When you are usually offered a fully interactive video you kind of expect a click to view interaction, but Japanese singer Namie Amuro has taken the idea of video interaction to a whole new level.
Her new song Golden Touch hints that your touch is of course golden in when it comes to her new music video. All you have to do is place your finger on the heart shaped dot and let the video interact with you – Simple and fun!
Without trying to spoil it too much, the interaction takes place with objects interacting with the position of your finger whilst the song plays in the background. The song itself is an upbeat feel good track which is akin to Namie’s earlier releases. With everyone trying to outdo the last entertainer, it seems that this music video has opened up a possible new trend of interaction between the performer and their fans. Hopefully it won’t be too long till we see this method of interaction used around the world to create some special moments for fans.
So time to test the amazing video – Place your finger on the dot, press play, and enjoy!
As K-pop fans might have heard, rookie K-pop boy group Boys Republic will be touring Europe on their “The Royal Tour” from 3rd – 12th July 2015. Stopping off in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Koln, Berlin, Krakow, Budapest, and Wien. Tickets are already on saleand are selling like hot cakes, so be sure to act fast as only the last few are left!
Under Universal Music, members Wonjun, Sunwoo, Minsu, Sungjoon, and Suwoong spent two long years vigorously training in Dance, Music, Vocals, Culture, and Language, coming together as Boys Republic in June 2013.
Their first release was Party Rock which set the stage for a very successful future and proved that although they are a boy group amongst many in Korea, they were completely unique in terms of musical style and promotional activities for their era. The song peaked at #1 in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Whilst debuting the members also became part of the much loved show Rookie King: Boys Republic which showed the daily life of the group in a diary form, whilst getting the members to do quests.
In October 2013 the group made their second appearance in the charts with the release of You Are Special. The song features some heavy vocals and club music, which mellows at the chorus. The month also saw members voted and invited to close the U.O.X music festival in Malaysia. They also became the ambassadors alongside K-pop boy group VIXX for the charity campaign Eye Camp Expedition, joining volunteers in Vietnam to help the visually impaired.
Video Game was released early in 2014 with the caption “Childish boys growing up to be superheroes.” The music style was unique, along with the beautifully choreographed video, which allowed a connection between the K-pop world and the electronic side of Korea that the country is known for (E-sport MMORPG’s such as League Of Legends, Starcraft and Dota are a huge part of Korea). August 2014 saw them take part in MTV’s World Stage Live In Malaysia, performing in front of 15,000 people.
In November 2014, the music video for their last track, The Real One, had the concept of Modern Vs Classic, with the Victorian era portraying elegance, whilst the modern day suits conveyed sophistication. Keeping in trend yet tipping their hat to a retro style, Boys Republic brought a fresh new stance to music once again, going off in a completely new direction from the hip-hop scene that was sweeping Korea. The month also saw the group’s Japanese promotions start, as they performed in front of 1,000 enthusiastic fans at Tower Records Shibuya store.
So there you have it, a brief introduction to the rookie K-pop boy group Boys Republic. It is pretty exciting to have another K-pop group come to Europe, let alone the UK – so please be sure to show your full support.
Check out Boys Republic’s Facebook, TwitterandYouTube. Don’t forget to pop along to B7klan‘s Facebook, Twitterand website for up to date news and to buy your tickets. Also, you can view Boys Republic’s greeting video to European fans below.
The K-pop world is a cut-throat business, but it’s an industry that is becoming popular world-wide. Forming a new group comes at a cost, with training routines often lasting years before a band is even able to debut, but one group which is hoping to secure their place throughout Europe is the K-pop rookie boy group Boys Republic.
Our good friends over at B7Klanand Torpedo Productionsare hosting Boys Republic’s first ever European tour. Titled ‘The Royal Tour‘, it will be stopping at eight destinations across the whole of Europe and is promoted as being a ‘Must Go To Concert’!
Boys Republic will not be alone on this tour, as K-pop crossover pop pianist and MCM Buzz favourite Choi Soo Min will be joining the boy band to wow the crowd with even more of his talent and exceptional piano skills. Previously, we featured a brief interview with Choi Soo Min, in which he said that he would love to come back to Europe soon, and now, it looks like his wish has come true!
