Kanami is the most selfless lead guitar on the planet. She is happiest when her bandmates are in the spotlight, almost to the point of having tears of joy over that(not a joke). She will leave you wanting more, most of the time. That beats the hell out of too much. One of the reasons they are so great as a band, they treat each other like family, well loved family.
@@saikisfang9339 I said that many times, they are both great songwriters... But it would also be a difficult task, because i guess they would have SO MANY IDEAS so it would be a song 20 mins long :D
@@saikisfang9339 They might work well together or they would be another Lenon\McCartney - and others - who learned to dislike each other and couldn't work together well.
If I had to choose my favorite, it would be Kanami. She is an excellent guitarist but she is a generational songwriter. She might be musical genius level. Although Miku is the face of the band (and could probably teach a college course in PR/Marketing), Kanami is the captain of the ship. My understanding is that Kanami will play bass on the demo and send it to Misa requesting the Misa overhaul. Kanami has to bless what Misa comes up with, but I doubt that is much of an issue since Misa is so damn good. Fun fact: early on, Kanami told Misa, in the sweetest way possible, that if she didn't learn to play 5 string, she couldn't play Band-Maid music. With Akane, Kanami tells her what she wants to hear. The negotiations then begin with Akane explaining what is actually humanly possible to play on drums. I personally think that is Kanami's way of forcing Akane to constantly push herself. Of course the lyrics and vocals are purely the domain of Miku and Saiki. That being said, even though Kanami is my favorite because of her musicianship and especially songwriting, I purchased balcony seats on the Misa side of the stage when I see their show in Dallas. Go figure.
Miku is the living embodiment of confidence. She is a truly impressive human being. It's one reason she is the general "spokespigeon" for band, always taking lead in interviews and promotions. I am never less than impressed by her. She's my inspiration and my hero. 🕊 And MISA plays "lead bass", which is why you notice her without having to try, unlike most bands. As for Kanami battling MISA? You need to get someone to send you the link for 'Don't You Tell me' live. They have a nearly 2 minute call and response, with Akane laying down some amazing drums underneath.
@@massivemetalreactions You can especially hear MISA's Lead Bass in the live performance of Freedom. From comment dropped in several old interviews, the idea was MISA would help to cover for Miku's lack of skill with a guitar (As she was still learning) with her BASS. Which is one of the reasons she switched from a 4 string to a 5 string bass. However, Miku's skill has increased, making her one of the top 50 live rhythm guitarists, while MISA still makes her full rich bass lines. All of this combines to give that "BAND-MAID" sound. You have 2 full rich electric guitars, a full rich bass guitar and then Akane comes in with her drums and sonically assaults your ear drums, (In a good way).
Thanks for mentioning Akane's contribution. I've had to point out that it's a power trio piece a few times. Though I get why one could get distracted from her subtle toms, kick and cymbal work by Kanami-sama and MISA-sama's call and response.
@@greylocke100 In the live (Shibuya) version of "Freedom", I've always thought of MISA's lead bass as THE lead guitar, with the exception of Kanami's solo, of course.
Kanami is a songwriter first and guitarist second. While her playing isn’t as technical, the songs she crafts are up there in complexity. That’s in part because she ensures the bass, drums, rhythm guitar and vocals get more than their time to shine. As a former drummer, Akane is my favorite and the one who had pushed Keith Moon aside in my heart. Miku is up their for her grit and determination to succeed and doing what it takes - from stepping down to secondary vocals to picking up the guitar (and earning her own Zemaitis signature model) to writing all the lyrics to nearly all the songs.
And Miku talent-scouted Kanami -- she called that a miracle in a TV interview (Music Gold Rush). With Kanami came Akane, who brought Misa .. practically the whole band fell into place with that choice of Kanami. Miku chose *very* well.
Akane is my favourite B-M member. She's playing those drums in a way I never heard a drummer play. It's interesting to hear her playing in every second of a song.
Impossible not to love them all, and Misa is an awesome bass player, and most people notice her first. But Kanami is special. She's a riff machine and she just continually cranks out these great compositions that feature everyone in every song. Her personality is like that of the tiniest, sweetest kindergarten teacher ever who moonlights as a guitar hero at night. Every song leaves you wanting more, so the solution is listen to the next song...or repeat the one you are listening to. That's why I've bought everything they've ever put out, and I'll happily buy whatever else they release.
Imo, if one is being totally honest, you can't pick a favorite Maid, and you can't pick a favorite songs. That's how good they are! In fact, they're so good that many people can't express or recognize how good they are. They just know they’ve heard and seen something special. Their music, composition and execution are so rich and deep that they will be relevant for many decades -- or longer -- after they're gone... hopefully in about 50 years from now!
Thx for the reaction. IIRC, Misa started writing the bass lines starting roughly with their Conqueror release. During Unseen World up to now, I think that the writing process has developed into Misa writing substantially all the bass lines after Kanami communicates the general direction of the song. (Kanami appears to be the rare songwriter who would bend over backward to incorporate any ideas her bandmates may have.) Kanami has said that Misa is very efficient as she composes her bass lines very quickly.
Also, I think one of the songs on Unseen World, maybe No God was built around a bass line MISA developed. MISA also said in an interview that she is working in her guitar playing so she can start composing. Anything she started writing, she would do guitar, bass and tentative drum loop and would then give it to Kanami. Saiki is working on her piano so she can also do compositions, she would do a piano demo and send to Kanami. And Kanami has a weekly submission due at the label, which means she needs the basic riff or melody for a potential new song due every week. So Kanami develops songs 52 weeks of the year.
@@stevehall5128 For one song, I think that's actually true. MISA said in an interview that Kanami sent her a demo while she had been drinking and she had worked up the bass line and sent it back the same night. It wasn't until she got into the recording studio and heard the bassline she sent that everyone loved that she was like "CRAP, I've got to learn that now", as she couldn't remember recording it.
@@elizabethputnam6317 There was a rumor I read when I was lurking on 2 Chan that MISA was seen in a Tokyo music store noodling around on a 7 string Schecter guitar in April or May of this year. If true, I would love to see what she, Kanami and Miku could do with that combination.
I LOVE them all for their own unique personalities, but if forced to pick one, I'd say Kanami's #1. She just seems so sweet, innocent and child-like until she gets a guitar in her hands and Beast Mode takes over. In either form, she never ceases to make me smile! (Even when, like I said before, she leaves me wanting more of her solos!) 🤘😁🤘
I find that I don't have an overall favorite member..But on each song I have a favorite just depends on the song..With "Dice" its Misa just a Bass explosion...I listen to many songs throughout the week in my car but come Friday night I have a playlist of about 50 songs (2-3 hrs) and it drives may family crazy..Every Friday I tell my wife i'm about to cheat on her with the "girls" she chuckles and I Rock On!!!!....Maidiacs Unite !!!
All of these Maids have been my favorite at one time or another for various reasons. As a drummer ( myself) I naturally started with Akane. She's the only drummer that I have seen move people to tears during a drum solo (during a Freedom). I love Miku, because like what was stated for her "confidence". When she started out, she almost wore her guitar more than played it. Now days I have noticed that the way she stands and moves she now has the swagger of a guitar player ( that is playing a lot during the songs) and sings, doubling and harmonizing with Saiki ( playing and singing doubles the difficulty) adding her power harmonies as well. Then it was Misa with her amazing quiet assassin's expertise and confidence . Saiki of course for her mysterious presence and her powerful and at times gentle emotional expressive voice. I also love her beautiful and expressive hands and movements. I've also heard that sometimes in concerts she has also expressed her enthusiasm by calling the audience "You bastards". Also l ain't gonna lie. Her vampire fangs are sexy. I fell completely in love with Kanami when I watched the Herman Li interview (audition for Band Maid). From the first time that she said yes ( Hai) in her very high voice, she completely melted my heart. I love Miku, and she is all kinds of adorable, but Kanami is the most naturally kawaii member of Band Maid. During the interview she was leaning on Miku and playing with Miku's sleeve . She was like a 5 year old kid. She was so fidgety that I thought that Miku was going to have to give her a toy or piece of candy to settle her down. When Herman Li introduced them to his little rescue dog, (The interview was on Skype streaming on twitch) Kanami got up from her chair and got very close to the camera to talk to the dog(in her very high voice) The audition with Herman Li ( in full Maid costume) was hilarious and amazing all at once. There is a heavily edited video on UA-cam but I would recommend the entire hour and 40 minute interview on twitch, it's worth watching. I love all of the Maids, but I am in love with Kanami. Kanami is my favorite 5 year old 31 year old guitarist. I think that she has the most beautiful spirit that I have ever seen in a musician. Fyi. There have been a few popularity poles on Band Maid sites ( 2 that I know of) for the ladies and in 2 different poles it came out 20% each, a tie. Asking me a question about my favorite Maid is a loaded question. Sorry that I went on so long.
