WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT BAND-MAID?
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- čas přidán 1. 03. 2023
- What do an ex-rugby playing South African marketer, a best-selling author / TV producer from Portland, and an engineer / producer from New York have in common? BAND-MAID! Sit back and listen to us chat about our introduction to the group, the ins & outs of what makes them universally loved and what's next for the Japanese rock group taking over the globe.
DISCORD SERVER LINK: / discord
Any suggestions, leave 'em in the comments or hit me up on
Twitter: / chasecarneson
Instagram: / chasecarneson
TY & That Guy: / @tyandthatguy
Dicodec: / @dicodec
Alan Dicodec: / @musicplayeralan
Best!!! - Zábava
![[OLD VERSION] BAND-MAID Documentary / SAIKI](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3Mx_rZnqayg/mqdefault.jpg)
This is why I say Band Maid doesn't play a genre, Band Maid IS a genre. A beautiful blend of pop, punk, rock, metal, sludge, prog and whatever else The Riff Goddess Kanami can come up with. Thank you Gentlemen.
To me they are a group of living cartoon characters that play hard rock and extremely well. I also thinks it's awesome and halarious how Misa is always drinking, Akane always eating bananas, Kanami in love with Saiki, Miku's craziness and the fact they are always messing with eachother on and off stage. This band is one of a kind and the most entertaining rock band I've ever watched. Their live shows are a blast, hard fun and halarious.
Careson's comment about Band Maid letting the rawness and imperfections of their performance remain in their recorded songs reminded me of the Japanese art of "Kintsugi", where breaks and cracks in pottery is repaired with lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The purpose is to reveal the greater beauty striving for perfection with flaws present than actually being perfect.
That is a fantastic point - thank you.
very "wabi sabi" infact.
Hit the nail on the head. It's a sound that was lost for 10-12 years and most of us just were missing it. Of course sometimes you get the side eye when sharing the band, because they're tiny pretty Japanese women and folks think you're just a creeper, but then they hear the music and go holy shit. One word to describe them: FUN. Music is supposed to make you feel something, and I am happy when their songs play. What more can any band ask for.
Can't tell you how many times I've run into the Finn fetishist types or you're a creepy old misogynist perving on japanese women types online.
Nailed it.
I have the hardest time trying to convince people to stop and listen. I even know two guys who play in a local nightclub band. They just side eye me n say "will you stop pushing your weird Japanese obsession."
For me it's:
1. Hard work and extreme dedication to what they do. I've been completely sold when I saw a video with B-M playing in some local festival to 20 random people without any stage, right on the grass. How many bands do you know that came from that?
2. Creativity. They always have guts to experiment with their sound. The opposite of that is AC-DC.
3. Authenticity. They are absolutely genuine from their personalities to their music. No posing, no smug, always mocking and truly love each other. I don't know any other band that can openly do something like: Kobato wide-shoulders, hentai Kanami, gorilla Akane, drunk Misa etc.
4. Mutual love to their fans. They don't take anything for granted. How many bands do you know that released so many songs dedicated to their fandom? About US, Smile, Memorable... just to name a few.
Band Maid songs have GROOVES regardless of being fast and slow, soft and heavy! Not only the drums guitar and bass parts but also the vocals.
One point you didn't address: Miku.
The original idea of the group comes from her, but she was "only" a singer, and her voice was not suited to the style she wanted so she steps aside for Saiki.
Watching her grow little by little on rhythm guitar, with Kanami as sensei, even letting her shine in short solos during certain early tracks, and now to the point that the rest of the band can rely on her to break free on their own instruments is phenomenal.
And we know that it is thanks to their friendship and their kindness between them that she was able to be more and more confident in her abilities.
That also makes them special in the eyes of the fans.
Excellent comment !!!! I think certain people kind of overlook Miku because of her goofiness and "small pigeon" alter ego. The plain fact of the matter is that Miku was the driving force behind it all. I don't remember if she first recruited Akane or Kanami, but it was almost like kismet, when things align perfectly proceed to create a success. Miku also writes some great lyrics that really fit the idea of their songs. I haven't looked it up specifically, but was the whole Band Maiko thing Miku's idea ? I think it was a stroke of genius on their part. Kanami has said that working with the sound engineers gave her insights that made her composing better vis a vis the adding of different sounds where they fit just right.
