Rotation

April 22, 2007

Tracklist:
1. Kaleidoscope ~Glitter mix~
2. Walküre
3. Paradise Lost
4. Psycho Butterfly ~Nightmare mix~
5. Masquerade ~Fabulous Night mix~
6. Rose Jail
7. Silvery Dark
8. Glitter Arch
9. Hydrangea

Download
Support the artist: CdJapan, HMV, Third Stage

For my first rotation, I will introduce to you an artist by the name of Kaya. He was previously coupled with Hora in a techno-rock band called Schwarz Stein. Don’t let the German name fool you; Jrock bands usually like to employ names in another language, French being one of the most popular after Japanese. In any case, he embarked on a solo project even during Schwarz Stein, and that’s all well and good in the industry. His voice is full and rich, truly complimenting each song. His style is semi-techno, and some of the songs may be reminiscent of a cross between several genres. In general, though, his songs are catchy and definitely unique.

About

Japanese rock is not exactly the same as its name implies. It actually has sub-genres under it and more branches under several sub-genres. So in fact it is very varied and not at all like American rock, thankfully enough. Of course, there are also bands under the general label of rock, and these are generally similar to Western rock, but then there are categories like Visual Kei which concentrates on the visual aspect of the members; this includes putting on elaborate (and most of the time sexy) costumes and makeup to suit the concept they have set for themselves. Sometimes the genres get confusing to tell apart, especially since the lines that define them may get blurred. More information on Jrock can be found here, and a list of rock bands of all sub-genres here.