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Fresh and New Everytime: The Music of Creepy Nuts
Hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts delivers a high-energy show filled with multi-genre hits. We had the privilege of sitting down with them for a quick conversation about their writing process and inspirations.
― Hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts performed earlier this year at Anime NYC, delivering a high-energy show filled with multi-genre hits. Made up of DJ Matsunaga and rapper R-Shitei, the setlist included many of ...
VTuber Mori Calliope Shares Her Favorite Suicide Squad Isekai Characters
Hololive's Mori Calliope, long known for her rapping and a game-streaming grim reaper, was brought on board to perform "Go-Getters," the Suicide Squad ISEKAI's ending.
― Hololive's Mori Calliope, long known for her rapping as well as being a game-streaming grim reaper, was recently brought onboard by Warner Bros. to perform "Go-Getters," the new song featured in Suicide Squad Isekai's ending. We caug...
Interview: From Singing Naruto to Inspiring Bocchi the Rock!, 20 Years of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
In just twenty years, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION has gone from singing for anime to inspiring its characters.
― In 2003, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION exploded into the anime scene with “Haruka Kanata,” the second theme song for the popular Naruto anime. The crunchy guitar riffs and raw vocals brought an alt-rock sensibility rare for anime theme songs. The next year, fans of big action-driven shonen series ...
Pop Star Crystal Kay on Singing Anime Songs and Growing Up Mixed-Race in Japan
Crystal Kay previously sang themes for 2004's Fullmetal Alchemist and Nodame Cantabile
― Recently, Anime News Network was able to sit down with singer-songwriter Crystal Kay and talk about not only her involvement with anime over the years but also what it was like to grow up in Japan as the child of a Korean-Japanese mother and an African-American father. Anime fans likely know of Crystal Kay throug...
Interview: JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa Talks About Composing Songs for Junji Ito and Banished From the Hero's Party
Daijirō Nakagawa talks about his band, their evolution, and what it's like to compose anime theme songs.
― If you've seen either of the Junji Ito anthology anime or either season of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, you've heard the music of JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa. Recently, Anime News Network sat down with him to talk about his band, their evolutio...
Yoshiki Gives Heartfelt Performance at Hollywood Unveiling Ceremony
Rock star and X Japan member is the first Japanese artist in almost 100 years to add handprints to Chinese Theatre.
―
Famed rock star, Yoshiki, revealed the permanent location of his imprints in front of Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatre. As the first Japanese artist to be honored by the theater since the start of the tradition in 1927, he shared how grateful he is to be a part of this prestigious mom...
Living as a Real Life “Hannah Montana” – An Interview with Virtual Singer KAF
KAF is one of the most popular virtual singers in Japan. Ahead of her upcoming concerts next month, we talked about what it's like to live with a secret identity.
― KAF is one of the most popular virtual singers in Japan. Several of her songs have become Top 40 downloaded hits (along with two of her albums breaking the Oricon Digital Top 10) and she's even sold out the Nippon Budokan (the Japanese eq...
J-Rock Star Yoshiki Talks About His Past and Future in London
The X Japan and The Last Rockstars singer made his directorial debut with the YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY music documentary.
― On September 11, rock star Yoshiki appeared in London to accompany a screening of his directorial debut and feature film Yoshiki: Under The Sky. The movie collects his recent musical collaborations with artists around the world, with the seasoned performer mainly at the seat of hi...
BURNOUT SYNDROMES Talk About Writing and Singing Anime Theme Songs
The hit-making band discusses their tracks from Dr. Stone and what anime they hope to create songs for in the future.
― Fans of Haikyuu!!, Dr. Stone, and Gintama are most likely already familiar with BURNOUT SYNDROMES through their anime theme songs. With the recent release of their new album, The WORLD is Mine, Anime News Network was able to sit down with all three members of the band—guitarist and ...
MAN WITH A MISSION Talks New Demon Slayer Season, Upcoming International Tour
MAN WITH A MISSION's Jean-Ken Johnny gushes to ANN about the theme songs in the newest Demon Slayer season, plus the band's upcoming international tour.
― You can always count on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba theme songs to grab your attention. The opening and theme songs of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc feature a team-up between two top artists in Japan: rock band Man With a...
This Week in Anime - The Best OPs and EDs This Season
Our columnists share their favorite new OPs and EDs this season, from Magical Destroyers to G-Witch season 2. Which themes tickled your fancy?
― Our columnists share their favorite new OPs and EDs this season, from Magical Destroyers to G-Witch season 2. Which themes tickled your fancy? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News N...
Meet the Artist of Chainsaw Man Episode 11's ED
Chainsaw Man has brought in a different high-profile artist for each episode's ending theme. Avu-chan from Queen Bee gave us some insight into their experience working on this ambitious anime project as the artist of the ending theme, "Violence."
