Anime Expo 2014
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Anime Expo's Sailor Moon Day and Convention Festivities
Conventions. If you have never been perhaps you should do so,
because young or old there always a ton of fun and excitement! For Los Angeles
California whose have been running their take on the anime trend since 1992,
while I've partaken in two of the 22 year run, making my return three years later, things have somewhat changed but
with change comes good no?
This year's Anime Expo activities were quite large in
quantity in terms of crowd size of 200K in attendance for one, the other was
the celebration and return of the one magical Princess who captured all of our
hearts many years ago Sailor Moon! Her 20 year run has made a revision with the
original 90's anime getting an entire overhaul done with all 200 episodes
released totally uncut, with an all new redubbing done by an all new cast! So
you get the 90's anime that you grew up with except it's done in a whole
another way that will embrace the nostalgia within. Not only will the show get
a re-release but the cast of the 90's version and the new version were present
in doing an array of meet and greets, photo opportunities, and panel
discussions with video screenings in between.
It was a day of awe as the Sailor Guardians were the center stage of
appeal for all to behold and witness.
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| Sailor Moon Cosplayers |
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| Sailor Moon Cosplayers |
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| Sailor Moon and I |
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| Sailor Moon's NEW Dub English Cast and Cosplayers |
Other panels, screenings, and meet and greets were held in
and around the convention for other various amine's like Sword Art Online,
Dragon Ball Z, even a musical panel with music from the My Little Pony
Friendship Is Magic show was present with a ton of other booths set up with
numerous merchandise from these shows and so many up-and-coming series of shows
it's hard to pick just one.
Not only were there the panels, screenings, and merchandise
to withstand the massive crowd but various people dressed up as characters from
famous shows, comic books, and even video games had its own areas with full
range arcades, table top style card games, and console gaming competitions were
held for one another to really showcase their gaming abilities. Along with the
gaming was the music to go with it, so as said before there was a panel
dedicated to such, but a whole room was filled with DJ's bouncing their tunes
with other rooms with artists and bands giving it there all.
Either way you looked at it this year's edition of the Anime
Expo was one of those that was a higher successor than its previous processors.
It drew in quite the crowd who were highly entertained with the displays set-up
every which way you looked.
Black Crystal Takes Anime to the Next Level with Making Music
Rising star act Black Crystal tastes our souls when all of them discuss their latest album and plans for the future!
1. How did you choose the name Black Crystal? What is the relationship between the name and the band’s music?
Izumi: To me, the name Black Crystal is very beautiful, mysterious and also dark. That was what I wanted the music to sound like, so I chose that name.
Chris: It’s a solo project, so the name and concept was all Izumi’s idea.
Max: We just went with what he came up with after that. (laughs).
2. Why do you call your genre “Anime-style metal”? How would you describe this type of music to people?
Izumi: Anime openings are often passionate and powerful, at least, that’s what I think about when I hear a good theme for an anime. We feel that the melody and rhythm of most our songs carry the same energy and passion which is why we call it “Anime-style metal.”
Misai: I think Black Crystal’s songs sound like Japanese hard rock or heavy metal, but the melody is catchy like Japanese anime songs.
Chris: I’d also describe our music as fast past rock with a metal edge that can be enjoyed by American and Japanese metal fans. It’s exciting and doesn’t narrow it’s limits to just one style or continent.
3. You guys have a Japanese anime character on your single artwork covers. Is she the same character each time? What’s her story?
Izumi: It’s actually a different character on each single, but it doesn’t have much significant meaning lol. We wanted to attract the eyes of listeners and make them want to check out our music by having a character on the front.
Erik: Also, having the Japanese anime characters on our single cover is a pretty good representation of how we describe our music as “Anime-style metal” too.
4. What types of cross-media projects (anime, films, etc.) are you interested in? Where would Black Crystal’s music fit in best, and why?
Izumi: Obviously we would be interested in doing anime projects, and I think we would fit in best with the action type stuff… but besides that, video games, movies and maybe even something relating to hardcore sports would be interesting projects to do.
