livetune+, the two-member music unit, released their first album “Sweet Clapper” in May this year. They have been garnering a lot of attention, even having written the song “Cheers!” specially for a limited time web-only animated commercial for “Kirin Hyoketsu®” which was seen worldwide. Now, some of you might be confused thinking “Huh? Isn’t livetune a one-member solo unit?” In this article, we’ll be talking about the members of “livetune+”, the two-member unit which consists of kz and Yano Anna, and what they have done up to now and plan to do in the future!
“kz”, a name in the world of VOCALOID
kz is a DJ, remixer and music producer who has been in charge of a lot of music production for artists, including anime and game music for artists such as ClariS and May’n, as well as offering his services to those artists he is close to. livetune is originally the name of his music unit and refers to the time of his musical activities.
And he wouldn’t have been able to make it without his history of music with Hatsune Miku.
His song “Packaged” which used the Hatsune Miku voice bank was released in the early period of Hatsune Miku herself being released. The lyrics, which ride on top of a sparkly and electronic sound, stole the hearts of many viewers on Nico Nico Douga and the video steadily raked in the views.
His album “Re:package” was subsequently released in August 2008 under the name “livetune feat. Hatsune Miku”. This was the first time an album had been released from a major label under Miku’s name.
Another indispensable track is “Tell your world”. Yes, that song which was released in 2011 – the one which featured as the theme song for Google Chrome’s commercial in which Miku circles the globe. The song, which connects and brings together people in the world through the internet, is something only the songstress and diva Hatsune Miku can do. Her voice echoed throughout 217 countries in the world, making history on a huge scale. That record has still not been beaten to this day.
Yano Anna, a model who goes beyond the border of the Aomoji-kei style
On the other hand, Yano Anna who provides vocals for the unit, is popular as a model for natural style magazines such as mer, SEDA and Soup., as well as a more individual style in KERA. She is active in a lot of fields and has even done work in men’s fashion magazines. She released her photobook last year titled “Yano Anna MADE in HARAJUKU VOL.1” where she was snapped by photographer Yasumasa Yonehara. She did not want to have the usual “kawaii” style and instead sought a more “cute and sexy” one. That’s a rare thing to see from an Aomoji-kei model, but you could say that it’s one part of her diverse charm.
³It might not be rare for a magazine model to engage in music along the side, but what makes Yano Anna unique is that from the day one in the entertainment industry she expressed her desire to go into music. When she was scouted during her short-term university enrollment and started her career as a model she continuously expressed how she wanted to have a job relating to music. Then in August 2013, she successfully made her debut as a singer with her song “Shape My Story” which was the theme song for the anime “Stella Women’s Academy, High School Division Class C³”. Perhaps this was a chance she was able to seize due to her extensive knowledge of anime.
Those who were once drinking buddies all of a sudden became music partners!
The person who helped produced “Shape My Story” was kz, who seemed like he was hiding something. The two of them gradually opened up to each other, and in 2014 they appeared together for the album “To”, which was written and produced by livetune.
kz had already said previously that he wanted to perform a live show where he can directly come in contact with the audience, and that in order to do that he wanted to invite on a vocalist. He invited Yano after he had finished work on the album to which she accepted. In October 2015, they began their activity together as livetune+. They are more of a team who are close to each other than simply a producer and singer. From the get-go, Yano was part of the recording of the first album. They were already drinking buddies when they formed the unit, and because of that kz said of the first lyrics he wrote “There’s no girl who tends to dream like this”. The songs on the album are written with kz’s distinct style, with melody lines that make your heart pound and of course a robotic vocal arrangement. But it’s also sweet thanks to Yano’s voice and the girl’s vision who appears in the lyrics becomes that much more powerful. It is somewhat of a different world to that of kz’s previous work as livetune.
livetune+’s activities don’t stop at Japan
It’s been announced that livetune+ will appear at Asia’s biggest anime event “Anime Festival Asia (AFA)” where they will continue on from their previous performance in Thailand. This time, they will perform at “Anime Festival Asia Indonesia” which is being held from Friday September 16th～Sunday September 18th. Many famous voice actresses, anime song artists and cosplayers attend AFA. This is the perfect place for both kz and Yano Anna, who have lived and breathed in Japanese culture and its anime, fashion and music.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can miss their shows in Japan. They are to perform at “FM802 MINAMI WHEEL 2016” which is to be held across 20 locations around Osaka from Saturday October 8th～Sunday October 10th. kz, who has a lot of experience in the field of club music as a DJ, knows that this will push them forward.
