Multidimensional Artist Project “SZNO” Making Their Major Debut with 1st Digital Single “xx”

Bandai Namco Music Live Inc. , in collaboration with MusicRay’n (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Ryoichi Sugiura), has launched the multidimensional artist project “SZNO” (pronounced: Suzuno), which operates in both the real and virtual realms. We are pleased to announce the release of their debut single, “xx” (pronounced “Bye-Bye”) which was made available across all digital streaming platforms.

▼About SZNO

SZNO is a multidimensional artist project that operates in both the real and virtual realms. It was born from a collaboration between Bandai Namco Music Live, known for its Lantis label and expertise in producing music content like the Love Live! series, and MusicRay’n, a Sony Music Group company renowned for discovering and nurturing talent such as Sphere, TrySail, and CHiCO. Look forward to discovering more of SZNO’s world as it gradually unfolds with each music release.

Be sure to check out “xx” on all streaming platforms here!

I Don’t Like Mondays. release new single ‘Sunset Girl’, ahead of 10th-anniversary EP ‘FOCUS’ in October!

Four-piece rock band I Don’t Like Mondays. (known to their fans as IDLMs.) have released new single ‘Sunset Girl’ on August 21. This is a pre-release track from their upcoming EP ‘FOCUS’, which is set for release in October to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the band’s debut.

This summer anthem has an organic, comforting sound enhanced by singer YU’s lyrics, resulting in a song that brings nostalgic late-summer vibes. Be sure to check out the track on all streaming platforms here!

About I Don’t Like Mondays. 

I Don’t Like Mondays. are a four-piece rock band from Japan. With their musical roots in the 1980s and a meticulous sound and groove, they transcend the boundaries between Japanese and Western music. Their songs are filled with the feeling of exhilaration you get when cruising through the city streets.

Known to their fans as IDLMs., the group are renowned　for their sophisticated and passionate concerts that recreate the atmosphere of attending an exclusive overseas high-end fashion sh

Kumi Koda teams up with producer Tetsuya Komuro for summer smash ‘Jump to the Breeze’!

Celebrating the 24th anniversary of her debut, pop diva Kumi Koda is currently on her greatest hits tour KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2024 ~BEST SINGLE KNIGHT~, with shows in 26 locations across Japan.

As her 25th anniversary year approaches, Koda continues to take on new challenges – and on August 2 she released the new digital single ‘Jump to the Breeze’, under the name Kumi Koda with Tetsuya Komuro. This song was first released on Bilibili in China in 2023 to mark the 6th anniversary of the mobile game ‘Azur Lane’, which currently has 230 million players worldwide. At the time, the song became a hot topic among gamers and music fans in China.

The lyrics, composition and arrangement were all handled by legendary Japanese music producer Tetsuya Komuro. When he was given the chance of working with any Japanese diva singer for the song, Komuro personally chose Koda. At the time, the song was only made available on the Chinese platform Bilibili, so the global release of this summer classic by two of Japan’s most beloved music artists has been eagerly awaited by fans.

For this 2024 digital release, Komuro has personally created a new arrangement of the song. The result is a summer smash featuring a Latin house arrangement with live percussion, with Koda’s unmistakable vocals blending perfectly with TK’s heartrending sound. Don’t miss this special collaboration between Kumi Koda and Tetsuya Komuro – their first since the release of ‘the meaning of peace’ in 2001.

Be sure to check out the single here!

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Comment from Kumi Koda

“‘Jump to the Breeze’ was my first chance to collaborate with Tetsuya Komuro in about 22 years!! We’re releasing the song together as Kumi Koda with Tetsuya Komuro! The song was first released in China about a year ago, but this time we are releasing a newly arranged version. The song has the kind of nostalgic and beautiful melody you’d expect from Mr Komuro, so I hope you will listen to it over and over this summer.”

Comment from Tetsuya Komuro

“Long ago, I had a recording studio in Bali. When I was producing this song, the scenery and feelings from that place came flooding back, as clear to my eyes as a tapestry. It’s the sound of those good old midsummer days that we haven’t heard in a long time. On a southern island, with no care for time, reflecting on life as an adult and the experiences that led there, walking slowly along the sandy beach, step by step to the rhythm of the waves, swaying to the song… Koda’s voice has finally reached maturity. I think you’ll find this to be a bittersweet song.”

BE:FIRST Reflects on Their Journey with New Song “Blissful” Out Now!

Popular boy-group BE:FIRST takes a fresh spin on their discography with their new single, “Blissful” - out now.

“Blissful” is the lead single from BE:FIRST’s long-awaited second album 2:BE, set for release on August 28th. The track is produced by SKY-HI and ZEN (INIMI) and is a simple and comfortable track that references the sound of mid-2010s hip-hop. As BE:FIRST shared their journey of triumphs and challenges, “Blissful” becomes a celebration of their bond and their unforgettable experiences they’ve shared.

