Yokohama, Japan - March 11th, 2010 - HearJapan is excitedly continuing our
tradition of bringing the world a free Japan Nite compilation with Japan Nite 2010 Free Download!

Spanning 14 years, the Japan Nite tour is the longest running US tour
featuring Japanese artists. This year’s line-up features many
returning members, as well as some new faces. OMODAKA, Riddim Saunter,
JinnyOops!, GEEKS, BO-PEEP, The Dolomites, Camisama and Red Bacteria
Vacuum will be bringing their own unique sounds to stages across the
US from March 18th to the 27th.

HearJapan is offering a free compilation album featuring a special
MP3 download from each artist. From 8bit to ska, punk to goth, all with a
strong independent spirit, the Japan Nite 2010 Free Download
collection has something for everyone. Just like the tour itself!

Check out the link below to download the entire compilation instantly,
get the full tour itinerary, watch videos and read more about each artist.
Even if you’re nowhere near a stop on the tour, you can put on your
own private show with this free compilation!

======

Links:

Japan Nite 2010 Free Download
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Japan_Nite_2010_Free_Download

Yokohama, Japan - October 14, 2009 -  Ever try Meth.? Worried about
the side effects? Worry no more. HearJapan is encouraging all users to
try Meth., at least once. HearJapan is now slinging hits of Meth.,
globally, at only 200 Yen a hit. Worried about your Meth. getting
intercepted at the border? Forget about it. HearJapan is all-digital,
no customs to deal with.

As of today, HearJapan is proud to boast 19 varieties of Meth., which
include the debut of 3 new hits: Street name “at WILL”. Fresh-cooked
from the super-lab, today! Meth. is mixture composed of many
ingredients; however, this batch of 19 features an exceptionally high
level of metal.  HearJapan guarantees customer satisfaction. After one
rail of Meth. you’ll be thrown into a euphoric frenzy. Warning! Meth.
is highly addictive.

In addition to the 3 new doses of Meth., HearJapan is simultaneously
releasing older hits from 4 different batches. Full releases come with
bonus artwork, lyrics and liner notes. Don’t be shy, you know you want
to try it. Slam Meth. sonically into your bloodstream.

======

Links:

Meth. - at WILL
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/at_WILL
meth.
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/meth

Yokohama, Japan - October 6, 2009 - Inugami Circus Dan is possibly one
of the most unique vis-kei (visual chaos) bands playing today. Made up
of four members claiming to be the resurrected spirits of an ancient
sorcerer family, they blend hard rock and a dark brand of blues into a
very Japanese brand of music. Fronted by a woman often seen wearing a
traditional kimono (Inugami Kyouko) and backed by three men in
slightly more modern Japanese military uniforms (Inugami Jouji II on
guitar, Inugami Zin on bass, and Inugami Akira on drums) the group
certainly brings a bit of chaos along with their swaggering, gothic
rock and roll.

The group is lead by singer Inugami Kyouko. Wearing over-the-top
Kabuki styled make-up, she often stops singing and instead entrances
the listener by telling stories over the music. Her singing style
often has a traditional, almost nostalgic longing deep down, even
though it might all be a trick to lull you into a false sense of
security.

“Kago no Tori Tenkuu o Shirazu” is the band’s grand grimoire. It is
two discs, 33 subversive tracks that span the band’s 15 year career.
Many of the songs are no longer easy to find, some are fan favorites
and one, the title track “Kago no Tori,” is brand new. For two and a
half hours you’ll hear rock, blues, sweet tongue-in-cheek ballads,
lots of traditional flavor, even a bit of classic metal, all served up
with the band’s signature dark humor and deadly seriousness.