There was an earlier reactor a few years back by a drummer & bassist and this song literally blew their minds! 🙂 'the transitions...work so freakin' well' - welcome to the band there buddy! 😀 Band Maid transitions are so unexpected yet seamless and always sound amaidzing! 🙃
Miku is the model of what hard work , and brains get you . I remember in an interview and I sure I am bit off with this , but she hated the guitar . Not sure who said they could get another one for the band and she took a stand and said no . I started this and I have to see it thru . This not a quote . There are others that my post her comment ... So many on this planet could take a life lesson from Miku . Great reaction ty
Miku said in an interview that until she got her first Zemaitis guitar, she would only do the minimum practice so she could play the songs, but once she got her Zemaitis, she said she had to be a good enough player to "DESERVE" her guitar. I think that right there made her what she has become today.
Kanami composes the music which is put to the rest of the band for any input but generally she lets Misa do her own thing. Miku writes most of the lyrics with some input from Saiki, who has written some lyrics herelf. Yes, transitions are usually the most difficult parts of compositions to get right, but Kanami just knows- she's a genius. Miku is the rock in this band and the drive behind everything and we love her to bits. She didn't get to learn guitar until 2014, after a push from Kanami- so by the time this video came out- 2018, she had been playing for four years- more genius. I think that what your are saying is that Band-Maid are their own genre. Really enjoying your break downs of their music. You are going through the same process we all have.
The songwriting process goes like this. Kanami writes the song and makes a demo. Then she passes it off to MISA and Akane and they all three work on it together. With MISA and Akane writing their own parts. Once they have the music all together they pass it off to Miku to write the lyrics. Then Saiki gets final approval.
You already have the answer to the question "who is my favorite?"... the answer is it changes from song to song..... because Band-Maid is five virtuosos who play together like pieces of a puzzle but can shine at any given moment.
With internet today if you look hard enough esp. as obsessively as I do, you'd discover one great musician almost every few days. But what keeps me coming back to BM is how consistently "well put together" their music is. Their catalogue has given me more hits than pretty much any other artist till date and that is Huge in my books as it tells me they are doing something really right. And the biggest credit for that without a doubt goes to the songwriter. This is also why Kanami is my fav member. She knows exactly what a song needs, and is also willing to do just that. That willingness is imo more impressive than even her genius intuition. Most of us know what we need to do but for one reason or the other, very few actually do it. Kanami seems to have her priorities absolutely on point every time and she goes the extra mile to shocase the best side of every member of the band. It is all the more impressive when you realise she is the lead guitarist, who are usually not the generous sort with the spotlight. That consistency is evident in their massive catalogue, and it tells me a lot about the kind of person she is and her work ethic. Add to that her eccentric and sweet personality, and she is easily among the top of my fav musicians of all times list.
I can't pick a favorite member any more than I can pick a favorite song. They are all different, talented, lovely young women and when they play together the sum is greater than the parts. Band-Maid, that's my favorite but then I became a Maidiac about 8 months ago and happily so.
Band Maid tends to hook musicians more than casual music listeners cause of how intricate each member's parts are and the genius of how it all blends together. Kanami is a savant music composer. Miku was born to be a supertstar and she works extremely hard at it. Akane doesn't use the same transition twice, and MISA MISA MISA. Moratorium ( LIVE ) is where you get to see Miku playing pretty complex rhythm guitar and being the glue of the whole song with her backup vocals and rhythm guitar.
Kanami writes the majority of the score (yes, I said score) then she gives the score to Akane and Misa to fill in their pieces and Miku writes most of the lyrics but Saiki chimes in once in a while lyrically
And there have been times when Kanami has written lines that she later found it very hard to play on her guitar, as well. As she does most of her writing on a keyboard or piano.
Dice is the song that introduced me to Band-Maid, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I was so instantly drawn in by their sound and musicianship. I fell down the pigeonhole real quick. I have a hard time picking a favorite, because I love them all. Saiki drew me in first with her fierce presence and powerful voice. Then Akane with that slick drum technique; slapping you with the snare and beating you with a kick. Kanami, the virtuoso on the guitar shredding like there's no tomorrow, and composing the most amazing music. And MISA...well, one of the top three lead bassist in the world for me and already a legend; her unique style breaks all convention. But if one member stands out for me most, It's Miku. Imagine being taught how to play guitar, while singing, in a hard rock band, that performs live, and your teacher being the lead guitarist and composer. All while being the PR spokespigeon, MC and lyricist. Not to mention, founding the band itself. She stole my heart. And she is a genius. She loves her band and loves her fans. She wants them to be the best they can be at what they do best, and it shows. Her quest for World Domination drives the band's success. She truly is a Rockstar. ぽ
The 2017 Shinkiba studio coast concert sealed the deal for me as far as Miku's playing is concerned. 3 years or less after she started playing and she absolutely rocks out and looks thoroughly at home doing it. From what she has said that was about the time that she stopped hating the struggle to learn and started enjoying it.
There was the interview with I think Guitar Player Magazine where Miku said until she got her endorsement from Zemaitis, she didn't take her playing seriously. But once she got her first Zemaitis she felt she had to put in the effort the Zemaitis deserved.
"May I Take Your Order".....Our little pigeon Miku was playing approximately four year here. Miku is the soul of Band-Maid, but no member is better than the other, they are a Sisterhood built on passion for what they do. Kanami will never go off for a minute or so, she always leaves you wanting more. Don't even try to pick a favorite, picking a favorite....I love them all equally. You'll see as you get more familiar with them. I'm two and a half years listening to the Maids constantly, they have spoiled me.
Blooming is an insane song in which Saiki spits out words so fast that it sounds like rap to me. A great, great song. I think the song Page has a very country feel to it. Both songs off Conqueror. A must see video for Blooming.
Miku is my favorite Band-Maid member. Simply because, no Miku, no Band-Maid. If it weren't for that crazy idea coming out of that cute little sadistic Pigeon's head, of combining Maid Cafe costumes with hard rock and finding Kanami... I shudder to think about what that alternative universe would be like. Also, I admire her ability to make sacrifices for the improvement of the band. Miku was going to be the singer for the band but realized the band needed a stronger rock voice to lead them. I am amazed at the progress she has made learning how to play guitar after stepping sideways (she still lends her voice to harmonize with Saiki and sing songs on her own as well).
They don't rap, but Blooming features some extremely rapid vocal delivery from Saiki that's pretty rap adjacent. If you want Miku in her glory, check the acoustic version of Sayonakidori from this past Christmas. It's on their official page for a limited time yet. It's an arrangement with just Miku, Misa and Akane. She talked about how nervous she was during the performance, but she just kills. All three do.
Misa's thundering bass riff is the main reason I love this song so much. She works so well with Akane (the drummer) to set a solid beat for all of their songs. I became a Maidiac about a year ago and I'm happy I did.
My favorite member is whoever is playing at that moment! I highly recommend Band Maid Prime. Many video clips focusing on just one member playing. Have to admit the overhead down viewpoint of Akane drumming is wild. So are the short clips of Saiki singing with just a solo instrument backing.
Great reaction and for me it's impossible to pick a favorite member, they all contribute so much to each song and shine in different ways. But if I had to pick one, it would be Miku for her unrelenting drive to make her band dominate the rock world. She is the spokespigeon for the band, does most of the PR, is always hyping and during concerts when they have a break, she takes over and spends anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes entertaining the audience while the rest of the band take a breather. If you what to get an idea of their personalities there's a couple of interviews that you might be interested in, for me the best one is on a music show called "Gold Rush (from I think around 2017)" and its about 28 minutes long (might want to skip over the songs played during the interview) - here's the link - ua-cam.com/video/74FTyNSswqA/v-deo.html - also, be sure to film yourself for the reaction crowd, we all love this interview.
i would guess that miku was 3 years in on her guitar licks in this video. thrill -where she did not play a note - came out in 2014 and she was just starting to learn. and then real existence - their 2nd video - came out on my 62nd birthday on june 17, 2015 and she had started to play basic stuff fairly well. dice came out in feb. 2018 and she was by then getting pretty good under kanami's tutelage. so a little more than 3 years maybe 3 1/2. here's the kanami solo you've been waiting for - 'alone' : ua-cam.com/video/axF56i4spio/v-deo.html
hello....being a drummer I don't know if most people realize how good Akane is in this song....I got behind my kit and after about 20 minutes realized she is an absolute Gorilla on the drums. Decided I better just appreciate how good she is and give up trying....LoL match that with Misa's bass and you have the best rhythm section I have ever heard !!!!!
