BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE Lands Team Theme Song ‘God Mode’ to Japanese Anime, ‘Bucchigiri?!’

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‘God Mode’ Jacket Cover

Seven-member dance and vocal boy group, BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE have announced the release of a new single, ‘God Mode’.

Available now on all major digital streaming platforms, 'God Mode' has been selected to be the theme song for the team ‘SIGMA SQUAD’, taken from the original Japanese anime television series, ‘Bucchigiri?!’. The series is directed by Hiroko Utsumi, who is best known for ‘BANANA FISH’ and ‘MAPPA’,  the animation production company behind well-loved anime series, ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ and ‘Attack on Titan’. ‘God Mode’ is a dynamic Hip-Hop anthem that perfectly describes the spirit and energy of the Yankee team or SIGMA SQUAD, and makes it an ideal fit for the adrenaline-fueled world of ‘Bucchigiri?!’.

Additionally, ‘God Mode’ provides a sneak peek into BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE’s third studio album ‘Back & Forth’, which is slated for release in the first quarter of the year. The group is gearing up for their highly anticipated “BALLISTIK BOYZ LIVE TOUR 2024 "HIGHER EX," which is scheduled to kick off in April this year. More details will be shared in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to check out ‘God Mode’ streaming links here!

Maaya Sakamoto Wants to Bring Fans Closer with Upcoming Release!

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Maaya Sakamoto’s new single “Dakishimete,” which is already available on digital platforms, will also be released as a CD single on April 3.

The lead track, “Dakishimete,” serves as the ending theme for the second season of the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter. The lyrics and composition were handled by Senri Oe, a renowned singer-songwriter of the 80s and 90s who is currently active as a jazz pianist based in New York. This collaboration marks Sakamoto’s first encounter with Oe, and her restrained yet resonant vocals create a gentle ballad that offers comfort not only to the anime’s tumultuous story but also to many children facing harsh circumstances in real life.

As a coupling track, the new song “Once upon a time” features lyrics by Maaya Sakamoto and composition by the singer-songwriter SIRA, who is known for her excellent chemistry with Sakamoto in previous works such as “un_mute” and “Hidden Notes.” The arrangement, handled by Ryuji Yamamoto, brings forth a cool and jazzy style. The other coupling track is “Dakishimete -Live 2024 Ver.-,” recorded at the rescheduled Tokyo performance of Maaya Sakamoto LIVE TOUR 2023: Kioku no Toshokan on January 2. This version is a live rendition with acoustic arrangements featuring piano and double bass. The blu-ray included with the Limited First Edition will feature 14 songs from the Tokyo live performance.

Additionally, a music video (short ver.) and jacket photos for “Dakishimete” have been released in conjunction with this announcement, with the pre-order links below!

PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE Collaborates with JP THE WAVY for '99.9 Psychic Radio' EP

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99.9 Psychic Radio Jacket cover


PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE's latest track and music video, 'Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY' has reached over 1 million streams since being released on 19 January. "99.9 Psychic Radio" represents a new frontier for PSYCHIC FEVER. This EP is produced in collaboration with Japan’s prominent rapper JP THE WAVY and other notable producers - and features four dynamic tracks that promise to captivate audiences globally. The concept revolves around an imaginary LA based radio station, with the throwback spirit of Hip-Hop music spreading via mixtapes and radio broadcasts. “99.9MHz," symbolises the group's journey from Japan to the world stage. JP THE WAVY, who has supported the group since their pre-debut, has crafted "99.9 Psychic Radio" with a diverse mix of Hip-Hop and R&B sounds, inspiring the group's journey from Japan to the international stage. Each track on the EP is thoughtfully designed and detailed to showcase the artistry and musicianship of PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE.

The first track, "Temperature," is a "Hotline" style love song with an urban beat that incorporates Jersey drills and stylish R&B chords. Since its release, the song along with a Choreography video on YouTubehas been building buzz and anticipation for the “99.9 Psychic Radio” EP.   

The leading track, "Just like dat (feat. JP THE WAVY)”, captures the iconic spirit of 2000's Hip Hop and is about a story of trying to get the interest of a girl you are interested in. Its style is enhanced by JP THE WAVY's unique flow. The accompanying choreography was crafted by KAITA, KAZ the FIRE, and PSYCHIC FEVER member, Ryushin Handa, which the music video can be viewed below!

