PRESS RELEASE: Mahoshoujo ni naritai Performing at Japan Nite at SXSW!

Dive into a world of fantasy and music with a new Japanese band at SXSW

An up and coming Japanese band, Mahousyoujo-ni-naritai / 魔法少女になり隊 (literally, “Want to be a magical girl”) is performing as part of Japan Nite at SXSW on March 20^th at Elysium in Austin, TX.

More Info @
http://schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_MS30648
http://sxsw.com/music/news/2015/japan-nite-celebrates-20th-anniversary-sxsw-2015

Debut mini album, Boken no syo 1

Mahousyoujo-ni-naritai / 魔法少女になり隊

Mahousyoujo-ni-naritai was formed in 2014 as a five-piece commercial and creative team: KAJI BASIL (vocal), gari (VJ/vocal), MEIJIsan (guitar), UI VITON (gujitar), ADULT YUkun (bass).

The band sounds part metal, punk and EDM, while infusing elements of role-playing games, not only in their songs and lyrics, but also their videos and live performance, having won a prestigious contest for up-and-coming artists hosted by a major Japanese rock magazine merely four months since forming the band, and being invited to perform at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2014. In 2015, they’ve also been tapped to write a song for Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, one of Japan’s most in-demand idol groups.

As a side note, vocalist and magical girl-in-training, KAJI BASIL, was put under a spell by an evil witch, and now travels the world to find a cure for her predicament. In order to preserve her magical powers, she does not speak anytime other than singing, so please keep in mind that she will be unable to answer when spoken to.

Official site:
http://mahousyoujoninaritai.com/
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqtZjrORNih_6RDIzMUXUA

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 7: Pirates Canoe

When I tell you about this band, you're going to think I'm lying.  Pirates Canoe is a Japanese....Americana band.  I know, it confused me, too, but there is no denying their authentic folk sound.  Started in the summer of 2009, this group from the Kansai region of Japan will fool you into thinking they're from the Mississippi Valley with their blend of guitars, fiddles and sweet, southern-twanged vocals.

Band Name:  Pirates Canoe

Members:   

Elizabeth Etta (vocals and guitar)
Sara Kohno (vocals and mandolin) 
Kanoko Keyaki (vocals and fiddle)
Kazuhiko Iwaki (resophonic guitar)
Takashi "Yossie" Yoshioka (percussion)
Jun Taniguchi (bass)

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 6: The fin.

If you're looking for something a little more low-key, The fin. is for you.  Formed in 2012, their first self-released EP, Glowing Red on the Shore, did so well that Hip Land Music gave it a full re-release in March of last year.  They just released their first album in December 2014 and its chillwave sound is sure to please your ears.

Artist Name:   The fin.
Member names: 

Yuto Uchino
Ryosuke Odagaki
Takayasu Taguchi
Kaoru Nakazawa

The Weekly Quickie: VAMPS, Cradle, Destrose, The 3rd Birthday, Greiva, Scapegoat, Kerbera

As if we didn't have enough to look forward to from VAMPS, they recently announced at their VAMPARK FEST performance that they will be joining Nikki Sixx as support for his SIXX:AM Modern Vintage Tour.  The tour will consist of 12 stops starting in April and will take them all over the US.  We've already got the dates and ticketing information up on our Events calendar, so go check them out.  They have also announced that their latest album, BLOODSUCKERS, will get an international release this March.  It releases March 23 in the UK and March 24 in the US and Japan.  The digital release goes up March 25 and preorders have already started, so make sure to get yours.

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 5: ZARAGANI$

 ZARAGANI$ (pronounced ZARAGANI Dollar) is a high-energy girl rock duo that mixes punk, pop and all-out noise into something exciting and purely fun.  This group played at SXSW last year and had the whole crowd dancing.  Check out a clip from the performance as well as the full interview below the break.

Artist Name:   ZARIGANI$

Member name:
Eri(Bass&Vox)

Mizuki(Drums) 

PRESS RELEASE: Eir Aoi Releases Highly Anticipated New Single “GENESIS”

After releasing her hit single “IGNITE” last year, Eir releases her 9^th single, “GENESIS” on February 18^th, which is featured as the ending theme song for the anime series, “ALDNOAH.ZERO” Season 2.  In addition, she is scheduled to make an appearance at Kawaii-Kon in Hawaii from March 27-29!  Listen to Eir’s powerful voice on this latest single to and don't miss your chance to see her in person at Kawaii-Kon 2015!

iTunes              

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eir-aoi/id569938402

Amazon                       

http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Eir-Aoi/dp/B00TCH6CWM/

Aoi Eir Live Information

Kawaii-Kon 2015

Friday to Sunday, March 27-29

Hawaii Convention Center

Info: http://www.kawaii-kon.org

J-rock North Promotions Inc. Presents: UchuSentai: NOIZ At Otafest 2015!!

I am EXCITED!!! UchuSentai: NOIZ will be making their second Canadian appearance this May at Otafest, in Calgary AB! Having seen them at their first Canadian performance I can tell you, BE THERE!!! These guys bring everything to the table, and rock a lot harder than you'd expect. 