Chris: I’m a bigger fan of live action movies, so I’d be interested in doing that. However, there are also quite a few anime that I enjoy although they may seem like everyone’s typical favorites!
Misai: I would be interested in doing anime, film and game music. I really think Black Crystal’s sound fits well with those industries.Max: Typically, doing anime themes would be fun, and that’s what I think our music fits with best. I agree with the other members on film and games too.
Erik: Well…. everyone else already said everything that I can think of! But I think Izumi’s idea of doing something with sports would be cool. Maybe playing at some sporting event, or being in a commercial?
5. Why did you go back and re-master “Taste My Soul”? What’s the difference between this new version and the original?
Izumi: The original version of “Taste My Soul” was more solo oriented and focused on me. But there were a lot of musicians, including my bandmates that helped me work on the album, so the re-mastered version is somewhat of a tribute to their work. The new version brings up more of the guitar sounds and screaming vocals to show respect to all the guest musicians that joined.
Originally published at JRock247.
exist†trace Wants to Live Through Their Music
As one of Japan’s first all-female Visual Kei rock bands, exist†trace has released multiple singles, albums, and videos, and performed in Europe and America. Just a few weeks before the release of their new single “Spiral Daisakusen”, Jyou (vocals), miko (vocals and guitar), Omi (guitar), Naoto (bass), and Mally (drums), give us some in-depth details about their visuals, music, and aspirations.
1. How did the members of exist†trace come together to become a band?
miko: It began with Jyou asking Naoto, who was her friend, “Hey, do you want to make a band together?” and then Mally, who was a childhood friend of Naoto, joined the band. After that, Omi and I joined from the ad in a magazine and the internet.
2. How did you guys come up with your band name?
miko: The band name “exist†trace” was already decided when I joined. Jyou, Naoto, and Mally gathered their ideas, and Naoto’s suggestion “exist†trace” was chosen. For myself, the name “exist†trace” means not only “to leave behind the proof of living,” but I feel that it also means “How large of an impact can I leave within someone?” and that this band is the place I can try this.
3. How do you feel about being a Tokyo band? Do you have a family of bands that you like to perform with regularly?
miko: I was born in Tokyo, and I love Tokyo. I’m proud that we’re a band from this unique city where many different cultures are combined. Recently, we did a tour of Japan including Osaka and Nagoya together with the band Kaishin no ICHIGEKI. There are many cool girls bands out there, too, so I want to bring more excitement to the girls scene.
4. What do you feel is the main theme or message in your lyrics? Has that message always been the same, or has it changed through the years?
miko: The main theme is “To live.” This hasn't changed since we started, but recently, I've become more specific. I've been aggressively writing lyrics about hesitation and suffering, the woman’s view of life and death, different shapes of love, and my own experiences and feelings.
5. What bands did you look up to when you started? Are there any bands that influence you now?
Jyou: Dir en grey was the trigger for me to start a band, and I’m still influenced by them even now. I got to know Dir en grey from their anime theme song back then, and later I saw them on a music TV show. I still remember how their psychotic performance caught my attention. They’re the only ones who could put on that kind of show.
miko: At the beginning, I liked Japanese bands like Luna Sea and Pierrot. Now, I also like The Rolling Stones, Mr. Big, and Muse. The guitarists I like are Eric Clapton, Paul Gilbert, Mathew Bellamy, and Hisashi Imai.
Omi: X JAPAN, definitely. But there are many more.
Naoto: When I started music, I was listening to Marilyn Manson and L’Arc~en~Ciel a lot. Now, I've heard Queens of the Stone Age by coincidence, so I’m checking out more of their music.
Mally: When I started, I looked up to the Japanese band, Merry, and bands like Evanescence, Slipknot, and Bullet For My Valentine. I still do, of course, but I've found new influences from many different artists. I’m listening to a lot of Metallica now.
6. exist†trace is a band that likes to change its style, musically and visually. What song has gotten the most surprising reaction?
miko: When we released the mini album, Ambivalent Symphony, the reactions for “Owari no nai Sekai” surprised us. It was a “light”-sounding song for us at that time, so we were ready to hear, “It’s not like exist†trace!” But there were many fans who said it was moving and inspiring and that they liked this beautiful song. That’s when I realized that what’s important is to show all sides of ourselves and to create our work with love, even if it’s something that’s unexpected by the fans or even ourselves. That’s how we can stay true.