@@mikeat2637 She first met and recruited Kanami, who brought in Akane, who brought in Misa.
And her greatest talent was, and still is, public relations and promotion. She's been Band Maid's public image from the start with her crazy energy and funny quirks, but was not a musician.
The fact is that the others could have said at any time: we have enough talent to make a band without her, but instead they helped her grow and master an instrument to reach the same musical level as all of them and make her matter even more than "simply" PR or backing vocalist (yes, that request talent too, but you get my point).
And I think it's really an example of awesome humanity to help someone realize their potential with all careers at stakes.
if you understand japanese, her lyrics are amazing like magic..
everything is on purpose
idk if she write it after Kanami has done the instrumental (?), but the lyrics and instruments are complimenting, the flow of the song, every syllables, she's playing with words often, she's a genius.
@@jerremylazy That's a really interesting question. You might to bring it up on their channel, or to Miku's channel.
So true. You could say that without her vision and drive, we would not be here talking about Band-Maid at all.
What makes them so special? Apart from the Music BAND-MAID's love & appreciation of their fans is absolute, as is ours for them.🙂
同意！
"Mimesis"
i always actively use the concept of Plato and Aristotle
the relationship between band maid and us is a positive influence
@@user-ss6yc1bg8gAbsolutely, HaT. The sensei & the pupil. You only get to know B-M by study & mutual respect :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 so please throw an egg at Matt Healy
among rock fans in japan, there are people who are angry that British are racists after all
i want someone as influential as him to be cautions about what he says
@@GaryHolloway-810 まぁ卵を投げ付けてくれ！は冗談だよ🤭
The esprit de corps shown by Band Maid is the most impressive thing to me. There doesn't seem to be anything fake about them. Saiki's teeth are a great illustration of this. Were they to get as big as U2, she wouldn't change. Reportedly she asked her mates if she should "fix" them,they said NO . Each one is beautiful and genuine in their own way. As for their dreams of World Domination. The satire was not lost on me. The MV shows me they wish to leave their subtle mark on a world filled with competing ideologic , corporate and political forces who believe their fart scent is superior to all others. Maidiacs are a byproduct of a truly miraculous occurrence. The founding of Band Maid, while " like a miracle ", is authenticated by it's fans whose behavior on-line and at concerts is almost always exemplary. That's not a bad mark to make on society. In a dream world, you couldn't go wrong having a " Cohors Ancilla Benevola Societas " (That'd be Band Maid Benevolent Society) in each country. They have been a welcome conduit for putting people in a positive frame of mind in a world consumed by negativity. Sounds damn good to me !
What Alan said about the community around BAND-MAID, helping us get tickets to be at the shows, and not being exclusionary because the maids set the example of serving others. ❤
GREAT CONVERSATION guys!! This was interesting. Very many confirmed ideas of my own. It is neat to hear other people liking BAND-MAID for the same reasons, but also new reasons.
How'd you already hear it?! It premieres in 20 hours for me! 😂
Haha you didn’t see the unlisted link in the server did you.
@@WavePotter Chase let the Band-Maid Community Discord have early access yesterday, as a thank you for being a great and supportive fanbase.
I guess I need to turn my Discord notifications back on.
Fate definitely had a big role in bringing the maids together. I discovered them right as the pandemic shitstorm started and let me tell you, they made that whole crummy experience so much easier to get through. They made me smile every single day.
Chase,
Thank You for putting up this content really enjoyed it and when I first discovered *BAND-MAID* was in 2019 just learning how to play the bass I was searching CZcams on riff and what not and in the CZcams, suggestion had top female metal bands. So, I pulled it up and there was like 20 second clips of all these bands music but nothing really pointed out so I decided to see what the comment section show and plastered all over the screen was *BAND-MAID* thought that was an easy choice and I think *DICE* was the first song and I was blown away and I went thru *BAND-MAID* CZcams channel in a day so then I started watching the reaction videos and commenters would say you got to check them out live. So, then I saw all these lives shows being posted from 2017 STUDIO COAST and 2018 Zepp Tokyo I was hooked and had to buy what ever I can from *BAND-MAID*
Being 56 years old 3rd generation Japanese from the states and grew up listing to AC/DC, Metallica, Rush and Pink Floyd after awhile gets old listing to the classic rock station and nothing really new that really exciting me. But finding *BAND-MAID* and every song I listen to is not bad track I was rejuvenated.