BAND-MAID is a band with lead drums, lead bass, and another lead vocalist. And it may change for each song, or it may change within a song. Just listening to Transition and Chorus Works, you can tell that these five girls are great arrangers. Nice reaction! I'm probably listening to the song with the same expression as you! And when the song ends, Kanami's riff keeps ringing in my head.
Very enjoyable MMR. This was my first Band-Maid song. The MISA/Kanami solos hit me real hard. I thought to myself "WTF just happened". And that was all she wrote. Almost 2 years now and I don't miss a day without listening to Band-Maid. Kanami is my favorite. I don't know if this is still the fact but Kanami would play all guitar parts in the studio and then show Miku what she needs to play Live. They do use a backing track during Lives. How about an instrumental? ONSET-LIVE is how a Rock instrumental should be played. Power ballad? The MV DAYDREAMING. To show two extremes check out the Covid Live stream 2fer1 MANNERS/BLACK HOLE. From the groovy/blues Manners then the 220bpm melodic mayhem of Black Hole. Or just choose anything else on their YT channel. BAND-MAID so Awesomely never disappoints. Peace. 1.65
Kanami (lead) composes all their songs- but she passess her demos to the others for their input and as far as I know, Misa and Akane tweak or suggest stuff for their parts- probably Miku too in the newer albums. Also- I wouldnt say their chorus' are 'simple' that almost seems insuting- they are almost always SUPER catchy! That and they tend to change up every time around! Band-maid's M.O is often complex written but very catchy music imo. p.s Proper fans wont complain if you stop lots to give your thoughts - we WANT to hear peoples thoughts, especially musicians :) And its not like we havent heard these songs many times! Just ignore the few fools who complain when reactors react. If we want pause free we will put the album on.
For confident Miku watch the 2 live versions of Sayonakidori. The acoustic one is on the Band Maid official channel, while the electric version is on UA-cam, I believe, but isn’t official. Kanami is my favorite, because she’s long been the primary composer, and I hold that skill in high regard. Plus she’s a fantastic guitar player who very modestly won’t take the spotlight from anyone else. If you listen, however, there are whole songs where she’s playing terrific, interesting, stuff the entire time.
Take a look at this fancam from a show in NY in 2019. ua-cam.com/video/wnO3NAc0vLw/v-deo.html She drives this song so hard and has a blast doing it. So makes me so proud of what she has accomplished personally and for the band as well. Tell me what you think.
Even on very simple songs (for Band-Maid) like this one, it's always interesting to listen with headphones (like you do) what Kanami is doing in the background, orchestrating the song. About Miku, at the time of "Dice", she had been playing guitar for maximum three years. Kanami really concentrated on teaching her what would be usefull for the band first - she even recently said that Miku is presently faster and stronger at downpicking than herself!
Another great reaction! I could tell you're a Maidiac by the look on your face while watching the video. You know who else does big choruses - the Beatles- you know who has sold the most vinyl - the Beatles...just saying. This song, 'Play and 'Domination' are all off the 2018 "World Domination" album. 'Rinne', which your reaction to appears to be block is off the 2019 "Conqueror" album. Waiting for you to listen to 2021's "Unseen World", which IMHO is their best (so far). MISA is in solo mode pretty much the entire album, the best work by Miku and Saiki, Akane is phenomenal and Kanami shreds, even when she isn't soloing (try Giovanni). But first you need the see the 'Manners/BLACK HOLE' double header to get a feel for their range on that album: ua-cam.com/video/iaf94nNSRGE/v-deo.html
Miku writes most of the lyrics,but there are no individual credits for the music. Kanami creates her guitar part then sends cd copies to the other members who then add their parts. This song introduced me to Band-Maid 3 yrs ago; haven't missed a day since listening to them. This song is on their 5th album,World Domination (2018)-the best of all of their albums,in my opinion. PLAY is on this album. I have 70 songs on my playlist and have listened to about 100 songs. My favorites are Kanami,Misa,and Akane. Misa once said she would rather practice her bass than sleep.
For some rap-like vocal cadence check out Blooming MV (one of their best IMO ua-cam.com/video/uUt_JBMocKM/v-deo.html). For a guitar solo that sounds like it could be in a country song, check out Page - no MV but there is a lyric video on YT ua-cam.com/video/SyHNSsL3pxA/v-deo.html
In an interview with Miku's, Kanami said that in order to overcome Miku's difficulty with chords, Kanami first made her play slower songs and then made her play faster on “different” songs. Miku said at that time, “Ah! I can play!”she through.
A wonderful document from 2018 from the time after this video, when her confidence, her skills on the rhythm guitar had increased and she has so much fun playing and performing, is Vladimir Chupin's footage from the Melkweg in Amsterdam from the autumn where Miku and MISA are most in focus.
Great to watch you digest these tracks sir. Whats cool about short Kanami solos is that it's easy to play back in your head. But you've only scratched the surface.Literally dozens go great tracks. Look forward to more reactions from you
I really enjoy your reactions. You have some really good insights. Kanami always leaves you wanting more. But she makes sure the solo doesn't ruin the momentum of the song. Misa often stands out to musicians because of how unusual it is for a bass player to be featured and her bass lines rarely repeat (especially in more recent songs). There songs where Saiki does some borderline rapping (Blooming, Unleash, Different Corallium etc). Page is their version of a country song
Miku is my favorite. She just works hard to get better at everything. I respect that. At the time of this video she was a solid player. On their newest stuff she is pretty darn good plus she developed her singing as well. Misa is a close second though for my favorite.
In an interview Kanami was asked how much she writes of the drum/bass track. She revealed she writes basic drums and let Akane modify it (so humans can play it... well Akane anyway) Bass, she just writes hints and give it to MISA to finish because MISA "always does the right thing".
As you may have realized by now, resistance is futile when it comes to becoming a Maidiac ! Great to see you enjoying your assimilation. I suggest Real Existence (Official Live Video) for your next dose. Not only is it a Kick A** performance, features a great Kanami solo, shows off Saiki's complete command of the stage and audience, demonstrates even more Miku confidence while she rocks her pigtails off, highlights Akane with the biggest smile in the world as she beats those drums in to submission, and also features even more bass bada**ery plus the enjoyment of watching what Misa, aka, the Barefoot Assassin does when she notices Saiki is also (temporarily) shoeless. Just one more example of how much fun theses extraordinary women / sisters-in-music, have on stage.
Akane is by far my favorite maid...She is so small and lovely...yet so fierce...so determined...so marvelously talented and the leader of the band, especially in rehearsal. She is the eldest of the Maids and yet has a wonderful,playful and humorous personality that shines through in every "serving" for the "masters and princesses". She won my heart from the beginning!
@@powbobs I guess you're right...she seems small when she's behind her modest kit...if she had opted for more equipment she'd disappear and I know she wants to be closer to her band mates.
"I'll try and get the names right" , brother trust me it won't be that long and their names will be engraved on your heart 😄 What a fcken band, cheers, Viva the Maids peace and love Po 👍🎼🥁🎤🎸🍻
As for our favs- most fans will say all of them :) But yes, people often notice Misa or Akane as the standouts first- as musicians. But they are all wonderful people and all as critical to the band. My fav Kanami solos are in daydreaming mv, blooming mv, the dragon cries mv, and 'unfair game' studio version (thats maybe her longest in-song solo at 30 sec). Theres probably dozens other amazing solo's by her im forgetting lol - but get used to them all being short :)
There have been many, many, many reactors that say the solos are too short. This is the mark of a true showman to always leave them wanting more. The solos serve the song. No more no less. I appreciate a musicians perspective very much. thank you for doing these. They have a 100+ discography now so I am sure you will find a few more that you like. Cheers.
They are very smart in making use of MISA's bass as essentially another lead instrument. She is creative enough to make it work. This was the third video I saw from them (Thrill, Alone, Dice) and it nailed me forever.