7. The visual style is important, too. What is a Japanese visual kei band?
miko: Visual kei creates a place where shy Japanese people can express what they usually can’t by acting as someone else. The style has been changing recently, but I still like the true aesthetic, elegant expressions of visual kei that are so beautiful.
8. Many of your releases have not been full albums, but shorter length, like EPs or mini-albums. Why do you like to put out shorter releases?
miko: It’s not that I don’t like full albums! I really enjoy that experience. But now, I have a stronger feeling that I want to make it easier to listen to CDs and I want people to get to know exist†trace. This is the reason why the pace of our releases and our songs are easier to buy and listen to more often.
9. What American cities have you performed in? What is it about America that keeps you coming back again and again?
miko: In America, we've played Seattle, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Dallas. I love America since I used to live in Dallas. I want to go as many times as possible! The best thing about America for me is the bright, happy energy of the people and the grand landscapes. America is so big, but I want to see it all!
10. Your fashion and hairstyles change pretty often. How do you decide what you new style will be? Is it important to change your style for each new release or video?
miko: Each of us chooses the style that enables us to express that particular song the most. Especially since Jyou and I sing, we choose the style that can emotionally connect to the lyric’s main character.
11. What’s unique about exist†trace? What’s the most interesting thing about an exist†trace live show?
Jyou: The unique thing is the masculine strength of our performance! We rock as hard as any male group. But, to tell you the truth, there are still quite a lot of feminine movements and expressions within our performance.
miko: Our live performance is always unpredictable. We perform a full-energy hard-rock concert, but then we can suddenly shift the performance to a theatrical style. Also, in one song we can sing about women’s destructive love & hate, and the next song is a rock song that is fresh and manly and full force.
Omi: Our band is a mix of five very different personalities. It comes out in our music, and in our fashion and appearance, too.
Naoto: It’s the fact that we have different types of songs, and our stage performance has a lot of variety. Also, we have a passionate & powerful side, and a sexy and delicate side. Women have different faces.
Mally: First-timers really go “Wow!” when they see our five characters on stage, and we really make sure they have a great time!
12. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?
miko: Unfortunately we don’t have any overseas live shows planned right now, but in Japan we’re having one-man live shows every month! We’re planning some really surprising and elaborate moments, so I want fans to come from overseas!
12. exist†trace recently released many albums worldwide on iTunes and Spotify. How do you feel knowing your music is reaching fans all over the world?
miko: I’m really excited to know that our feelings are able to reach out to the world despite the language barrier, especially because I experienced a hard time due to English problems a long time ago. I truly believe that music is wonderful. I want to deliver our music directly to our fans overseas more and more.13. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
miko: I would be happy if that person remembers how he or she feels at that exact moment, what emotions are coming out while listening to our music. Those emotions are the most important. Don’t think — FEEL! (laugh).
14. What can fans expect to see from you in the future?
miko: Recently, we've been more active, especially with live shows, so we want to visit places we've never been. We’d love to return to Europe or America, but we’re hungry to perform in even more places. Our dream is a world tour!
15. Any final words of wisdom?
Jyou: When we have a live show in America next time, I want to see all of you who are reading this! I’ll be happy if we could have the hottest, most passionate time with our music together!
miko: We’re always working hard, thinking that, even though we are powerless Japanese women, “We do not want to lose to macho male bands!” We’ll continue to deliver what only we can do and what only we can express to you all over the world. To start with, I want you to listen to our CD's and get to know us! Then, if you like us, we’ll see you at our live show someday!
Omi: I want to have a live show in America again, and I want to heat up the body and mind with you together.
Naoto: I really hope to be invited back to America soon. I want you to wait for us while you listen to exist†trace music. I really love America with passionate spirit.
Mally: I want everyone in America to feel our best, hottest music! When we go to America again, let’s enjoy the music and dance together! See you again soon!