In 2019 I found out that *BAND-MAID* was on tour but I was to late to get tickets and I was determine to see them live and in 2020 the LINE CUBE SHIBUYA show they announce that they will be playing at Budokan on Feb 11, 2021 so I got tickets to the show but COVID hit and the show was canceled. In 2022 the restriction was lifted and *BAND-MAID* announce the 2022 tour in October I knew right off the bat I was going to see more than one show.
The first show was in San Francisco and I got there the night before to check out the venue. The next day I got up at 9am get some breakfast and lookup up at the venue and there was already a line forming. I got up there and was greeted by friendly fans and asked if I was attending the concert, they wrote the #24 on my hand and said I was the 24th in line and if I want to go to the bathroom or get something to eat, they will hold the spot in the line. So, I hung around and talked about *BAND-MAID* I finally got to see them live and was at the rail right in front of *MISA* and the show was everything I expected and more.
I attended the Phoenix and the Silver Springs show and was met with the same reception of friendly faces. The last show was in Chicago and *Akane* in the song *Endless Story* could not hold back the tears and that really shows the tight relationship there is between *BAND-MAID* and their fan base.
Well I hope I did not bore you with this comment keep doing what your doing and you will always have a follower.
Guys, did I like this in-depth look at Band-Maid- you bet I did. Your comments, and voiced thoughts, are along the same track as what a number of us fans discussed in line regarding Band-Maid. With notable exceptions, very few bands try to arrange their compositions so that each member can have their moment to shine. Band-Maid always considers what is best for the song and generally leaves us fans wanting more displays of each member's musical ability.
Great discussion, gentlemen. Pretty happy to hear Ty draw a parallel to Rush. I'm a huge Rush fan and while their styles are quite different, I think people become super fans of these two bands for many of the same reasons. They are both totally unique with great attention to detail, and you're going to always get your money's worth from live shows. Also, the members are super-likable and not just cookie cutter rock and roll tropes. It becomes impossible not to like them and want to support them.
Thanks for doing this. Things like this do help. Band-Maid doesn't need to change a thing. The world just needs to hear them.
I have found among many Band Maid fans that there are a lot of Rush fans. Their composition and musicianship dare I say right up there.
A big Rush fan, the similarity that you mentioned is spot on.
I could not agree more. I feel exactly the same way about what you and TY have said.
What makes *BAND-MAID* Special? _________
⭕ Their Music
⭕ Their Quality of Musicianship
⭕ Their interaction with each other.
⭕ Their connection with their fans.
⭕ Their connection with their new fans.
⭕ Their humble
⭕ They have over 100 great songs in their library.
⭕ They are never boring
⭕ Their inspirational
⭕ They enjoy what they do
⭕ Harmonizing Wonder
⭕ *Miku, Saiki, Kanami, Akane, MISA*
🔴 All of the above.
The lyrics too. They stand alone, but in the songs even better. Miku is very clever.
⭕ The complexity of their sheet music instruments. They don't choose ease and simplicity.
I'll run out of lines if it edit this comment to much 🤣
@@bm4-life This is the real BM4L.🙂👍
⭕ Inspirational Lyrics
Thank you, Chase, for this BAND-MAID forum. The song THRILL was the first time I watched a reaction of yours and I was happy to get your insight as a musician when it came to BAND-MAID and their songs. It has been a while since you have done a reaction, so I look forward to the next one you do. Selfishly, I hope you do their instrumental FROM NOW ON. I think you will enjoy it.
5:14 I totally agree with you. "I thought that kind of music had disappeared from the world." "I was going to say that's why a lot of people my age, when they hear BAND-MAID, think that's the thing that..."
I'm 56 and a metal head. 2 months ago I was browsing youtube looking for some new metal music. If someone would have recommended an all female Japanese rock band to me it would have been a big no thanks. Looking at reaction videos I would see Band Maid mentioned in the comments but didnt bother. Then I saw a thumbnail of 2 cute Japanese girls playing guitar. I decided to click. It was Onset and I was instantly blown away.
Vladimir Chupin´s recording from Amsterdam immediately comes to mind.