“Kago no Tori Tenkuu o Shirazu” goes on sale at midnight on Wednesday
October 7th through HearJapan. Preorder the album and get an
additional 5% off the already discounted price of ¥3,600 | $39.56 |
€27.13

======

Links:
“Kago no Tori Tenkuu o Shirazu”
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kago_no_Tori_Tenkuu_o_Shirazu

Inugami Circus-dan
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/Inugami_Circus_Dan

Yokohama, Japan - October 5, 2009 - sgt., one of the most dynamic post
rock bands in the Japanese scene are set to release their newest
mini-album, “capital of gravity” on October 7, 2009 through
HearJapan’s worldwide digital music store.  The album will be
available for download in mp3 format the second it turns Wednesday in
Japan, giving fans worldwide the first chance to listen to the full
album in its entirety.
sgt. are veterans of the post rock scene in Japan having played
together for over 10 years.   Their captivating sound has led them to
play with some of the greats in the Japanese music scene including
ROVO, Boredoms, and 54-71.  They set themselves apart from other bands
with their violinist, Mikiko Narui who clutches onto the band’s sound
and takes it in new directions.  ”capital of gravity” features a newly
added member to the band, the guitarist, Hironori Taoka.  This brings
the band back to their four member lineup which later became a three
person lineup for their previous album Stylus Fantasticus.  Stylus
Fantasticus was in the top 50 albums’ list of 2008 in foreign media
like The Silent Ballet and ZB’s A-Z of J-Music as well as Japanese
media outlets.
The addition of the extra guitarist gives their music a feeling
of completion.  The violinist still carries the music but the
guitarist adds frills and fillers making this one of their best albums
to date.  It will surely be in 2009’s best albums’ list as well.  In
fact, the album has already become this months music recommendation on
Japanator.
Not only will HearJapan be selling the release this Wednesday,
but they also posted an English interview with the band that delves
into their music, new lineup changes and special upcoming live
performances.  ”capital of gravity” features 5 new tracks and a remix
from their first release by Tyme..  It retails for 855 yen (9.80 |
€6.70).

======

Links:
sgt. - capital of gravity -
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/capital_of_gravity
The galactic sgt. interview -
http://www.hearjapan.com/news/interview/The_Galactic_sgt_Interview

Yokohama, Japan - September 9, 2009 - HearJapan released the new
DEATHGAZE album today at midnight in Japan.  The digital download
includes a photo shot of the band, lyrics and additional artwork as
well as DRM-free mp3s of the entire album.  All for only 1500 yen (15
dollars).

DEATHGAZE reworked a lot of their earlier material.  Although
Deathgaze has gone through a few lineup changes recently, this release
signifies self-reflection and forward motion for the band. “The
Continuation” compiles tracks from out-of-print releases, re-recorded
with a new lineup, including a new singer: their former bassist, Ai.

With violent guitar riffs and shouts, crushing drums, and bold, low
bass, Deathgaze refuses to let their colors fade. In fact, everything
is darker than ever before, filled with added nuances not present in
the original versions.

HearJapan also released another visual kei release today by
Madbeavers, who are known for their work with X-Japan’s Hide (as Hide
with Spread Beaver).  The three song single also goes on sale today
for 570 yen.

======

Links:
DEATHGAZE - THE CONTINUATION:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/THE_CONTINUATION
Madbeavers - CULT DRIVER: http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/CULT_DIVER

Yokohama, Japan - September 2, 2009 - After successfully adding 80
visual kei releases, HearJapan, the digital music store for Japanese
music, added the visual kei band Serial Number in March of this year.
The band is known for having a light sound, colorful costumes and
being an all-around fun band, dubbed ‘oshare kei’ by their fans.

Today, the band showed that there is more to them than just ‘oshare
kei’.  Serial Number unveiled an alter ego band consisting of the same
members called “Gothic Number”.  If Serial Number represents the light
side of visual kei, Gothic Number represents the dark force.  Filled
with heavy guitar riffs and screaming, Gothic Number marks a dirty
departure for the band, although the lyrics still retain Serial
Number’s playful side.  Their first single, ‘Wa Ra,’ is a digital-only
download available internationally exclusively via HearJapan.    The
single costs 150 yen and can be downloaded from any country in
high-quality mp3 format.

