Ok, well, took half a year and a lot has come to pass. I mean, the crux of what is wonderful in j-rock world has already gone past, like h.Naoto's countless appearances in America this year, along with the epic-ness of Miyavi, D'espairsray, and of course, X Japan, all in NY to show East Coast fans some love. Also, some sad news like the end of Kagrra, as well as the bittersweet release of a new album in February.
Perhaps my new years resolution will be to keep this blog alive? Instead of backing up on everything like it has been going. 2010 has been a good year for j-rock, so here's to an even better 2011!
In other random news, the GazettE has been released on American Itunes (FINALLY! In November though) and a new DVD is up for sale in March. Save your moneys for this!
December 27, 2010
May 22, 2010
Cold Shoulder ~ Cool Coats for Alice Nine
The moment I saw this photo session in the April issue of Shoxx, I fell in love with this coat, and REALLY want to get in touch with Shou to see where he got it/ who designed it:
I'm not really too sure what's going on, but the one thing I can see it TEXTURE. As if it's been harshly embossed with pyramid studs or something. And I love how the look is all dressy and he finishes it off with a cool pair of converse-like sneakers. Also, here's Nao, the drummer, rocking a particularly awesome military look:
And the hair!! Is this red hair a new trend in the VK world? We've already seen this with D=Out! Not sure if this is celebrating a new PV, but I do know they had a complete collection released recently! Way to go Alice Nine!
I'm not really too sure what's going on, but the one thing I can see it TEXTURE. As if it's been harshly embossed with pyramid studs or something. And I love how the look is all dressy and he finishes it off with a cool pair of converse-like sneakers. Also, here's Nao, the drummer, rocking a particularly awesome military look:And the hair!! Is this red hair a new trend in the VK world? We've already seen this with D=Out! Not sure if this is celebrating a new PV, but I do know they had a complete collection released recently! Way to go Alice Nine!
Overall, the entire shoot is pretty awesome! Another thing I particularly like about the entire shoot was the background they created, as if in some sort of Neo-igloo. Calls to mind Karl Lagerfeld's EPIC presentation for Chanel Winter 2010-2011. Um...you know, the one with the REAL glacier in the middle, that was freezing cold and the models had to walk through a pool of water?
Doesn't get much better than this. Images found in Shoxx and Google Image Search.
May 13, 2010
News Flash! J-Summit in NY
New Japanese bands every month in the summer? Count me in!
If you like j-rock and currently live in the US, chances are you go to any event you can get your hands on cause...well... they're pretty few and far between as of now. If anything, they're mostly concentrated on the West Coast. So any event is worth going to, to explore new bands and support j-rock in the US. It's important to let people know we're out there!
I just found out about an even called J-Summit NY, that according to Kazen ni Jrick Article Blog, is going to be going on every month at Webster Hall, starting this Sunday. If anyone's in the area, it's worth checking out.
Here's the link to Webster Hall for more info.
If you like j-rock and currently live in the US, chances are you go to any event you can get your hands on cause...well... they're pretty few and far between as of now. If anything, they're mostly concentrated on the West Coast. So any event is worth going to, to explore new bands and support j-rock in the US. It's important to let people know we're out there!
I just found out about an even called J-Summit NY, that according to Kazen ni Jrick Article Blog, is going to be going on every month at Webster Hall, starting this Sunday. If anyone's in the area, it's worth checking out.
Here's the link to Webster Hall for more info.
May 9, 2010
Ride with the Wrockers!
Ok, so at first glance you're like, whaaaaaaaat? Isn't that an instrumental song the GazettE does at every major concert? Why yes it is, except well...it's Rockers, not Wrockers. So those who know about both might be a bit confused with what Visual Kei and Wizard Rock could possibly have in common, except maybe the music itself, and an unconventional way of dressing.
Well, not to much really, but I think it brings up a couple of interesting points on how certain fads, or trends, grow and evolve from, and with each other. Fashion and music are NO strangers, in any genre or culture, and probably goes back as far as time can tell. Perfomances are meant to take the audience somewhere else, whether that be visually or musically.
I discovered the concept of "Wizard Rock" not that long ago, although having been an avid reader of Harry Potter for a long time. Unbeknown to me, kids everywhere were picking up guitars for the first time and rocking out to HP, serenading Slytherin and rapping to Remus Lupin. This was awesome. It was the ultimate expression of fandom. And in the greatest sense of fashion every, if you're going to sing like a wizard, you kind of have to dress like one too.