Thanks Chase, for hosting this. You guys made some great points. Ty mentioned their insecurity as musicians. I've read far too many of their interviews and a common theme is how much they work to get better as individuals, how they challenge each other to get better and how much they strive to improve as a band.
Alan mentioned the kindness of the fan base. 100%, I went to the Dallas serving last fall and what a great crowd. Everyone was cheerful and kind to each other and so happy to be there.
Thanks again!
Positivity begets positivity; what goes around comes around; the wheel of karma spins on; it's a delicious circle.
I AM A 70 YEAR OLD JAZZ FUSION PROG ROCK DRUMMER WHO GOT INTO MUSIC WHEN I SAW THE BEATLES ON ED SULLIVAN WHEN I WAS 12 YEARS OLD. THE BEATLES CONTINUED TO DO SO MANY AMAZING THINGS MUSICALLY AND I PROGRESSED INTO JAZZ. I WAS NEVER A RUSH FAN AS I WAS ALREADY INTO RETURN TO FOREVER AND ALLAN HOLDSWORTH. I WAS ALWAYS TRYING TO GET MY DRUM STUDENTS TO LISTEN TO MY DRUM GOD TONY WILLIAMS OR LENNY WHITE. AFTER THE RAP POP DESTRUCTION OF ANYTHING MUSICAL I JUST KEPT LISTENING TO THE REAL MUSIC GODS FROM THE PAST. WHEN I HEARD BAND MAID, THEY WERE LIKE THE NEW BWATLES. THEY REIGNITED MY LOVE FOR REAL MUSIC AND AKANE WAS JUST SO AMAZING THAT I STARTED PLAYING DRUMS AGAIN AFTER TEN YEARS. BAND MAID ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING AND CREATIVE BAND ON THE PLANET.
Thank you, that was a wonderful video.
Regarding the “innocent insecurity”, it’s absolutely not fake and it’s also a big reason why I love them so much. Akane said “It’s a miracle” and I understand why she says that. They are so different, and in their own words, would never have formed a clique in their school days. Saiki probably trusts and has faith in Miku more than anyone else in the world except for Mum, but still can’t deal with part of Miku’s personality… etc. I digress.
They all have their insecurities and Akane is probably the only extrovert in the band. It’s a miracle that working and spending time with each other, they provide the necessary support and comfort for each other to make wonderful music. On their own, I highly doubt they would have achieved anything similar in the music industry, despite their own great talents. They genuinely continue to not be able to believe that they’ve come so far with Miku’s ridiculous idea in the beginning before she even considered that she would become a serious musician.
Someone else also mentioned them being girls in Japan and that’s a big issue too. They are absolutely still having to fight and continue fighting all the time, despite their success. They seem to enjoy fighting inch by inch for their success rather than do something against their beliefs for more effective /faster marketing… and that’s another reason I really appreciate them. Although it sometimes feels like they are fighting a lonely battle with no likeminded peers in similar situations.
Awesome commentary. Two thumbs and two big toes up (there ain't enough thumbs on me)
Dare I say it. The only band I've ever known that works so well together. No egos, best of friends, amazing musicians, very profound lyrics, trusted their fans to get the word out because the radio stations didn't get them. Had to wait till one album, (video) go viral so they could do it their way. And it's funny how one band ended their career in 2015 and the other one just started getting international recognition. Call me crazy but I do see a lot of similarities between Rush and Band-Maid.
What is so special about Band-Maid...they are genuine...in everything they do.
"Inducted into this secret world..." I felt that way about metal for TWENTY YEARS. Only after reaction videos blew up on YT did I feel like "Oh, there are other people who agree with me that this stuff is great. I'm not crazy."
IMHO it's love. Love of the music, of performing. The bands genuine love and friendship with each other. No other bands music regardless of skill feels as "natural" to me. Other artist can entertain me but Bandmaid moves me; they reach me emotionally with their music.
I agree with Alan about the English lyrics. The Warning can make people cry with their lyrics. I have 4 compilation videos on my channel of reactors being brought to tears by them. But if you don't speak the language, you lose that.
What's so special about Band Maid's and their contribution to modern music? We have the privilege of listening to them (daily), seeing them live and, on a truly exceptional day, meeting them. Band Maid Forever!!!!!
"This is the thing that I've been missing."