HearJapan has also made available today three other visual kei
releases.  These include re-releases of Kisaki Project feat. Jyui
(Vidoll), Birushana, Shiru de Rais & Iron, and Piass with Ra’s
Testars.  HearJapan promises a steady stream of visual kei releases in
the future, including more digital-only releases to meet the demand
from fans around the globe.

======

Links:
Gothic Number - Wara: http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/2089
Piass with Ra’s Testars - Kaikoroku Dai 5 Shou:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kaikoroku_Dai_5_Shou
Kisaki Project feat. Jyui - Kaikoroku Dai 1 Shou:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kaikoroku_Dai_1_Shou_Kanzen_Ban
Birushana, Shiru de Rais & Iron - Kaikoroku Dai 2 Shou:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kaikoroku_Dai_2_Shou_2

Tokyo, JP July 15, 2009- There is a musical revolution taking Japan by storm.  It’s not happening in any clubs or live houses, but on the computers of thousands of amateur track creators.  This revolution utilizes vocaloid software which can be programmed to have characters sing the way they are programmed, sounding exactly like a human.  While artists worldwide use this software, Japan has created a unique subculture for it by revolving this world around vocaloid based characters.
These characters each have their own unique voice and are visualized in an anime style.  Such imaginary characters as Hatsune Miku and Kagamine Rin have started to rival some of the biggest names in the music industry.  These characters aren’t only fictional, but can also be based on real people.  The visual kei/pop star, Gackt has his own character called Gackpoid.  Gackt allowed his voice to be used for the character and as a result when track makers use Gackpoid their songs sound as if Gackt himself is singing them.
HearJapan president, Nathan Reaven became aware of the Vocaloid scene brewing in Japan in 2008 but decided to finally check it out for himself in 2009.  “There was a lot of chatter about it but I had no idea how popular it was until I went to a convention of vocaloid track makers and doujin manga artists.  The convention hall was so packed that I had to wait in line for three hours just to get in to a completely packed hall.  Once in, I saw the creativity and depth that has attracted throngs of fans in Japan.  I knew immediately that this was something that had to be shared with the world.”
As a result, HearJapan is now bringing this music worldwide through their mp3 store for the first time.  Starting with the label KarenT, which owns the licenses to all of the big name characters including Vocaloid’s Hatsune Miku and Gackpoid’s Kammui Gakupo.  HearJapan released their entire catalog online today.  All tracks are in mp3 format, and can be purchased and downloaded regardless of a users’ country.  Full albums are heavily discounted at 900 yen ($9.50, €7) and come with the anime styled artwork.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HearJapan’s June Visual Kei Boom

Tokyo, JP June 16, 2009- HearJapan (www.hearjapan.com), the largest worldwide store for Japanese music has been busy increasing it’s visual kei catalog.  In May, HearJapan signed with DEATHGAZE, DOLLY, GHOST, Otokage, Angelique, etc.  June offers more surprises bringing the total number of Visual Kei artists on the site to over 40.

HYDExK.A.Z unit VAMPS will be coming to America (USA) this summer. There are no details yet, but they are coming soon.

In the mean time, here are banners you can use and share to help promote the tour:

Source: VAMPS MySpace

This spring MONORAL will be hitting a few places overseas again.

April, 17 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Vivero
, MALAGA, - 15 Euro

April, 18 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Industrial Copera
, GRANADA, - 15 Euro

April, 19 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Q
, SEVILLA, - 15 Euro

April, 21 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Caracol
, MADRID, - 15 Euro

April, 23 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Mondo
, VIGO, - 15 Euro

April, 24 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Acapulco
, GIJON, - 15 Euro

April, 26 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Salamandra
, BARCELONA, - 15 Euro

May, 1 2009 08:00 PM - Secret Place
, MONTPELLIER, - 12 Euro + com

May, 5 2009 08:00 PM - Mecanique Ondulatoire
, PARIS, - 12 Euro + com

Source: MONORAL MySpace