Source: Bounce.com
Number Girl will release a DVD box set on Sept. 28. The 4-disc set includes complete footage of the band’s previous live albums, Shibuya Rocktransformed Jootai and Sapporo Omoide In My Head Jootai (last live), plus other special programming. The box set continues the reissue campaign, Omoide In My Head Project, started to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the band’s formation. Number Girl disbanded in 2002.
Source: Bounce.com
Ex-Pizzicato Five singer Nomiya Maki will release a new collaborative single with m-flo titled “Big Bang Romance”. The single hits stores on Sept 7. and will be billed under the name “Nomiya Maki love m-flo”. The new single also contains a remix from Nipopo from the pop group Tongari Kids, who recorded the single “B-Dash”. Nomiya and m-flo previously collaborated on the song “Cosmic Night Run”, different versions of which appeared on both their previous albums. The song was later remixed by Sunaga Tatsuo.
Source: Bounce.com
Among the many collaborators working with m-flo on its next album to be released on Aug. 24 is a familiar face — Lisa. The band announced its original singer will join Sowelu, Bennie K, Kahimi Karie, Emyli, Yoshika and Wada Akiko on its new album, titled Beat Space Nine. m-flo begins a nationwide tour in support of the album in October.
Source: Bounce.com
Dragon Ash releases its sixth album on Sept. 7. The still-untitled album is expected to contain 14 tracks, including the pre-release singles “crush the window” and “Yuunagi Nation”. The new album is anticipated to continue the band’s trademark combination of hip-hop, rock, drum ‘n’ bass and electronica. First edition pressings will include a secret password for Mobnet members. Dragon Ash performs at the Rock in Japan festival on Aug. 5 and at Rushball on Aug. 28.
Source: Bounce.com
A solo project featuring members of Buffalo Daughter and DMBQ releases its self-titled debut album on July 27. Sugar Yoshinaga from Buffalo Daugther teamed up with DMBQ’s Yoshimura Yoshika in 2000 to form Metalchicks. The duo built a reputation for its energetic live shows and opened for Sonic Youth. Yoshinaga plays heavy metal-style guitar over Yoshimura’s multi-layered drum rhythms, resulting in a mix of metal and New Wave dance music.
Source: Bounce.com
Tommy heavenly6 will release her self-titled debut album on Aug. 24. In addition to a regular edition, a limited edition pressing with a DVD will also be released on the same day. the brilliant green singer’s second solo project has taken three years to complete, with one single released each year since the project began. Each of those singles are expected to appear on the full-length release. To precede the release of the album, Tommy heavenly6’s official web site is offering a trial listening of her newest single, “Ready?”
Source: Bounce.com
Utada Hikaru will release a new single, “Be My Last”, on Sept. 28. The title track serves as the theme song for the movie, Haru no Yuki. Two editions of the single will be released simultaneously — a regular CD-only edition and a limited CD + DVD edition containing a promotional clip for the song. It’s been 17 months since the release of Utada’s previous Japanese-language single, “Dare ka Negai ga Kanau Koro”, which also served as the theme song for the movie Casshern.
Source: Bounce.com
Yuki will release a new single, titled “Yoroko no Tame”, on Sept. 7. Like her previous single “Dramatic”, “Yoroko no Tame” serves as the theme song for a movie, this time for the movie Touch. Yuki’s lyrics are even incorporated into the movie itself. The new single marks Yuki’s 12th since becoming a solo artist in 2002.
Source: Bounce.com
Bonnie Pink will release a new studio album on Sept. 21, 10 years after she released her debut album. The 13-track album was produced by Tore Johannsen and Burning Chicken. Pink also releases a new single, “So Wonderful”, on Aug. 3, and in June, she released a covers album, Reminiscence.
Source: Bounce.com
Tokyo Jihen announced the departure of two members on its official web site. Keyboardist Hiizami Masayuki (formerly, H-Zeto-M) and guitarist Hiruumi Mikine posted messages to the site, expressing support of the band. Remaining members Shiina Ringo, Kameda Seiji and Hata Toshiki vowed to continue Tokyo Jihen.