― Formed in 2009, Queen Bee is a self-described "Fashion Punk" rock band. They are steadily increasing their presence in the anime sphere, performing theme ...
Interview: STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION
Seasoned musician R.O.N discusses his music writing approach and how an international background helped diversify his compositions.
― I first came across the artist Stereo Dive Foundation through their performance of “Daisy,” the ending song for the Kyoto Animation anime Beyond the Boundary. I had no idea at the time that this would become one of the first songs written by a seasoned solo artist perf...
Interview: Music Composer Shiro SAGISU on Returning to BLEACH
Shiro SAGISU shares the anime's most memorable track and it was like to revisit it for Thousand-Year Blood War.
― Bleach is back, and it's better than ever. To mark the release of the final arch of the anime series BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, Milan Records has released eight soundtracks from the anime series and films on digital platforms. We also had the opportunity to speak with music composer...
Behind the Vocals of Kaguya-sama's Iconic OPs: Interview with Masayuki Suzuki
It's hard to imagine the Kaguya-sama: Love is War anime without Masayuki Suzuki's powerful vocals in the opening theme songs.
― It's hard to imagine the Kaguya-sama: Love Is War anime without Masayuki Suzuki's powerful vocals in the opening theme songs. Suzuki lent us some time out of his busy schedule to comment on his work for the anime's third season, Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic-. Wha...
Rocking Out with Japanese Punk Band Wienners
The Digimon Ghost Game opening band is relatively new to anisong, but Wienners have been delivering their unique brand of punk rock and electronica fusion since 2009.
― If you've watched Digimon Ghost Game, you've heard the high energy, horror-rock opening theme “Faction” by Wienners. But while they're relatively new to anisong, Wienners have been delivering their unique brand of punk rock and electr...
Crunchyroll Expo 2022 - Burnout Syndromes Interview
Composing songs for popular series such as Haikyuu!!, Dr. Stone, and Gintama, Burnout Syndromes held their first performance in the United States at Crunchyroll Expo.
― Formed in 2005, Burnout Syndromes have a long and successful discography under their belt. Composing songs for popular series such as Haikyuu!!, Dr. Stone, and Gintama, the trio infuse musical genres together with emotional lyrics. Ka...
Interview: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Composer Akira Senju
Anime News Network had the opportunity to talk to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's composer Akira Senju about the process behind creating the soundtrack to the massively popular anime series.
― Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has cemented its status as one of the most beloved and well-known anime fantasy epics to date, and the evocative music that accompanies its memorable scenes is undoubtedly an...
Interview: Sword Art Online: Alicization Singer ASCA
Now in her fifth year performing, ASCA spoke with Anime News Network about her career, working with T.M. Revolution, and who she'd like to collaborate with next.
― ASCA, also known as Asuka Okura, has performed songs from anime including Fate/Apocrypha, Sword Art Online: Alicization, and The Irregular at Magic High School. She's been waiting over two years to bring her high-energy live performance in...
How Composer MAYUKO Created Ranking of Kings' Fantasy-Infused Score
We sat down with MAYUKO to discuss how she brought magic to the score of Wit Studio's Ranking of Kings, from crashing cathedral bells to lilting sopranino recorders.
― Writer, composer, arranger and singer, MAYUKO has been performing as a singer-songwriter since she was a student. As a composer, she created music for the drama The Full-Time Wife Escapist, the anime Cells at Work! and her latest sound...
The Executioner and Her Way of Life Theme Song Band Mili
Anime News Network had the opportunity to interview the group's lead vocalist Cassie Wei about the band's unique sound, her anime and manga recommendations, and the upcoming series.
― International indie rockers Mili made their anisong debut in the 2016 series Bloodivores and have since gone on to contribute themes for Goblin Slayer, Gleipnir, amd Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045. The group's newest song...
JYOCHO's Let's Promise to Be Happy Album
Nick Dupree checks out the newest album from the band behind the ending theme in the Banished from the Heroes' Party anime series.
― JYOCHO first caught my ear last year when their single, “All The Same” was used as
the ending theme to Banished From The Hero's Party. It was a sedate, yet intricately
instrumented track that perfectly captured the idyllic, contented vibes of that story almost
better th...
Attack on Titan The Final Season Opening Band SiM
Straight from Shonan, Japan, the band SiM claimed the spotlight with the release of their Billboard chart-topping single "The Rumbling." Anime News Network spoke with the band about their newest song that's taking the anime world by storm.
― Straight from Shonan, Japan, the band SiM claimed the spotlight with the release of their Billboard chart-topping single "The Rumbling." The song introduced scor...