Love em all, and it's hard to pick but the Holy Trinity of Misa, Akane and Kanami lead the pack. But as a former (bad) bassist, I will ALWAYS love a good bassist first and foremost in any band. And then a Great drummer, like Akane. Great guitarists, TBH, are kind of a dime a dozen in bands. Kanami stands out to me more as a genius songwriter first, great guitarist second. But MISA is not only my favorite member of Band-Maid, but my favorite current bassist. She basically plays a full song bass solo EVERY SONG, but never gets too busy and distracts from the composition. Which is a key to Kanami's songwriting, period, everyone serves the song, instead of showing off. It's just everyone is so good, their talent shines through anyhow. But back to Misa, I can pick literally any Band-Maid song and listen to the isolated bass track and be absolutely absorbed in it. Every. Single. Time.
I discovered Band-Maid back in 2015, so I've had the pleasure of watching them grow as musicians and songwriters. And I also was happy to see them live when they came to NYC in 2019. Although it is my understanding that on the studio recordings, Kanami is playing Miku's part. Afterwards, Kanami will send Miku that part, like a teacher sending her student a homework assignment so Miku can improve her technique. In an interview, Kanami was talking with Miku about how one of the songs (I forgot which) was actually an exercise for Miku to learn so that she could have the ability to play another song. "If you can play this, you can certainly play that." I another interview, Miku talked about when she decided to start learning to play guitar. She said she would practice 8 hours a day and how she really hated it, but her determination was what kept her going at it. Fortunately for all of us, she was able to get over that hump and you have to admit this woman certainly has courage and guts.
I love every member of this band but if you forced me to to pick my personal favorite it would be Kanami. She’s an absolute genius with her songwriting and mastery of melodies and riffs. The other ladies call her the Princess and she is so soft spoken and sweet in interviews, but they also say she’s an airhead which is strange to me. I play guitar also and I am drawn to her guitar work and creativity. Check out their song Blooming or Don’t You Tell Me the live version if you can find it. Many other amazing songs in their catalog of awesomeness!
When someone asked in a different forum "Who's your favorite Maid", I literally, no exaggeration, stared at my monitor for 45 minutes. I rolled through each member in my head, convincing myself it was Saiki, or Kanami, or Miku, or Misa. Then, I'd think of something else, some attribute I hadn't fully considered and BOOM, my favorite changed. But in the end, I'm a drummer, so.... 🦍 Rap? (ish..in parts) - "Blooming". Country? (or Country Rock flavored) - "Page". Thanks MMR! That was GREAT reaction! 🕊
great great reaction......please....react..FREEDOM LIVE....ONSET LIVE....REAL EXISTEANCE LIVE...BLOOMING O.V . ...CHO9SE ME O.V. and MANNERS.O.V......MANNERS best rock song last 20 years..
dice came out 2018 so miku had been playing 4-5 years although this is the change over period when miku stats playing in the recording studio instead of just singing previously Kanami played lead and rhythm for the recordings, miku then had time to learn to play the song for live concerts/servings without the time pressure of an album release and all the PR work she does for the band promoting the album In the year dice came out Saiki underwent vocal cord polyps surgery, after she struggled with her throat for two years. After she suddenly lost her voice, she decided to go ahead with the surgery and although Saiki was initially terrified the procedure went well, and her voice and throat are today better than ever.
Loved your reaction and analysis. Nice job. I think you will get a great look at BM's diversity in one video from their channel called Manners / Black Hole. It's two tracks from one of their live performance they streamed during the lockdown period. They didn't play these two songs back to back in the concert but I think they paired these two songs in this single video to showcase the two extreme ends of their musical spectrum.
Loving your reactions! So I got some recommendations for you, and you can follow where you want, depending on where you wanna go. I’ll just leave some reasons why you may want to check out each song/video Blooming (MV): you want Kanami to shred, and solo for a while? Here you go. Not to mention, she tasked each member to write a portion of the song, and she combined all of their suggestions into one composition. Lots going on in this one Sayonakidori (Live and Acoustic live): How about witnessing how far Miku has come? Every album, Miku has a song she takes lead vocals on. This is her song on the most recent album, and there are two live versions to watch. A “normal” hard rocking one, and an acoustic version for their Christmas Acoustic Online Concert. Of note, Miku did the acoustic re-arrangement of the normally very energetic song into something very different, and then performed it without Saiki AND Kanami. It’s a treat. Might be an interesting double reaction, to compare and contrast Manners or Bubble (MV): Want groove? Here you go. Manners leans towards the blues, Bubble towards funk, but both are 70s groovy goodness. Manners has a live double video with Black Hole, and speaking of… Black Hole (live) and Rinne (MV): Time to get heavy. These are pretty much their heaviest songs. Rinne has a thrash vibe, Black Hole more progressive, but both are loud, fast, and hard. Fair warning, Rinne should be music video only. The live version is a truncated version for a tv spot Alone (MV): This is where modern Band-Maid begins. The first song that they (really Kanami) wrote and were allowed by their record label to record. Did so well that by their next album, they wrote every song, and haven’t looked back. Also, Kanami kinda cuts loose on this one, as if she felt this was her once chance Daydreaming (MV): The power ballad. Stylistically, I have no clue if this is up your alley, but it’s yet another side of Band-Maid; another genre they play with. And supposedly, it’s Kanami’s favorite solo. It’s not the most blistering solo she has, but it’s soulful as fuck. Plus Saiki really nails the vocals Secret My Lips (MV): This one is my favorite song. Sometimes I say Dice, or Blooming, or Manners, or Sayonakidori, or Puzzle, etc is my favorite. But it always comes back to Secret My Lips. I just like it
Lol I love all of them, they really are top to bottom amazing and iconic. I've listened to their entire discography and it is truly deep. Their consistency is the stuff of legend. I have sat down and listened it back to back numerous times lol I also do want to mention that Miku is such a brilliant lyricist. her ability to churn out catchy hooks is insane while also being able to weave Japanese and english in the perfect ratio AND for the lyrics to be deep and meaningful is also insane.
Jimmy Page caught a show a couple of years ago, and at the completion of the set Jimmy request a meeting with Akane and Akane thought the girls were pranking her..... NOPE the photos are on the internet.
my favourite member has to be Akane... there is just something about a woman going wild beating the everloving crap out of a drum set with a massive smile on her face that can't be beat for me ^^
I had trouble keeping straight which guitarist you kept referring to. Miku (metal-topped Zemaitis) is the rhythm and relative novice, while Kanami (PRS) plays the lead and is Miku's instructor.
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Do you have to choose? They are all great! That's what makes BAND MAID great! and that's why we are MAIDIACS!!!
Kanami is the most selfless lead guitar on the planet. She is happiest when her bandmates are in the spotlight, almost to the point of having tears of joy over that(not a joke). She will leave you wanting more, most of the time. That beats the hell out of too much.
One of the reasons they are so great as a band, they treat each other like family, well loved family.
Kanami is an absolute treasure. I would like to hear what they would come up with if Kanami and Miyako from Lovebites put their heads together.
@@saikisfang9339 I said that many times, they are both great songwriters... But it would also be a difficult task, because i guess they would have SO MANY IDEAS so it would be a song 20 mins long :D
@@saikisfang9339 They might work well together or they would be another Lenon\McCartney - and others - who learned to dislike each other and couldn't work together well.
Someone once said that the greatest miracle of The Beatles was that the four of them got together.
BAND-MAID's number one miracle is the same.
If I had to choose my favorite, it would be Kanami. She is an excellent guitarist but she is a generational songwriter. She might be musical genius level. Although Miku is the face of the band (and could probably teach a college course in PR/Marketing), Kanami is the captain of the ship. My understanding is that Kanami will play bass on the demo and send it to Misa requesting the Misa overhaul. Kanami has to bless what Misa comes up with, but I doubt that is much of an issue since Misa is so damn good. Fun fact: early on, Kanami told Misa, in the sweetest way possible, that if she didn't learn to play 5 string, she couldn't play Band-Maid music. With Akane, Kanami tells her what she wants to hear. The negotiations then begin with Akane explaining what is actually humanly possible to play on drums. I personally think that is Kanami's way of forcing Akane to constantly push herself. Of course the lyrics and vocals are purely the domain of Miku and Saiki.
That being said, even though Kanami is my favorite because of her musicianship and especially songwriting, I purchased balcony seats on the Misa side of the stage when I see their show in Dallas. Go figure.
the five pillars of Band-Maid are all equally important and irreplaceable;
as long as they stay together ... they cannot be defeated.
Amen to that ! ❤️🙏
Amen!
Miku is the living embodiment of confidence. She is a truly impressive human being. It's one reason she is the general "spokespigeon" for band, always taking lead in interviews and promotions. I am never less than impressed by her. She's my inspiration and my hero. 🕊
And MISA plays "lead bass", which is why you notice her without having to try, unlike most bands. As for Kanami battling MISA? You need to get someone to send you the link for 'Don't You Tell me' live. They have a nearly 2 minute call and response, with Akane laying down some amazing drums underneath.
