Welcome to Band-Maid! The best hard rock band I have heard in my 58 years on this planet. While they don't class themselves as a metal band, they don't stick to any one genre and often mix genres in songs. They are extremely diverse and have an extensive back catalogue featuring Punk, Pop-Punk, Hard-Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Prog, Blues, Jazz, Groove, Rap etc. From face melting 220 bpm punk-prog mayhem to ballads, instrumentals to acoustics they do it all. They can make you headbang, they can make you pogo, they can make you cry like a baby. They are also five of the nicest people in music, without a shred of ego. They are funny and fun and world class musicians to boot. They are currently into their 12th year with the original line up. And they are the best live band I have ever witnessed!
Band Maid is definitely one of those rabbit holes worth going down. When you can, you really wanna see a live performance such as the Official Live version of "Domination."
Kanami, who is the primary composer of Band Maid, grew up playing classical piano and didn't pick up guitar until she was in high school. She composes all the songs starting on a piano and builds up from their while cooperating with her band-mates. I think you would enjoy From Now On, a great instrumental track.
Not 100% accurate but okay. The keyboard is a common tool for parts of any song but those riffs weren't first brought forth on a piano. She does a lot on guitar. It's quite obvious.
All the girls except Miku (red rose) have some level of skill on the piano.... Saiki (blue rose) just recently and the other 3 started when they were little kids.
This song was written for them, much like nearly everything on their 1st three releases. Their 4th release - Just Bring It - is when they were allowed to record their own songs, and that's when it gets really good.
As with most things- there is no secret to most access. Hard work and practice. In Japan they start learning music at the age of 4. Just that the current generation don't want to be Lang Lang. They want to play their own music. This band is special- give them a chance and you will grow to love these ladies.
“From Now On” is one of their more recent instrumental tracks. I am only hoping for some help identifying a classical motif Kanami uses in an early section of the song. It should jump out at you. @22:43 Yes. They are serving you. They refer to their live shows as “okiyujis,” which literally means “servings” 😉
I used to listen to mainly metal (for guitar based music) including a lot of black metal and some death metal for close to 20 years before giving Band-Maid a shot in 2020 and I can totally understand the vocal thing. The more poppy vocal melodies (mainly chorusses) were also less my thing back then and they still don't always work for me in some Japanese bands, but I have gotten more used to them over time and after diving into the Japanese rock and metal scene the last 4 years I have to say that there is a lot of quality over there especially instrumentally/musically. That said, I did enjoy Saiki's lead vocals timbre back then (but this was recorded before her surgery and the timbre is a bit different here), so my experience might have been a bit different. I do still think the more poppy vocal style is something people can get used to in a lot of cases if they are willing to give it a couple of shots and if they are open minded enough to try. It is certainly very different than a lot of Western based rock as the Japanese love to mix genres in their music and they tend to use poppy vocal hooks even in some metal bands. Like others have said, some of their newer tracks show off their musicianship a lot, like the instrumental "From Now One" or the official live version of "Hate" (which has vocals, but the lyrics are "fun" to read).
This song is from 2016 before they got enough creative control to start recording their own songs. Since 2017, the lead guitarist Kanami has been the main composer of Band-Maid's music, which (IMHO) is a lot more creative than their earlier songs that were composed by outside writers. She actually started playing piano at 3 or 4 years old and didn't even pick up a guitar until she was in high school, so she often starts off by composing their songs on piano first. I'd recommend checking out their song "YOLO" next, as there is also a video of her playing a solo arrangement of it on piano, and it's quite a contrast to the full band version. Just search youtube for "YOLO Kanami Piano Version" if you decide to check out that song and want to compare the two versions.
BANDMAID is the greatest proper rock and roll band of the 21st century IMHO. It's a crazy statement. Was Mozart the world's greatest composer of his era? He'll yeah! The farther we get away from that time the more clearly we see the immensity of his talent. Few would argue with the above assessment. Everytime I write "IMHO" after BandMaid is the greatest proper rock and roll band of the 21st century I feel like a liar. IMHO my ass! IMHO water is wet. BandMaid rules right now. 66 years old here. The future will prove us right.
But have you tried powdered water? 😝 JK, but you're 100% right and I have no trouble saying it with full sincerity since I type it into pretty much every single first reaction: Band-Maid is the best rock band this short century, and I don't think 76 years is long enough for someone better to come.
🐦 *Richard and Judson* 🐦 Welcome to the world of *BAND-MAID* (2013 - Present) A group of 5 young ladies from Japan that will rock your world: *Miku Kobato* (Kuruppo) = Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar *(Po!)* *Saiki Atsumi* (Sai-Chan) = Lead Vocals / Piano *Kanami Tono* (Kanamincho) = Lead Guitarist *Akane Hirose* (A-Chan) = Drummer *MISA* (MISA, MISA, MISA) = Bassist If you wish to continue down this Pigeon Hole 😊 you will enjoy over 100+ great songs you will start saying to yourself “This is my favorite *BAND-MAID* song”. _(No joke Po!)_ Below is a list of songs that will get you started alone (Official Music Video) Choose me (Official Music Video) HATE? (Official Live Video) Blooming (Official Music Video) YOLO (Official Music Video) the non-fiction days (Official Music Video) I discovered *BAND-MAID* in 2019 and came to a realization that *BAND-MAID* more then just a rock band they are a band that does not have any boundaries and is willing experiment into different genre from (Blues, Rock, Punk and Jazz) and a lot of fans including me would say “you got to check out their live videos” from: 2017-STUDIO COAST 2018-Zepp Tokyo 2020-LINE CUBE SHIBUYA 2021-BAND-MAID ONLINE ACOUSTIC In the end I realize that *BAND-MAID* more then just a band but a band that cares about each other and their fan base and in October of 2022 I had a fortune of experiencing them live and with that *BAND-MAID* cemented their Legacy into my heart. Rock On! 🤘 *100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back…*
So... I'll just say the deeper you get into BAND-MAID's music, the better it gets. This song was from before their label let them write their own music. Once that happened, they became... sublime. They delve into many genres, sometimes even within the same song. Kanami's song structures give you what you expect, but not how you expect it. The bass, drums, and lead guitar are standouts who add tremendous depth to their parts. This song is a banger, but it's just scratching the surface of what they've become. Newer songs have translated subtitles. I'll be honest, I have no idea what you saw in that video that made you think music box or robotic movements. The slow-mo bits? "Forbidden Tale" is a good example of modern BAND-MAID and has a video. "The One" (no video) is amazing pop (and goodness I hate pop, but they make it great). Their collaboration song with The Warning is mid, watered down BAND-MAID, so fair warning there. If you want just musicians going off live, try "HATE? (Live)" from their 10th Anniversay show.
You will be happy to know that Kanami demos all her music on piano first. She then sends the demo to the bassist, Misa, who writes her own part and then works with the drummer Akane on her part. She then writes the guitar parts and works on the vocal melody with Saiki & Miku. 😏❤️🎙🎸🥁😎🤘
This got weird, but pretty fun. If you don’t like the vocal style, there’s not a lot that can be done, but they have some instrumentals. Maybe check out From Now On.
I found them in 2015 but wasn't totally hooked. This song cemented me as a fan for life. They have been my absolute favorite band BAR NONE for the past 8ish years. I buy everything and follow them around the country. Incredibly talented musically and unbeatable live. The songs are designed to be interactive with the audience and we do NOT disappoint.
Hey guys, great job. If your adventure has already taken you to Band-Maid, you're just this close to getting to The Warning, my favorite band right now. Keep it coming
That was an educational review. Cultural and personal preference acknowledged openly. Hope you give them another shot. Their musicianship is much better as the years have gone by. Not sure about your objection to "singing style". It is melodic rock. Also, the band is much more animated, but not in a cartoon way, in concert with an audience.
I'm glad your still working on the coffee requests because The Warning (in coffee requests, new version at PepsiCenter is even better though) most songs are English and more your style than BM. 3 sisters from Mexico that I promise you will be impressed by. Recommend a live performance like Dust To Dust/Dull Knives live at The Pepsi Center. Copyright shouldn't be an issue with anything of their stuff btw.
Just cause you mentioned Thrice -> My mate’s band opened for them this year on their European tour, you should check them out, they’re an instrumental heavy rock trio out of Copenhagen called Town Portal.
Band Maid genuinely surprised me. Wasn't expecting much but that was a lot of fun and chunkier than i thought it would be. South Koreans are on a roll with film and TV at the moment, and good to see their music catching up. Ps. Exciting times in the new year from the sounds of things!
Great reaction! Interestingly enough, Saiki is an alto, meaning she is on average in a lower register than what is to be expected from a Japanese vocalist. I must admit, her vocals didn't sit with me immediately the first couple of songs, but I noticed that her voice is lower than normal. They have come a long way since that song, increasingly progressive.
Saiki is my favourite female rock vocalist (some Japanese singers are really ropey TBH). These ladies are something else live and I heartily recommend the 'Hate?' Official Live...vicious lyrics on CC too 😁 For compositional analysis, the recent 'Forbidden Tale' MV is really like a summing-up of their versatility gained over a decade+...quite fkn marvellous 👌🥳❤🤘
The Japanese, all-female Metal band LOVEBITES features a guitarist who began studying classical piano at age three. Please show Judson this video where MIYAKO thrills on two instruments in the performance of HOLY WAR (+ Chopin intro), live in 2020.
An interesting video for a first Listen to TBH. Usually, Domination and Freedom Live are great choices to hear Band-Maid live if you want to understand them better.
BAND-MAID'S The Non-Fiction Days = Their Ultimate PUMP-UP Song!! #1 on my "Get Pumped" playlist and one of my favorite songs! Guys, welcome to the Maidiacs! You don't know it yet, when all is said n done BM4Life will be on both of your Christmas lists for life. I'm yet another one of the 50 somethings who have seen 'em all over the years, but this group is SPECIAL! They creatively blend so many genres together that they're extremely difficult to slap a label on. Their sizable catalog is extremely diverse and played by excellent musicians (I'm sure you've heard about Kanami's signature PRS guitar!) I think that if you reacted to HATE? Live, (Note: they are at their best live, greatest I've seen!) it will wipe out all of those fears and doubts you have about them and leave you saying "WOW!". Thanks again for the great reaction and remember: Life is so much BETTER with BAND-MAID! 🤘😝🤘
I suggest you try something more recent, and live, from there YT channel. Perhaps "Hate?" or "Don't you tell ME." Or the most recent MV "Forbidden tale." One thing about the MV you watched is that it was shot on a freezing breezy winter day on the beach because that was when the beach was empty. Everyone was very cold.
Band Maid is one of the most entretening, creative and talented band today. And Kanami is the first Japanese guitarist to have a signature model with PRS Guitars.
Watch HATE? live from Yokohama Arena for something much newer and much rockies. Live is the only way to go with Band Maid. Best rock band on the planet.
Wish you would have started with something they wrote (try their first, "Alone"), but hey, there ain't no bad starting point for the Maids. Welcome home, Masters, Po! 🕊️🌏🌍🌎
You could probably get three reactions done in the time you took to make this one if you just got to the point. Thumbs up for giving BAND-MAID an honest listen.
I find myself rarely, if ever, just flat out disagreeing with you guys, so I thought when I do, I'd chime in for the sake of conversation and say I don't get a "creepy" vibe from this at all, or seeing robotic movements or anything you've described in that manner. There are other Japanese bands who definitely have a heightened sense of spectacle and grandeur. All I see here is a band wearing maid costumes and that's pretty much it. The video is highly produced for what it is and there's a focus on proper Rock band performance, but not any more than any stylistically comparable western band. I'm not claiming any competency as I wasn't familiar with the band until seeing this and I'm not a Japanophile by any stretch. However I did get a sense of culture shock from the conversation (not ignorance, mind you). I'm not saying this in the spirit of critique, much less on a personal level, I'm just a bit taken aback by your take.
Good reaction. This band will surprise you with it's diversity of genres. As for the lyrics, they include English translations for most of their new music videos and the lyrics are usually not that dark, no knives are used in any lyrics. As for the vocal, try a few of their latest videos , it will grow on you. For you consideration, young pianist from Japan, Ai Furusato, who was just accepted into Berklee College of Music at the age of 12 (the youngest ever 13 in this performance) and a 15 year old drummer, Yoyoka, and released a new song (composed by Yoyoka an Ai) that you might like - ua-cam.com/video/1QxIPGyni60/v-deo.html They are both exceptional musicians.
This video documents the Maid Cafe experience - ua-cam.com/video/u90AN5QpbXE/v-deo.htmlsi=HtnaYaQtuGDdo32a There has never been a better time to visit Japan. We have a mutual visa waiver program, so nobody will check your background. They have added a lot English signage for tourists. And the Yen is very weak.
Long time, no see. BAND-MAID are the best, and composition and arrangement are some of their greatest strengths. They have a deep catalog, but “the non-fiction days” is an old song, and one they didn’t write. Their work has grown in complexity over the past eight years. I encourage you listen to CORELLIUM (audio only) to hear one of their more Progressive works. However, they have taken their music in many directions. And their latest video, FORBIDDEN TALE, is beautiful and sophisticated. The best part is the dual vocals of SAIKI and KOBATO. But you might enjoy their instrumentals FROM NOW ON, ONSET (live, 2020), and WITHOUT HOLDING BACK. All five members appear in the video you just watched. I love The Black Dahlia Murder and have enjoyed seeing the perform with the original lineup.
Kanami, the lead guitarist is a classically trained pianist. She writes all of the compositions. I would suggest "From Now On" to see one of their instrumentals to get a good feel of their ability.
For a pianist live versions of the band Lovebites songs Frozen Serenade or Swan Song might be a nice way into another all female Japanese band as guitarist Miyako gets on the piano during the performance.
素晴らしい選択リチャード。このバンドは非常に多様で、日本では大きく、海外ではさらに大きな存在です。日本には他にも素晴らしいメタルバンドがいます。あなたもそれらにたどり着くことを願っています. Long time subscriber here 🤘🤘🤘Greetings from the land of the rising son. . Hope you guys keep making these awesome videos. There are lots of other great metal bands from Japan. Church of Misery, Defiled, Vomit remnants, outrage, Saber Tiger, anthem and many more..... I hope you get to a one of them as well in the future.
Hey brother, I am teaching in China now, I was told DUI may not be an issue, however any other crimes would be a problem. Bro you should try out "Hate?" or the various instrumentals if you don't like the singing.
lizard people representative here....sshhhhhh. also yes richard slip into the mode of acceptance and meet with the aliens...make us look good brother. great band...she's probably one of the best singers in rock music today. love band maid but not quite fanboy level ya'll. i like the image. very cute.
This is their late 90s/early 2000s nu-metal sound. They have many different combinations of rock, punk, metal and pop; from 70s rock (complete with cowbell) to prog-punk-metal to 00's pop-punk that has drawn multiple comparisons to....AC/DC and GNR (figure that one out lol) and latin-rock in their catalogue. You ever hear chunky bass and rhythm guitars with pop vocals, squealing lead guitar, a metal breakdown, guitar solo then pseudo-college football chant then mash it all together at the end all while the drums jump between metal and punk? Moratorium live at Zepp Tokyo.
While there's only audio available currently, you two need to listen to one of their latest tracks "The One". I think it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Non- Fiction Days is pretty good but there were way better choices that coffee-buyers could have suggested. Their more recent videos have english subs as well. Also they have many many live performance videos where I think you guys could become super fans if you were to check them out.
Heck yeah, B-M rocks, literally had rock! Your one step closer to...LOVEBITES, at least you're in the right country! 😆 And if you like Chopin, you have to check out Lovebites Swan Song live 2020 w/Chopin intro ua-cam.com/video/WBhtqgiXEA4/v-deo.htmlsi=B07gWILT1G-3DZjX. Not often a heavy song starts with Revolutionary Etude No. 12. Best intro / outro of any metal song I've listened to in 35yrs+. 🤘
Welcome, Judson (and Richard). You are embarking on (along with many others - 220 million YT views, plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid:
BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (144 songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom. Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular! Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 80 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: ua-cam.com/video/Uds7g3M-4lQ/v-deo.html Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Hate?, Shambles, Influencer, Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, You, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on. But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, The One, Bestie, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits (AniMaid) like Protect You, Sense, Different, Glory and Unleash!!!!! (from their own Anime MV (series?)): ua-cam.com/video/7LB_EPS48HE/v-deo.html) And many songs are represented with over 50 well produced music videos. ua-cam.com/users/BANDMAID Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYUJI concerts: 2023 Yokohama 10th Year Anniversary Concert “Endless Story” ua-cam.com/video/Za1y-RRVd70/v-deo.html ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” ua-cam.com/video/nAdWnIRjGak/v-deo.html Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” ua-cam.com/video/QbyQCJn6rYg/v-deo.html ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” ua-cam.com/video/-qQnKILR5u0/v-deo.html Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD. And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent. Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: ua-cam.com/video/DgxU-MVjta0/v-deo.html See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: ua-cam.com/video/vjZkNeoGmhc/v-deo.html Great photo collage with older classic songs from P in D: www.youtube.com/@PinD-PANIC If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, live streams, CD, DVD/BD & merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Don’t Let Me Down, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid. For fun, check out: "Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009 Band-Maid MIDI covers: www.youtube.com/@DeanF_MIDI Reimagined compositions of Band-Maid songs: www.youtube.com/@fxdxmusic Band-Maid Members: Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 30 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen! Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 33 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!! Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 33 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more! Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 33 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party! MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 32 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA! Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans. [BAND-MAID NEWS] BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo The Maids SOLD OUT 2023 US & Mexico tour wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!! In addition, their Japan tour finished up with 13 concerts. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concluded at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023 and in Hong Kong Dec. 21! And their latest 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR SPIN OFF concert at KT ZEPP YOKOHAMA on February 22, 2024, where they played songs not performed at the 10th anniversary tour final at Yokohama Arena, was SOLD OUT, as usual! 📢 Recent Announcements 📢 -- The Warning, a world-famous band from Mexico, and BAND-MAID recently completed their amazing 2-man, collab concert in Japan with the introduction of their new song and OMV, “Show Them.” -- BAND-MAID released a new OMV, "Forbidden Tales," from their new album "Epic Narratives" that dropped Sept. 25, 2024. It contains 14 songs: Memorable, Shambles, Bestie, Protect You, SHOW THEM (BAND-MAID with The Warning), Toi et Moi, Magie, Forbidden Tale, Go Easy, Brightest Star, The One, Letters To You, TAMAYA!, and Get To The Top. Order now at CDJapan for bonuses. The Maids are one of the hardest working supergroups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!
The Non-Fiction Days use to be their go-to closer. When the song ended, the Maids would give Miku her few seconds to say goodbye, bow, and then all quickly walk off stage. The crowd felt like they'd been run over by a speeding freight train of awesomeness. It all felt so good and the fans wanted more! But they were leaving... until next time!Thx, Richard & Judson!
Really take you to interesting discussions. yes the girls also do movements, a certain choreography with smiles. You understand, but that's what sets the band apart from other traditional American and British bands. Indeed the personality and the image attracts me but even more the music because if it would be bad and they would just be cute I would just listen to Taylor Swith which I don't like to listen to. But i listened BAND-MAID in my car, my job and I don't see them.
Fun fact: Four of the band members play the piano. Kanami Tono, the lead guitarist, has played the piano since she was 3 years old and played classical music until she was 14; she learned to play the guitar at 16 because she wanted to be cool. Misa, the bassist, has played the piano since she was 4; she played the alto horn, guitar, and trumpet in school; then, in the 11th grade, she played the bass. Akane Hirose, the drummer, has played the piano since she was about 4 years old in school and later played the trombone in the marching band at age 18 when she started playing the drums. Saiki Atsumi, the lead singer, has now learned to play the piano, too; she has been singing from an early age and was scouted by a talent agency as a teen, where she sang, modeled, and acted. Miku Kobato, rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist, won a major singing contest in Tokyo and sang in an idol group as a teenager, and later worked in a Maid Cafe; Kanami taught her how to play the guitar about 5 or 6 months after the banded formed.
Japanese musicians often create something beautiful, beautiful in its weirdness. You may not record a reaction but i hope it would be interesting for you to check at least a couple of artists i personally know: Ado - Unravel. It's a cover of the popular anime series opening. Ado's vocals are insanely technically fluent and emotional and the song is cool itself. When i heard the live performance i was stuck listening it over and over with tears in my eyes🤠 Maximum the hormone. The band mixes pop, rock, hardcore and (as i got) every member does vocals. They're just crazy🤠 Hope i can leave a link in the comment ua-cam.com/video/beN5ep5MrdY/v-deo.htmlsi=-R5GlYAxoTJ-UzXO
Really interesting your conversation about band-maid not being a fan. It is often said that we don't listen to the music of a Japanese band because we associate them with Japanese anime soundtracks. In my opinion this is a prejudice of most Westerners. Because they make the same rock as the British. Then their music is original to it. YOU MUST LISTEN DOMINATION LIVE from band-maid. Shine in live. For chinesse band Sixiwanzi is cool too. ua-cam.com/video/dkeJCSFxrSQ/v-deo.htmlsi=-Vw1jXPtsr7tDlLB
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Welcome to Band-Maid! The best hard rock band I have heard in my 58 years on this planet. While they don't class themselves as a metal band, they don't stick to any one genre and often mix genres in songs. They are extremely diverse and have an extensive back catalogue featuring Punk, Pop-Punk, Hard-Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Prog, Blues, Jazz, Groove, Rap etc. From face melting 220 bpm punk-prog mayhem to ballads, instrumentals to acoustics they do it all. They can make you headbang, they can make you pogo, they can make you cry like a baby. They are also five of the nicest people in music, without a shred of ego. They are funny and fun and world class musicians to boot. They are currently into their 12th year with the original line up. And they are the best live band I have ever witnessed!
Ohh what album would you suggest? Maybe one that has that prog feel?!
Can you reccomend a metal album?
Well said, Davey, VERY well said!!
Agreed!
@@TheJML1975 Unseen World
Band Maid is definitely one of those rabbit holes worth going down. When you can, you really wanna see a live performance such as the Official Live version of "Domination."
Kanami, who is the primary composer of Band Maid, grew up playing classical piano and didn't pick up guitar until she was in high school. She composes all the songs starting on a piano and builds up from their while cooperating with her band-mates.
I think you would enjoy From Now On, a great instrumental track.
Not 100% accurate but okay. The keyboard is a common tool for parts of any song but those riffs weren't first brought forth on a piano. She does a lot on guitar. It's quite obvious.
All the girls except Miku (red rose) have some level of skill on the piano.... Saiki (blue rose) just recently and the other 3 started when they were little kids.
This song was written for them, much like nearly everything on their 1st three releases. Their 4th release - Just Bring It - is when they were allowed to record their own songs, and that's when it gets really good.