Consisting of Angel Voice ANGEL-TAKA; Neo Eccentric Guitar - KOTARO; Hyper Sonic Guitar - MASATO; Super Vibrator - KYO; and Machinegun Beat Grappler - YAMATO, NOIZ combine their unique and influential personalities into both their music and their performance. I promise, you're going to love them!

J-rock North Promotions Inc. Presents: UchuSentai: NOIZ (GalaxyStar Disc) @ Otafest 2015!

Concert Date: Saturday May 16th, 2015

**Doors open 8:00 PM | Concert Starts 8:30 PM 

Otafest 2015

Date: May 15th - 17th, 2015

Website: www.otafest.com

Location: University of Calgary

2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4

UCHUSENTAI :NOIZ are a visual rock band from Japan. Officially created in 1996 by vocalist Angel-Taka and former drummer S@TT-ON. They are best known for their energetic music, extravagant outfits, passionate live shows and on-stage antics. Their music is very eclectic and has many different elements from genres such as punk, pop, metal, hip-hop and electronic music in their sound and thus cannot be properly labeled. Some songs tend to not mix all these sounds together and focus on one or two, while other songs combine all these elements. There are two singers; Angel-Taka as the lead and Masato, who tends to sing in a more harsh/brutal metal way and with hip-hop/rap style vocals. 

They have an extensive background in terms of live performances in Japan, and a growing interest in international shows since their debut abroad in Paris in 2006. As far as North America goes, they played back and forth in LA and Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as a date in Canada in early 2013.

UchuSentai:NOIZ are appearing at Otafest in association with GalaxyStar Disc and J-rock North Promotions Inc. 

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 4: QUORUM

Like a blast from the past, QUORUM comes at you with vintage rock sound straight out of the 70's.  Despite their young age (the group states an average age of 22), these guys list such old school rock greats as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zepplin as their greatest influences and it shows with their bluesy guitar riffs and melodic vocals.  Classic rock with a modern edge, this is a group that is sure to steal the show.  Check them out below the break.

Member Name :
Shintaro Namioka (vo)
Yuta Kitagawa (gt)
Yukito Bonkobara (ba)
Kenjiro Namioka (dr)

Band Name:
QUORUM

Infuzzion Episode 7: Special 3 Hour Episode Airing February 21st!

W00T!

What better way to blast through the month of February than with a special 3 HOUR edition of Infuzzion! 

What's got us so excited? Aside from our usual dose of news, features and new releases, the staff of Project: Lixx have hand picked some of their favorite love songs....or not so love songs for the month of February. 

AND!

We have a special focus on the awesome bands of Japan Nite! 10 fantastic bands will be making their way to the 20th Anniversary of Japan Nite at SXSW 2015!! As well as a tour through the US thereafter. Not all bands play every date, but you can catch them ALL on this episode of Infuzzion! 

So set the date, tell all your friends, and don't forget our monthly giveaways! But you have to tune in to get them ;)

Saturday February 21st, 2015

9PM EST (GMT - 5)

Tune in HERE!

Chat with us on twitter during the broadcast using #jrockradio!

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 3: TsuShiMaMiRe

TsuShiMaMiRe mixes elements of punk, funk, hip hop, pop and even children's songs to create their own unique and eclectic sound.  This alternative girls rock trio formed in 1998 has never seen a single lineup change and it shows with a groove that's tight as a drum.  Full of charisma and quirk, this is a band you surely don't want to miss.  Find the full interview and tour dates below the break.

Artist Name:   
TsuShiMaMiRe

Member names:
Mari : Vocal and Guitar
Yayoi : Bass and Chorus
Mizue : Drums and Chorus

Fashion Fraction: Taka's Product Recommendation [Basic Makeup Version]

Hello Lixx readers!

It has been awhile since I've brought you a FF article and I do apologize. I have refined my schedule, plotted out articles for the future, and made amends to my poor procrastination habit! Hurray for New Year's Resolutions!

So prepare for every first and third Tuesday from here on out to be your dose of Fashion Fraction here at Lixx!

First Tuesdays are for the Focus On articles as well as all sorts of creative articles such as reports on thrifting, product reviews, and maybe even special video articles!

For the third Tuesdays, I have planned to bring you any and all DIY Projects (Do-It-Yourself), tutorials, and product recommendations. The third Tuesday are also reserved for special articles that may come up in the future.

So for the first FF article of 2015- I'm going to talk about some of my favourite but basic makeup products that I use daily! These products can be found at your basic drug store and are pretty affordable.

The Weekly Quickie: L'arc en ciel, EXILE, Fatima, Zonbi, GYZE, GARNiDELiA, Liplich

Legendary J-rock band L'arc en ciel have announced a live viewing opportunity for their documentary, Over The L'Arc-en-Ciel: DOCUMENTARY FILMS ~WORLD TOUR 2012~, in New York City.  The documentary follows their 14 stop, 20th anniversary tour from March 3 to May 31, 2012.  The viewing will be held March 1 at 3pm at Anthology Film Archives in New York City.  This is one showing only and seating is limited.  They will also be giving away a special gift to the first 50 guests, so show up early!