With livetune+ going ahead with new forms they haven’t experienced before, will they be able to make the music scene even more fun? As they continue to move forward with their strong mindset, there is no doubt they are going to let us have even more fun! Be sure to check both of them out as they charge ahead full speed.
Original Text: Kakoi (SHUTTER)
livetune＋Official Website: http://livetuneplus.com/
Anime Festival Asia 2016: http://animefestival.asia/
RELATED ENTRIES
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livetune+ strikes again with the success of their first Asia tour in Taiwan and Thailand! Bring on Indonesia!
News update: 22/08 (Mon) 18:00
“kz” was the creator of the record-breaking widespread obsession with Hatsune Miku. As well as being the creator of Hatsune Miku’s song “Tell Your World”, which was used as the commercial song to promote the Hatsune Miku Google Chrome Theme, kz makes a major contribution to the well known and loved Vocaloid music industry with many more songs. Having teamed up with the increasingly popular Anna Yano, the new dream team has been formed to create “livetune+”. Livetune+ flew to Taiwan to take part in the recent Manga Exhibition 2016 from 15th — 16th August, immediately followed by a trip to Thailand for their first Asia tour, performing on stage at “Anime Festival Asia Thailand 2016”.
livetune+ performed at the “Manga Exhibition 2016” event in Taiwan and “AFA(Anime Festival Asia)”, which is known as the largest anime festival in Asia. Over 600,000 fans gathered together at these venues over the 6 day period. Witnessing just one of the performances by livetune+ unfold grandly from start to finish makes it hard to believe that this was the unit’s first ever public performance in a foreign country.
This time, kz(livetune) started both gigs with DJ play, performing the openings of “SEVENTH HAVEN”, “Hand in Hand”, “Tell Your World” and many more hits songs whilst keeping a carefree attitude which holds no regrets. Suddenly, he dropped the beat and the whole venue raved as one. Next, “Restart”, which is the introduction to livetune+’s EP “Sweet Clapper” was played and Anna Yano made her appearance on stage. The audience screamed wildly as if to say “We were waiting for you!!”. With that, the duo continued their set list which consisted of “Milky Rally”, “Sweet Clapper” and “Slow Pace”. The fans were absorbed in the performance and became especially excited with the first ever live performance of “Cheers”. However, livetune+ had more surprises for their audience — they sung the main hook of the song “Jump Up” in Thai, which energised the fans on a whole new level.
Having finished up in Taiwan and Thailand, the next stop for livetune+ is Indonesia on 16th September for Anime Festival Asia Indonesia 2016. This will be followed by the largest live showcase festival in Japan called FM802 MINAMI WHEEL 2016, which will be held in Osaka courtesy of FM802. The uplifting feeling carried in the beat of the sweet tunes by kz(livetune) combined with the cute and very sexy Anna Yano is the charm point of livetune+. They got power, good looks, fine vocal skills and great music to offer to you! Don’t take your eyes off the activity of livetune+ as they continue their activity in Japan and overseas!
▼Live performance information
Friday 26th August 30 VILLAGE VANGURD presents V.V Rosks～MIX JUICE～
Friday 16th September Anime Festival Indonesia 2016
Sunday 9th October FM802 MINAMI WHEEL 2016
▼Release information
livetune+「Sweet Clapper」
Now On Sale
Price：¥1,800 (base price)＋tax
Limited edition：WPCL-12334
Regular eddition：WPCL-12335
▼「Cheers!」(Popular sale)
>>iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/cheers!-single/id1136780784?app=itunes&at=10l6Y8
>>Apple Music
https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/cheers!-single/id1136780784?app=music&at=10l6Y8
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New song “Cheers!” by livetune+ released for Kirin Hyoketsu’s animated advert will be purchasable from 10th August!!