As with most things- there is no secret to most access. Hard work and practice. In Japan they start learning music at the age of 4. Just that the current generation don't want to be Lang Lang. They want to play their own music. This band is special- give them a chance and you will grow to love these ladies.
“From Now On” is one of their more recent instrumental tracks. I am only hoping for some help identifying a classical motif Kanami uses in an early section of the song. It should jump out at you.
@22:43 Yes. They are serving you. They refer to their live shows as “okiyujis,” which literally means “servings” 😉
PRS just released a Kanami signature limited edition guitar.
Sold out in 24 hrs! 200 gone like that!
@@chrisegbertky at $6000 bucks a pop. Kanami just made PRS over a $1,000,000 USD in 24 hrs. Paul is probably pretty fond of her right now!
@@bishopsteiner7134 EVERYBODY loves Kanami. ☺
I used to listen to mainly metal (for guitar based music) including a lot of black metal and some death metal for close to 20 years before giving Band-Maid a shot in 2020 and I can totally understand the vocal thing. The more poppy vocal melodies (mainly chorusses) were also less my thing back then and they still don't always work for me in some Japanese bands, but I have gotten more used to them over time and after diving into the Japanese rock and metal scene the last 4 years I have to say that there is a lot of quality over there especially instrumentally/musically. That said, I did enjoy Saiki's lead vocals timbre back then (but this was recorded before her surgery and the timbre is a bit different here), so my experience might have been a bit different. I do still think the more poppy vocal style is something people can get used to in a lot of cases if they are willing to give it a couple of shots and if they are open minded enough to try. It is certainly very different than a lot of Western based rock as the Japanese love to mix genres in their music and they tend to use poppy vocal hooks even in some metal bands. Like others have said, some of their newer tracks show off their musicianship a lot, like the instrumental "From Now One" or the official live version of "Hate" (which has vocals, but the lyrics are "fun" to read).
The Japanese hard rock and metal scene is just amazing. Welcome to a deep foxhole to explore!
This song is from 2016 before they got enough creative control to start recording their own songs. Since 2017, the lead guitarist Kanami has been the main composer of Band-Maid's music, which (IMHO) is a lot more creative than their earlier songs that were composed by outside writers. She actually started playing piano at 3 or 4 years old and didn't even pick up a guitar until she was in high school, so she often starts off by composing their songs on piano first.
I'd recommend checking out their song "YOLO" next, as there is also a video of her playing a solo arrangement of it on piano, and it's quite a contrast to the full band version. Just search youtube for "YOLO Kanami Piano Version" if you decide to check out that song and want to compare the two versions.
BANDMAID is the greatest proper rock and roll band of the 21st century IMHO. It's a crazy statement.
Was Mozart the world's greatest composer of his era? He'll yeah! The farther we get away from that time the more clearly we see the immensity of his talent. Few would argue with the above assessment.
Everytime I write "IMHO" after BandMaid is the greatest proper rock and roll band of the 21st century I feel like a liar. IMHO my ass! IMHO water is wet. BandMaid rules right now. 66 years old here. The future will prove us right.
But have you tried powdered water? 😝 JK, but you're 100% right and I have no trouble saying it with full sincerity since I type it into pretty much every single first reaction: Band-Maid is the best rock band this short century, and I don't think 76 years is long enough for someone better to come.
🐦 *Richard and Judson* 🐦
Welcome to the world of *BAND-MAID* (2013 - Present) A group of 5 young ladies from Japan that will rock your world:
*Miku Kobato* (Kuruppo) = Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar *(Po!)*
*Saiki Atsumi* (Sai-Chan) = Lead Vocals / Piano
*Kanami Tono* (Kanamincho) = Lead Guitarist
*Akane Hirose* (A-Chan) = Drummer
*MISA* (MISA, MISA, MISA) = Bassist
If you wish to continue down this Pigeon Hole 😊 you will enjoy over 100+ great songs you will start saying to yourself “This is my favorite *BAND-MAID* song”. _(No joke Po!)_
Below is a list of songs that will get you started
alone (Official Music Video)
Choose me (Official Music Video)
HATE? (Official Live Video)
Blooming (Official Music Video)
YOLO (Official Music Video)
the non-fiction days (Official Music Video)
I discovered *BAND-MAID* in 2019 and came to a realization that *BAND-MAID* more then just a rock band they are a band that does not have any boundaries and is willing experiment into different genre from (Blues, Rock, Punk and Jazz) and a lot of fans including me would say “you got to check out their live videos” from:
2017-STUDIO COAST
2018-Zepp Tokyo
2020-LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
2021-BAND-MAID ONLINE ACOUSTIC
In the end I realize that *BAND-MAID* more then just a band but a band that cares about each other and their fan base and in October of 2022 I had a fortune of experiencing them live and with that *BAND-MAID* cemented their Legacy into my heart. Rock On! 🤘
*100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back…*
🍺😁
BM4! 🍺😁🤘🏻🕊️
So... I'll just say the deeper you get into BAND-MAID's music, the better it gets. This song was from before their label let them write their own music. Once that happened, they became... sublime. They delve into many genres, sometimes even within the same song. Kanami's song structures give you what you expect, but not how you expect it. The bass, drums, and lead guitar are standouts who add tremendous depth to their parts. This song is a banger, but it's just scratching the surface of what they've become. Newer songs have translated subtitles.
I'll be honest, I have no idea what you saw in that video that made you think music box or robotic movements. The slow-mo bits? "Forbidden Tale" is a good example of modern BAND-MAID and has a video. "The One" (no video) is amazing pop (and goodness I hate pop, but they make it great). Their collaboration song with The Warning is mid, watered down BAND-MAID, so fair warning there. If you want just musicians going off live, try "HATE? (Live)" from their 10th Anniversay show.
Waiting for Judson to turn and say " you know Fredric fucking Chopin" 😂
He needs to react to LOVEBITES "Swan Song" with Chopin piano intro.