BELLE Lead Composer Taisei Iwasaki
ANN's Richard Eisenbeis had the opportunity to talk with Lead Composer Taisei Iwasaki about the process of creating the music that is so central to BELLE's narrative and themes.
― It is perhaps an understatement to say that music is an important component to Mamoru Hosoda's latest film BELLE; after all, BELLE revolves around a grief-stricken girl named Suzu who finds shelter and salvation by creating...
Interview: The Heike Story Music Composer Kensuke Ushio
Composer kensuke ushio, who has collaborated before with director Naoko Yamada on critically-acclaimed films such as A Silent Voice and Liz and the Blue Bird, talks about the challenges behind creating the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.
― Based on a work of classical Japanese literature of the same name, The Heike Story anime tells the story of the fall of the Heike clan through the point of view o...
Interview: Naruto Series Composer Yasuharu Takanashi
Naruto is a legendary anime, but without a doubt, the music helped catapult it to success. Jacki Jing talks with composer Yasuharu Takanashi now that the music is available for streaming and download stateside.
― For the first time ever since the first episode of the Naruto anime aired in Japan in 2002, music from all three installments of the massively popular anime series (Naruto, Naruto Shippuden ...
Yoko Kanno: What's She Been Up To?
At 32 years old, she composed one of the most iconic anime soundtracks in history. Now two decades later, what is the famed Yoko Kanno up to?
― For more than two decades, acclaimed composer Yoko Kanno was a force of nature in the anime industry. Garnering attention as an anime soundtrack composer in 1994 with her futuristic score for Macross Plus, it was immediately apparent that she was a world-clas...
Anime & Hip-hop with Rapper Kirk "Aztech" Yi
Aztech has created tracks for Jujutsu Kaisen, BEASTARS, Dr. Stone and the upcoming anime Sakugan. Find out how anime soundtracks gave the hip-hop veteran a new avenue for his art.
― Anime has long since had a deep and symbiotic relationship with hip-hop music, and Hybrid Thoughts, a Boston-based hip-hop group whose tracks has been prominently featured in anime like Dr.Stone and more recently BEASTARS...
The List - 10 Best Spring 2021 Anime Openings
Our top 10 picks are in for the best spring 2021 anime opening songs. Put up your dukes, 'cause there's gonna be a fight.
― 10. Tokyo Revengers “Cry baby” by Official HIGE DANdism Let's kick it off with something jazzy. This is a unique pick for a story about time-traveling delinquents but it's got the right level of emotional intensity for Takemichi's journey. If I'm honest, I liked the beginning a...
Impressions: VARK & Hololive Present Cinderella Switch Vol. 1-4
VARK kicked off their second season of ‘Cinderella Switch’ shows with members of the Hololive crew and Chris Farris dove into the virtual concert world to check it out!
― It's those damn VTubers! They're so hot right now! Breaking out of simply streaming video games or engaging in silly skits under cartoon avatars, the entertainment demands of these new generation content creators extend to singing k...
Takahiro Obata: Creating Musical Tension in The Promised Neverland
The series composer discusses his use of instrumentation to bring a sense of love and fear to the anime series.
― The children of Grace Field House find their world shattered when it's revealed the world they know is merely a lie. Emma, Ray, and Norman hatch a plan to escape with the entire orphanage in tow in hopes of evading demons that plan to devour them. The anime's second season is currently ai...
The List - Top 10 Anime Opening Songs of Winter 2021
Typically for The List we've limited the choices to just seven or eight entries but this season is ripe with toe-tapping bops. Also, rules are fake.
― Hey everyone, Jacki Jing here to countdown the best opening songs from the Winter 2021 anime season! Typically for The List we've limited the choices to just seven or eight entries but this season is ripe with toe-tapping bops. Also, rules are fake. Le...
Uncovering Tephlon Funk With Creator Stéphane Metayer and Samurai Champloo's Fat Jon
Dive into a story of music and hope set against the backdrop of New York's boroughs. Tephlon Funk has a whole world to discover and a dope soundtrack, too.
― Tephlon Funk, a comic written by Stéphane Metayer and illustrated by David Tako, is both a fusion of anime and hip-hop influences and a giant love letter to the five boroughs of New York City. Set in Queensbridge during the mid-90s, the story ce...
Hypnosis Mic and the History of Japanese Hip-Hop
How did a multimedia franchise like Hypnosis Mic get off the ground? Marc Schulz and Jaylon Martin breakdown the history of how hip-hop came to Japan!
― Hypnosis Mic, King Records' multimedia project about crews of anime boys fighting each other in rap battles, made its way onto airwaves this month. While HypMic (as it is more often called by fans) already has a noticeable following in the West than...