"Lead Bass" Love that!
@@massivemetalreactions You can especially hear MISA's Lead Bass in the live performance of Freedom. From comment dropped in several old interviews, the idea was MISA would help to cover for Miku's lack of skill with a guitar (As she was still learning) with her BASS. Which is one of the reasons she switched from a 4 string to a 5 string bass. However, Miku's skill has increased, making her one of the top 50 live rhythm guitarists, while MISA still makes her full rich bass lines. All of this combines to give that "BAND-MAID" sound. You have 2 full rich electric guitars, a full rich bass guitar and then Akane comes in with her drums and sonically assaults your ear drums, (In a good way).
Misa plays every song as a partially improvised bass solo -- with a backing band dressed as her Maids, and her best friend banging on the drums.
Thanks for mentioning Akane's contribution. I've had to point out that it's a power trio piece a few times. Though I get why one could get distracted from her subtle toms, kick and cymbal work by Kanami-sama and MISA-sama's call and response.
@@greylocke100 In the live (Shibuya) version of "Freedom", I've always thought of MISA's lead bass as THE lead guitar, with the exception of Kanami's solo, of course.
I was going to go to sleep at a decent time then Dice reaction pops up. Dice was my first Band Maid song . I didn't stand a chance.
I went to bed at an ungodly hour & still missed it, but i'm here now.😁
Same here!!!
The secret of Kanami’s solos….”is always leave them wanting for more”…..Thanks…Peace & Respect from 🇨🇦
Kanami is a songwriter first and guitarist second. While her playing isn’t as technical, the songs she crafts are up there in complexity. That’s in part because she ensures the bass, drums, rhythm guitar and vocals get more than their time to shine.
As a former drummer, Akane is my favorite and the one who had pushed Keith Moon aside in my heart. Miku is up their for her grit and determination to succeed and doing what it takes - from stepping down to secondary vocals to picking up the guitar (and earning her own Zemaitis signature model) to writing all the lyrics to nearly all the songs.
And Miku talent-scouted Kanami -- she called that a miracle in a TV interview (Music Gold Rush). With Kanami came Akane, who brought Misa .. practically the whole band fell into place with that choice of Kanami. Miku chose *very* well.
@@himbo754. We are blessed, thanks to Kobato the old little pigeon.
Akane is my favourite B-M member.
She's playing those drums in a way I never heard a drummer play.
It's interesting to hear her playing in every second of a song.
Impossible not to love them all, and Misa is an awesome bass player, and most people notice her first. But Kanami is special. She's a riff machine and she just continually cranks out these great compositions that feature everyone in every song. Her personality is like that of the tiniest, sweetest kindergarten teacher ever who moonlights as a guitar hero at night.
Every song leaves you wanting more, so the solution is listen to the next song...or repeat the one you are listening to. That's why I've bought everything they've ever put out, and I'll happily buy whatever else they release.
Imo, if one is being totally honest, you can't pick a favorite Maid, and you can't pick a favorite songs. That's how good they are! In fact, they're so good that many people can't express or recognize how good they are. They just know they’ve heard and seen something special. Their music, composition and execution are so rich and deep that they will be relevant for many decades -- or longer -- after they're gone... hopefully in about 50 years from now!
Misa has always been my favorite because she's not doing what 97% of what bassists do
Thx for the reaction. IIRC, Misa started writing the bass lines starting roughly with their Conqueror release. During Unseen World up to now, I think that the writing process has developed into Misa writing substantially all the bass lines after Kanami communicates the general direction of the song. (Kanami appears to be the rare songwriter who would bend over backward to incorporate any ideas her bandmates may have.) Kanami has said that Misa is very efficient as she composes her bass lines very quickly.
Kanami: "Misa, how soon can you have your part ready?"
MISA: "Ummmmmm, about three beers."
@@stevehall5128 sounds about right haha
Also, I think one of the songs on Unseen World, maybe No God was built around a bass line MISA developed. MISA also said in an interview that she is working in her guitar playing so she can start composing. Anything she started writing, she would do guitar, bass and tentative drum loop and would then give it to Kanami. Saiki is working on her piano so she can also do compositions, she would do a piano demo and send to Kanami. And Kanami has a weekly submission due at the label, which means she needs the basic riff or melody for a potential new song due every week. So Kanami develops songs 52 weeks of the year.
@@stevehall5128 For one song, I think that's actually true. MISA said in an interview that Kanami sent her a demo while she had been drinking and she had worked up the bass line and sent it back the same night. It wasn't until she got into the recording studio and heard the bassline she sent that everyone loved that she was like "CRAP, I've got to learn that now", as she couldn't remember recording it.
@@elizabethputnam6317 There was a rumor I read when I was lurking on 2 Chan that MISA was seen in a Tokyo music store noodling around on a 7 string Schecter guitar in April or May of this year. If true, I would love to see what she, Kanami and Miku could do with that combination.
I LOVE them all for their own unique personalities, but if forced to pick one, I'd say Kanami's #1. She just seems so sweet, innocent and child-like until she gets a guitar in her hands and Beast Mode takes over. In either form, she never ceases to make me smile! (Even when, like I said before, she leaves me wanting more of her solos!) 🤘😁🤘
Yeah... Kanami is the musical genius in this band and she is such a great personality! I love them all, but Mincho is just different!
I find that I don't have an overall favorite member..But on each song I have a favorite just depends on the song..With "Dice" its Misa just a Bass explosion...I listen to many songs throughout the week in my car but come Friday night I have a playlist of about 50 songs (2-3 hrs) and it drives may family crazy..Every Friday I tell my wife i'm about to cheat on her with the "girls" she chuckles and I Rock On!!!!....Maidiacs Unite !!!
You bet!
All of these Maids have been my favorite at one time or another for various reasons. As a drummer ( myself) I naturally started with Akane. She's the only drummer that I have seen move people to tears during a drum solo (during a Freedom). I love Miku, because like what was stated for her "confidence". When she started out, she almost wore her guitar more than played it. Now days I have noticed that the way she stands and moves she now has the swagger of a guitar player ( that is playing a lot during the songs) and sings, doubling and harmonizing with Saiki ( playing and singing doubles the difficulty) adding her power harmonies as well. Then it was Misa with her amazing quiet assassin's expertise and confidence . Saiki of course for her mysterious presence and her powerful and at times gentle emotional expressive voice. I also love her beautiful and expressive hands and movements. I've also heard that sometimes in concerts she has also expressed her enthusiasm by calling the audience "You bastards". Also l ain't gonna lie. Her vampire fangs are sexy. I fell completely in love with Kanami when I watched the Herman Li interview (audition for Band Maid). From the first time that she said yes ( Hai) in her very high voice, she completely melted my heart. I love Miku, and she is all kinds of adorable, but Kanami is the most naturally kawaii member of Band Maid. During the interview she was leaning on Miku and playing with Miku's sleeve . She was like a 5 year old kid. She was so fidgety that I thought that Miku was going to have to give her a toy or piece of candy to settle her down. When Herman Li introduced them to his little rescue dog, (The interview was on Skype streaming on twitch) Kanami got up from her chair and got very close to the camera to talk to the dog(in her very high voice) The audition with Herman Li ( in full Maid costume) was hilarious and amazing all at once. There is a heavily edited video on UA-cam but I would recommend the entire hour and 40 minute interview on twitch, it's worth watching. I love all of the Maids, but I am in love with Kanami. Kanami is my favorite 5 year old 31 year old guitarist. I think that she has the most beautiful spirit that I have ever seen in a musician. Fyi. There have been a few popularity poles on Band Maid sites ( 2 that I know of) for the ladies and in 2 different poles it came out 20% each, a tie. Asking me a question about my favorite Maid is a loaded question. Sorry that I went on so long.
Most of us will tell you that it's impossible to choose a favorite maid. They're all so awesome and so integral to the band.
There was an earlier reactor a few years back by a drummer & bassist and this song literally blew their minds! 🙂
'the transitions...work so freakin' well' - welcome to the band there buddy! 😀 Band Maid transitions are so unexpected yet seamless and always sound amaidzing! 🙃
Miku is the model of what hard work , and brains get you . I remember in an interview and I sure I am bit off with this , but she hated the guitar . Not sure who said they could get another one for the band and she took a stand and said no . I started this and I have to see it thru . This not a quote . There are others that my post her comment ...
So many on this planet could take a life lesson from Miku .