At the moment, only dates and a small amount of information have been provided, which you can see below:
Tickets on sale: 13th May 2015
(No website or time provided)
Paris, France Friday 3rd July @ Le Divan Du Monde London, UK Saturday 4th July @ Academy Amsterdam, Netherlands Sunday 5th July @ Melkweg Koln, Germany Tuesday 7th July @ Werkstatt Berlin, Germany Wednesday 8th July @ Bi Nuu Krakow, Poland Thursday 9th July @ Fabryka Budapest, Hungary Saturday 11th July @ Durer Kert Wien, Austria Sunday 12th July @ Szene Wien
Be sure to check back to MCM Buzz for updates about the event, as we’ll be posting news as soon as we get it. In the meantime, you can check out the Boys Republic official Facebook, Twitterand Youtubeaccounts, as well as Choi Soo Min’s Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube pages to show a little support for the artists whilst brushing up on some of the best releases from both entertainers. Below are the latest tracks from both Boys Republic and Choi Soo Min. Be prepared to get excited!
The K-pop world is a cut-throat business, but it’s an industry that is becoming popular world-wide. Forming a new group comes at a cost, with training routines often lasting years before a band is even able to debut, but one group which is hoping to secure their place throughout Europe is the K-pop rookie boy group Boys Republic.
Our good friends over at B7Klanand Torpedo Productionsare hosting Boys Republic’s first ever European tour. Titled ‘The Royal Tour‘, it will be stopping at eight destinations across the whole of Europe and is promoted as being a ‘Must Go To Concert’!
Boys Republic will not be alone on this tour, as K-pop crossover pop pianist and MCM Buzz favourite Choi Soo Min will be joining the boy band to wow the crowd with even more of his talent and exceptional piano skills. Previously, we featured a brief interview with Choi Soo Min, in which he said that he would love to come back to Europe soon, and now, it looks like his wish has come true!
At the moment, only dates and a small amount of information have been provided, which you can see below:
Tickets on sale: 13th May 2015
(No website or time provided)
Paris, France Friday 3rd July @ Le Divan Du Monde London, UK Saturday 4th July @ Academy Amsterdam, Netherlands Sunday 5th July @ Melkweg Koln, Germany Tuesday 7th July @ Werkstatt Berlin, Germany Wednesday 8th July @ Bi Nuu Krakow, Poland Thursday 9th July @ Fabryka Budapest, Hungary Saturday 11th July @ Durer Kert Wien, Austria Sunday 12th July @ Szene Wien
Be sure to check back to MCM Buzz for updates about the event, as we’ll be posting news as soon as we get it. In the meantime, you can check out the Boys Republic official Facebook, Twitterand Youtubeaccounts, as well as Choi Soo Min’s Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube pages to show a little support for the artists whilst brushing up on some of the best releases from both entertainers. Below are the latest tracks from both Boys Republic and Choi Soo Min. Be prepared to get excited!
News about a Death Note musical for Japan and South Korea was first announced in December 2013. Now the upcoming Death Note: The Musical for South Korea have revealed the cast that will be playing the popular characters.
It was announced that Kim Junsu of K-pop boy group JYJ will be taking one of the lead spots, playing the strange yet wonderful character of sweet loving L. This is far from the first musical production that he has worked on as he made his name in the industry by cinching the lead roles in Korean adaptations of Mozart!, Tears Of Heaven, Elizabeth, and Dracula.
He will be joined by Jeong Sun Ah, who will be playing the female lead of Amane Misa. Junsa has worked with her on numerous occasions and she has starred in previous musicals such as Kinky Boots, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked.
Park Hye Na whose claim to fame was her cover for the official Korean version of Frozen’s Let It Go will be covering our first death god Rem, followed by Kang Hong Suk who will be portraying death god favourite Ryuk.
Korean musical legend Hong Kwang Ho was announced as playing our main character Yagami Light. Hong Kwang Ho has previously worked on Jack The Ripper, produced the hit soundtrack song Balbum Balbum for the historical drama Queen Seon Deok and became an overnight sensation with his Korean cover of “This is the moment” from Jekyll And Hyde: The Musical.
November 2014 saw a Japanese press conference showing the first line up of actors for the Japanese version of the musical. It spurred a large amount of interest from around the world with producers in New York creating audio demos, which are available on the YouTube channel AnimeLoversHK, with top Broadway stars Adrienne Warren known for her role as Dina from Orange Is The New Black, Jeremy Jordan who played Randy Garrity in the movie Joyful Noise, Carrie Manolakos who was known for her role as Elphaba in the musical Wicked,and Jarrod Spector whose claim to Broadway fame was playing Gavroche in the New York adaption of “Les Miserables”.