Originally published at JRock247.
Dragon Ball Z's Warriors Behind the Series Converse the Battle at Hand
Creator Akira Toriyama was behind the manga and television series
Dragon Ball which adapted into its sequel Dragon Ball Z. Which has spanned
across several territories all over the world in terms of the manga and the
show developing into countless seasons, video games, and merchandise the craze
for this fandom is flawless. Now that the series is still reigning strong a new
film called Battle of the Gods - that follows the events from the Dragon Ball Z
television series, after the defeat of Majin Buu, a new power awakens and
threatens humanity.
Beerus, an ancient
and powerful God of Destruction, searches for Goku after hearing rumors of the
Saiyan warrior who defeated Frieza. Realizing the threat Beerus poses to their
home planet, the Z-fighters must find a way to stop him before it's too late.
Only Goku, humanity's last hope, can ascend to the level of a legendary Super
Saiyan God and stop Beerus from destroying Earth, and possibly the entire
universe!
FUNnimation and Screenvision are bringing Dragon Ball Z to
theaters for a limited run, beginning August 5. The film will be played across
400 screens nationwide.
"We're very excited to bring Dragon Ball Z: Battle of
Gods to movie theatres across the country this summer," said Gen Fukunaga,
CEO and President of FUNimation Entertainment.
"Dragon Ball Z has always been a huge part of everything we do at
FUNimation, and speaking as a fan myself, I can't wait to watch it on the big
screen."
"Partnering with FUNimation Entertainment is a great
way to bring more unique programming to our exhibitor partners and their
movie-goers, while also bringing Dragon Ball Z to the big screen" said
Darryl Schaffer, Executive Vice President, Operations and Exhibitor Relations,
Screenvision.
Producer Justin Cook, Sean Schemmel voice of Goku and Chris
Sabat voice of Vegeta will be taking part at this year's Anime Expo convention.
But have taken some time to discuss this film, the series, and the plans ahead
that the fans of the DBZ fandom will rejoice in enjoying both new and old
alike.
1. How does it all make you feel to be at this year's
edition of the Anime Expo?
Justin: Excited fantastic Anime Expo is a wonderful
convention it's great to be a part of it.
Sean: I have never been to the Anime Expo so I am so
excited.
Chris: I love it and loved it a couple of years ago when I
attended a panel when they were discussing the re-mastering of the blu ray and
DVDs of this series. I had never seen a crowd as large as this convention it's
insane and exciting.
2. Why did you all want to come out and be a part of this
convention festivities?
Sean: Well my producer basically made me! Haha just kidding!
I like being a part of any convention so in this particular situation it wasn't
like "Hey I wanna go to Anime Expo" when I talked to my producer
Justin - he was like "We're doing this at the Anime Expo are you in?"
I'm like "hell yeah!" That's how it happened for me.
Justin: Yeah being a part of the Anime Expo this year is
going to be that big push for Battle of the Gods the new Dragon Ball Z film. I
think it's a fantastic movie and it's well worth of one of the biggest anime
conventions of the states.
Chris: Absolutely plus I want to go because they're playing
the Battle of the Gods movie and I have not seen the final cut of it yet. None
of us have seen the final cut of it.
3. For those who may not be familiar with the Dragon Ball Z
series/franchise can you give us a brief summary as to what it's all about?
Chris: I think we should explain the whole show.
Justin: We'll start at the beginning?
Sean: I tried explaining this the other day and person was
lost in like 1 minute. It's like explaining Star Wars to someone but it's more complicated.
Chris: It's a delightful little show about a bunch of dudes
who are best friends who become powerful and the more training they do, they
all gain more confidence, and the stronger they become the more blonde hair and
blue eyed they become, which is for them really important because they hate the
way they look. The show is more about vanity and how attractive you can look, as
a blonde haired blue eyed dude.
Sean: There's Dragon's balls in it so you can wish for more
beauty and compete with who's going to be better looking. And you don't want to
see the dragon's balls.
Chris: It's definitely not appropriate for kids because they
show the dragon's balls a lot.