Great reaction ty
Miku said in an interview that until she got her first Zemaitis guitar, she would only do the minimum practice so she could play the songs, but once she got her Zemaitis, she said she had to be a good enough player to "DESERVE" her guitar. I think that right there made her what she has become today.
Yup the small pigeon is simply amazing 👍🍻
Kanami composes the music which is put to the rest of the band for any input but generally she lets Misa do her own thing. Miku writes most of the lyrics with some input from Saiki, who has written some lyrics herelf. Yes, transitions are usually the most difficult parts of compositions to get right, but Kanami just knows- she's a genius. Miku is the rock in this band and the drive behind everything and we love her to bits. She didn't get to learn guitar until 2014, after a push from Kanami- so by the time this video came out- 2018, she had been playing for four years- more genius. I think that what your are saying is that Band-Maid are their own genre. Really enjoying your break downs of their music. You are going through the same process we all have.
The songwriting process goes like this. Kanami writes the song and makes a demo. Then she passes it off to MISA and Akane and they all three work on it together. With MISA and Akane writing their own parts. Once they have the music all together they pass it off to Miku to write the lyrics. Then Saiki gets final approval.
Would you agree that these ladies are a special? Many more to go!! 🤘
Blooming is my recommendation.
You already have the answer to the question "who is my favorite?"... the answer is it changes from song to song..... because Band-Maid is five virtuosos who play together like pieces of a puzzle but can shine at any given moment.
With internet today if you look hard enough esp. as obsessively as I do, you'd discover one great musician almost every few days. But what keeps me coming back to BM is how consistently "well put together" their music is.
Their catalogue has given me more hits than pretty much any other artist till date and that is Huge in my books as it tells me they are doing something really right. And the biggest credit for that without a doubt goes to the songwriter. This is also why Kanami is my fav member.
She knows exactly what a song needs, and is also willing to do just that.
That willingness is imo more impressive than even her genius intuition. Most of us know what we need to do but for one reason or the other, very few actually do it.
Kanami seems to have her priorities absolutely on point every time and she goes the extra mile to shocase the best side of every member of the band. It is all the more impressive when you realise she is the lead guitarist, who are usually not the generous sort with the spotlight.
That consistency is evident in their massive catalogue, and it tells me a lot about the kind of person she is and her work ethic.
Add to that her eccentric and sweet personality, and she is easily among the top of my fav musicians of all times list.
I can't pick a favorite member any more than I can pick a favorite song. They are all different, talented, lovely young women and when they play together the sum is greater than the parts. Band-Maid, that's my favorite but then I became a Maidiac about 8 months ago and happily so.
Blooming if you want a full solo from Kanami, or Alone.
Band Maid tends to hook musicians more than casual music listeners cause of how intricate each member's parts are and the genius of how it all blends together. Kanami is a savant music composer. Miku was born to be a supertstar and she works extremely hard at it. Akane doesn't use the same transition twice, and MISA MISA MISA.
Moratorium ( LIVE ) is where you get to see Miku playing pretty complex rhythm guitar and being the glue of the whole song with her backup vocals and rhythm guitar.
11 seconds in and there it was, - "the Band-Maid grin"
There’s another one around 1130
Time for Blooming!
It's time for you to watch "ONSET" LIVE official video from their official Channel.
Kanami writes the majority of the score (yes, I said score) then she gives the score to Akane and Misa to fill in their pieces and Miku writes most of the lyrics but Saiki chimes in once in a while lyrically
Plus Saiki gets to call when the song is finished.
And there have been times when Kanami has written lines that she later found it very hard to play on her guitar, as well. As she does most of her writing on a keyboard or piano.
Akane has said that Kanami also writes well-developed drum parts these days, although of course Akane then brings her own ideas to them
@@Davey-Boyd Because the other four will happily keep tweaking away until the heat death of the universe.
@@GlennWH26 Exactly! Especially Kanami I think!
Dice is the song that introduced me to Band-Maid, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I was so instantly drawn in by their sound and musicianship. I fell down the pigeonhole real quick. I have a hard time picking a favorite, because I love them all. Saiki drew me in first with her fierce presence and powerful voice. Then Akane with that slick drum technique; slapping you with the snare and beating you with a kick. Kanami, the virtuoso on the guitar shredding like there's no tomorrow, and composing the most amazing music. And MISA...well, one of the top three lead bassist in the world for me and already a legend; her unique style breaks all convention. But if one member stands out for me most, It's Miku. Imagine being taught how to play guitar, while singing, in a hard rock band, that performs live, and your teacher being the lead guitarist and composer. All while being the PR spokespigeon, MC and lyricist. Not to mention, founding the band itself. She stole my heart. And she is a genius. She loves her band and loves her fans. She wants them to be the best they can be at what they do best, and it shows. Her quest for World Domination drives the band's success. She truly is a Rockstar. ぽ
If you like Dice, you'll like over 100 other Band-Maid hit songs, too! What a great prospect to have in front of you! 🤘😛🤘 Thx, MaMe!
Yeah, Kanami solos are short and sweet. Just like she is
The 2017 Shinkiba studio coast concert sealed the deal for me as far as Miku's playing is concerned. 3 years or less after she started playing and she absolutely rocks out and looks thoroughly at home doing it. From what she has said that was about the time that she stopped hating the struggle to learn and started enjoying it.
I'm sure when she is on stage and looks down to see she is holding HER signature guitar....she still finds it hard to believe....Way to Go Miku!!! 🥰
There was the interview with I think Guitar Player Magazine where Miku said until she got her endorsement from Zemaitis, she didn't take her playing seriously. But once she got her first Zemaitis she felt she had to put in the effort the Zemaitis deserved.
My favorite is Kanami. 119 songs in here. The other four kids are a close second. Try Daydreaming next.
"May I Take Your Order".....Our little pigeon Miku was playing approximately four year here. Miku is the soul of Band-Maid, but no member is better than the other, they are a Sisterhood built on passion for what they do. Kanami will never go off for a minute or so, she always leaves you wanting more. Don't even try to pick a favorite, picking a favorite....I love them all equally. You'll see as you get more familiar with them. I'm two and a half years listening to the Maids constantly, they have spoiled me.
Blooming is an insane song in which Saiki spits out words so fast that it sounds like rap to me. A great, great song. I think the song Page has a very country feel to it. Both songs off Conqueror. A must see video for Blooming.
Miku is my favorite Band-Maid member. Simply because, no Miku, no Band-Maid. If it weren't for that crazy idea coming out of that cute little sadistic Pigeon's head, of combining Maid Cafe costumes with hard rock and finding Kanami... I shudder to think about what that alternative universe would be like. Also, I admire her ability to make sacrifices for the improvement of the band. Miku was going to be the singer for the band but realized the band needed a stronger rock voice to lead them. I am amazed at the progress she has made learning how to play guitar after stepping sideways (she still lends her voice to harmonize with Saiki and sing songs on her own as well).
They don't rap, but Blooming features some extremely rapid vocal delivery from Saiki that's pretty rap adjacent.
If you want Miku in her glory, check the acoustic version of Sayonakidori from this past Christmas. It's on their official page for a limited time yet. It's an arrangement with just Miku, Misa and Akane. She talked about how nervous she was during the performance, but she just kills. All three do.
They rap on "Beauty and the Beast."
I love Misa's bass tone a lot. BTW, Justin Hawkins just reacted to this song and pointed out that this song is more complex than you think.
Misa's thundering bass riff is the main reason I love this song so much. She works so well with Akane (the drummer) to set a solid beat for all of their songs. I became a Maidiac about a year ago and I'm happy I did.
'Big juicy Band-Maid chorus'.
Yup, you had just invented a nice B-M term 😀👍
My favorite member is whoever is playing at that moment! I highly recommend Band Maid Prime. Many video clips focusing on just one member playing. Have to admit the overhead down viewpoint of Akane drumming is wild. So are the short clips of Saiki singing with just a solo instrument backing.
