This week, for “Who the Hell is” we are looking at a group very dear to my heart~! ARASHI! This is Who the Hell is ARASHI!
Let’s dive on in!
Musicians & Bands
Is Official Hige DANdism (Hige Dan) Music Good?
Today we are taking a look at one of the hottest pop bands sweeping the nation in Japan. Official HIGE DANdism (Official髭男dism), or as most people say Hige Dan. Now, prepare yourself for some controversy because, except for a few songs, I’m not fond of Hige Dan. We’re going learn about the origins of the band, rise to fame, discography, and lastly, my personal thoughts on why I think Hige Dan isn’t living up to their potential.
Red Velvet’s(레드벨벳) Irene & Seulgi(아이린&슬기) – Monster Mini Album Review
Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi are taking on the K-pop world as a duo, and fans have been wondering if these two girls have enough singing power to carry a whole album. Although it’s not a full album, the girls have released their new Mini Album, “Monster”. We will dive into each song and determine of the mini album is amazing or a dud. This is Irene & Seulgi’s, Monster Mini Album Review.
NiziU’s “Make You Happy”: Japanese vs Korean version
NiziU is the gift that keeps giving. With the release of their very successful mini-album, they have also released a Korean version for their main track “Make You Happy“. So naturally, I have to compare it to the Japanese version and determine which is better. So let’s take a look at NiziU’s Make You Happy: Japanese vs Korean version!
Best Japanese Songs of the Decade (2010’s)
We have reached the end of another decade! The past 10 years has been an interesting transition for music. In the West, Auto-Tune music died, Justin Bieber became cool (at least for short period), Bruno Mars made funk music funky again, then we were introduced to Billie Eilish…
Say what you will about her, but she has a strong following. But I digress, let’s talk about some of the Best Japanese Songs of the Decade (2010’s)!
Yoko Shimomura (下村陽子）- Legendary Composers
There are many genres of music; rock, pop, gospel etc. And while some genres are more popular than others, there is one genre that is often overlooked: video game music. Video game music has progressed at a rapid speed in the past 40 years. From 8-bit audio to full orchestrated assembles, video game music has become more respected. Notably, a major contributor to the genre, Yoko Shimomura. Shimomura has composed some of the most recognizable songs throughout gaming history. Street Fighter II, Final Fantasy XV, and Kingdom Hearts are only some of her notable works. This composer holds a special place in my heart, and her music has resonated with me since I was a little kid. Allow me to introduce the Legendary Composer, Yoko Shimomura.
Rising Stars – Japanese Musicians: Senri Kawaguchi (川口 千里）
Drummers don’t get the love they deserve. When most people think of drums, they either imagine loud obnoxious noise, or it’s an easy instrument to learn.
As an above-average drummer, I can tell you that it isn’t. I started learning drums about 7 years ago, and while learning I also spent hours listening to drummers.
One day when I was browsing through YouTube, I came across a drummer that opened my eyes to how amazing drumming was.
It was girl playing a drum cover of a popular Japanese song from the anime K-ON; her name was Senri Kawaguchi.
Rising Stars – Japanese Musician: Yucco Miller (ユッコミラー)
Yucco Miller: The Pink-haired Japanese Saxophonist
Long pink hair, spunky personality, and a little ditsy. For most, it might be hard to take this kind of person seriously. Nonetheless, recognize them as an incredible saxophonist.
Well, this type of person does exist, and is probably one of the most talented saxophonists unknown to the world. Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing one of the many Rising Stars in Asia, Japanese Musician: Yucco Miller.