Alongside the release of the track, is a music video which is set in New York and is BE:FIRST’s first overseas shoot. BE:FIRST takes you on a journey through the vibrant streets of New York City such as Coney Island, Times Square, Prospect Park, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks, the members showcase their unique talents and deepen their bond as they explore their passions and look ahead to their future.  With a nostalgic undertone and forward-looking spirit, “Blissful” is the perfect soundtrack to sign off the summer.  

BE:FIRST shows no sign of slowing down as they head off to dominate the global market. As the group powers through their growing success both domestically and internationally, they are sure to be artists who should be on everyone’s radar for 2024.     

You can listen to “Blissful” here and watch the music video below!

About BE:FIRST

BE:FIRST is a Japanese boy group managed by BMSG and signed to B-ME, a joint record label between BMSG andAvex. The group was formed on August 13th, 2021 through a reality audition program ‘THE FIRST’, which was hosted by Japanese producer and rapper SKY-HI on Hulu Japan. They debuted on November 3rd, 2021 with a final lineup of seven members: SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, RYOKI, and LEO with their song, "Gifted.", which topped the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart and ended up becoming the most-discussed song on Twitter. The song also topped various music charts in Japan, including the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. Just recently, BE:FIRST partnered with Amazon Prime to release their concert film BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 Mainstream - Masterplanfilmed at the Tokyo Dome which sold out in three minutes after general tickets went on sale.  By blending elements of dance, pop, hip-hop, and R&B, BE:FIRST showcases their artistic versatility and talent to create a musical sound that is unique and innovative for listeners to enjoy. With their fandom, BESTY, supporting them as the next global powerhouse group from Tokyo, Japan, BE:FIRST's dynamic sound and charisma are one to watch.

Japanese subculture music producer Aiobahn collaborates with Isekaijoucho on fourth major-label single!

‘new world feat. Isekaijoucho’ Jacket Cover

Aiobahn, a unique Japanese music producer/DJ with roots in EDM and a strong connection to Japan’s subculture scene, has released his fourth major-label single, ‘new world feat. Isekaijoucho’. The single was released digitally last week.

Aiobahn’s song ‘INTERNET YAMERO’, released in March 2023, has been viewed over 48 million times on YouTube, while numerous fans have released their own cover videos. The song has also been used in over 13,000 videos on TikTok, including many dance videos, creating a buzz online.

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In April of the same year, Aiobahn made his major-label debut with the release of ‘Re: searchlight’ on avex trax, featuring Nagi Yanagi. Then, in November, he released ‘Shiawaseni nante naranaide feat. Nanawo Akari’, a collaboration with the popular online subculture artist Nanawo Akari, followed in January 2024 by ‘non-reflection feat. Yui Makino’, a team-up with voice actress Yui Makino. Additionally, in November he released ‘u&I’ from the dance label HEXAGON led by future house giant Don Diablo, and in May 2024 he released ‘On Repeat (feat. Dan Soleil)’ from the dance music label bitbird, headed by Dutch DJ and producer San Holo – proving his talent not only in the subculture scene but also in the EDM scene.

In April 2024, Aiobahn held his first self-produced event, otoplanet, at duo Music Exchange in Shibuya, Tokyo. He hosted four artists on the bill, including Yuka Nagase, who was a featured artist on ‘Sora de Oyasumi’ released in March 2023, as well as Pasocom Music Club, Mark Robinson and Tennyson, filling the house for a successful show. Now, Aiobahn has released his latest song, a collaboration with Isekaijoucho, a “virtual dark singer” affiliated with KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO. This pop tune features Isekaijoucho’s powerful and ephemeral singing voice over a danceable breakbeat with an impressive backing groove.

The lyrics were written by KOCHO, who is known for writing lyrics and singing on countless anime songs. This gem of a tune has a forward-thinking worldview and a fast-paced groove, with captivating vocals that exude a worldly atmosphere, all blended perfectly with Aiobahn’s intricate sound. Since a teaser video was posted online a week before the single release, fans have left comments on social media such as, “What an incredible tag team,” “Aiobahn x Isekaijoucho are amazing,” and “Can this collaboration really be true?” – showing that fans of both artists are waiting breathlessly for this dream collaboration.

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The music video, which premiered on YouTube at the same time as the song was released, is a mix of live action and animation, directed by HuMuu. It is filled with imagery that pays homage to the internet culture of the 2000s, building on the unique collaboration between Aiobahn and Isekaijoucho.

As Aiobahn continues to smash expectations with each release, be sure to look out for his continued rise. Be sure to check out the music video for ‘new world’ feat. Isekaijoucho below along with the streaming link for the song here!