With a collection of very powerful singers and actors, along with the release of the demo songs, this is surely going to be one production that cannot be missed. It was noted that the musical will follow the path of the manga rather than that of the anime to release a true to story production. Exciting stuff for the anime, manga, and K-pop world right now. Check out the musical teaser below!
News about a Death Note musical for Japan and South Korea was first announced in December 2013. Now the upcoming Death Note: The Musical for South Korea have revealed the cast that will be playing the popular characters.
It was announced that Kim Junsu of K-pop boy group JYJ will be taking one of the lead spots, playing the strange yet wonderful character of sweet loving L. This is far from the first musical production that he has worked on as he made his name in the industry by cinching the lead roles in Korean adaptations of Mozart!, Tears Of Heaven, Elizabeth, and Dracula.
He will be joined by Jeong Sun Ah, who will be playing the female lead of Amane Misa. Junsa has worked with her on numerous occasions and she has starred in previous musicals such as Kinky Boots, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked.
Park Hye Na whose claim to fame was her cover for the official Korean version of Frozen’s Let It Go will be covering our first death god Rem, followed by Kang Hong Suk who will be portraying death god favourite Ryuk.
Korean musical legend Hong Kwang Ho was announced as playing our main character Yagami Light. Hong Kwang Ho has previously worked on Jack The Ripper, produced the hit soundtrack song Balbum Balbum for the historical drama Queen Seon Deok and became an overnight sensation with his Korean cover of “This is the moment” from Jekyll And Hyde: The Musical.
November 2014 saw a Japanese press conference showing the first line up of actors for the Japanese version of the musical. It spurred a large amount of interest from around the world with producers in New York creating audio demos, which are available on the YouTube channel AnimeLoversHK, with top Broadway stars Adrienne Warren known for her role as Dina from Orange Is The New Black, Jeremy Jordan who played Randy Garrity in the movie Joyful Noise, Carrie Manolakos who was known for her role as Elphaba in the musical Wicked,and Jarrod Spector whose claim to Broadway fame was playing Gavroche in the New York adaption of “Les Miserables”.
With a collection of very powerful singers and actors, along with the release of the demo songs, this is surely going to be one production that cannot be missed. It was noted that the musical will follow the path of the manga rather than that of the anime to release a true to story production. Exciting stuff for the anime, manga, and K-pop world right now. Check out the musical teaser below!
As part of their, “Hello World,” world tour, Haruna Ono, Mami Sasazaki, Tomomi Ogawa and Rina Suzuki of SCANDAL have taken to YouTube to give a special message to their fans ahead of the European leg of the tour, which begins in April.
The message that can be seen below, features the group promoting the upcoming tour and even promising to bring new songs to their fans.
The band will be playing three dates, one in Paris, France at the Le Bataclan on April 25th, one in London, England on April 26th at the 02 Academy Islington, and the final one in Essen, Germany at the Weststadthalle venue on April 30th. Tickets for the London leg can be bought here or from the venue here (costing about £37). However, be warned that they are likely to sell quickly as this is a rare chance to see this talented foursome in action. So get booking!
You can read our interview with SCANDAL by clicking here.
Earlier today it was announced that new K-pop hip-hop group BTS (Bangtan Boys) who are under iBigHit Entertainment will be embarking on a showcase tour in Europe, with the added surprise for 200 special fans of a High5 event.
Kpop Nonstop have proudly stated that “BTS will have their Showcase in Berlin and Stockholm titled ‘1st fanmeeting in Europe – RWeL8?’. During their show the group will perform some of their most popular songs as well as interact with their fans for approximately 90 minutes show, promising you an unforgettable night! Celebrating their 1 year anniversary in June, the 7 members of BTS, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Rap Monster, Jimin, V and Jungkook are looking forward to meet with their fans.”
When BTS was starting out as a new group, to promote themselves they created diary vlogs on YouTube titled “Bangtan Log“, documenting their daily life, thoughts and giving future fans a look at what it takes to become a K-idol. As their popularity began to grow they obviously began to lose time and their diary entries became less and less. That was when “Bangtan Bombs” were created, giving fans an even deeper look behind the scenes of what an idol does at music shows and when at home in their dormitories. Not to mention that the BTS boys have released their own music as solo rappers or as sub groups within their build up to debut when they released their first song “No More Dream“. As a bonus for fans for reaching certain amounts of Likes or comments BTS also release their dance practice videos, which are usually a serious moment for the boys, but during some of their practices a sneaky giggle or a silly moment will happen, and the cheerfulness of their personalities shines through. Throughout the K-pop world these guys have gained fans all over the world due to their thoughtfulness, humour, and hard working personalities.
