BMSG (Japan) Introduces its Uprising Artist Trainees, RUI & KANON, Through New Single ‘The Voice’

Japanese label and artist management company, BMSG, is thrilled to introduce its dynamic artist trainees, RUI and KANON, who are set to captivate the music scene with their upcoming release, 'The Voice' (‘声’ Ko-é in Japanese). The music video will premiere to a global audience via YouTube on 21 August 2023, which you can view below.

‘The Voice’ is a soul-stirring ballad that is set against a luscious R&B track produced by Japanese leading music producer, UTA of TinyVoice Production. The song is a harmonious fusion of lyrics and melodies jointly composed by both RUI and KANON, with a main theme of beautifully capturing the essence of a human connection through their expressive falsetto vocals. Notably, ‘The Voice’ is the first-ever release for KANON who not only sings but has also contributed to the single’s heartfelt lyrics, showcasing his multifaceted talent and exceptional musical sensibility at just 17 years old.

(Photo credits: BMSG, Inc.)

RUI emerged onto the Japanese music scene with a dazzling performance on the acclaimed audition program "THE FIRST" in 2020, at the age of 12 years old. His husky singing voice, accompanied by his infectious smile and friendly persona, garnered attention and admiration throughout the competition. Despite his elimination from the show, RUI’s magnetic presence left an indelible mark on both viewers and contestants alike. The result was an artist trainee contract with BMSG. In 2022, RUI showcased his talents further by producing his first solo song ‘Diamond’ as well as participating in numerous concerts and shows as guest performer and opening act. This includes renowned rapper and CEO of BMSG, SKY-HI’s nationwide tour "Cho Hachimenroppi”, solidifying his position as one of Japan’s most promising amateur vocalists.

(Photo credits: BMSG, Inc.)

KANON, on the other hand, made a resounding entry onto the scene through the "MISSIONx2" audition program in 2022, at the age of 16. Although not progressing to the final round of the audition program, his exceptional vocal prowess led him to be the only participant offered a trainee contract with BMSG. KANON's striking opening act during the SKY-HI ARENA TOUR 2023 -BOSSDOM- wowed the audience, showcasing his remarkable singing abilities and setting the stage for his promising future as an artist. 

Hiroyuki Sawano’s new group NAQT VANE release ‘Break Free (English Ver.)’, with lyrics in English!

‘Break Free’ Digital Jacket Cover

The English version of NAQT VANE’s debut song ‘Break Free’ was released on September 30. This English version was produced in tandem with the original Japanese version released earlier in September, so that music fans around the world could enjoy the message of hope behind the song’s lyrics.

NAQT VANE launched in September as a fresh new team project breathing a wind of change. Their debut single ‘Break Free’ carries an encouraging message of “a new self” and “liberation” and is dedicated to everyone living in the era of the wind – a flexible world of freedom and diversity with a lifestyle unbound by material things or status. The project combines the unmistakable music of producer Hiroyuki Sawano, whose compositions for anime, movies and TV shows are beloved by fans in Japan and around the world; and Harukaze, a highly skilled musician with a unique singing voice whose worldview was shaped by her school days spent in the United States.

Harukaze

In the new English version of ‘Break Free’, bilingual singer Harukaze’s English skills are put to great use – and above all, the lyrics have been tweaked to suit the English language, so listeners can enjoy a slightly different vibe from the original version. Whether you have already heard ‘Break Free’ or it’s your first time, check out ‘Break Free (English Ver.)’ for another chance to ride the tailwind.

Since the first announcement that Sawano would launch new team project NAQT VANE as overall producer, the reaction from fans has been overwhelming. Just two weeks after their debut in September, their new songs ‘VANE’ and ‘TOUCH’ were selected as theme songs to TV shows in Japan, making the group hot property.

In addition, vocalist Harukaze will perform as the opening act for singer-songwriter Calum Scott when he performs his first ever concert in Japan at Tokyo EX Theater Roppongi on October 18.

Overall producer Sawano recently composed the song ‘Tot Musica’ performed by Ado for the movie ‘ONE PIECE FILM RED’. He has numerous fans across North America, Europe and Asia thanks to his work on many celebrated anime productions, and in 2019 he delivered a successful solo performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, indicating his commitment to the global stage. Vocalist Harukaze is also fluent in English, so it seems likely that the group will set their sights on touring in various regions around the world.

This is a group for all those who face up to life’s challenges every day, as they ride the tailwind to the future. There are doubtless many out there who can relate to a group like NAQT VANE, and this feels like the start of a whole new movement – keep your expectations high as they embark on a truly special career.

Be sure to check out the track here, along with the Japanese music video below!

Sony Music Entertainment Japan Introduces the World to Bangkok-based Japan x Thailand HipHop Group, Baby Mic Candy

Sony Music Entertainment Japan has announced the debut single release of Japanese and Thai Hip Hop trio, Baby Mic Candy (BMC). The single, ‘RUN’, will be made available on all digital streaming platforms, with the accompanying music video on the same day.

