Luna's Ongaku Go for April 2023!

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With Spring blooming into action, it's that time of the month for March’s Ongaku Go! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

“Spark” by Crystal Kay

At the beginning of March, Crystal Kay released her new EP Start Again, which featured the track “Spark”. Crystal Kay shows off her vocals in this beautiful slow tempo classical type tune that is reminiscence of a live venue style. “Spark” has a miniminalistic composition, starting out with just the guitar strumming and Crystal Kay utilizing her vocal skills which sound more raw giving off that live studio feel. When the piano starts coming into the song with a mixture of the guitar it brings you the old classical music from the 30s/40s feel and takes you to a whole different place. The beauty of “Spark” pulled me in for a nice relaxing time.

Check out “Spark” here and the original audio video below!

“BIRTHDAY CAKE” by KIRA & BLOOM VASE

“BIRTHDAY CAKE” is an upbeat track that gets you hyped up and is a great way to celebrate your pre-Birthday month. KIRA’s vocals fit perfectly with the beat - I love how she can easily go from singing to rap in an instant seemlessly. BLOOM VASE brings a fun flavor to this track with their R&B-hip hop style. I’ve been dancing and jamming to this track and will continue to do so all throughout April as well. “BIRTHDAY CAKE” is a track that will make you feel good even if it’s not your actual Birthday with its uplifting dance type beat. This is also featured on KIRA’s newest album, Birthday, which just dropped on March 23rd, 2023!

Check out “BIRTHDAY CAKE” here and the official music video below!

“I Need U” by RIRI

It’s been over a year since RIRI released a new single and I’ve been listening to all her previous music patiently waiting. The wait was worth it. RIRI released two versions of “I Need U” with the difference being the Japanese version is titled a little different as “I Need U ~Kimi ni Tayotte mo ii~”. “I Need U” shows that RIRI still has it and has been perfecting her voice as this is such a smooth track where you can hear the strength in her vocals drawn out. The lyrics in “I Need U” are easily relatable which is another reason it pulled me in.

Check out “I Need U’ here and the official music video below!

“You Just Walked In My Life” by CHANMINA

As soon as “You Just Walked In My Life” released, I was hooked after the immediate first listen. I love the slower paced style this song gives off and how CHANMINA shows a softer side of her vocals. “You Just Walked In My Life” is a cute track that mixes sugar sweet with hip-hop and CHANMINA executes every tune with perfect ease. “You Just Walked In My Life” is a combination of mid-tempo and ballad with a hip-pop type of base. It shows CHANMINA’s skill of being able to cross genre boundaries with ease. The hype for her newest album, Naked, is very high after listening to all the singles released thus far.

Check out “You Just Walked In My Life” here and the official music video below!

“Memorable” by BAND-MAID

I’ve been listening to quite a bit of BAND-MAID especially with their 10th Anniversary Tour this year. “Memorable” is a beautiful power ballad and Saiki’s vocals have a vunerable sound that fits perfectly with the melody. “Memorable” is what I’d consider a soft rock power ballad, concentrating on a simple composition and Saiki’s vocals. The middle of the song, the riff with the guitar, and bass plus drums blends just right. I cannot get enough of “Memorable” as it shows off the softer side of BAND-MAID.

Check out “Memorable” here and the official music video below!

Music Corner Week 130: Rinne

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Rinne is a Vocalist and Rapper from Fukuoka who got his start at the young age of 18. Rinne started out doing MC battles, which he won several of them, plus in February 2020 his track ‘snow jam’ took the domestic charts by storm by hitting number 1 in Spotify’s viral ranking and Apple’s no 9 ranking. In 2020, Rinne received the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award at the Japan Golden Disc Awards, which are very similar to the Grammy’s in the United States. Rinne is more known for his rap skills, however, he is no one trick pony and display’s solid vocals in his tracks. Although Rinne is still dipping into the music industry, he has garnished many viewers and fans alike with his modern compositions and variety of music he creates.