Starting with the song used in the “Google Chrome — Hatsune Miku theme” commercial video called “Tell Your World”, the one and only “kz” created many Hatsune Miku songs, causing an unprecedented craze over the Vocaloid singer. Music-maker kz has teamed up with model and music artist Anna Yano, forming the new live unit “livetune+”. Together, they have recorded a new song “Cheers!” which has been used in the web limited animation commercial video for the alcoholic drink “Kirin Hyoketsu” 「キリン 氷結®」
“Kirin Hyoketsu®” used the theme “atarashiku ikou” to create the commercial, which refers to walking a brand new path. The commercial allows the audience to feel the excitement of experiencing a variety of “new” figures and unexpected sides to people. The animation of the commercial was made by collaborating with “TRIGGER Inc”, who are always setting new challenges for themselves, presenting the concept of “Showing a new side to myself which is different to the me up until now!”. This is shown through the animation.
In this original animated commercial, the moment of excitement and the lively atmosphere during the live performance of animation and social game idol voice actors has been depicted. Voice actor Shintarō Asanuma and voice actress Ai Kayano were appointed these roles. The commercial was aired on YouTube and shared through Kirin Beer’s official SNS websites from 2nd August 2016.
The song “Cheers!” coloured the commercial in a very livetune+ style, turning it into a completely new shining masterpiece of the duo. “Cheers!” will be released for sale on iTunes and through other companies on Wednesday 10th August, and through music subscription, this new catchy song will be available all over the world!
Now all we have to do is wait in anticipation!
■ Commercial animation video https://youtu.be/Ltvnad3tmn8
■Kirin Hyoketsu × TRIGGER special site: http://www.animatetimes.com/hyoketsu/
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Don’t miss out on the new EP and music video release of “Sweet Clapper”, which was created by the century’s most sensational track-maker kz(livetune) and model Anna Yano!
New live unit kz(livetune) and Anna Yano will release their new EP showcasing their new title song “Sweet Clapper”, but that’s not all ー the long-awaited music video for “Sweet Clapper” has also now been released!
A sports gym in the metropolitan area was reserved for the shooting of this music video. The sense of unity, which is brought about from a live concert, sparked the inspiration for the choreography of the music video. The final product is a mix of real life filming and illustrations, making for a well-balanced pop song video which perfectly represents the much loved and adored Anna Yano (Vocalist).
■livetune+ / Sweet Clapper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkVrvVG4i7I■Information
livetune+
1st EP『Sweet Clapper』
On sale from: 2016.05.11First press limited edition CD：WPCL-12334 (¥1800 + tax)
Regular edition CD：WPCL-12335 (¥1800+tax) -
Join the community through the “Listen with regular programme” (Listen with レギュラープログラム), where a DJ will make their appearance once a month! For a limited period from April to June, don’t miss out on the special appearance of livetune+ as the regular DJ duo for this 3-month period!
livetune+ will set a new theme for each monthly show and create a playlist of specially selected songs to fit this theme to play on air. Additionally, check out the chat feature on “Listen with”, where livetune+ and participating users can listen to the monthly special playlist created by livetune+ and enjoy a live chat!