"Psyfe Cyper" features a freestyle radio-style cypher rap by TSURUGI, Ryoga Nakanishi, JIMMY, and Ryushin Handa, while "Rocket (Take You Higher)" is a heartfelt long-distance love song across the world and Japan - vocalised by Ren Watanabe, Kokoro Kohatsu, and WEESA.

The cover artwork of “99.9 Psychic Radio” by DOPE features the members of PSYCHIC FEVER in "Y2K" fashion style - and is reminiscent of a 2000s US Hip-Hop magazine cover. Sonically, the EP delivers a blend of beats that are perfect for festival performances, and stylish grooves for listening and dancing to. The rap skills of PSYCHIC FEVER are on full display - and their lyrics and delivery have evolved significantly from the guidance of JP THE WAVY. 

PSYCHIC FEVER recently performed for the first time at Hozo Music Festival in Ho Chin Minh City. They also held their first solo performance and fan meet in Thailand on 24 December 2023 and Central World's Year End Countdown to 2024 on 31 December. Be sure to check out the EP here!

Vicke Blanka's First North American Tour

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Acclaimed artist, Vicke Blanka has started his North American Tour and has a full list of dates across the nation. Vicke Blanka began his tour on January 31st with Vancouver and will be ending it in New York on February 20th.

Vicke Blanka is an acclaimed artist, who was recognized in 2012 when he won an event called Minami Wheel with his song “Wake up sweetheart”. In 2016, he made his major debut with avex trax with the mini album Slave of Love. Vicke Blanka is known for his songwriting capabilities along with his talent for the guitar and piano. Due to Vicke Blanka’s talent, he was chosen to perform several themes, “Black Catcher” and “Black Rover” to the popular anime Black Clover. That is just a small portion of his achievements as an artist.

The tour dates for ‘Vicke Blanka North American Tour 2024’ are listed below. You can also check out Vicke Blanka’s official website for ticket information

★ Tour information
Vicke Blanka North American Tour 2024

• Jan 31 (Wed)
Vancouver - Biltmore Cabaret
• Feb 2 (Fri)
Denver - GOTHIC THEATER
• Feb 5 (Mon)
 San Francisco - GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL
• Feb 6 (Tue)
Los Angeles - THE BELASCO
• Feb 8 (Thu)
 Dallas - THE STUDIO AT THE FACTORY
• Feb 9 (Fri)
Houston - Scout Bar
• Feb 13 (Tue)
Chicago - PARK WEST 
• Feb 15 (Thu)
Toronto - Adelaide Hall
• Feb 18 (Sun)
Montreal - Foufounes Electriques
• Feb 20 (Tue)
New York City - PALLADIUM TIMES SQUARE

Atarayo follow ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ anime theme song with first tour of Asia!

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Rock band Atarayo are gaining global recognition for ‘I am...’, their opening theme song to Season 2 of the anime series ‘The Dangers in My Heart’. Billed as “A band that feeds on sadness,” Atarayo have now announced their first ever tour of Asia, which will include shows in five cities.

Atarayo First Asia Tour 2024 kicks off in March with a performance in Taiwan, where Atarayo played last year at the ISLAND’s LA RUE Music & Arts Festival, followed by dates in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai, ending with a fifth and final concert in Tokyo. Pre-registration is now open for the Tokyo performance.

Don’t miss this chance to see Atarayo’s next brave step as they reach out to music fans in Japan, Asia and the rest of the world and be sure to check out their latest release, ‘Atarayo’ here!

Atarayo First Asia Tour 2024

Schedule:

March 24 (Sun) Taipei @Legacy Taipei

April 28 (Sun) Guangzhou (venue TBA)

April 30 (Tue) Shanghai (venue TBA)

May 17 (Fri) Hangzhou (venue TBA)

June 13 (Thu) Tokyo @Veats Shibuya

Tickets:

Taipei: details TBA

Guangzhou: details TBA

Shanghai: details TBA

Hangzhou: details TBA

Tokyo: June 13, 2024 (Thu) @Veats Shibuya, open 18:30 / start 19:30

■ Pre-registration (lottery)

Pre-registration period: Until 23:59 JST on February 12 (Mon)

Pre-registration URL: https://eplus.jp/atarayo/