Still have to find this movie!
Anyway, point being, fashion, music, and the fandoms it creates are cyclical in the best sense. For example, without those critical bands including X Japan and Malice Mizer, would we see Visual Kei as it is today? Maybe something similar (Lady Gaga is certainly chanelling a similar spirit), but without Mana, would we have Gothic Lolita in all its breadth and forms? Maybe, but maybe not.
And consider the fashion/music empire of h.Naoto. Apart from his multiple lines, he is also extremely involved in music projects like Hangry and Angry, for which all the clothes are his (not the mention the mascots!) His lines are intertwined with Visual Kei in more ways than I can count; just watch:
In any case, you get the idea. Wherever there's music, there's a voice to be heard, both in what you hear and what you see. It's a pretty simple concept, with countless examples in every musical time and genre, but each example is worth mentioning.
Well, not to much really, but I think it brings up a couple of interesting points on how certain fads, or trends, grow and evolve from, and with each other. Fashion and music are NO strangers, in any genre or culture, and probably goes back as far as time can tell. Perfomances are meant to take the audience somewhere else, whether that be visually or musically.
I discovered the concept of "Wizard Rock" not that long ago, although having been an avid reader of Harry Potter for a long time. Unbeknown to me, kids everywhere were picking up guitars for the first time and rocking out to HP, serenading Slytherin and rapping to Remus Lupin. This was awesome. It was the ultimate expression of fandom. And in the greatest sense of fashion every, if you're going to sing like a wizard, you kind of have to dress like one too.
Still have to find this movie!
Anyway, point being, fashion, music, and the fandoms it creates are cyclical in the best sense. For example, without those critical bands including X Japan and Malice Mizer, would we see Visual Kei as it is today? Maybe something similar (Lady Gaga is certainly chanelling a similar spirit), but without Mana, would we have Gothic Lolita in all its breadth and forms? Maybe, but maybe not.
And consider the fashion/music empire of h.Naoto. Apart from his multiple lines, he is also extremely involved in music projects like Hangry and Angry, for which all the clothes are his (not the mention the mascots!) His lines are intertwined with Visual Kei in more ways than I can count; just watch:
In any case, you get the idea. Wherever there's music, there's a voice to be heard, both in what you hear and what you see. It's a pretty simple concept, with countless examples in every musical time and genre, but each example is worth mentioning.
April 25, 2010
Dress Like a Rock Star ~ Visual Kei styles you can wear!
Ok, so it's sort of unavoidable, but if you listen to visual kei and watch the music videos and have an interest in fashion, you might want to dress like them from time to time. Anime conventions are a good place to do this (especially for the more elaborate styles!), but if you want to add a bit of VK elements into your everyday style, a little bit of creativity can be in order to do just that.
Step 1- Look at Cure magazine. Most probably know this as one of the most popular VK mags out there, and lucky for us that speak English and not Japanese, they translate one or two interviews into English in every issue. Apparently there's also Cure USA? (I haven't been able to find it...) There's also a Cure app for the iPhone/ iPod touch in US iTunes which is free, though you do have to pay for each digital issue (comes with one free, and it's VERSAILLES!). In each print issue, there is always a section dedicated to new clothes by the major brands to create your own looks, and a Hangry and Angry cartoon is always featured. Plus, styling tips for hair and makeup. Follow the pictures you don't need to read Japanese to figure it out! But even with just a little online searching of your favorite bands, you can easily pick up elements to add to your own look.
Here's a spread from the latest Cure with...D=OUT! Was so surprised and happy when I found this. Though I think Kouki's style on the left is a bit more wearable, I love that look on the right! This looks a little more formal and has a sort of understated elegance with just the blazer and a couple of well placed chains to add a bit of punch to the styling.
And here's a more casual look. More details and PINK! It just looks so cool. I would totally hit up downtown in that. And on the right that Chanel-ly jacket with the miliary details is so in right now it isn't even funny. 
Speaking of miliary, not only is it VERY visual kei and a style which many bands do for a PV or two, but it's also very in at the moment. Just take a look at the awesomeness of Balmain on the runway (and there's a lot more where that came from!):
Back to Cure...Streetwear looks by Algonquins and the god of punk rock clothing, h.naoto.
Luckily enough, for any type of VK that you're into there's pretty much an appropriate style you can pair it with. Take this image of Maya from LM.C, for example. (Wonderful Wonderholic outfit.) A lot of LM.C outfits are hip hop/ athletic wear inspired with a bit of punk mixed in with accessories and attitude.
The obvious ones are the more gothic/punk inspired groups by nature, but even bits of pieces of outfits like spiked bracelets and ties can be incorporated into almost any look to give it that extra edge.
Step 1- Look at Cure magazine. Most probably know this as one of the most popular VK mags out there, and lucky for us that speak English and not Japanese, they translate one or two interviews into English in every issue. Apparently there's also Cure USA? (I haven't been able to find it...) There's also a Cure app for the iPhone/ iPod touch in US iTunes which is free, though you do have to pay for each digital issue (comes with one free, and it's VERSAILLES!). In each print issue, there is always a section dedicated to new clothes by the major brands to create your own looks, and a Hangry and Angry cartoon is always featured. Plus, styling tips for hair and makeup. Follow the pictures you don't need to read Japanese to figure it out! But even with just a little online searching of your favorite bands, you can easily pick up elements to add to your own look.
Here's a spread from the latest Cure with...D=OUT! Was so surprised and happy when I found this. Though I think Kouki's style on the left is a bit more wearable, I love that look on the right! This looks a little more formal and has a sort of understated elegance with just the blazer and a couple of well placed chains to add a bit of punch to the styling.
And here's a more casual look. More details and PINK! It just looks so cool. I would totally hit up downtown in that. And on the right that Chanel-ly jacket with the miliary details is so in right now it isn't even funny. Speaking of miliary, not only is it VERY visual kei and a style which many bands do for a PV or two, but it's also very in at the moment. Just take a look at the awesomeness of Balmain on the runway (and there's a lot more where that came from!): Back to Cure...Streetwear looks by Algonquins and the god of punk rock clothing, h.naoto. Luckily enough, for any type of VK that you're into there's pretty much an appropriate style you can pair it with. Take this image of Maya from LM.C, for example. (Wonderful Wonderholic outfit.) A lot of LM.C outfits are hip hop/ athletic wear inspired with a bit of punk mixed in with accessories and attitude. The obvious ones are the more gothic/punk inspired groups by nature, but even bits of pieces of outfits like spiked bracelets and ties can be incorporated into almost any look to give it that extra edge.And for oshare-kei bands, go decora! Look at SuG from Pink Masquerade PV. Prints, anyone? And look at Shinpei's headphones!!!: 
Any style you choose to emulate- have FUN with it! This is probably one of the best things about VK, because dressing the part is so important to the bands. It's also some of the most fun for the fans!! So go out and enjoy!
April 5, 2010
Much Ado About Everything ~ D=OUT
Ok, so it's been a little while...and a lot has come about. Four new CDs which I am currently listening to and LOVING- Tokyo Muzical Hotel (by SuG), Wonderful Wonderholic (by LM.C, get it on Itunes!!!), Jubilee (by Versailles), and Carnival Ukiyo (By D=OUT). A nice little mix of some fairly new releases. I've been skimming them all pretty evenly, but I'd like to start with a little impression on D=OUT (thanks Youtube!)
The melodies are democratic and I'd recommend them to your average j-rock/pop lover, sitting on a similar sound scale to Alice Nine, SID, Vidoll, and An Cafe, to name a few. I quickly caught onto this band since I heard them about a year ago, and they sure have an awesome sense of style to match their music. Though not as visually in-your-face as, let's say, a Dir en Grey ensemble from back in the day, or a thoroughly costumed Mixed Speaker's Inc. getup, they do know how to put a good VK look together. This is the type of thing that can easily be overdone and just look horrible, but here all of the elements are in perfect balance.
I kind of want close ups to see all the details! I mean, you know there's more going on than just suits and studded belts. And there's definitely some glitter and/or shimmery fabrics going on there, shining out from the canvas of basic black. They have what I like to call a "classic VK" look, because it's a visual kei-ers raison d'etre, but has to be done well in order to stand out. The suit, lots of belts, lots of jewelry, lots of hair product, lots of dangling elements...as Tim Gunn would say "That's a lot of look." (Because he's really democratic about his fashion advise, I would LOVE to see him really critiquing some classic looks from the pages of Shoxx!) I have to say Kouki's hair is my favorite bit of standout style from this video; I always wanted bright red tips on my hair!