Sean: There's 7 of them just putting that into perspective.
Chris: That's like 3 and a half Dragons.
Justin: Dragon Ball Z is a gigantic multi-generational story
of the main character Goku played by Sean,
it wasn't too far off to what these guys were saying, Goku befriends
several personalities and really deals with various topics. I think why it's
such a hit is because it's so accessible multiple cultures.
Sean: That really doesn't explain what it's about really.
Chris: It's about a bunch of dudes who are trying to get
enough power to defeat the enemies while defending the Earth.
Sean: They also squirt energy out of their hands.
Chris: There's over 9, 000 episodes!
Justin: There are!
4. What can you tell us about the new Dragon Ball Z movie
Battle of the Gods, who are the Gods and what are they battling for?
Sean: Well I don't want to give away too much. But Dragon
Ball Z revolves around Goku as he finds out there's this guy who's a God and
finds out and wants to fight him.
Chris: At the same time it's no joke the God of destruction
wakes up from a decade nap because he
has this premonition that there's someone out there who could be a rival to him
so he has this vision of a Super Saiyan God, so he comes to Earth to try to
find that Super Saiyan God meanwhile Goku doesn't know what a Super Saiyan God
is he just wants to punch him in the face.
Sean: Goku has this obsession, with almost getting turned on,
when he finds out there could be someone
more powerful than him that he can fight. So really I think Goku could of
started Fight Club since he loves to fight. But not giving too much away again
the Battle of Gods really isn't about Goku and the main protagonist although
there's a fight between them there's an
even bigger fight I won't talk about that I think the serious hardcore fans
will get.
Chris: Yeah it's
about Goku and his mother trying to extend Goku's curfew that's what the real
fight is.
5. Does this film connect to the TV show or is it its own
story?
Sean: That's an excellent question. That's actually one of
the first things I noticed after the finished recording of the movie, you do
not have to be a Dragon Ball Z fan to get many elements of Dragon Ball Z. If
you are a fan then there is a lot of fan service in the film that you will get.
Non-fans will get it and real fans will love it! I think it's one of the best
movies and bit of the Dragon Ball Zdom to date it's my favorites out of
everything Dragon Ball Z related I've done.
Justin: I think not only is it accessible but I think it
would encourage people who have not seen the series after seeing the movie to
want to see the series.
Sean: Yeah I think they would go back and want to watch the
series.
6. What was your favorite part or line to do for this film
and why?
Sean: Well for me, I got asked this question earlier, when I realized it was at the end of the film when
Goku is referencing something Vegeta had said earlier, does this in the
Japanese version so I did it in English, does a Vegeta impression so that was
my favorite part that I had done. But my favorite part that does not involve me
as an actor is when the Dragon finds out that Versace is there and he's all
nervous and scared.
Chris: Favorite line oh wow.... There's a really important
part where Vegeta the character I play shows emotions towards his significant
other that he typically doesn't show he has awesome moments regarding his
relationship Bulma. I don't want to spoil it too much but when you see it
you'll understand.
Sean: Yeah I like those moments as well.
Justin: I think there's a lot of great comical moments
between a lot of the supporting cast members throughout the movie that was
enjoyable scenes and fun to do.
Sean: The way I would summarize the movie is the first half
is more Dragon Ball in terms of the pace and story where the second half is
more Dragon Ball Z in terms of a giant long fight then you have a nice comic moment at the end
which is the Dragon Ball Z cast. It's a well done edition nod to the whole
series and is awesome and you will like it.
7. Does it ever get annoying whenever someone asks you to
say the voice or a line from a show or do you not mind it?
Sean: I hate it! Haha naw I'm flattered when asked. But when
people ask me to do "Ka-me-ha-me-HA!!!" that's something I don't like
doing because it's super loud hurting the ears and hurts my throat.
Chris: That's the only thing that bothers me is that
sometimes it's embarrassing when doing these characters especially in the
Dragon Ball there very loud characters. There's only been two times that have
only bothered me that much. One is where they ask me to do something in a
crowded place that's where I can embarrass myself doing it. The other would be
where they don't ask, we live in a generational time of where people just walk
up with their phones already going "Alright do this for my sister or my grandma
or my friend say " Vegeta I love you!" that's like the only thing
that bothers me. At least be a little bit more polite by asking if they can
shoot me before they start filming. Most people are happy to do it, it can just
be a little embarrassing unless you're
really feeling it.
