Chogakusei is a vocalist who has attracted attention for the huge gap between the mysterious atmosphere of his Venetian mask and his aggressive voice. After releasing a single in January, the artist released his first full album Cho on February 15, 2023. We sat down to chat with Chogakusei about his current mental state as he continues to build serious momentum, and about his upcoming first solo concert scheduled for March at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall.

The Theme of the 1st Album is ‘Diversity’

“The word ‘diversity’ can refer to utilizing elements from different people and cultures, but for the diversity used in this album, I focused more on breaking the rules and thinking outside of the box in a more general sense.”

“Since this is my first major album, I felt like it was the fulfillment of a promise. At the same time, I didn’t want to be bound by that feeling. As you listen to each track, I think you’ll find each of them very colorful. So many different people participated in writing the lyrics–for example, the song Ingel was written by Yu Shinda of BURG HAMBURG BURG, and the Vocaloid producers Surii and PinocchioP also contributed. I hope everyone who listens will take note of the diverse group of creators who worked on the album.”

Heading Towards his First Solo Concert ‘School Admission Briefing’

−You have to admit, it’s a pretty unique title for a concert, isn’t it?

“Since this is my first live performance period, I wanted it to have the theme of a self-introduction, so ‘School Admission Briefing’ seemed to fit, given my name. It’s an unusual title, for sure. (Laugh) I hope fans who attend will feel what it’s like to be a Chogakusei (Super Student). The details of the show are still a secret, though!”

A Vocal Style Inspired by Fan Comments

–You’re popular for your deep, aggressive voice. How did your vocal style come about?

“Honestly, I decided on this style after reading comments from fans posted around the time I released my cover of the song Darling. That’s when I started posting on YouTube more frequently and I got a ton of feedback. Like, people would point out the parts they liked–the minute and the second. After scrolling through all of that, I decided on my current style. In a way, how I sing was completely created by the fans.”

−Tons of international fans have commented on your vocal style. What’s the secret of your popularity?

“I’d love to know myself! (Laugh) Please tell me! In my head, I know that I have this slightly rough, low voice that leads to a more masculine singing style. I also put a lot of thought into the costumes and makeup for each song, so a lot of comments tend to focus on that too. They like my style.”

“I want to try styles from around the world.”

“I’d like to try a ton of unique styles from around the world in the future, like Chinese and Arabic styles. I’m up for the challenge of representing different countries and cultures! I hope to incorporate ideas from fans around the world too, so leave them in the comments. I don’t care what language you speak, please tell me about your country and what you’d like to see!”

The globally popular female rock band BAND-MAID released the new track Memorable on streaming services on February 22, 2023. This is the first song to be released in the group’s 10th anniversary year, and fans can also watch the music video on YouTube.

This new song is a ballad written during the 2022 U.S. tour and performed for the first time at the Tokyo Garden Theater on January 9, 2023. The music video begins with footage of Miku Kobato standing alone in the wilderness of Lancaster, Los Angeles, and both American and Japanese fans will be enamored with the unique natural touches present in the new release.

Memorable - BAND-MAID (Music Video)

The band has also announced that the BAND-MAID TOKYO GARDEN THEATER OKUJI performance held on January 9, 2023 will be released in three formats on April 26. The limited edition will include documentary footage for the first time in BAND-MAID’s history, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the 2022 U.S. tour and a photo book filled with private shots of the members.

In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows in the U.S. in August. The group will also appear at KNONTFEST JAPAN 2023 for the first time on April 1.

The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.

Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!

BAND-MAID, the globally popular girl’s rock band, has announced more details about the U.S. leg of their BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In March 2023, the 10th-anniversary celebration will begin, with the group once again planning to visit the United States in May and August. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. Events in August will be announced later.

Some venues on last year’s tour sold out immediately, so the competition is sure to be fierce again this time around. For details on purchasing tickets, check the official website. BAND-MAID is currently appearing as the opening act for THE LAST ROCKSTARS Live Debut 2023 Tokyo – New York – Los Angeles, which began on February 3. The group will hold the finale of their 10th-anniversary tour at Yokohama Arena, marking the largest-ever solo performance.

The popular girl rock ground BAND-MAID will perform at the outdoor rock festival Pointfest 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The festival will be held on May 27, 2023. Organized by the alternative rock radio station KPNT, the event is one of the oldest rock festivals in the U.S., with the first taking place 30 years ago in 1993.

This year's headliners include Incubus and The Pretty Reckless. BAND-MAID is sure to be a huge draw at the event–one of the most popular girl bands overseas, the group pulled in over 20,000 fans on their U.S. tour last year.

BAND-MAID is currently appearing as the opening act for THE LAST ROCKSTARS Live Debut 2023 Tokyo - New York - Los Angeles, which began on February 3. In March, the band will begin the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR in Japan to commemorate its 10th anniversary, and on November 26, the tour’s finale will be held at Yokohama Arena. This will mark the largest-ever solo performance for BAND-MAID.

Tickets for the first ten stops on the tour are now available by lottery. The band will also perform in the United States in May and August, and in addition to appearing at Pointfest 2023, BAND-MAID will also perform at Welcome to Rockville 2023 and Sonic Temple 2023.

Rock group BAND-MAID has been chosen as the opening act for THE LAST ROCKSTARS' first live concert in the U.S., THE LAST ROCKSTARS Live Debut 2023 Tokyo - New York - Los Angeles, starting February 3, 2023.

BAND-MAID has become overwhelmingly popular around the world. In the United States, the band recently performed at AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL 2022, one of the largest music festivals in the country. They also served as a supporting act for GUNS N’ ROSES during the legendary band’s Japan tour in November. This year, the group will once again perform at a selection of music festivals in the states, including Sonic Temple 2023 in Ohio and Welcome to Rockville 2023 in Florida.

This time around, BAND-MAID will perform as the opening act for one of the most impressive rock bands in recent memory. THE LAST ROCKSTARS is composed of YOSHIKI, HYDE, SUGIZO, and MIYAVI, making it a superband like no other. This will be the first time the newly-formed group will perform in the U.S.