Simply the best band in the world presently; best catalog, best live performers. Yeah I know no such thing as best but they are in the conversation!
You will be happy to know that Kanami demos all her music on piano first. She then sends the demo to the bassist, Misa, who writes her own part and then works with the drummer Akane on her part. She then writes the guitar parts and works on the vocal melody with Saiki & Miku.
😏❤️🎙🎸🥁😎🤘
This got weird, but pretty fun.
If you don’t like the vocal style, there’s not a lot that can be done, but they have some instrumentals. Maybe check out From Now On.
Check out YOLO by Band-Maid. Kanami, the lead guitarist and main composer, actually composed it on piano long before she joined the band.
I found them in 2015 but wasn't totally hooked. This song cemented me as a fan for life. They have been my absolute favorite band BAR NONE for the past 8ish years. I buy everything and follow them around the country. Incredibly talented musically and unbeatable live. The songs are designed to be interactive with the audience and we do NOT disappoint.
🏆 Congratulations on your near perfect pronunciations. Most people butcher Akane the worst
Ah cane!
@@madsstavang She IS sweet as sugar though...to be fair 😁
Hey guys, great job. If your adventure has already taken you to Band-Maid, you're just this close to getting to The Warning, my favorite band right now. Keep it coming
21:54 You want to go to the Void? Check out "Black Hole." Or creepy! "Dice" or "Rinne"
They do clean their own outfits between live shows...
Moratorium
That was an educational review. Cultural and personal preference acknowledged openly. Hope you give them another shot. Their musicianship is much better as the years have gone by. Not sure about your objection to "singing style". It is melodic rock. Also, the band is much more animated, but not in a cartoon way, in concert with an audience.
Hej Great Measures,
welcome to the world of Band-Maid.
Glad to have you on this journey.
I'm glad your still working on the coffee requests because The Warning (in coffee requests, new version at PepsiCenter is even better though) most songs are English and more your style than BM. 3 sisters from Mexico that I promise you will be impressed by. Recommend a live performance like Dust To Dust/Dull Knives live at The Pepsi Center. Copyright shouldn't be an issue with anything of their stuff btw.
Absolutely, Live performances are their forte!
They are rock and roll guardian angels and the best hard rock band on this planet🤘Keep an eye on them!!
I THINK Richard was thinking of Rise Against, for the sound of the instrumentation on this one.
Good job!
"I'm gonna come Kill you!"
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Welcome to Band-Maid!!!!!
❤️💛💚💙💜
Just cause you mentioned Thrice -> My mate’s band opened for them this year on their European tour, you should check them out, they’re an instrumental heavy rock trio out of Copenhagen called Town Portal.
Band Maid genuinely surprised me. Wasn't expecting much but that was a lot of fun and chunkier than i thought it would be. South Koreans are on a roll with film and TV at the moment, and good to see their music catching up.
Ps. Exciting times in the new year from the sounds of things!
What a impressive/touching intro.. Hope to listen full version of it 😌
Great reaction! Interestingly enough, Saiki is an alto, meaning she is on average in a lower register than what is to be expected from a Japanese vocalist. I must admit, her vocals didn't sit with me immediately the first couple of songs, but I noticed that her voice is lower than normal. They have come a long way since that song, increasingly progressive.
Saiki is my favourite female rock vocalist (some Japanese singers are really ropey TBH). These ladies are something else live and I heartily recommend the 'Hate?' Official Live...vicious lyrics on CC too 😁 For compositional analysis, the recent 'Forbidden Tale' MV is really like a summing-up of their versatility gained over a decade+...quite fkn marvellous 👌🥳❤🤘
Thanks so much for sharing!
The Japanese, all-female Metal band LOVEBITES features a guitarist who began studying classical piano at age three. Please show Judson this video where MIYAKO thrills on two instruments in the performance of HOLY WAR (+ Chopin intro), live in 2020.
An interesting video for a first Listen to TBH. Usually, Domination and Freedom Live are great choices to hear Band-Maid live if you want to understand them better.
BAND-MAID'S The Non-Fiction Days = Their Ultimate PUMP-UP Song!!
#1 on my "Get Pumped" playlist and one of my favorite songs!
Guys, welcome to the Maidiacs!
You don't know it yet, when all is said n done BM4Life will be on both of your Christmas lists for life.
I'm yet another one of the 50 somethings who have seen 'em all over the years, but this group is SPECIAL! They creatively blend so many genres together that they're extremely difficult to slap a label on. Their sizable catalog is extremely diverse and played by excellent musicians (I'm sure you've heard about Kanami's signature PRS guitar!)
I think that if you reacted to HATE? Live, (Note: they are at their best live, greatest I've seen!) it will wipe out all of those fears and doubts you have about them and leave you saying "WOW!".
Thanks again for the great reaction and remember:
Life is so much BETTER with BAND-MAID!
🤘😝🤘
24:52 How did we get here?
I suggest you try something more recent, and live, from there YT channel. Perhaps "Hate?" or "Don't you tell ME." Or the most recent MV "Forbidden tale." One thing about the MV you watched is that it was shot on a freezing breezy winter day on the beach because that was when the beach was empty. Everyone was very cold.
Other great japanese bands are Lovebites, Nemophila and Baby Metal
Also, you could watch the Band-Maid and The Warning collaboration
Band Maid is one of the most entretening, creative and talented band today. And Kanami is the first Japanese guitarist to have a signature model with PRS Guitars.
Watch HATE? live from Yokohama Arena for something much newer and much rockies. Live is the only way to go with Band Maid. Best rock band on the planet.
they were a 4 piece for a very short time until saiki came on board. all members are original for 11 years now.
Wish you would have started with something they wrote (try their first, "Alone"), but hey, there ain't no bad starting point for the Maids. Welcome home, Masters, Po! 🕊️🌏🌍🌎
You guys are definitely awesome.
