Source: Bounce.com
UA will release a single titled “Lightning”, the singer’s official site quickly announced. Details have yet to be determined, but the single is expected to have two songs and retail for 1,000 yen. The release is the first new song by the artist since “Dorobon” released back in December 2002.
Source: Bounce.com
Hatakeyama Miyuki will release a CD and DVD of her November performance at a church on Jan. 28. Titled Live at Gloria Chapel ~The Great American Songbook~, the album features American pop and jazz covers ranging from Carol King, Marina Show and the Carpenters to Neil Young and Steely Dan.
Hatakeyama performs with Saigenji on Dec. 26 at “intoxicate”, a special Tower Records event, and Jan. 1 sees the release of “Mafuyu Monogatari”, a collaborative single featuring Hatakeyama with Kirinji’s Horigome Yasuyuki and Hanaregumi.
Source: Bounce.com
Utada Hikaru will perform at the Budokan Theatre for five nights in February 2004, the singer’s official site reported. Titled “Hikaru no 5”, the performances are schedule for Feb. 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10. The announcement coincided with the site’s relaunch on Dec. 8. Utada said in a message on the site she’s brimming with excitement over the upcoming performances. Ticket prices range from 6,000 to 10,000 yen.
Source: Bounce.com
Quruli will release a new single titled “Rock ‘n’ Roll” on Feb. 11. The single’s coupling track is titled “Sayonara Haruno Hi”. The release marks the debut of Quruli’s new drummer, Christopher Maguire.
Source: Bounce.com
Pop singer Hitoto You will release a new single titled “Hanamizuki” on Feb. 11. The song, a ballad Hitoto has performed live, will also serve as the theme for the television program “Kayoo Suspense Gekijoo”. Hitoto is also scheduled to perform at the upcoming Countdown Japan festival. The singer recently released the single “Edo Polka”.
Source: Bounce.com
Two original members of Art-School are leaving, the band’s official site announced. Guitarist Ooyama Shun cited fatigue as his reason for leaving, while bassist Hinata Hidekazu announced his intention to pursue other projects. Hinata recently recorded with ex-Number Girl Mukai Shuutoku’s new band, Zazen Boys. The remaining members of the 4-piece band intend to continue, but in what form has yet to be determined. Ooyama and Hinata will perform on the band’s remaining tour dates this year.
Source: Bounce.com
Supercar continues its collaboration with electronica producer Yoshinori Sunahara on a new single to be released on Jan. 28, 2004. Titled “Last Scene”, the release is coupled with two more songs, “Antenna” and “Scale”. The new song is a mellow number featuring a piano. Yoshinori worked with Supercar on its most recent single, “BGM”, released in November 2003.
Source: Bounce.com
The Mad Capsule Markets will release a new single in February 2004, the band’s official web site announced. The title of the single was not yet revealed, but a limited edition pressing will bundle a new action figure in the style of Pochi Car by Medicom Toys, who will also handle the toy’s production.
It’s been 2 1/2 years since the Mad Capsule Markets released any new material in Japan. Since the mid-90s, the band has toured overseas, cutting back on its activities in Japan.
Source: Bounce.com
Zazen Boys/ex-Number Girl leader Mukai Shuutoku will participate in a live talk at Shunjuku Loft Plus One on Dec. 18. Mukai will be joined by “spur-of-the-moment tresspassing guests”. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the talk begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event will be handled by Lawson Tickets and go on sale for $15 on Dec. 1 (L-code: 31652).
Source: Bounce.com
Zoobombs are making its latest single, “Way In/Way Out”, available as a free download. Soul Flower Union guitarist Nakagawa Kyou performs on the 10-minute jam session. Zoobombs and Soul Flower Union recently completed a joint tour, picture from which are available on the Zoobombs’ web site.