Rinne’s hit track ‘snow jam’ is a must listen with smooth vocal’s mixed in with rap and a chill composition that incorporates modern hip-hop with a laid back feel. Rinne’s compositions, especially his collaborations are a treat to listen to, ‘Sweet Melon feat. ICARUS’, ‘Bless feat. Asmi’, and ‘Sentensei no uso feat. uyuni’ are just a few a sample of the tracks that pull you on with the chemistry each displays together. Not to mention, each track is unique and none sound the same. Rinne’s new EP titled live in love has a more low key vibe and includes some nice tracks, such as ‘stray night’ and the piano based ‘Mottainai’.

Currently, Rinne has two studio albums, Cloud Achoo (2022) and swipe sheep (2020); two EP, live in love and film drip; and twenty four digital singles. Check out Rinne’s official website, Twitter, and Instagram along with his latest single, Mottainai below!

Music Corner Week 127: SAISEIGA

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SAISEIGA is a four piece ‘loud’ rock band that formed in 2020, creating heavy and dynamic sounds with the intention to help their listeners get rid of negative feelings. SAISEIGA members include Regan on vocals, Wakkun on Guitar, Katsuki on Bass, and Tohko on Drums forming a band so powerful that each member leaves an impact on audiences with their unique sound. Regan’s vocals are smooth yet overpowering, especially when switching to the ‘growls’ in their tracks. The composition falls into place when Regan’s vocal changes perfectly. SAISEIGA brings a heavy sound while also creating lyrics that resonates with its listeners and also delivers outstanding live performances that captivate their audience.

SAISEIGA’s latest digital single as of this writing, “Sports” starts out with a heavy feel, Regan’s strong vocals, each member chiming in throughout the track, giving off a feel of collaboration between each member which flows so well. Tracks such as “Ride On” and “Fever” are energetic yet heavy that showcases the bands’ talent while matching the loudness with Regan’s vocals. Regan eases into switching her vocal pattern from singing to screaming (growling') several times during this track with perfection. “Persona” slows it down by showing off the band’s softer side and a different side of Regan’s voice that makes you appreciate the band’s versatility. SAISEIGA’s latest track, “JUMBLE” shows off how deep Regan’s voice can go, leaving you with a taste of the band’s full extent from its heavy composition with great guitar riffs, and growling vocals that stick with you.

Currently, SAISEIGA has one studio album, The Sun (2022); one EP, Me (2020); and one digital single “Sports” (2022). They will be releasing their second studio album NOSTALGIA on March 15, 2023! Check out their official website, Twitter, Facebook, and music video for “JUMBLE” below!

Luna's Ongaku Go for February 2023!

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Picking up where Ken left off and spring boarding into the second month of 2023, it’s that time of the month for February’s Ongaku Go! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

“(NOT) Remember you” by Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi’s first major release of the year, her Remember you album, was a great way to end January and start off February. One of the lead tracks on her latest album, "(NOT) Remember you” has filled my ears since its release. This song features a heavy electronic vibe with powerful lyrics and vocals to match. Ayu’s ear for music is still going strong, as it not only contains a strong electronic vibe, but also some heavy guitar riffs that fit perfectly in the middle of the track. “(NOT) Remember you” sticks with you through and through, leaving you with its catchy beat in your head and wanting to put it on repeat.

“(NOT) Remember you” by Ayumi Hamasaki here and the music below!

“Trigger” by Koda Kumi

Koda Kumi is always a favorite of mine, and her newest mini album WINGS that dropped in late January is no different. “Trigger” is exactly what you want and expect in a Koda Kumi song, dance beats, smokey vocals, catchy lyrics, and a hot chorus. I love how “Trigger” starts off a little slower with a more modern vibe, but with the perfect vocal style with the composition. The verses are my favorite part of this track, as they have this smooth style that just flows perfectly and leads right to the chorus, which has a heavier beat that gives off a more hip-hop-like vibe. “Trigger” brings a good mixture of modern Koda Kumi mixed with all the experience she’s gained over the last 20-plus years.

Check out “Trigger” by Koda Kumi here and the music video below!