Great reaction and for me it's impossible to pick a favorite member, they all contribute so much to each song and shine in different ways. But if I had to pick one, it would be Miku for her unrelenting drive to make her band dominate the rock world. She is the spokespigeon for the band, does most of the PR, is always hyping and during concerts when they have a break, she takes over and spends anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes entertaining the audience while the rest of the band take a breather. If you what to get an idea of their personalities there's a couple of interviews that you might be interested in, for me the best one is on a music show called "Gold Rush (from I think around 2017)" and its about 28 minutes long (might want to skip over the songs played during the interview) - here's the link - ua-cam.com/video/74FTyNSswqA/v-deo.html - also, be sure to film yourself for the reaction crowd, we all love this interview.
i would guess that miku was 3 years in on her guitar licks in this video. thrill -where she did not play a note - came out in 2014 and she was just starting to learn. and then real existence - their 2nd video - came out on my 62nd birthday on june 17, 2015 and she had started to play basic stuff fairly well. dice came out in feb. 2018 and she was by then getting pretty good under kanami's tutelage. so a little more than 3 years maybe 3 1/2. here's the kanami solo you've been waiting for - 'alone' : ua-cam.com/video/axF56i4spio/v-deo.html
hello....being a drummer I don't know if most people realize how good Akane is in this song....I got behind my kit and after about 20 minutes realized she is an absolute Gorilla on the drums. Decided I better just appreciate how good she is and give up trying....LoL
match that with Misa's bass and you have the best rhythm section I have ever heard !!!!!
BAND-MAID is a band with lead drums, lead bass, and another lead vocalist. And it may change for each song, or it may change within a song. Just listening to Transition and Chorus Works, you can tell that these five girls are great arrangers.
Nice reaction! I'm probably listening to the song with the same expression as you! And when the song ends, Kanami's riff keeps ringing in my head.
Very enjoyable MMR. This was my first Band-Maid song. The MISA/Kanami solos hit me real hard. I thought to myself "WTF just happened". And that was all she wrote. Almost 2 years now and I don't miss a day without listening to Band-Maid. Kanami is my favorite. I don't know if this is still the fact but Kanami would play all guitar parts in the studio and then show Miku what she needs to play Live. They do use a backing track during Lives. How about an instrumental? ONSET-LIVE is how a Rock instrumental should be played. Power ballad? The MV DAYDREAMING. To show two extremes check out the Covid Live stream 2fer1 MANNERS/BLACK HOLE. From the groovy/blues Manners then the 220bpm melodic mayhem of Black Hole. Or just choose anything else on their YT channel. BAND-MAID so Awesomely never disappoints. Peace. 1.65
Agreed! I 2nd this recommendation!
Great reaction looking forward to your next!
🤘😃🤘
My favorite changes per song! They are such a team that I can't see them different.
Kanami (lead) composes all their songs- but she passess her demos to the others for their input and as far as I know, Misa and Akane tweak or suggest stuff for their parts- probably Miku too in the newer albums. Also- I wouldnt say their chorus' are 'simple' that almost seems insuting- they are almost always SUPER catchy! That and they tend to change up every time around!
Band-maid's M.O is often complex written but very catchy music imo.
p.s Proper fans wont complain if you stop lots to give your thoughts - we WANT to hear peoples thoughts, especially musicians :) And its not like we havent heard these songs many times!
Just ignore the few fools who complain when reactors react. If we want pause free we will put the album on.
For confident Miku watch the 2 live versions of Sayonakidori. The acoustic one is on the Band Maid official channel, while the electric version is on UA-cam, I believe, but isn’t official. Kanami is my favorite, because she’s long been the primary composer, and I hold that skill in high regard. Plus she’s a fantastic guitar player who very modestly won’t take the spotlight from anyone else. If you listen, however, there are whole songs where she’s playing terrific, interesting, stuff the entire time.
Take a look at this fancam from a show in NY in 2019. ua-cam.com/video/wnO3NAc0vLw/v-deo.html She drives this song so hard and has a blast doing it. So makes me so proud of what she has accomplished personally and for the band as well. Tell me what you think.
Even on very simple songs (for Band-Maid) like this one, it's always interesting to listen with headphones (like you do) what Kanami is doing in the background, orchestrating the song. About Miku, at the time of "Dice", she had been playing guitar for maximum three years. Kanami really concentrated on teaching her what would be usefull for the band first - she even recently said that Miku is presently faster and stronger at downpicking than herself!
Another great reaction! I could tell you're a Maidiac by the look on your face while watching the video. You know who else does big choruses - the Beatles- you know who has sold the most vinyl - the Beatles...just saying.
This song, 'Play and 'Domination' are all off the 2018 "World Domination" album. 'Rinne', which your reaction to appears to be block is off the 2019 "Conqueror" album. Waiting for you to listen to 2021's "Unseen World", which IMHO is their best (so far). MISA is in solo mode pretty much the entire album, the best work by Miku and Saiki, Akane is phenomenal and Kanami shreds, even when she isn't soloing (try Giovanni). But first you need the see the 'Manners/BLACK HOLE' double header to get a feel for their range on that album: ua-cam.com/video/iaf94nNSRGE/v-deo.html
Miku writes most of the lyrics,but there are no individual credits for the music. Kanami creates her guitar part then sends cd copies to the other members who then add their parts.
This song introduced me to Band-Maid 3 yrs ago; haven't missed a day since listening to them. This song is on their 5th album,World Domination (2018)-the best of all of their albums,in my opinion. PLAY is on this album.
I have 70 songs on my playlist and have listened to about 100 songs. My favorites are Kanami,Misa,and Akane. Misa once said she would rather practice her bass than sleep.
It's tough thing, too choose a favorite.....it feels like cheating. So I just Love them all 😉
For some rap-like vocal cadence check out Blooming MV (one of their best IMO ua-cam.com/video/uUt_JBMocKM/v-deo.html). For a guitar solo that sounds like it could be in a country song, check out Page - no MV but there is a lyric video on YT ua-cam.com/video/SyHNSsL3pxA/v-deo.html
In an interview with Miku's, Kanami said that in order to overcome Miku's difficulty with chords, Kanami first made her play slower songs and then made her play faster on “different” songs.
Miku said at that time, “Ah! I can play!”she through.
A wonderful document from 2018 from the time after this video, when her confidence, her skills on the rhythm guitar had increased and she has so much fun playing and performing, is Vladimir Chupin's footage from the Melkweg in Amsterdam from the autumn where Miku and MISA are most in focus.
Great to watch you digest these tracks sir. Whats cool about short Kanami solos is that it's easy to play back in your head.
But you've only scratched the surface.Literally dozens go great tracks. Look forward to more reactions from you
I really enjoy your reactions. You have some really good insights. Kanami always leaves you wanting more. But she makes sure the solo doesn't ruin the momentum of the song.
Misa often stands out to musicians because of how unusual it is for a bass player to be featured and her bass lines rarely repeat (especially in more recent songs).
There songs where Saiki does some borderline rapping (Blooming, Unleash, Different Corallium etc).
Page is their version of a country song
Dice was on the "World Domination" album. Released 2/14/18. Thrill came out 11/18/15 on the "New Beginnings" mini album.
Miku is my favorite. She just works hard to get better at everything. I respect that. At the time of this video she was a solid player. On their newest stuff she is pretty darn good plus she developed her singing as well. Misa is a close second though for my favorite.
Next songs live On Set(bass solo's), Don't You Tell Me(bass/guitars battle) 🤘
There's a live version of their song Clang on UA-cam where Misa and Kanami do a tapping battle in the intro.
In an interview Kanami was asked how much she writes of the drum/bass track.
She revealed she writes basic drums and let Akane modify it (so humans can play it... well Akane anyway)
Bass, she just writes hints and give it to MISA to finish because MISA "always does the right thing".
As you may have realized by now, resistance is futile when it comes to becoming a Maidiac ! Great to see you enjoying your assimilation. I suggest Real Existence (Official Live Video) for your next dose. Not only is it a Kick A** performance, features a great Kanami solo, shows off Saiki's complete command of the stage and audience, demonstrates even more Miku confidence while she rocks her pigtails off, highlights Akane with the biggest smile in the world as she beats those drums in to submission, and also features even more bass bada**ery plus the enjoyment of watching what Misa, aka, the Barefoot Assassin does when she notices Saiki is also (temporarily) shoeless. Just one more example of how much fun theses extraordinary women / sisters-in-music, have on stage.
Akane is by far my favorite maid...She is so small and lovely...yet so fierce...so determined...so marvelously talented and the leader of the band, especially in rehearsal. She is the eldest of the Maids and yet has a wonderful,playful and humorous personality that shines through in every "serving" for the "masters and princesses". She won my heart from the beginning!
She’s actually quite tall for a Japanese woman.
Almost as tall as MISA.
@@powbobs I guess you're right...she seems small when she's behind her modest kit...if she had opted for more equipment she'd disappear and I know she wants to be closer to her band mates.
"I'll try and get the names right" , brother trust me it won't be that long and their names will be engraved on your heart 😄 What a fcken band, cheers, Viva the Maids peace and love Po 👍🎼🥁🎤🎸🍻
As for our favs- most fans will say all of them :) But yes, people often notice Misa or Akane as the standouts first- as musicians. But they are all wonderful people and all as critical to the band.