BERLIN When: July 27th (Sunday) Where: Huxleys Neue Welt, Hasenheide 107-113, 10967 Berlin, Germany Time: 7PM – 8.30PM. (German Time) High5 Event: 9PM. (German Time) No age limit! People under 16 must attend with a guardian and show ID.
Tickets go on sale SATURDAY JUNE 14TH at 6PM (GMT). Payment by credit card, Mastercard and Debit/Credit Visa
General Admission: 66 EUR – (£54 Estimate)
Sta Entrance to venue after Early Admission has been let in. Early Admission: 88 EUR – (£72 Estimate)
Entrance to venue before General Admission through a separate line. This means Early Admission ticket holders get the best spots in the venue at the very front. High5: 55 EUR – (£45 Estimate)
After the concert, 9PM, 200 lucky fans get to meet with BTS and give each member a high5. Fans will get to take a picture with BTS members in groups of 10 fans. High5 ticket holders MUST buy a general admission or early admission ticket.
SWEDEN When: July 29th (Tuesday) Where: Venue to be announced next week, Stockholm, Sweden. Time: 7PM – 8.30PM, High5 event starting at 9PM. (Swedish time) No age limit! People 13 years old and younger must attend with a guardian and show ID.
Tickets go on sale SATURDAY JUNE 28TH at 6PM (GMT). Payment by credit card only!
General Admission:600 SEK – £54 (Estimate) Entrance to venue after Early Admission has been let in. Early Admission:800 SEK – £72 (Estimate) Entrance to venue before General Admission through a separate line. This means Early Admission ticket holders get the best spots in the venue at the very front High5:500 SEK – £45 (Estimate) After the concert at 9PM, 200 lucky fans get to meet with BTS and give each member a high5. Fans will get to take a picture with BTS members in groups of 10 fans. High5 ticket holders MUST buy a general admission or early admission ticket.
NO SEATING – STANDING PLACES ONLY at BOTH venues NO Numbered Tickets. Entrance into the venue according to the queue order. NO PICTURE OR VIDEO RECORDING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SHOWCASE. NO CAMERAS ALLOWED! Smartphones and phones are allowed, but you are not allowed to take any pictures. Cloakroom available at the venues. Small fan gifts or letters are allowed. A gift box for BTS as well as a separate gift box for each member will be prepared where you can leave gifts.
The guys behind this showcase are Kpop Nonstop, a Swedish organisation that aims to bring Asia closer to Europe. They have been in business for two years and have produced four successful showcases with K-pop groups in the past, such as VIXX, 4Minute, Beatburger and K-pop/Korean vloggers Eat Your Kimchi! Every one of their past productions have been a huge hit, and this showcase could be one of their biggest yet!
Be sure to check back for more updates and check out the Kpop Nonstop Facebook page. In the meantime to get your excitement flowing, check out Bangtan’s latest release below – “Just One Day“.
EMI Records has released part of the music video for The Wind Rises theme song “Hikoki Gumo” (Airplane Cloud) performed by Yumi Matsutoya. The video features glimpses of the future release, and the Studio Ghibli Museum.
The museum does not usually allow visitors to take photos or videos inside, but the video shows Matsutoya exploring the museum’s recreation Ghibli artists’ workspace, its stained-glass windows and hallways.
Matsutoya was 16 years old when she wrote this song; she also wrote and performed “Rouge no Dengon” and “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara” for Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Sony Music Entertainment Japan has released the idol group 9nine’s music video for “colorful”, the theme song for Star Driver the Movie. The video features new footage of the film.
The film will open in Japan on 9 February. Described on the website as a “new construction” of the Star Driver Kagayaki no Takuto story, the film will focus on the fates of Takuto, Wako, and Sugata; the film will also have an all-new section about their lives set after the story of the television series.
“Colorful” is the first song 9nine have recorded for a film, but they previously performed theme songs for the original Star Driver anime series. As the name would suggest, 9nine originally had nine members when the group was formed in 2005, but now it only has five members – actress Umika Kawashima, Uki Satake, Hirona Murata, Kanae Yoshii and Sayaka Nishiwaki. The group also performed the ending theme song “White wishes” for My Little Monster and theme song “Chikutaku☆2NITE” for the live-action Ranma ½ television special.