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 2: BO-PEEP

Don't let the cutesy name fool you, these girls are 100% rock and roll.  Formed in Fukuoka and now based in Tokyo, the trio keep it simple with just one guitar, bass and drums.  God, I miss grunge music and these girls give me just what I need as they hammer out powerful Ramones-style grunge riffs reminiscent of all the dirty rock of the 80's and 90's I used to love.  BO-PEEP are no strangers to these shores, making their debut in the US in 2009 and earning rave reviews for their previous SXSW appearances.  They will be appearing at several stops on the Japan Nite tour, so if you can't make it to SXSW this year, make sure to check the dates below for a show near you.  Find our full interview with BO-PEEP below the break.


Artist Name: BO-PEEP 

 Member names:
・Mika Yoshimura(Vo,Gu)
・Ryoko Nanakano(Dr)
・Yuki Sujaku(Ba)

Dan's Pick "Galneryus"

Another month, another pick!

Galneryus is a power metal band formed in 2001 in OSAKA by guitarist Syu and former vocalist Masahiro "Yama-B" Yamaguchi.

Now comprised of; 

Masatoshi "Sho" Ono: vocals

Syu: guitar

Yuhki: keyboards

Taka: bass

Jun-Ichi: drums

this titan of a band churns out some incredible work. Specifically, my pick for this month is "Angel of Salvation" off of their highest charted album, "Angel of Salvation"

What can I say for this song that it doesn't say for itself? This classically inspired song is a blast of speed and beauty. Syu absolutely shreds!! I love all the mini solos, especially his main solo. It honestly sends shivers down my spine and seems like it won't end! Which I wouldn't be too sad if it didn't. The other members aren't shadowed by Syu's incredible playing, however. Throughout the whole song, the drums are on point and, for lack of a better word, awesome. I can't stop bouncing my leg or trying to mimic the double pedal. One thing that gives this song an extra kick is the classic strings that lace the song, especially in the intro. The vocals are also rad. Sho is super clean and has a great range. I feel like the keys could be a bit higher in the mix, and a bit more dynamic. They don't stand out to me as much as the rest of the instruments. But still brings something nice to the table. 

So enjoy this wondrous piece of power metal! And you should. If you like your metal fast and in your face this song is just for you. And me!!

- Dan

Official website 

Buy their music!

Official Facebook page

Press Release: GARNiDELiA To Perform At Sakura-Con 2015!‏

GARNiDELiA announced as a Music Guest of Honor at Sakura-Con!

GARNiDELiA, a music unit composed of female vocalist MARiA, and music composer, toku, has been announced as a Music Guest of Honor at Sakura-Con.  Sakura-Con will take place from April 3rd to the 5th at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington.

Don’t miss your chance to check out this rising new duo, GARNiDELiA, at their historic first show in the U.S.!

Sakura-Con

Date: Friday to Sunday, April 3-5

Venue: Washington State Convention Center 

Info: http://www.sakuracon.org

Japan Nite Artist Introductions Round 1: moumoon

Japan Nite Tour 2015 will soon be gracing our shores, celebrating their 20th anniversary and bringing with them yet another amazing host of Japanese musicians.  We at Project:  Lixx aim to introduce you to each of them in turn, starting with pop duo, moumoon.  Formed in 2005, the pair have graced Japan with their mellow, melodic sound with well over 20 releases since their inception.  Their latest release, Hello Shooting Star, is available for download and physical purchase February 25.  Japan Nite will mark their first American performance.  Check out our full interview with moumoon below.

Artist Name:
moumoon

Members:

YUKA(Vocal)
MASAKI(Compose,Guiter)

The Weekly Quickie: Hide, Vistlip, NoGod, amber gris, NOCTSCURE, xaa-xaa, HERO

 Legendary guitarist Hide turns 50 this year and, to celebrate, we will be treated with a documentary of his life.  Releasing this summer, 『JUNK STORY』will follow Hide's life and music as well as his continuing influence on music today.  In addition, a special 2015 edition of Hide Alive the Movie, originally released in 2013, will be showing in theaters throughout Japan.  The new version contains exclusive footage never seen before, so be sure to check that out.  Check the homepage for venues and showtimes.

The Weekly Quickie: Sukekiyo, Perfume, ViViD, Crossfaith, X-Japan, Yeti, ONE OK ROCK

Super group Sukekiyo will be holding a one-man performance in Shanghai, China.  The show is part of their national tour, The Unified Field, commemorating the release of their first mini-album, Vitium, and will take place on March 15.

Pre-Order: VYPER Japanese Music Magazine Vol. 004

Pre-Order is up!!

Cover

LUNA SEA 25 Years Special

. Inside .

- LUNA SEA

- WING WORKS

- KAMIJO

- Dir En Grey

- MUCC

- the GazettE

- Ganglion

- MEJIBRAY

- Man With A Mission

And much more!

. Back Cover .

KAMIJO 20 Years Special

Pre-Order here: http://www.japanfm.fr/vyper-jmusic-magazine/vyper-magazine-vol-004/6.html