Hypnosis Mic and the History of Japanese Hip-Hop
Cue the beats, because Marc Schulz is here to take you on a journey through Japanese hip-hop and how its popularity birthed this season's craziest anime, Hypnosis Mic
― Hypnosis Mic, King Records' multimedia project about crews of anime boys fighting each other in rap battles, made its way onto airwaves this month. While HypMic (as it is more often called by fans) already has a noticeable following ...
This Week in Games - Poorly Kept Secrets
It's a big week in games as Heidi runs down the technical deets on the next-gen XBox console, all those Mario 35th anniversary announcements, and the head-scratching Shenmue anime!
― Well, I might be in the midst of the apocalypse right now, but before I try contracting any demons to serve me in the war for the new world, I should probably get at least one This Week in Games out! It's a crazy week fi...
The List - Our 5 Favorite OPs from Summer 2020
It's time to update your playlists because the summer season is dropping hottest beats yet.
― Anime opening songs can truly be an iconic part of each season. Think of songs like Dean Fujioka's "History Maker" or Linked Horizon's "Guren no Yamiya" - you only need to hear a few bars and you're transported to the ice skating rink of Yuri on Ice or an epic battle with titans. With the summer anime seaso...
Creating the Sci-Fi Sounds of Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Siege with Composer Alexander Bornstein
The musical mind behind sci-fi works such as Love, Death & Robots, Stephen Hopkins' Lost in Space, and Agent Carter talks about his love for synth and challenging himself.
― The next installment in Hasbro's decades-spanning sci-fi franchise Transformers finds its home on Netflix on Thursday as Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Siege. The six-episode 3DCG-animated series by Polygon Pictures tak...
The List - 5 Best Anime Opening Songs of Spring 2020
The List is back this week for a brand-new music edition. If you're looking for excellent tracks to add to your “OMG BEST SONGS EVAR” anime playlist, you've come to the right place. What, that's not the name of your highly-curated Spotify list?
― The List is back this week for a brand-new music edition. If you're looking for excellent tracks to add
to your “OMG BEST SONGS EVAR” anime playlist, you'v...
The List - 5 Top Anime Opening Songs of Winter 2020
It's time to update your playlist! Jacki listens to all the opening songs from the winter 2020 anime season to find which ones truly rock! Wanna weigh in on which songs you think are the best? Be sure to vote in Anime News Network's poll
― There are tons of good opening songs coming out this season that it was really difficult to narrow it
down. There's a handful of idol shows focused squarely on pr...
Interview: Up-and-coming J-Rock Group BRATS
The all-female up-and-coming J-rock group BRATS, who produced the opening for TO BE HERO, talk about their exploding career.
― To usher in a new year, the next decade and the release of their digital latest digital single “Excuser”, the female Japanese JRock group BRATS performed their first U.S. concert at Anime Los Angeles on January 10, 2020. Though the all-girl band is relatively fresh, their inf...
The Curious Case of Sally Amaki, the Bilingual Idol
The fascinating story - and social implications - of English-speaking, Los Angeles-born 22/7 idol Sally Amaki is explored by our own Kim Morrissy.
― The Japanese idol scene exploded in the last decade, thanks to the success of popular groups like AKB48 and Nogizaka46. In the last few years, the trend has accelerated even further thanks to Virtual YouTubers. With motion capture technology and the inte...
Interview: Guilty Kiss, A Love Live! Sensation & Fan-Made Obsession
The spectacularly popular idols of Guilty Kiss sit down for a chat about their explosive new careers as a fan-favorite spinoff of Aqours!
― Guilty Kiss is a unit within the school idol group Aqours in the multimedia music phenomenon Love Live! Sunshine!! Their first single – “Strawberry Trapper” – debuted in 2016 followed by their second single – “Kowareyasuki” – in 2017. The unit was formed as a fan...
Interview: RADWIMPS, The Musicians Behind Makoto Shinkai's Blockbuster Works
Famous rock group and the musical voice behind both Your Name and Weathering With You talk about working on some of the most successful anime films of all time!
― For nearly 20 years now, the rock band RADWIMPS has been capturing hearts with their uniquely sentimental, deeply meaningful and pop-friendly artistic style - they've sold millions of albums in Japan and around the globe. This didn't escape...
Interview: TRUE, The Ever-Evolving Anisong Artist
The incredibly talented vocalist and lyricist behind anisongs from Violet Evergarden and the latest Sound! Euphonium movie chats about her long and incredible career.
― Anisong vocalist and lyricist TRUE is stunning -- in terms of her presence, appearance and powerful voice, both as a singer and songwriter. She is disarmingly approachable and sincere, while also possessing great depth and articulatio...
Interview: Superstar Rock Band JAM Project
Legendary anisong band JAM Project sits down for a few questions about their incredible career and legacy.
― JAM (the acronym for Japan Animationsong Makers) Project was founded in 2000 by the acclaimed 1970s theme song artist Ichirou Mizuki, along with well-established and talented singers from across the anisong world. Their mission was and is to create powerful rock songs with beautiful lyrics, co...
Event Report: Lantis Matsuri at AnimeNYC
All the details from Lantis Matsuri's gigantic 20th anniversary event at AnimeNYC 2019 - including TRUE, Jam Project and more!
― Hype and expectations ran high for the Lantis Matsuri 2019 Concert Series at Anime NYC. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Japanese music label Lantis, the lineup of popular anisong stars featured two solo artists ZAQ and TRUE — the latter has performed all three years of ...
The List - 5 Best Opening Songs of Fall 2019
Jacki Jing counts down the best new openers of the season. See if your favs made The List!
― It's that time again folks! We're smack dab in the middle of the season and what better time to start a YouTube debate about our completely subjective music preferences!? ::powerful face/fist look:: Okay, to be fair, we listened to every single new OP and it was really hard to choose! Here's our top 5! 5. “R...
The List - 5 Best Anime Opening Songs of Summer 2019
Summer season is drawing to a close but Jacki Jing will still be grooving to these anime opening themes.
― Summer season is drawing to a close but Jacki Jing will still be grooving to these anime opening themes. Which songs did you add to your playlist? Let us know in the comments! 5. Dr. Stone: "Good Morning World!" by BURNOUT SYNDROMES Burnout Syndromes are pack with a snappy opening after working...
Interview: m-flo's Taku Takahashi
Taku Takahashi of the world-famous Japanese electronic hiphop act m-flo discusses his 20-year career creating wildly unique sound and art, right before their upcoming performance in Los Angeles on July 3rd.
― m-flo, the Japanese electronic group composed of DJ Taku Takahashi, rapper Verbal and vocalist Lisa, scarcely needs an introduction – they've been experimenting with a unique blend of electronic...
Interview: MIYAVI, The Responsible Rockstar
The guitarist and actor MIYAVI discusses his career, his newest album, and his upcoming role alongside Angelina Jolie in Maleficent 2.
― The artist presently known as MIYAVI just may be the most responsible rockstar of our age. He's been active on the international music scene since 1999 and solo since 2002, MIYAVI has catapulted to global success and notoriety pretty much on his own terms, always ev...
Diana Garnet: an American Performer in Japan
TV host, singer, and songwriter extraordinaire Diana Garnet shares her unique experience working as a foreigner in the Japanese entertainment industry.
― Much like the title of the song from YURI!!! On Ice that she performed at Ohayocon 2019, in a concert compilation of her original tunes plus popular anisong covers mashed up in a collaboration with Shin Kurokawa, Diana Garnet -- an American performe...
Interview: JAM Project's Hironobu Kageyama
The lead singer of this beloved powerhouse j-rock band shares his experience making anime theme songs, staying fit for high-energy concert performances, and what to expect from One-Punch Man season 2's opening!
― J-Pop and Anisong superstar Hironobu Kageyama has spent the majority of his life making music and has become a major force in the world of anime music. His anisong solo debut was the theme s...
Interview: nano
Passionate rocker Nano, the voice behind the anisong openings for Arpeggio of Blue Steel and Kakuriyo, talks about their career, New York City, and when Detective Conan might finally end.
― If there is one phrase artist, singer, and songwriter nano says the most, it is “Rock on!” Regardless of saying it to pump up the crowd or used as a casual sendoff, nano carries the spirit of a high energy, rock a...
Interview: Luna Haruna
Sword Art Online and Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs theme song vocalist Luna Haruna is performing at Anime NYC's Anisong World Matsuri event next weekend, and had the time for a few questions.
― With her tender yet powerful vocals, Luna Haruna has made a strong impression on the anisong scene, contributing theme songs to hit shows from Sword Art Online to Saekano to this summer's Yuuna and the Hau...
Interview: TRUE
The powerful vocalist behind the opening theme for Violet Evergarden and the closing theme for That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime talks about how she's feeling ahead of her big show at Anime NYC next weekend.
― TRUE is a name that will be familiar to many anime fans and anisong lovers, especially if they've seen this year's Violet Evergarden, which led with an opening written and performed by th...
Interview: The Creators of ANiUTa
Veteran music producer Shiro Sasaki and legendary voice actor Ryo Horikawa talk about their anisong streaming service AniUta, which promises to make an ocean of anime and video game music available to fans worldwide.
―
On August 1st, the first official streaming service for anime music launched in the U.S.A. Known as ANiUTa, the app currently sports a selection of over 10,000 songs from idol and sei...
Interview: AKB48 Team 8
Six members of the spectacularly popular AKB48 "spinoff" group Team 8 performed for the first time this summer at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, and we got the chance to chat with these talented artists on the eve of the big show.
― Making their United States debut, six members from AKB48 Team 8 participated in this year's Japan Kawaii LIVE Anisong World Matsuri at Anime Expo. The lineup featured Hijiri ...
Interview: Shoko Nakagawa
The unmistakable voice behind the legendary smash hit opening theme for Gurren Lagann and the host of Pokemon Sunday sits down for a few fun questions on the 10th anniversary of her first Anime Expo appearance.
― Well known for her song Sorairo Days and as the host of Pokemon Sunday, Shoko Nakagawa does it all. In addition to singing, acting, and being a TV personality, she has also illustrated and p...
Event Report: Hatsune Miku Expo 2018 in New York City
World-famous vocaloid Hatsune Miku and a few of her Vocaloid pals took the stage in New York City for an explosive concert earlier this summer. A full report - plus a complete setlist and plenty of photos - await!
― Every two years, a giant line filled with cosplayers, heads of green hair, and t-shirts adorning a pig-tailed girl stands in the middle of Manhattan, right across from Madison Square Gard...
Interview: Yuki Kajiura
The legendary composer and musician behind the internationally beloved scores for stuff like Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, Princess Principal and Heaven's Feel answers a few fun questions ahead of her big performance in Los Angeles next week.
― A musician and composer of Yuki Kajiura's caliber scarcely needs an introduction; her incredible compositions for an ocean of beloved anime have thrilled fans all...
Answerman - Will The US Ever Get Stand-Alone Otaku Music Events?
Across Japan and in other countries, standalone concert/autograph events for famous idol groups happen outside a convention environment. So why are there never any of these in the US?
― Matthew asked:
With the recent announcement that Aqours will be back on in Los Angeles for Anime Expo, once again an idol appearance on American soil is tied to an anime convention. Meanwhile in places like Taiwan an...
Interview with Okamoto's at Sakura-Con 2018
The punk-rock band behind fan-favorite theme songs from Naruto Shippuden to Durarara!! sits down to discuss writing music for anime and touring in America.
― Okamoto's is the Japanese punk-rock band we've all been sleeping on. The quartet, made of New York-born lead singer Shō, guitarist Koki, the dapper-dressed bassist Hama, and drummer Reiji sat down at a scarcely-filled panel room at SakuraCon on ...
Interview: Studio Ghibli Theme Singers Azumi Inoue & Yuyu
The singer behind the legendary theme songs for Totoro, Laputa and more talks about her incredible career alongside her daughter, who is following in her mother's footsteps.
― Even if you haven't heard of Azumi Inoue, you're probably intimately familiar with her work; Inoue sang some of the most iconic and internationally-recognized theme songs for several classic Studio Ghibli films, including Castl...
Interview: FLOW
The band behind some of the most beloved anime theme songs in recent history, from Naruto to Code Geass, spill their career secrets and discuss what's next.
― Chances are, most anime fans today know a few theme songs from the five-member rock band FLOW. Kohshi, Take, Keigo, Got's, and Iwasaki have performed theme songs for more than 20 anime together. The group's songs for Code Geass, Eureka Seven, a...
Interview: Yousei Teikoku
The goth metal band behind the themes for Future Diary and Katanagatari opens up about what it's like to rule over the "fairy empire" ahead of their live show at Otakon next weekend.
― “You're getting quite fired up, aren't you, my subjects?” says the woman in black as she gazes down imperiously at the crowd. Then, with a shrug of her head, she asks, “Are you enjoying yourselves?”
The woman in the go...
Interview: Ali Project
The idol royalty behind a string of hit anisong themes from Code Geass to Kizumonogatari answers a few questions about her incredible career (and her incredible fashion!)
― ALI PROJECT doesn't have a hard time getting recognized – if you're not familiar with their signature aristocratic fashion style, then odds are you've heard at least a few of their unique, chart-topping anime theme songs, seen in ...
Interview: Konomi Suzuki
She's the rising star behind a solid stack of anisong hits, including themes for Re:Zero, Akashic Record of Bastard Magic Instructor and more, and we had a few questions for her.
― Konomi Suzuki's road to stardom has been sudden and swift; the winner of the Animax All-Japan Anisong Grand Prix in 2011, Suzuki's theme songs started showing up in front of new anime almost immediately. 2012 saw the relea...
Interview: Walküre's Minori Suzuki and JUNNA
The passionate idols of Macross Delta's Walküre were in Los Angeles for the first time ever this summer, breathing fire on stage for an ocean of thrilled fans. We had a few questions for them.
― The latest in a long line of idols birthed by the legendary Macross franchise, Minori Suzuki (as Freya in the series) and JUNNA (as Mikumo Guynemer) flew in to perform for their overseas fans as part of the A...
Interview: Sword Art Online Composer Yuki Kajiura
Yuki Kajiura composed the amazing music for anime like Madoka Magica and Sword Art Online - and she's performing this January in Hollywood. Mike Toole has a few questions for her.
― Yuki Kajiura doesn't need much of an introduction – anyone who's been watching anime over the last 17 years or so is doubtlessly familiar with her instantly-recognizable style. Kajiura first became an international sensat...
Answerman - Are Cover Versions of Anime Songs Legal?
Youtube is chock-a-block with singers performing covers of anime theme songs - is that legal? Justin has the answer.
― Trace asks:
There's a lot of youtube artist who do English covers of anime songs. A few of them even end up on itunes (though with new instrumentation). This brings a lot of questions to mind. Is this illegal? How does copyright work for covering songs in countries that aren't licen...
The Top 10 Ending Themes of 2015
You've heard the top 10 opening themes of 2015, but now the ending themes need their time in the sun. Here are our top 10 closing themes of 2015!
― Whew! I thought the openings list was tough to narrow down, but 2015 had a ton of great anison at the tail-end of shows this year too. You can check out my top ten picks for great anime ending themes in the video below, but don't forget to vote for your ...
Interview: VAMPS' HYDE and K.A.Z
The lead singer of L'arc~en~Ciel and the lead composer and guitarist from Oblivion Dust joined forces to form VAMPS, an "evil" rock band appearing on the west coast next week, and we dared to interview them.
― VAMPS is the brainchild of maybe the most famous Japanese rock musician of the modern era: HYDE, lead vocalist of L'arc~en~Ciel, and K.A.Z, the guitarist and composer for Oblivion Dust. Togethe...
Answerman - How Can I Get Anime Soundtracks on Vinyl?
Vinyl is everywhere, taking over the remaining music stores and warming the hearts of audiophiles across the country. But where are all the anime soundtracks?
― Kyuubei the 3rd asks: I recently got back into vinyl. I was wondering who do I ask to get an anime soundtrack on vinyl? I know Wicked City's BGM is getting a release soon, but who do I talk to about getting a recent soundtrack on vinyl (such...
Answerman - Why Can't Idol Singers Have Lives Of Their Own?
Idol singers in Japan are held to some pretty strict and unrealistic standards of conduct by their fans. Is the Idol economy unfair? Justin takes a look.
― Chris asks: Singer Minami Kuribayashi — known for a number of anime OP and ED songs and as a voice actress for the Rumbling Hearts and Muv-Luv visual novels — recently admitted in a blog entry that she had a son, and that she expected that “becau...
The Top 10 Final Fantasy VII Themes
The FFVII remake can't come soon enough, but you can still enjoy that epic soundtrack while you wait! Hope Chapman counts down some of the best pieces from this legendary JRPG.
― At long last, Final Fantasy fanatics can look forward to a next-gen remake of the series' most popular entry: FFVII! There could be a long wait ahead of us before a shiny new version of this JRPG classic graces our PS4's, b...
Interview: Cruel Angel's Thesis singer Yoko Takahashi
The singer behind one of anime's most iconic and enduring theme songs took a few moments to chat with us ahead of her first-ever performance in America earlier this month.
― Yoko Takahashi is the iconic voice behind one of the most well-known anime theme songs of all time, A Cruel Angel's Thesis from the original 1995 TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The song is a classic around the world and conti...
The Set List - Top 10 EDs of 2009
Hope rounds out the year of 2009 with the best ending themes! Did your favorite song make the cut? Plus: vote for your number one pick in the poll!
― This week on the Set List, we continue our journey through the final year of the 00's with the top ten ending theme songs of 2009! As always, only shows that debuted in 2009 qualified for the list, and the same is true of this week's poll, so keep that...
The Set List - Top 10 OPs of 2009
Hope travels back in time and unearths the best anime openings of 2009! Spice and Wolf, Haruhi Suzumiya, Eden of the East and much more!
― Hooray, the ANN time machine has taken us back to 2009! America is in a recession! The swine flu is causing everyone to freak out! Transformers 2 is in theaters! Is it too late to go back to 2015? Not to worry, there was plenty of great anime music to discover in...
The Set List - Top 10 Fullmetal Alchemist Theme Songs
Hope counts down the best theme songs from across everyone's favorite action-fantasy franchise, Fullmetal Alchemist. Did your favorite make the list?
― With over 100 episodes, two movies, and two separate continuities, Fullmetal Alchemist is a mighty franchise, formative for anime fans both old and new and packed with memorable music. Today, I'm counting down the top ten best theme songs from the Fu...
Interview: SCANDAL
The rock group behind theme songs for Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist discusses their upcoming world tour. PLUS: an exclusive video greeting!
― All-female Japanese rock group SCANDAL formed in 2006 when high school girls Haruna Ono, Mami Sasazaki, Tomomi Ogawa and Rina Suzuki would play live performances in Osaka Castle Park until they were signed to Kitty Records in 2008. The band burst onto the scen...
The Set List - Top 10 EDs of 2004
Hope flips the script and travels back in time to count down the 10 best ending themes of 2004.
― Following on the heels of last week's OPs of 2004 list, it's time to look at the opposite end: the best ED themes from 2004! The OP list was mostly filled with old favorites, but this week's list is a little more eclectic and weird, so keep your ears peeled for some surprising ED picks from anime titles...
The Set List - Top 10 OPs of 2004
It's time to fly back an entire decade to the anime theme songs of yesteryear! What were the coolest openings of 2004?
― George Bush Jr. was re-elected, World of Warcraft was launched, but most importantly, a little show called Beet the Vandel Buster stole the hearts of otaku everywhere. The year was 2004, and I'm sure I remember it perfectly. Wait, maybe Beet wasn't the big anime hit of that year. ...
The Set List - Top 10 Bleach Theme Songs
With 366 episodes under its belt, Bleach has had a lot of great intros and outtros in its storied run. Which OPs and EDs stand above all the rest in the Soul Society?
― Some anime are long, some anime are longer, and a few anime are just the longest. When an anime gains enough steam to run for over a decade, it only seems fair to put in a class by itself for a musical countdown. With its beloved and...
The Set List - Top 10 Musical Moments of Cowboy Bebop
Hope counts down the best moments where Yoko Kanno brought her A-game to Cowboy Bebop. Plus: your poll results, and vote for your favorite Bebop episodes!
― 3 2 1, Let's Jam! It's time for a Cowboy Bebop themed episode of The Set List. This week, I've ranked my Top 10 Musical Moments from the legendary jazz-and-blues inspired anime, and you can check them out in the video below! (Please note that we...
The Set List - Top 10 EDs of 2014
You asked for it, you got it: Hope counts down her top 10 ending themes from 2014, and your poll results from the top 10 opening themes are in!
― Two weeks ago, The Set List premiered with my personal countdown of the 10 best OPs of 2014. Thanks to the overwhelming response to our user poll, we have a viewer-selected Top 10 OPs list for this column, so thank you to everyone who voted! But first, it'...
Vote on your favorite anime theme song of 2014
In the very first edition of "The Set List," our new music video-column, we asked readers to chime in on their favorite anime theme songs of 2014. Vote now!
― Welcome to the very first edition of The Set List! Ah, there's nothing quite like that new column smell, now with the sweet aroma of video. As a sister series to The List, this column will be counting down music-themed superlatives in anime, v...
Interview: JAM Project
One of the world's most beloved bands showed up at Otakon Vegas, and we were there to ask them a few questions about fame, their legacy, and just which anime made them cry.
― We had the privilege of interviewing the members of JAM Project earlier in the year at the Anisong World Tour Lantis Festival in Las Vegas. JAM Project was founded in 2000 and is currently comprised of Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki...
The Set List - Top 10 OPs of 2014
Hope counts down the top 10 anime opening themes of 2014 in the first edition of our new column. Vote for your favorite OPs of 2014 and check out the list!
― Welcome to the very first edition of The Set List! Ah, there's nothing quite like that new column smell, now with the sweet aroma of video. As a sister series to The List, this column will be counting down music-themed superlatives in anime, vi...
Interview: Yoshiki of X JAPAN
2014 was a big year for Yoshiki, and Mike Toole had a chance to interview him about his life, his career, and his music.
― In 1992, X Japan had conquered their homeland, and stood on the cusp of global domination. But the time for their wildly glammed-out image and their music, a whiplash-inducing combination of intricate rock ballads and muscular speed metal, had passed. Getting any traction in the...
Interview: Yousei Teikoku
The enigmatic and eccentric band Yousei Teikoku, who performed themes for Future Diary and Tokyo ESP, sat down with us for a few questions.
― After the Lantis Festival's third day ended, ANN got to sit down with Yousei Teikoku, a group with a complicated story behind their band, filled with military ranks and ancient history. The band has performed theme songs for The Qwaser of Stigmata, Future Diary...
Interview: Choucho
A few moments with pop singer Choucho, who performed the theme songs for Heaven's Memo Pad and Glasslip.
―
On the final day of the Lantis Festival event at Tokyo's Shiokaze Park, singer Choucho, known for her contributions to such anime as Heaven's Memo Pad and more recently Glasslip, performed onstage. Choucho took time late after the concert ended to talk with ANN about her experiences and aspirat...
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