Make Believe Mailer Vol. 71: Ed Sheeran Sparkling Sake
I don't want to be one of those people who bemoans being a freelance writer, especially since I've spent the last 24 hours in my pajamas. But also...maybe don't be a freelance writer? When all those deadlines come at once, it's not fun! Anyway, this week's newsletter is getting right into it, save for a second to appreciate the fact this actually exists.
Ed Sheerhan Sparkling Sake, available in limited quantities at AEON stores across the country starting from today. Eat your heart out, Billie Eilish merch drop. If you know where to get a bottle, let me know, because if there's something that makes the ups and downs of writing a little easier, it's novelty alcohol based off pop stars.
News And Views
Vocaloid producer and Hitorie member wowaka died from heart failure this past week at age 31. The producer was one of the early architects showing what Vocaloid technology could do, and was just one of the overall best composers going in that community and beyond. News of his passing immediately dominated social media today, with the song "Rollin' Girl" getting particular attention. Which is a fine tribute --that one stands with any of the electro-pop from that period, while also featuring a lot of great details worked in and some of the best Vocaloid tuning I've ever heard in a song.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry released their Global Music Report for 2018. Lots of great details about Japan that Arama has covered, while I offered some analysis over at Otaquest. Key takeaways -- music industry up! Streaming up! Physical...also up, but nowhere anywhere near the jump South Korea or India have experienced. The global music business, more international than ever! (just don't look at the top 10 global recording artists, which is "BTS and a bunch of the usual names).
TikTok launched an initiative in Japan to find new musical talent via their app. The next La Bouche will be found!
Genuinely interesting article about the challenge Japanese traditional music might face in the future due to the loss of...natural ivory. Vocaloid never hurt any animals, is all I'm saying....
Pierre Taki out. Takkyu Ishino in...to the Fuji Rock lineup.
Sheena Ringo has a new album out on the horizon, and she's gone full Game Of Thrones for the press pic
Oricon Trail For The Week Of March 25, 2019 To March 31, 2019
I don't think Hinata46's single topping the charts this week rips off Koda Kumi, though I definitely get why folks would point that out. But ultimately both feel pretty boilerplate, albeit in a way that's above average for each artist. This just feels like a winning formula for J-pop (heck, all pop), going with something bouncy and upbeat.
Perfume's GAME (33 1/3)
My entry in the 33 1/3 series is still out there! Get a copy at Amazon or Bloomsbury today.
Look At Me!
Talked to one of the best experimental artists going in Japan right now, emamouse, for The Japan Times.
Wrote about the legacy of SMAP for the special Heisei look-back JT has going. Buy me the SMAP soda.
The boom in Chicano-culture-in-Japan videos recently reminds that a lot of outlets are changing the way they cover Japan. Wrote about it in Pulse.
Talked to Snail's House for Bandcamp Daily, about influences, Perfume and sleep.
Blog highlights: Woopheadclrms, Foodman, Kubotakai
Written by Patrick St. Michel (patrickstmichel@gmail.com)
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