Catch the first “Listen with regular programme” featuring livetune+ on 15th April, where the chosen theme will be the start of the school season! To make song requests and send messages, please apply by using the twitter hash tags “#livetuneplusLw” or “#Listenwith”
■Comments from Anna Yano and kz from livetune+
【Anna Yano】
I’m Anna Yano, the vocalist of livetune+！
“Listen with” is a great tool, through which I can become close to my fans and share my music taste! Being able to listen to my favourite music whilst having a live chat is a really unique and rare opportunity, so I am really looking forward to it! I can’t wait to meet everyone and enjoy the feeling of being part of a fun community like this! Please join in to meet your DJ Anna Yano!!【kz】
This is kz of livetune+！
I’m incredibly pleased to be given the opportunity to be the regular DJ for “Listen with”. Listening to music whilst having a chat is something that I used to do during my old school days and it was super fun! This is the best way of opening up a new and exciting world for everyone to take part in and enjoy. I know that the chat will be really hot and bursting with liveliness, so let’s set our chat on fire!!■Information
livetune+ Listen with regular programme
(Listen withレギュラープログラム)
1st show：Friday 15th April (20:00～21:30)
2nd show : May (Specific date to be announced in the future)
3rd show：June (Specific date to be announced in the future)
※ Twitter hashtags: 「#livetuneplusLw #Listenwith」 -
livetune+, a new live unit formed of unique songwriter kz (livetune) and global model Yano Anna, have released the artwork to their upcoming 1st EP “Sweet Clapper” which is due to go on sale on Wednesday May 11th. The artwork which is ready for release with their first ever EP features photography of Yano Anna (Vo.) and electro-pop illustrated visuals.
The EP features the track “Milky Rally” which serves as the opening theme to the doll animation “MILPOM★”, currently available on YouTube; “Soft Touch”, a song used as the opening theme to the online flash anime featuring popular character Omochi Alien, “Don Don Shiiterebi vol.0 Saito-san wo Shinryaku Shita yo” (どんどんしーてれび vol.0 さいとーさんをしんりゃくしたよ。); the well-known “Jump Up”; the lead track “Sweet Clapper”, and more, for a total of 7 pop gems made possible by kz. The First Press Edition of the EP includes the unforgettable dance track “Dance Beat Step” which will have you itching to move your body.
Moreover, every CD shop selling the EP will be including their own special original bonus gifts together with your purchase! This includes item extracts from Yano Anna’s to-be-released cute and sexy topical photobook “Yano Anna MADE in HARAJUKU VOL.1”, original photobooks, radio CDs and more, showcasing a diverse range of unique and special bonuses currently being prepared by the shops!
You must not miss out on any of these rare goods, so make you check them out!
■Information
livetune+／1st EP「Sweet Clapper」
On Sale: Wednesday May 11th, 2016
Prices:
First Press Limited Edition ￥1,800
Regular Edition ￥1,800
※the above listed prices do not include tax pricing
＜Tracklist＞
1. Restart
2. Sweet Clapper
3. Milky Rally
4. Soft Touch
5. Slow Pace
6. Jump Up
7. Darling Darling
8. Dance Beat Step (track only available on the First Press Limited Edition)＜Shop Bonuses＞
Animate Original Limited Bonus Item (all stores):「Sweet Clapper」CD Jacket Sticker
Gamers Original Limited Bonus Item (all stores): 「Yano Anna」 Bromide
HMV Original Limited Bonus Item: Radio CD ～SPARK Bangaihen～ + 「Yano Anna」 Original Postcard
Tower Records (all stores nationwide)/Tower Records Online Original Limited Bonus Item: 「Yano Anna」 Original Stickers
TSUTAYA (most stores nationwide)/TSUTAYA Online Shopping Original Limited Bonus Item: 「Sweet Clapper」Original Button Badges ※Some TSUTAYA stores do not offer this item. If purchasing online, the item is only available via pre-order.
Toranoana (most stores) + Regular Edition Original Limited Bonus Item: 「Yano Anna」 Original Postcard
Wonder Goo/Shinseido (all stores nationwide) Original Limited Bonus Item: 「Yano Anna」 Original Clear File
mu-mo Original Limited Bonus Item: 「Yano Anna」Original Photobook
WARNER MUSIC DIRECT Original Bonus Item: 「Sweet Clapper」 Original B2 Posterlivetune+ Official Website：http://livetuneplus.com
