Source: Bounce.com
the brilliant green bassist and leader Okuda Shunsaku and singer Kawase Tomoko registered their marriage on Nov. 22, according to the band’s official site. Kawase left a statement on the site, saying she always thought she’d be married when she turned 28. The site also announced the marriage of guitarist Ryo Matsui.
Source: Bounce.com
Spitz is set to release its 28th single, titled “Stargazer”, on Jan. 21, 2004. It’s the band’s newest release in a year and a half and serves as the theme song to the popular TV show “Ainori”. The single’s coupling track, “Mikatzuki Rock Sono 3”, was premiered during the band’s 2002 Sugoroku tour. In December, Spitz will also release a four-DVD boxed set of live performances from the past four years.
Source: Bounce.com
Supercar is keeping a recording diary on its official web site. The diary, kept by bass guitarist Furukawa Miki, will document the band’s work on its yet-titled seventh album. Supercar releases its next single, “BGM” on Nov. 19.
Source: Bounce.com
Quruli has a new drummer. Christopher Maguire, who supported the band during its summer concert dates, has become a full-time member, according to the band’s web site. Original drummer Mori Nobuyuki left the band in August 2002 citing creative differences.
Source: Bounce.com
Kicell will release a new single, titled “Hakobune”, on Dec. 17. The duo worked with electronica producer Mashiko Itsuki, whose credits include Supercar, ASLN and ROVO. The single is expected to contain three tracks. Kicell’s previous single, “Sabaku ni Saita Hana”, is a self-cover of a song the pair wrote for former Judy and Mary singer Yuki.
Source: Bounce.com
Bonnie Pink will release a new single on Jan. 21, 2004. No details about the single were determined, but the track will be produced by Tore Johannsen, who’s worked with Pink most recently on her hit single, “Tonight, the Night”. The new single follows Pink’s most recent success with 2003’s album Present and a live CD/DVD, Pink in Red.
Source: Bounce.com
Fukuoka City pop band Nananine will release a live DVD titled dive at stage one a must buy! on Dec. 24. As indiciated by the title, the band filmed a November performance at Stage One in Shibuya. The DVD will retail at 18 yen. Back in October, Nananine released a limited edition single, “a must buy!”, through Tower Records Japan.
Source: Bounce.com
Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her singer Higurashi Aiha is set to release her first solo album on January 7, 2004. Titled Born Beautiful, the album is expected to contain 10 songs, including the pre-release singles “New Life” and “Fantasy”. A self-cover of “the end of shite”, which Higurashi wrote for ex-Judy and Mary singer Yuki, may also be included on the album. Higurashi will then go on tour for the album starting in February. For more information and tour dates, visit Higurashi’s official site.
Source: Bounce.com
Two years after suddenly ending her recording career, Cocco returns with a DVD release titled Heaven’s Hell on Dec. 24. TBS “News 23” filmed the singer as she campaigned to clean up Honshuu’s beaches at a special event this past summer. Cocco performed a short acoustic set, which included a new song, “Heaven’s Hell”. The DVD contains an hour’s worth of footage, and a limited edition version includes a CD single featuring two versions of the new song — a live performance recorded at a Kobe music festival, and a studio version.
Source: Bounce.com
Mukai Shuutoku’s post-Number Girl band Zazen Boys releases its self-titled debut on Jan. 10, 2004. On that same day, Zazen Boys embarks on its 16-date “Tour Matsuri Session” tour. Tickets for the tour go on sale Nov. 22.
Till then, Mukai will perform his “Acoustic & Electric” show at Quruli’s “Hyakkyagyoo” performance at Zepp Tokyo on Dec. 16, and a one-man show at Shinjuku Liquid Room on Dec. 15.