You could probably get three reactions done in the time you took to make this one if you just got to the point. Thumbs up for giving BAND-MAID an honest listen.
I find myself rarely, if ever, just flat out disagreeing with you guys, so I thought when I do, I'd chime in for the sake of conversation and say I don't get a "creepy" vibe from this at all, or seeing robotic movements or anything you've described in that manner. There are other Japanese bands who definitely have a heightened sense of spectacle and grandeur. All I see here is a band wearing maid costumes and that's pretty much it. The video is highly produced for what it is and there's a focus on proper Rock band performance, but not any more than any stylistically comparable western band. I'm not claiming any competency as I wasn't familiar with the band until seeing this and I'm not a Japanophile by any stretch. However I did get a sense of culture shock from the conversation (not ignorance, mind you). I'm not saying this in the spirit of critique, much less on a personal level, I'm just a bit taken aback by your take.
Good reaction. This band will surprise you with it's diversity of genres. As for the lyrics, they include English translations for most of their new music videos and the lyrics are usually not that dark, no knives are used in any lyrics. As for the vocal, try a few of their latest videos , it will grow on you.
For you consideration, young pianist from Japan, Ai Furusato, who was just accepted into Berklee College of Music at the age of 12 (the youngest ever 13 in this performance) and a 15 year old drummer, Yoyoka, and released a new song (composed by Yoyoka an Ai) that you might like - ua-cam.com/video/1QxIPGyni60/v-deo.html They are both exceptional musicians.
This video documents the Maid Cafe experience - ua-cam.com/video/u90AN5QpbXE/v-deo.htmlsi=HtnaYaQtuGDdo32a
There has never been a better time to visit Japan. We have a mutual visa waiver program, so nobody will check your background. They have added a lot English signage for tourists. And the Yen is very weak.
Long time, no see. BAND-MAID are the best, and composition and arrangement are some of their greatest strengths. They have a deep catalog, but “the non-fiction days” is an old song, and one they didn’t write. Their work has grown in complexity over the past eight years. I encourage you listen to CORELLIUM (audio only) to hear one of their more Progressive works. However, they have taken their music in many directions. And their latest video, FORBIDDEN TALE, is beautiful and sophisticated. The best part is the dual vocals of SAIKI and KOBATO. But you might enjoy their instrumentals FROM NOW ON, ONSET (live, 2020), and WITHOUT HOLDING BACK.
All five members appear in the video you just watched.
I love The Black Dahlia Murder and have enjoyed seeing the perform with the original lineup.
Kanami, the lead guitarist is a classically trained pianist. She writes all of the compositions. I would suggest "From Now On" to see one of their instrumentals to get a good feel of their ability.
For a pianist live versions of the band Lovebites songs Frozen Serenade or Swan Song might be a nice way into another all female Japanese band as guitarist Miyako gets on the piano during the performance.
True
Band-Maid is pretty cool. I'll need to check out more; I'm not very familiar with them either.
Day 19 of requesting Diablo Swing Orchestra.
I recommend any official live videos...'Hate?' Is great. I'll have to look up the Diablo wotsit 👍
You may do some "Dir En Grey"
素晴らしい選択リチャード。このバンドは非常に多様で、日本では大きく、海外ではさらに大きな存在です。日本には他にも素晴らしいメタルバンドがいます。あなたもそれらにたどり着くことを願っています.
Long time subscriber here 🤘🤘🤘Greetings from the land of the rising son. . Hope you guys keep making these awesome videos. There are lots of other great metal bands from Japan. Church of Misery, Defiled, Vomit remnants, outrage, Saber Tiger, anthem and many more..... I hope you get to a one of them as well in the future.
Would love to hear the full country roads song by Judson
Hey brother, I am teaching in China now, I was told DUI may not be an issue, however any other crimes would be a problem. Bro you should try out "Hate?" or the various instrumentals if you don't like the singing.
lizard people representative here....sshhhhhh. also yes richard slip into the mode of acceptance and meet with the aliens...make us look good brother. great band...she's probably one of the best singers in rock music today. love band maid but not quite fanboy level ya'll. i like the image. very cute.
This is their late 90s/early 2000s nu-metal sound. They have many different combinations of rock, punk, metal and pop; from 70s rock (complete with cowbell) to prog-punk-metal to 00's pop-punk that has drawn multiple comparisons to....AC/DC and GNR (figure that one out lol) and latin-rock in their catalogue. You ever hear chunky bass and rhythm guitars with pop vocals, squealing lead guitar, a metal breakdown, guitar solo then pseudo-college football chant then mash it all together at the end all while the drums jump between metal and punk? Moratorium live at Zepp Tokyo.
Should have watched the live version.
While there's only audio available currently, you two need to listen to one of their latest tracks "The One". I think it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Non- Fiction Days is pretty good but there were way better choices that coffee-buyers could have suggested. Their more recent videos have english subs as well. Also they have many many live performance videos where I think you guys could become super fans if you were to check them out.
Heck yeah, B-M rocks, literally had rock! Your one step closer to...LOVEBITES, at least you're in the right country! 😆 And if you like Chopin, you have to check out Lovebites Swan Song live 2020 w/Chopin intro ua-cam.com/video/WBhtqgiXEA4/v-deo.htmlsi=B07gWILT1G-3DZjX. Not often a heavy song starts with Revolutionary Etude No. 12. Best intro / outro of any metal song I've listened to in 35yrs+. 🤘
Welcome, Judson (and Richard). You are embarking on (along with many others - 220 million YT views, plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid:
BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (144 songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom.
Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular!
Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 80 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: ua-cam.com/video/Uds7g3M-4lQ/v-deo.html Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Hate?, Shambles, Influencer, Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, You, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on.
