both in Japan and the United States, including the Fuji Rock Festival. Their songs have been featured as the 14th ending theme for the anime Naruto and the 11th ending theme for the anime Bleach. Their name “ore ska band” literally translates to “I’m (a) ska band.” – via Wikipedia

Here’s the set list from the ORESKABAND show!

Anime Expo 2007 J-Rock Concert' class="alignright"/>

1. PANTIME
2. YEAH! Ska Dance
3. THE BOY-S
4. MCooler Society
5. Good Bye Deja vu
6. 20 tips
7. U
8. ALMOND
9. Things I’ve Forgotten
10. Knife & Folk
11. MONKEY MAN
12. PINOCCHIO
13. Chuck
14. ENCORE – Shall we Dance?

Photos by Mayumi Nashida, All Rights Reserved

We weren’t able to make it to the concert, so if you were able to see the show, let us know what you thought!

Also, be sure to check out the ORESKABAND blog: