Perfume - Jpop TechnoPop Group ~Like a fairy tale~

Hi everyone, it is me, Ruby, again. As I mention on my last post, today I will introduce you guys one of the most famous girl idol group in Japan called Perfume. The group name is decided because at first, all of the 3 members have the character "Ka" which means "Perfume" in Japan but then one member left the group. However, the producer and the girls themselves decided to keep that name.

Members' Profie:

Name: Nishiwaki Ayaka (A~chan)

D.O.B: 15.02.1989

Character: She is the mood maker in the group. When Perfume appears in variety show, she is the most talkative person. She has a good sense of humor and has a great ability to cheer anyone up. Her voice is described by Nakata Yasutaka (their producer) as "Game's character's voice".

 Name: Kashino Yuuka (Kashiyuka)

D.O.B: 23.12.1988

Character: People often see her a "Good girl" and have a smooth character, however, she herself and other members recognize her as "a little devil" (as she loves snake and sometimes scares everyone by her "little surprise game"). She has strong attitude: NEVER GIVE UP. Her voice is described as "smooth and like 2 people talking together" by their producer.

  Name: Omoto Ayano (Nocchi)

D.O.B: 20.09.2988

Character: She is a big sister of the whole group, mature and intelligent. She is calm and she knows when and what should she talk. Nocchi is really straight-forward and always looks after the other members. Their producer describes her voice as the easiest to hear.

History

Early day

They were debuted in early year 2000, however, most of the group work were in Hiroshima (their hometown) and not many people knew who they were. 

Not long after debuting, one member left the group and Omoto Ayano filled the spot.

In 2003, they met their current producer "Nakata Yasutaka" and change music gender from Pop to TechnoPop, which means that Mr Nakata would use their recorded voice and change the tone by using high-tech program and create electropop tunes. 

In 2003, they went to Tokyo to achieve their dream. First, they entered "Amuse" (one of the most famous Entertainment Agency in Japan) but there was no break in their careers.

In 2005, despite of the girl's unpopularity, Amuse decided to give them the change of major debut (meaning produce and sell singles, albums, DVDs all over Japan). Their first single "Linear Motor Girl" reach
#99 on Oricon Weekly Chart, which again forced the girl to face reality that "Dream and real life are so different" 

Commercial Success

Despite of the reality, the girls were given chance to have new single from Amuse. Their career started to bright since the 4th single "Chocolate Disco". It is a fun and catchy track, released on Valentine Day 2007. 

It reached Kimura Kaela (famous singer) and she played this songs many times on her radio shows. Audiences started to hear more about the group having great music and dance steps.

In 2008, a CM producer randomly listened to their song and chose them to sing his Cm's song. Their time started at that point. The Cm is for NHK's national recycling campaigned showing on television. 

The song: "Polyrhythm"

The single "polyrhythm" entered Oricon Weekly Chart at #7, it was their first Oricon top 10.

After that, they raised their popularity all around Japan and Asia. They now have all albums and DVDs at #1 weekly Oricon Chart. 

They needed 7 years of the girls life to be that success because they believe.

~Ruby~

A tiny rant

Lens flares make you look cool. Just ask J.J. Abrams.

My name is Rollie. Yes, it's my actual name and it's short for Rollie-Ann. Not a nickname, as many people assume. Here, I will introduce you to artists who make music not many people actually listen to from film remixes, to chill ambient electro to jazz hip hop.

But before I introduce you to some of these artists, I thought I'd just have a tiny little rant. I love music. Not just the one type of music but all types, although I have to admit, I don't have much of an interest in mainstream music.

The reason for this is that while there are artists out there, genuine artists, who make music for the love of making music, to inspire, to move people, there are some artists who seek fame and fortune...Which is pretty much the majority of artists, I believe, under the category of mainstream music. Let's take, for example, the Black Eyed Peas. I loved this group and not just because one of their members is Filipino (yes, I'm Filipino) but because their music was so good. I don't mean to sound all hipster but they were quite underground hip hop back then but now...Hmm. Personally, I think their 'music IQ' is dropping. Just listen to 'I Gotta Feeling' and you'll know what I mean. I guess it's not entirely their fault though. People these days just love listening to effortless music, which I am guessing the Black Eyed Peas have clicked on to and are now making bucket loads out of it.

Enough with the bashing. They're not the only artists out there and I won't name any others *cough* Usher *cough*. Some people love the Black Eyed Peas and I respect that...to some degree but open your ears. There is better music out there.

So, what I hope in this blog is for you guys to get familiar with, not just my name but, the artists I put forth on your table.

Rollie

P.S. Sorry Black Eyed Peas.

Getting to know Classical Music

Welcome to our blog, I am Chris. I would like getting you to know about the Classical Music Firstly at all, I will be sharing how I got know about the Classical Music.

Until now, I still can remember when my parent made me to see the opera concert; I thought to myself this concert will have me asleep within the first hour. But as I listened, I began to have a different aspect towards Classical Music and it actually made me to be appreciated to my parent who brought me into this new music world. This musical performance was not that long; I was sitting in the front row so I was able to see enjoyment of facial expression from the people who played instrument. Personally, I enjoyed listening to the classical Music. Now, I understood that to be a musician, you have to be determined. It was really knowledgeable and meaningful to me.

 

I think classical music is more appreciated by older generations; it is not as popular today as it used to be. The world we live in has changed but classical music has remained the same. For my own experience, listening to the classical music have reduced my study stress and create relaxation.

        

One of the few songs that I always give me goose bumps no matter how often i listen to it. It is pure masterpiece. Personally, I think our generation should be taught by such great music.

                                                                                                                         Chris(LINDAZHENG)

New 'Ocean' on the world map

Hello!

I like to introduce a dude call Frank Ocean to all of you guys.

• In 2011, he awards best new artist winner Tyler, the Creator.Also,he appeared on Beyonce's album 4 as well as the watch the Throne collection by Jay-Z and Kanye West.

• In 2012, he finished second place in the BBC's sound of 2012 poll, and appeared at Coachella and Lollapalooza festivals at the conclusion of his 2012 Summer Tour.

So i think he is a rising pop star in the future, go and check Frank Ocean !



By Jiheng Wu(Michael)

"Vocaloid"? Why not? :)

Have you ever heard of the term "Vocaloid"?

If you haven't, why don't you try to know something about one special kind of music which becomes the new trend in Japan and America now but not yet raises it popularity in Australia~ :v

If you have heard about it but not in great details, why don't you read this Blog and learn more knowledge about "Vocaloid" :))

If you are big fan of this SUPER CATCHY music, this blog is made for you :>

First of all, for someone doesn't know, "Vocaloid" (ボーカロイド in Japanese) is a singing voice synthesizer, originally be created by Kenmochi Hideki (a Japanese producer). After that, Yamaha Corporation paid attention to his idea and continued to complete the Project and developed into the commercial product "Vocaloid." Isn't it too boring to hear about its history? Now I will show you what is the real "Vovaloid" :)

Hatsune Miku - This cute little girl is the most famous "Vocaloid"'s product <3

"Vocaloid", basically is a software that allows users to synthesize singing by typing in lyrics and melody.  Isn't it interesting if you can create your own music even through you're totally hopeless with any kind of music instrument? =))

"Vocaloid" concert

The term seems to be ... shock with someone. Normally, having a concert means you need at least one singer (real person) and a band (or not if there's an DJ >.<).

But no, now,without a real singer, a company can create a concert with the attention of hundreds, even thousands of people. Don't believe it? Check the video bellow :v

Again, we can understand how amazing technology this day is, we can see Miku in 3D version~

And "Vocaloid" has such a big impact to its fans~

The term "Cosplay" (for someone someone doesn't know is short term for "costume play", is a type of performance art in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction). 

Before "Vocaloid", only characters from Games or Comics are being "copied". However, look at the picture below to see what happens now :))

Original image

Cosplay Image <3

It's hard to tell that which one has the 2D characters and which has real people unless you zoom in the pictures, right? =))

Only people can do a cover? No, "Vocaloid" can even do both song and dance cover~

It started with the idea of Yamaha about remixing some popular song and making effect on their "Vocaloid"'s  character to copy the dance of that song. It raises interest for fans of both original version of the songs and "Vocaloid"'s hard fans.

I will give you an example that I love the most~

Original MV

"Vocaloid" version

Ain't they nearly the same? =)) (Even through I prefer Perfume XD~)

Next time, I will introduce everyone about Perfume - the most famous and excellent group that represents the success of Japanese TechnoPop music.

Did I raise your interest in "Vocaloid"? Live a comment if "Yes" to support our Blog.

~Ruby~

Indie music you don't want to miss...

Indie music isn’t a specific style of music, although a majority of indie bands are influenced by each other causing similar sounds.

Hi, I’m Gemma, I will be introducing some new up and coming indie bands throughout my posts.

‘The Away Days’, have been playing as a band since 2011 and have already played at major festivals alongside Pulp and Kaiser Chiefs in there short time so far. They were first discovered in Istanbul, Turkey. ‘The Away Days’ recently play at the ‘SXSW’ festival in Austin, Texas, this festival showcases many unsigned bands, giving them a chance to be affiliated with a major record company – ‘The Away Days’ having this chance.

Get ready for these sweet beats to overtake your radio stations – the sounds of tomorrow – in no time at all ‘The Away Days’ will be well known internationally.

.beat this.

The Away Days

New RnB artist Austin Brown

Hello there! My name is Elizabeth and throughout this blog I will be discussing new aspiring RNB artists that I believe will become international stars. Now for those of you that don't know R&B is a genre that combines elements rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk and hip hop. Although the genre originated from rhythm and blues music, today it is used to describe a style of African American Music.  Now if you cannot tell R&B is my favourite type of music, no matter from which decade. In the 60's there was Motown, the 70's soul, funk, disco, the 90's the new hip hop soul music. I think the best part of listening to R&B is definitely the vocals. I always love the way they show such a broad vocal ability and your always able to see their passion and soul in their voices.


Now the purpose of todays blog is to introduce you to new R&B singers that I think will be the next big hit. Firstly I will be introducing you all to Austin Brown, with that name you already think aspiring star, true? Well he is definitely living up to his name.  Austin Brown nephew of Michael Jackson has introduced his talent in his new song Ménage A Trois. Born in Tarzana California in 1985 he caught attention when he premiered his video for Menage A Trois. With his contemporary style and attitude this artist will be the person to look out for. With inspiration to Bruno mars, George Michael and the Beatles, Brown brings his own style to the RNB genre.



Here is the link for his outbreak song Menage e Trois. I have to say for only discovering Brown now i am already beginning to love his range of talent. I feel sorry for anyone who hasn't heard of him yet, because your missing out! So be sure to check him out and i guarantee you will love his music.

By Elizabeth

First official post!

Hello folks! Welcone to b e a t x t h i s  pronounced, 'beat this' ;). Our purpose for this blog is to inform you guys of new tracks that we think are pretty dope. None of us know how to blog and we have no idea what we're doing but we hope you all stick around with us!

This image will be our layout for our blog. Note: it is subject to change!