But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, The One, Bestie, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits (AniMaid) like Protect You, Sense, Different, Glory and Unleash!!!!! (from their own Anime MV (series?)): ua-cam.com/video/7LB_EPS48HE/v-deo.html)
And many songs are represented with over 50 well produced music videos. ua-cam.com/users/BANDMAID
Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYUJI concerts:
2023 Yokohama 10th Year Anniversary Concert “Endless Story” ua-cam.com/video/Za1y-RRVd70/v-deo.html
ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” ua-cam.com/video/nAdWnIRjGak/v-deo.html
Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” ua-cam.com/video/QbyQCJn6rYg/v-deo.html
ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” ua-cam.com/video/-qQnKILR5u0/v-deo.html
Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD.
And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent.
Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: ua-cam.com/video/DgxU-MVjta0/v-deo.html
See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: ua-cam.com/video/vjZkNeoGmhc/v-deo.html
Great photo collage with older classic songs from P in D: www.youtube.com/@PinD-PANIC
If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, live streams, CD, DVD/BD & merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo
Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Don’t Let Me Down, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid.
For fun, check out:
"Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009
Band-Maid MIDI covers: www.youtube.com/@DeanF_MIDI
Reimagined compositions of Band-Maid songs: www.youtube.com/@fxdxmusic
Band-Maid Members:
Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 30 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen!
Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 33 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!!
Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 33 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more!
Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 33 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party!
MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 32 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA!
Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans.
[BAND-MAID NEWS]
BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo
The Maids SOLD OUT 2023 US & Mexico tour wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!! In addition, their Japan tour finished up with 13 concerts. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concluded at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023 and in Hong Kong Dec. 21! And their latest 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR SPIN OFF concert at KT ZEPP YOKOHAMA on February 22, 2024, where they played songs not performed at the 10th anniversary tour final at Yokohama Arena, was SOLD OUT, as usual!
📢 Recent Announcements 📢
-- The Warning, a world-famous band from Mexico, and BAND-MAID recently completed their amazing 2-man, collab concert in Japan with the introduction of their new song and OMV, “Show Them.”
-- BAND-MAID released a new OMV, "Forbidden Tales," from their new album "Epic Narratives" that dropped Sept. 25, 2024. It contains 14 songs: Memorable, Shambles, Bestie, Protect You, SHOW THEM (BAND-MAID with The Warning), Toi et Moi, Magie, Forbidden Tale, Go Easy, Brightest Star, The One, Letters To You, TAMAYA!, and Get To The Top. Order now at CDJapan for bonuses.
The Maids are one of the hardest working supergroups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!
The Non-Fiction Days use to be their go-to closer. When the song ended, the Maids would give Miku her few seconds to say goodbye, bow, and then all quickly walk off stage. The crowd felt like they'd been run over by a speeding freight train of awesomeness. It all felt so good and the fans wanted more! But they were leaving... until next time!Thx, Richard & Judson!
Thanks for hanging out with us!
With the way they play... maybe they are lizard people. 140 songs or so in their catalogue, and they're all this good. It really is inhuman. 😉
Really take you to interesting discussions. yes the girls also do movements, a certain choreography with smiles. You understand, but that's what sets the band apart from other traditional American and British bands. Indeed the personality and the image attracts me but even more the music because if it would be bad and they would just be cute I would just listen to Taylor Swith which I don't like to listen to. But i listened BAND-MAID in my car, my job and I don't see them.
I feel for you RIchard, that was horrible...
Fun fact: Four of the band members play the piano. Kanami Tono, the lead guitarist, has played the piano since she was 3 years old and played classical music until she was 14; she learned to play the guitar at 16 because she wanted to be cool. Misa, the bassist, has played the piano since she was 4; she played the alto horn, guitar, and trumpet in school; then, in the 11th grade, she played the bass. Akane Hirose, the drummer, has played the piano since she was about 4 years old in school and later played the trombone in the marching band at age 18 when she started playing the drums. Saiki Atsumi, the lead singer, has now learned to play the piano, too; she has been singing from an early age and was scouted by a talent agency as a teen, where she sang, modeled, and acted. Miku Kobato, rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist, won a major singing contest in Tokyo and sang in an idol group as a teenager, and later worked in a Maid Cafe; Kanami taught her how to play the guitar about 5 or 6 months after the banded formed.
Kanami Tono the only successful heavy rock composer who listened to and played nothing but Chopin until she was 13.
Japanese musicians often create something beautiful, beautiful in its weirdness. You may not record a reaction but i hope it would be interesting for you to check at least a couple of artists i personally know:
Ado - Unravel. It's a cover of the popular anime series opening. Ado's vocals are insanely technically fluent and emotional and the song is cool itself. When i heard the live performance i was stuck listening it over and over with tears in my eyes🤠
Maximum the hormone. The band mixes pop, rock, hardcore and (as i got) every member does vocals. They're just crazy🤠 Hope i can leave a link in the comment ua-cam.com/video/beN5ep5MrdY/v-deo.htmlsi=-R5GlYAxoTJ-UzXO
Great Measures , Welcome to BAND-MAID enjoy your journey down the Pigeon hole , MISA !!! MISA !!! MISA !!! the Barefoot Bass Assassin .
Man... how many coffees does a nearly 34-minute song go for these days, I wonder🤔
This has to be the most convoluted review I have ever heard......no thanks !!!!
We’ve been called worse! But thanks for hanging out with us!
Yeah nope vocals are not for me either 🤷
Really interesting your conversation about band-maid not being a fan. It is often said that we don't listen to the music of a Japanese band because we associate them with Japanese anime soundtracks. In my opinion this is a prejudice of most Westerners. Because they make the same rock as the British. Then their music is original to it. YOU MUST LISTEN DOMINATION LIVE from band-maid. Shine in live. For chinesse band Sixiwanzi is cool too. ua-cam.com/video/dkeJCSFxrSQ/v-deo.htmlsi=-Vw1jXPtsr7tDlLB