And the energy this band has is just infectious. They have this same type on enthusiasm in their other videos, with the clothes to match. (Flashback, Shangri La, to name just two more...) Just makes you want to get up and dance to the music. I'm sure your can feel it.
As for procuring this for yourself, if you like this video, get the Type-A version of the CD, it comes with this and extra footage, so worth it! You can get Zipang (their first album) from Itunes for some earlier favorites to see where they started.
The melodies are democratic and I'd recommend them to your average j-rock/pop lover, sitting on a similar sound scale to Alice Nine, SID, Vidoll, and An Cafe, to name a few. I quickly caught onto this band since I heard them about a year ago, and they sure have an awesome sense of style to match their music. Though not as visually in-your-face as, let's say, a Dir en Grey ensemble from back in the day, or a thoroughly costumed Mixed Speaker's Inc. getup, they do know how to put a good VK look together. This is the type of thing that can easily be overdone and just look horrible, but here all of the elements are in perfect balance.
I kind of want close ups to see all the details! I mean, you know there's more going on than just suits and studded belts. And there's definitely some glitter and/or shimmery fabrics going on there, shining out from the canvas of basic black. They have what I like to call a "classic VK" look, because it's a visual kei-ers raison d'etre, but has to be done well in order to stand out. The suit, lots of belts, lots of jewelry, lots of hair product, lots of dangling elements...as Tim Gunn would say "That's a lot of look." (Because he's really democratic about his fashion advise, I would LOVE to see him really critiquing some classic looks from the pages of Shoxx!) I have to say Kouki's hair is my favorite bit of standout style from this video; I always wanted bright red tips on my hair!
And the energy this band has is just infectious. They have this same type on enthusiasm in their other videos, with the clothes to match. (Flashback, Shangri La, to name just two more...) Just makes you want to get up and dance to the music. I'm sure your can feel it.
As for procuring this for yourself, if you like this video, get the Type-A version of the CD, it comes with this and extra footage, so worth it! You can get Zipang (their first album) from Itunes for some earlier favorites to see where they started.
March 7, 2010
Sweet Treats and Dark Dreams
Nothing makes my heart flutter like the juxtaposition of sweet and frothy princess frocks and the dark ambiance of a streetwise aristocrat. Such a sight is normal for the street-smart locals and tourists hunting in Harajuku, but in NYC? (And not during con season!) Other than planned Lolita gatherings (there is a NY Lolita Society, if you're interested,) this much j-fashion in one spot is pretty rare. So I went into panic attacks of happiness when I cound out about Tokyo Fashion Festa, and was blessed with the ability to attend.
These looks from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Victorian Maiden, and others are what the mind typically jumps to when thinking of Lolita fashion. New to me was a "woodland fairy" style, which strays from the pink and pastel color palette to one of pale neutrals and a very Little House on the Prarie look, but still cute, and much more wearable for an easy summer look than your typical Sweet Lolita style. 
At the end, got to take pictures of VY, this band that did the music and wore all H.Naoto. (Misako Aoki is in the middle of them.) Beautiful music that complemented the fashion as they came down the runway. So awesome!!! I will never forget this.
These looks from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Victorian Maiden, and others are what the mind typically jumps to when thinking of Lolita fashion. New to me was a "woodland fairy" style, which strays from the pink and pastel color palette to one of pale neutrals and a very Little House on the Prarie look, but still cute, and much more wearable for an easy summer look than your typical Sweet Lolita style. This cake hat was one of the cutest things I saw that night. Who can resist??!!
Misako Aoki, famous Lolita, walking out with kids at the first break of the fashion segment. So Cute! And I really want the sequined bag!
The Gothic Lolita, more looks, and some AMAZING ones from Black Peace Now and Alice and the Pirates. HEAVEN. For the visual kei fan, this is a kind of grail in fashion. Also some Madam Killer, which I feel everyone could wear and look effortlessly cool.
Even more so a grail though, is these kimonos from the Hide part of the show. After showing various videos, mostly of H.Naoto and Hangry and Angry, came these during some of his music videos. OMG. OMG. OMG. Heart palpitations.
At the end, got to take pictures of VY, this band that did the music and wore all H.Naoto. (Misako Aoki is in the middle of them.) Beautiful music that complemented the fashion as they came down the runway. So awesome!!! I will never forget this.
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