News

exist†trace sign to SETSUZOKU RECORDS

March 28, 2022 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

EXIST TRACE signs with Setsuzoku Records – remastered ‘best of’ collection NEO JAPANESE HEROINE out May 20th

Beginning as a visual-kei band, Exist Trace (stylized as exist†trace) has become a hard rock tour-de-force in the Japanese music scene. With a long history and impressive resume, the female quintet’s original lineup—Jyou (Vo), Miko (Gt / Vo), Omi (Gt), Naoto (Ba), and Mally (Dr)—is still
transcending music genres, gender tropes, and expectations. Taking elements from traditional rock, gothic, heavy metal, J-rock, pop, industrial, and more, exist†trace expresses ‘traces of existence’ in their music and is capable of rallying voices and inspiring spirits across every type of border. Over the course of their four full-length albums, eight mini albums, and eight singles, the band has produced many memorable anthems including ‘Dream Rider,’ ‘Existence,’ ‘Vanguard,’ and more.

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News

FEMM announce FEMM-Isation UK/EU tour 2022

March 9, 2022 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Calling all agents: FEMM are embarking on their first ever overseas tour!

After many international appearances at conventions and events, the rap/J-pop duo are finally stepping out as headliners and hitting the road in the UK and EU this July!

Presented by Orion Live in association
with Ran Touring, the FEMM-Isation UK/EU tour 2022 will see the J-pop sensations performing a full- length set of fan-favorite tracks giving fans a long overdue dose of the live experience only FEMM can deliver.

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Feature Article

This Is My Love For Houkago Princess

March 4, 2022 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

_{A personal reflection by Kelly}

Idols bring us hope, happiness and a drive to continue with our daily lives, no matter how mundane a day might be, or how weary we feel after the work has been done. Come rain or shine, the joy that an idol creates is second to none, and a core point of our fan journey.

Looking back at my own journey as a fan, there is one group that comes to mind when I think about the love I hold for Idols and Japanese music, and the role they have played in my life as an Idol fan.

So, let’s talk about Houkago Princess.

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Music Review

Mikuromika takes us to the ocean

February 17, 2022 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

J-pop singer-songwriter MIKUROMIKA is back with her new mini EP, Ocean.

After the release of her Summer smash album, MIKUROPOP, Mika has been making waves within the music scene, and fans are going to be buzzing for her next instalment in sound. For this release, producer Delta Ouji returns alongside Mika, and it is clear that they have crafted together the perfect blend of musicality that shines.

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News

BABYBEARD – Music Video Release

January 22, 2022 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Kawaii-metal idol unit BABYBEARD are back with their debut music video for killer track Nippon Kara Konnichiwa, and the world is not ready!

Leader Ladybeard and his kawaiicore sidekicks KOTOMI and SUZU are ready to delight their fans with a visual spectacular, and the MV is sure to be a full on scream and dance fest!

Nippon Kara Konnichiwa was released way back in April of 2021, alongside Piennizer, with both tracks racking up the views on YouTube and all the major streaming platforms. All that was missing was an official music video. But now that time has come!

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Feature Article, Guest Article

Why LOVEBITES are the most important Japanese band, to me.

January 19, 2022 beyondsenpai 1 Comment

A personal reflection by Andrew Goodhew.

On August 17th, 2021, the news that Miho – founding member and now former bassist of all female metal band LOVEBITES – was leaving the group was released, along with the announcement that the rest of the group would be going on hiatus. It sent shock waves through the metal scene in Japan and around the world. For me as one of their biggest fans in the UK, the announcement saddened and deflated me. It just feels so raw that a band that has meaningful lyrics, that sing to you about what you feel and inspired myself to be who I am today has gone on hiatus, and yes it hurts at times.

Here are my thoughts on why LOVEBITES are an important band to me.

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Interviews

TOKYO GIRLS LEVEL-UP: AN INTERVIEW WITH FEMM

January 12, 2022 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

Tokyo based mannequin rap duo FEMM have returned with their new album, Tokyo Girls Anthem.