“February 14 (feat. Takaya Kawasaki)” by miwa

As February is the month of love due to Valentine’s Day, miwa’s latest track “February 14 (feat. Takaya Kawasaki)” became an addiction with its lovey-dovey lyrics. This was a part of miwa’s latest EP release “Valentine ga Kotoshi mo Yatte Kuru”, “February 14” was the highlight of this track with its beautiful composition giving the perfect love song for the month. Takaya Kawasaki and miwa’s collaboration has a nice balance between both artists. miwa obviously shines, but Takaya Kawasaki’s voice is such a nice treat. I love that both artists have different tones vocally, but they mesh perfectly together.

Check out “February 14 (feat. Takaya Kawasaki")” by miwa here and the music video below!

“Konya mo Dareka to (feat. Manaka Shida) by t-Ace

I always enjoy seeing what t-Ace releases, as he puts out some bangers, and of course, , his digital single from the end of January, “Konya mo Dareka to” with Manaka Shida is that for me. It has a fun Hip-Hop/R&B beat, t-Ace’s vocals and rap are smooth, despite some of the auto-tuning. Manaka Shida and t-Ace have amazing chemistry in this track and blend so perfectly together. The lyrics in “Konya mo Dareka to” are playful and have some truth to them. This is one of those chill tracks that I want to listen to and soak up.

Check out “Konya mo Dareka to (feat. Manaka Shida) by t-Ace here and the music video below!

“Karappo” by AYANE

Ken introduced me to “Karappo” and I have not been able to get enough. AYANE has such a smooth voice that pulls you in, her track “Karappo” is the perfect showcase of that. With its mid tempo R&B composition, AYANE’s vocals flow throughout this track with a steady rhythm, leading you through a story. The verses are just as catchy as the chorus, and the composition is the perfect match with AYANE’s vocal style. “Karappo” is a soothing track as it contains just that right mixture of pop and R&B.

Check out “Karappo” by AYANE here and the lyric video below!

Music Corner Week 124: Raisan

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Raisan is a newly formed pop rock band consisting of the vocalist/singer-songwriter CLR, Bansan on Guitar, Hi on Guitarist, Kasugayama on Bass, and foot vinegar(Dr) on Drums. Raisan brings a unique flavor to their music with all members having been in/currently are in bands. From the first listen, you get a funky fresh pop rock sound with the experience and knowledge of music. CLR’s vocals bring out the best in each member as each knows how to match her vocal style and vice versa. Their musical style pulls the audience in with their unique composition, CLR’s vocals, and their catchy lyrics.

Members:

CLR: Vocals (Saya of Lalaland)

Bansan: Guitar (Enon Kawatani of indigo la end, Gesu no Kiwami Otome, and Genie High)

Hi: Guitar (Satoshi Kinoshita)

Kasugayama: Bass (Kyujitsu Kacho of DADARAY and Gesu no Kiwami Otome)

foot vinegar(Dr): Drums (GOTO of DALLJUB STEP CLUB)

Raisan showcases how they know how to compose and capture audiences with tracks such as “TRUMAN”, “NO SWEAT”, and “Guro” with their fun compositions that showcase CLR’s vocal talent. “TRUMAN” delivers a upbeat track that keeps you entertained throughout the listen, as the beat gives off a jazzy rock vibe, catchy chorus, and steady vocals. “Guro” brings a different vibe with CLR’s use of rap to start off, and is more heavy on the guitar, making for an interesting mix before jumping into the vocals for the chorus. “NO SWEAT” goes back to a more pop-funk sound that is more vocal heavy. Raisan shows that each member is familiar with each others talents and brings out the best in each other; the track “Bye Bye’ shows this, as it has the perfect flow between guitar, bass, and CLR’s vocals; all meshing together with the perfect melody.

Currently, Raisan has one digital album, WHOOPEE (2023), and five digital singles (2021 - 2022) with two of them being demo versions. Check out their official website, Twitter, Instagram, and latest music video for “TRUMAN” below!