8. Why should people go out and see this film at the
theaters as opposed to viewing it on DVD or streaming it online?
Sean: Well streaming online is illegal so if you're doing
that unless it's like Netflix.
Chris: I think for the fact that it is being shown at the
theater it would be a unique experience to see it because you don't normally
get to see anime that way on a huge screen like that especially something as
epic as the Dragon Ball series. I don't even know how you would not want to
watch it in the theater if you had the opportunity to do so.
Justin: I think this is a enormous moment not only for
Dragon Ball but for anime in general because it doesn't always get this kind of
publication. I feel like it's great for anyone who's a fan of this medium but
help support by letting the public know we want this kind of entertainment at
the theater.
Sean: I work on Pokemon also and I found out that in Japan
that Pokemon and other anime that get released in the theaters does better than
their main stream it will be number 1 at the box office for all movies in
Japan. So we don't have that culture that supports that kind of culture that
supports anime as much in the theaters in America. So if this does well in the
theater then it will open the door for more anime in the theater and what
theaters will accept what for release opening it up that door for other anime
and I think this film is good enough to do just that.
9. Do any of you have any other projects going on currently
or anything that you would like to discuss or promote?
Sean: I was just cast in Sofia The First on a couple of
different roles that will be airing in about 10 months also have got some video
game projects and hoping we do something for the Dragon Ball Xenoverse video
game do not know anything about that but hopefully pretty excited.
Chris: Pretty sure we will be doing that very soon.
Sean: New game coming out soon.
Chris: Coming out at some point.
Justin: Most of what I work on is with FUNimation so I would
say go check out the website - http://www.funimation.com/ check out all of the properties
we have and have coming out. To keep that anime addiction going for those who
are out there.
Chris: At www.fun.com.
Sean: Dot net? Dot com?
Justin: Don't go to www.fun.com.
Chris: www.funimation.org/weirdos wait www.funimation.com
it's dot net!
10. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us!
Sean: Thanks!
Justin: Thank you see ya later!
Chris: Thanks see ya!
INSANITY HAZARD ANNOUNCES NEW BASS PLAYER
New Wave of British Heavy Metal Italian act Insanity Hazard has announced the arrival of their new bass player Matteo Marsicano. After the exit of previous bass player Valentina Rosasco it was best to move on and find a proper replacement. The young musician Sestri Levante boasts an interesting blues rock attitude with an aggressive approach which fits perfectly to the varied style of this band. Expect a whole lot more soon!
ATREYU RETURNS
Southern California's ATREYU has risen from the self-imposed hiatus it embarked upon in 2011. The reunited lineup, featuring vocalist Alex Varkatzas, drummer Brandon Saller, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel and bassist Marc McKnight, will return to the stage for the first time in three years for an exclusive mainstage performance at Aftershock festival on September 14 in Sacramento, California.
"The time has come," says Saller. "We have been spending the last few months planning this moment. Writing new music and thinking about the future while also reflecting on the past. We all came to the conclusion that it was the right time. Our history is too powerful to ignore forever. Our fans have given us too much. The void of ATREYU, in the world and within ourselves, had existed for long enough. We are happy to announce that after almost 4 years, the beast has risen!"
"To say we are looking forward to playing this year's Aftershock festival is an understatement," says Varkatzas. "It's been 3-plus years since we have rocked the stage as brothers, and to be playing with all these high-caliber bands, in the state that we call home, is truly awesome."
As many fans have already noticed, 2014 also marks the 10th anniversary of the band's critically heralded, breakthrough album "The Curse". The significant milestone of one of the last decade's most popular metal releases resonates intense nostalgia and celebration for fans of the band's early, heavy sound, and adds yet another reason for fans to get excited about ATREYU's monumental comeback.
Expect possible touring and new music to be released soon!