Baby Mic Candy (BMC) is a 3-member Hip Hop group consisting of MOTO from Thailand, and GOLI and YUKI from Japan. The name ‘Baby Mic Candy’ toys with the idea of how the trio wants to share their identity with the whole world, charming listeners as vividly as Candy through the Microphone without forgetting their Baby-like innocence.

Formally members of a 10-member idol group in Fukuoka, Japan, the group disbanded in 2019.

As the three remaining members, MOTO, GOLI and YUKI regrouped to form BMC during the pandemic, working together remotely in Thailand and Japan respectively. Two and a half years of enduring hardships of creating songs remotely and with the Japanese members of BMC studying Thai language, all 3 members have finally reunited in Thailand since May this year. Currently based in Bangkok, BMC will be writing songs together with some of Thailand’s biggest music producers and artists, working on various projects, while working towards the same shared goal of becoming a hit in Thailand.

The debut Hip Hop, breakbeat single, ‘RUN’ is an adrenaline-pumping, runner’s high song that sublimates good vibes, a spirit of defiance and resolutions overflowing from the group. With lyrics in Thai, Japanese and English, the high-tempo best of the single depicts the “ordinary guys” that BMC values so much as they bet (run) on the once-in-a-lifetime game of life.

BMC’s leader GOLI says, "Listening to our debut single ‘RUN’, I hope you can feel the possibilities and expectations of the word "anyone" in a positive way, as well as the passion of BMC and the hotness of Thailand. It is a song that makes you feel close to us, with the thought of stepping forward together.” This song is the start of the BMC project, in which the members, representing Generation Z, will present the significance of their existence as artists in the country.”

Prior to their debut, BMC's official YouTube channel has already launched. Produced by Goffoo (@goffoo), the leader of a Thailand’s legendary YouTuber group FEDFE, the channel will feature a variety of content focusing on the BMC members' lives in Thailand.

In partnership with Thailand’s entertainment conglomerate, GMMTV, BMC’s music and reality show ‘B.M.C. Way’ is set to premiere later this month on GMMTV’s YouTube Channel. Join the members of BMC as they travel across Thailand to learn about the local culture, finding inspiration for their music creation. Be sure to check out the streaming links “RUN” here, along with the music video below!

Natumi. Teams up with Hiroyuki Sawano for Her Debut Single!

“pARTs” Jacket Cover

With her powerful singing voice and air of mystery, female singer Natumi. recently made her debut with a single produced by Hiroyuki Sawano. “pARTs” is currently available across all digital music streaming platforms, along with a music video also out now.

Although it is only the first single by this newcomer artist, the song “pARTs” was selected as the ending theme tune to the second season of AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline, which is the first original anime production from SUNRISE BEYOND and is broadcasting now. 

Comment from Natumi.

“Nice to meet you everyone – I’m Natumi. I performed the ending theme to the second season of AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline. The attraction of AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline is not only its intense combat scenes, but also the generous spirit and humanity of its characters, and the interactions between them. I love that side of the show, and I was completely absorbed by the first season.”

“I’ve adored anime since I was little, so it is a joy to perform the ending theme to such a wonderful show. Not only that, but the music was produced by Hiroyuki Sawano, whom I really admire. ‘PARTs’ is a strong and powerful song, so I’d love for it to be heard by as many people as possible. I hope you will lend your support in the future – both for AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline and for me, Natumi.”

Hiroyuki Sawano

Comment from Hiroyuki Sawano

“I was happy to have the opportunity to produce the debut single by Natumi. Her unique singing voice and her approach to singing this song helped to expand the sound of the music in new ways. Also, seeing Natumi. at work during production made me excited to see how she will evolve as a vocalist in the future. I can’t wait to see how the final song will be received by listeners via AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline.”

Be shut to check out the music video for “pARTs” below, along with the streaming link for the track here!

Follow the search for Japan’s next-generation boyband with new YouTube documentary series ‘WARPs DIG’ – from training to major-label deal in 365 days!

WARPs DIG Logo

WARPs DIG, a new project from avex entertainment’s WARP-Syndicate collective, has launched on YouTube. WARP-Syndicate (commonly known as WARPs) stands for Wind Assemble Radical People-Syndicate, meaning a collective that harnesses the wind of innovation. By operating groups with fixed lineups as well as various projects across multiple artistic disciplines and regardless of age, gender and nationality, it is a collective that aims to create a new landscape where talent can shine beyond existing categories and frameworks. The Japanese-Chinese mixed boys’ group WARPs UP have been active as the first act under the WARPs umbrella.

The new “WARPs DIG” project being launched this time will focus on the members of WARPs ROOTS, a training ground for the next generation of WARPs talent aiming for global success. “WARPs DIG” is a documentary series that aims to create a new style of entertainment and a unique kind of culture; it will shine a spotlight on world-class young talent from Japan, digging up hard workers with a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

‘WARPs DIG’ began in earnest with a video released on YouTube. This will be followed by further updates on the same channel. The new series follows “ROOTS on ROOFs”, a series of rooftop performance videos by the members of WARPs ROOTS; and “YOUR ROOTS?”, a series in which the members each discuss their backgrounds and ambitions. Subscribe to the YouTube channel below to support the ‘WARPs DIG’ and WARPs ROOTS projects. Be sure to check out the video below!