After receiving a firmware update in the later months of 2020, a refreshed FEMM 2.0 levelled up, much to the delight of all Agents.

Far East Mention Mannequins chapter 2 began back in 2020 on November 6th with the release of Level Up feat. Duke of Harajuku, followed by brand new six track E.P 404 Not Found on November 20th. The E.P is described by FEMM as “brand-new music that doesn’t exist (yet), no matter how hard you search for it”.

Fast forward to December 2021, FEMM finally released their second studio album, Tokyo Girls Anthem, 7 years after the release of Femm-Isation. Lead track Tokyo Girls Anthem is already making waves and the newly released banger Mental Health, featuring singer-songwriter Yup’in, stands to be one of the biggest collaborations on the album, tackling some big issues that are sure to get people talking.

With their unique rap style mixed with dark pop, industrial beats and killer music videos, the new level FEMM are ready to make their mark on the international music scene.

‘Mannequins with emotion’ RiRi and LuLa joined Beyond Senpai to chat about the new album, collaborations, and the future of FEMM.

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Interviews

The Heana Cat In-Between the Lines

November 22, 2021 beyondsenpai 2 Comments

Gothic-romantic songwriter and multi instrumentalist The Heana Cat returns with an epic re-recording and international release of The In-Between.

A cult favourite on the live Japanese music scene since 2013, The Heana Cat has turned classic J-Rock and J-pop on its head thanks to lead Hi-chan, who brings with her a dark and stylish fusion on the gothic-romantic genre.

With the long awaited release of mini album THE HEANA CAT to, moshimasu back in March – the first release in two years – Hi-chan has been busy on the live circuit and as well as being newly signed to Setsuzoku Records.

Now, the exclusive international release of The In-Between will be available on CD and digitally from December 10th, featuring 10 rerecorded songs along with an exclusive bonus track, Asobitai.

To celebrate this anticipated release, Hi-chan has joined Beyond Senpai to talk about the album, her inspirations and plans for the future.

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Interviews

Reborn With A Smile: An Interview with LONDON BLUE and Kiyoshi Hayashi

November 14, 2021 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

On November 1st, 2021, LONDON BLUE revealed in a surprise announcement that the group would make a return to the stage after a year-long hiatus. What was more surprising was the member reveal, with current member AOBA – also known as Harumi Aoba – being the groups sole successor after the dissolution of her former group, Ever! BE Mayowanaide!! just a day before.

Now AOBA begins her journey with LONDON BLUE, and after holding her first mini one-man live at Ikebukuro MONO on November 13th, she is ready to take on the groups 8 year legacy with the support of her seniors and a never-ending smile.

It is time to celebrate LONDON BLUE’s return to the Idol world, so Beyond Senpai would like to welcome both AOBA and LONDON BLUE’s manager, Kiyoshi Hayashi, to talk about the groups revival, AOBA’s strengths and LONDON BLUE’s future goals.

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Interviews

BRIDEAR shine in the dark: An Interview with BRIDEAR

November 4, 2021 beyondsenpai Leave a comment

After what feels like a lifetime of lock-downs and restrictions, it goes without saying that what transpired this past October was an event that had been a long time coming for fans of the Japanese live music scene. Of course, whilst things have not quite returned to complete normality, here in the UK and Europe music has made its triumphant return with the explosive tour from BRIDEAR.

Bringing their Into The Dark Forever tour to several cities across the UK and Europe, BRIDEAR delighted the fans who travelled near and far for what was the first (of hopefully many) Japanese tours in almost 2 years. It goes without saying that this was more than just the music; this was a reunion of fans and friends, a reason to rock out and enjoy themselves after enduring many months without leaving their homes, let alone their counties. This was about everyone embracing their love for the music, the band and the metal that they bring.

Now that a few weeks have passed since BRIDEAR graced us with their incredible performance, the girls have since returned to Japan, but Beyond Senpai’s team were able to catch up with the members and reminisce about their time touring overseas. So, please welcome Kimi, Haru, Ayumi, Natsumi and Misaki as they join Beyond Senpai for a post-tour chat.

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