My fav Kanami solos are in daydreaming mv, blooming mv, the dragon cries mv, and 'unfair game' studio version (thats maybe her longest in-song solo at 30 sec). Theres probably dozens other amazing solo's by her im forgetting lol - but get used to them all being short :)
my favorite band member is Band-Maid. it's that simple, really...
There have been many, many, many reactors that say the solos are too short. This is the mark of a true showman to always leave them wanting more. The solos serve the song. No more no less. I appreciate a musicians perspective very much. thank you for doing these. They have a 100+ discography now so I am sure you will find a few more that you like. Cheers.
How many listened to? All of them! Eventually there is no choice.
They are very smart in making use of MISA's bass as essentially another lead instrument. She is creative enough to make it work. This was the third video I saw from them (Thrill, Alone, Dice) and it nailed me forever.
That confidence is 100% for real.
Check their live videos and fan cam vids.
She is a rock star.
Love em all, and it's hard to pick but the Holy Trinity of Misa, Akane and Kanami lead the pack.
But as a former (bad) bassist, I will ALWAYS love a good bassist first and foremost in any band. And then a Great drummer, like Akane. Great guitarists, TBH, are kind of a dime a dozen in bands. Kanami stands out to me more as a genius songwriter first, great guitarist second.
But MISA is not only my favorite member of Band-Maid, but my favorite current bassist. She basically plays a full song bass solo EVERY SONG, but never gets too busy and distracts from the composition. Which is a key to Kanami's songwriting, period, everyone serves the song, instead of showing off. It's just everyone is so good, their talent shines through anyhow. But back to Misa, I can pick literally any Band-Maid song and listen to the isolated bass track and be absolutely absorbed in it. Every. Single. Time.
They got you, friend! Hook, line and sinker. AND THEY LOOK GOOD TOO, DON'T THEY? Keep the reactions coming, love your enthusiasm.
I discovered Band-Maid back in 2015, so I've had the pleasure of watching them grow as musicians and songwriters. And I also was happy to see them live when they came to NYC in 2019.
Although it is my understanding that on the studio recordings, Kanami is playing Miku's part. Afterwards, Kanami will send Miku that part, like a teacher sending her student a homework assignment so Miku can improve her technique. In an interview, Kanami was talking with Miku about how one of the songs (I forgot which) was actually an exercise for Miku to learn so that she could have the ability to play another song. "If you can play this, you can certainly play that." I another interview, Miku talked about when she decided to start learning to play guitar. She said she would practice 8 hours a day and how she really hated it, but her determination was what kept her going at it. Fortunately for all of us, she was able to get over that hump and you have to admit this woman certainly has courage and guts.
I am going to witness the Maid's lay waste to the House of Blues in Dallas next October. Best birthday ever
I love every member of this band but if you forced me to to pick my personal favorite it would be Kanami. She’s an absolute genius with her songwriting and mastery of melodies and riffs. The other ladies call her the Princess and she is so soft spoken and sweet in interviews, but they also say she’s an airhead which is strange to me. I play guitar also and I am drawn to her guitar work and creativity. Check out their song Blooming or Don’t You Tell Me the live version if you can find it. Many other amazing songs in their catalog of awesomeness!
When someone asked in a different forum "Who's your favorite Maid", I literally, no exaggeration, stared at my monitor for 45 minutes. I rolled through each member in my head, convincing myself it was Saiki, or Kanami, or Miku, or Misa. Then, I'd think of something else, some attribute I hadn't fully considered and BOOM, my favorite changed. But in the end, I'm a drummer, so.... 🦍 Rap? (ish..in parts) - "Blooming".
Country? (or Country Rock flavored) - "Page". Thanks MMR! That was GREAT reaction! 🕊
great great reaction......please....react..FREEDOM LIVE....ONSET LIVE....REAL EXISTEANCE LIVE...BLOOMING O.V . ...CHO9SE ME O.V. and MANNERS.O.V......MANNERS best rock song last 20 years..
dice came out 2018 so miku had been playing 4-5 years although this is the change over period when miku stats playing in the recording studio instead of just singing previously Kanami played lead and rhythm for the recordings, miku then had time to learn to play the song for live concerts/servings without the time pressure of an album release and all the PR work she does for the band promoting the album
In the year dice came out Saiki underwent vocal cord polyps surgery, after she struggled with her throat for two years. After she suddenly lost her voice, she decided to go ahead with the surgery and although Saiki was initially terrified the procedure went well, and her voice and throat are today better than ever.
Loved your reaction and analysis. Nice job. I think you will get a great look at BM's diversity in one video from their channel called Manners / Black Hole. It's two tracks from one of their live performance they streamed during the lockdown period. They didn't play these two songs back to back in the concert but I think they paired these two songs in this single video to showcase the two extreme ends of their musical spectrum.
Loving your reactions! So I got some recommendations for you, and you can follow where you want, depending on where you wanna go. I’ll just leave some reasons why you may want to check out each song/video
Blooming (MV): you want Kanami to shred, and solo for a while? Here you go. Not to mention, she tasked each member to write a portion of the song, and she combined all of their suggestions into one composition. Lots going on in this one
Sayonakidori (Live and Acoustic live): How about witnessing how far Miku has come? Every album, Miku has a song she takes lead vocals on. This is her song on the most recent album, and there are two live versions to watch. A “normal” hard rocking one, and an acoustic version for their Christmas Acoustic Online Concert. Of note, Miku did the acoustic re-arrangement of the normally very energetic song into something very different, and then performed it without Saiki AND Kanami. It’s a treat. Might be an interesting double reaction, to compare and contrast
Manners or Bubble (MV): Want groove? Here you go. Manners leans towards the blues, Bubble towards funk, but both are 70s groovy goodness. Manners has a live double video with Black Hole, and speaking of…
Black Hole (live) and Rinne (MV): Time to get heavy. These are pretty much their heaviest songs. Rinne has a thrash vibe, Black Hole more progressive, but both are loud, fast, and hard. Fair warning, Rinne should be music video only. The live version is a truncated version for a tv spot
Alone (MV): This is where modern Band-Maid begins. The first song that they (really Kanami) wrote and were allowed by their record label to record. Did so well that by their next album, they wrote every song, and haven’t looked back. Also, Kanami kinda cuts loose on this one, as if she felt this was her once chance
Daydreaming (MV): The power ballad. Stylistically, I have no clue if this is up your alley, but it’s yet another side of Band-Maid; another genre they play with. And supposedly, it’s Kanami’s favorite solo. It’s not the most blistering solo she has, but it’s soulful as fuck. Plus Saiki really nails the vocals
Secret My Lips (MV): This one is my favorite song. Sometimes I say Dice, or Blooming, or Manners, or Sayonakidori, or Puzzle, etc is my favorite. But it always comes back to Secret My Lips. I just like it
The world famous Maid's never disappoint
If you want a Misa/Kanami battle watch Don't You Tell Me live. I think you'll like it
Misa writes her own music. However, Kanami has to leave space for Misa when she writes the songs.
Lol I love all of them, they really are top to bottom amazing and iconic. I've listened to their entire discography and it is truly deep. Their consistency is the stuff of legend. I have sat down and listened it back to back numerous times lol I also do want to mention that Miku is such a brilliant lyricist. her ability to churn out catchy hooks is insane while also being able to weave Japanese and english in the perfect ratio AND for the lyrics to be deep and meaningful is also insane.
Favorite member is Band-Maid😁
If you're in the market for some insane Akane stuff, definitely check out Freedom live. It's an upbeat, crowd pleasing banger if ever there was one.
Best Hard Rock band on the planet right now.
Next song: Freedom
Akane is my fav.
This is the song where I lost my BAND-MAID cherry ! I knew they would be big the moment this song started and here they are still rising.
If you listen to this song with this performance structure, everyone will get excited, right？
Jimmy Page caught a show a couple of years ago, and at the completion of the set Jimmy request a meeting with Akane and Akane thought the girls were pranking her..... NOPE the photos are on the internet.
my favourite member has to be Akane... there is just something about a woman going wild beating the everloving crap out of a drum set with a massive smile on her face that can't be beat for me ^^
My favorite is Kanami (lead guitar). She is the brain behind making almost all their letters and melodies.
I had trouble keeping straight which guitarist you kept referring to. Miku (metal-topped Zemaitis) is the rhythm and relative novice, while Kanami (PRS) plays the lead and is Miku's instructor.