Source: Bounce.com
The Back Horn will release a live DVD titled Bakuon Yumeka on Nov. 3. The DVD document’s the band’s one-man live show at the Hiyanoge Concert Hall on July 17, 2004 and includes a scenes from backstage. Also on Nov. 3, The Back Horn releases a new single, “Cobalt Blue”. A limited edition pressing includes another DVD with a live performance of “Yomigaeru Hi” from the same concert.
Source: CD Journal
fra-foa lead singer Mikami Chisako releases her solo debut, Watashi wa Anata no Uchuu, on Nov. 17. On the same day, she also releases a DVD titled Chisako Terebi-jon/Viva la Revolucion. The album finds Mikami experimenting with different genres, from the thunderous rock of fra-foa to more electronic styles as techno and ambient. Her backing band includes Hoppy Kamiyama and Okai Daiji.
The DVD includes video clips of “Fundamental” and “Viva la Revolucion”, two tracks from the album. Footage from live performances, and “visual artist” collaborations are also expected to appear on the DVD.
Mikami will also release a single, “Fundamental/ride”, on Oct. 13.
Source: Bounce.com
Hatakeyama Miyuki and DSK reunite as Port of Notes to release a new album in October. Titled Evening Glow, the new album is the pair’s first since releasing Duet With Birds three years ago. Guest musicians on the album include Matsutoya Yumi (who collaborates with Port of Notes for the first time), Matsunaga Takayoshi, Sakada Gaku (Polaris) and Horikawa “Bobo” Hiroyuki. Uchida Naoyuki (Dry & Heavy) engineered the album. A limited edition first pressing of Evening Glows also includes an 8cm CD containing “Dead Angel (Naoyuki Uchida dub)” and “Walk Through Happiness (instrumental)”.
Source: Bounce.com
Onitsuka Chihiro will release a new single, titled “Sodatsu Zosoo”, on Oct. 27. It’s her first new single since releasing “Watashi to Waltz wo”, which was used as the theme song for the drama Trick. Onitsuka changed labels in that time, and “Sodatsu Zosoo” will be her first release on A&M.
Source: Bounce.com
Zazen Boys will stream its latest album on its official site from Aug. 13-15. Titled “Zazen Bo Hoosookyoku”, the Netradio program includes the entire album, plus commentary by band members. The broadcast begins Friday, 8 p.m. (6 a.m. CT) and ends on Sunday, 11 p.m. (9 a.m. CT). According to band leader Mukai Shuutoku’s online journal, the broadcast will feature entire songs and not 30-second trial listening clips.
Source: Bounce.com
Cocco will publish her second picture book, Minami no Shima no Koi no Uta, on Aug. 15. The book follows up her bestselling first book, Minami no Shima no Hoshi no Suna, and to commemorate the two-year anniversary of its publication, readers who buy Cocco’s new book can use a special coupon to purchase a limited edition CD single. The single contains two new songs, “Garnet” and “Celeste Blue”.
On Sept. 22, Speedstar Records reissues a DVD of Cocco’s video clips, Otanoshimi Hizoo Video + Zen Single Clip = Kei 16 Kyokushuu at a discounted price for a limited time.
Source: Bounce.com
brilliant green guitarist Matsui Ryo releases his solo project’s debut single on Sept. 23. Going under the name meister, Matsui enlists the help of Howard Jones on vocals and Ride’s Loz on drums for the single, titled “I want you to show me”. Matsui names Jones as one of his favorite artists.
Source: Bounce.com
Utada Hikaru will release a DVD single for “Easy Breezy” on Oct. 6 in Japan. The song is the first single off her English-language debut, Exodus. The DVD also includes a short feature about the making of the video, which was directed by Jake Nava. Nava’s credits include Beyonce’s “Naughty Girl” and Usher’s “Burn”. Utada’s official site posted photos from the video shoot. The site also announced the track listing of the album, plus an image of the album’s cover.
Source: Bounce.com
Tokyo Jihen releases a second single on Oct. 14, following its debut single in September. The new single, titled “Soonan”, was written by Shiina and includes a cover of the Brenda Lee jazz standard “Dynamite”. Tokyo Jihen made its live debut at the Fuji Rock and Meet the World Beat festivals this summer.
Source: Bounce.com
Quruli will release a DVD on Sept. 22 documenting its most recent nationwide tour. The 45-date tour, which lasted from March 30 to June 18, saw the band playing 29 different venues, ranging from Zepp Class standing hall to Budokan martial arts arena. Each band member was interviewed along the way. In July, Quruli released a video clip compilation, Kurukuru Sushi, 1998-2004.