I legitimately blurted out that exact quote when I first heard Band-Maid. And yes, I'm old. :)
I totally agree on the lyrics front. I don't pay attention to lyrics too often. 99% of the songs I listen to (in English) I haven't a clue what the lyrics are. But I love the "sound" of the lyrics - the highs and lows, etc. So for me, the language being in Japanese doesn't bother me in the slightest. I don't even bother with the CC, because I enjoy what they sound like - not what they are saying, if that makes sense.
as I live in Brazil, for a great part of my life, I listened to music in English or any other language and just felt the sound. So now, Japanese is just another sound the embraces the music played by the instruments.
I’m with Ty on this. My recent discovery of Band-Maid reignited my love for rock and metal. Personally for me it faltered in the late nineties and just died in the 2000s! Band-Maid was that shot of life saving medicine to disenfranchised fans like me.🤘🏻🤘🏻
Great discussion. What makes their music special to me is the sheer density of incredible payoffs throughout their songs. Everything is always building toward a "hell yeah!" or "holy shit!" moment, often each instrument is creating a different one.
Brilliant topic it was, Band Maid has brought us together from all around to world not just to love and appreciate them as fellow musicians, but to be involves in what are they produced from their music and song's. I totally agrees with Ty, we have been missing something in rock music and then came these amazing 5 ladies and bringing us that lovely, tasty Lollypops 🍭 and makes our good old ear and soul fully stuffed with the excitement of listening to ROCK again. That's what make us feels young again😀. For me, their World Domination themes is not about dominating the world straight in the face of conquering most listeners, but it has something to do with how we dominate back our root of rock enthusiasts as a whole to search and opening the books interest by listening to what Band Maid delivered, get refresh and get back in to line because is not the end of making the best of rock alive again. Shout out to the guys or anyone behind BM that brought Thrill at the 1st place. Thanks to you Chase for the excellent tropics, thanks to every MAIDIACS out there. BM do BM things, we do our things. We united in music. (Last answer: BM is Music & Friends) The rest is HISTORY.!! Regards from 🇲🇾
Band Maid ir the first band I care after almost 50 years (After the album from Yes 'going for the one' -).
The Last Rockstars was fucking awesome. Band-Maid was a great opener for them. They definitely gained a lot of fans after that.
15:25 I think you'll find this often with Band-Maid fans. People who are attracted to the rhythm section almost can't dislike this band because Misa and Akane are so phenomenal and add so much to every track. If either one of them were a lesser musician they'd stick out like a sore thumb and the band would be significantly worse for it.
This interview is a true treasure. Many, many different points worth mulling over. Many truths that I never realized were always there. I am so going to watch this video again to listen and learn from these guys.
From Japan. It was a great discussion.
It's in English, so I'll have to listen to it a few more times to fully understand it, but I'm glad I can agree on what is so special, including the comments.
とても楽しいお話でした。英語を使わなくなって久しいので、あと数回は繰り返して聴く必要がありますが、寄せられたコメントを含め、同意することが多く、嬉しく思います。
字幕を付ければ？
Wonderful vid. Thank you for this and mentioning so many things that make this band special. For me personally, for many of the reasons you guys mention, this band is the only one in the past thirty years that I've actually fallen in love with (and for me personally, it's music, all that other stuff - the female line up, the maid costumes, the foreign language - is stuff I generally ignore). I've found lots of songs that I really love over the years, and bands that are just incredible, but this band - among a crowded field - is the only one that generates something like love in me (bought their entire discography, buy all their new music and performances on pre-release, and try to keep tabs on their general activities). Discovering this band during the height of the pandemic was a blessing.
Thank you for your wonderful discussion and consideration. I first heard of Band-Maid in 2016, I believe, and they came up in a few CZcams recommendations, but I looked at the thumbnails and completely ignored them, thinking that they were probably an idol group using musical instruments as decorations, but in 2017 I saw their MV for “Alone” with no intention and was completely blown away. From then on, I devoured their music and regretted why I hadn't seen their video earlier. Then, in 2017, I went to see them live at Shinkiba Studio Coast and rediscovered their awesomeness. Their world domination is now a reality, and I will continue to support them even more.😊
The last part from Ty is exactly my drawing point to Band-Maid. Their chemistry is unmatched and i think the greatest in music today... WHY? Because they are friends, love each other and they are a unit! Even in their freetime they hang out and doing stuff together. They are not a machinery, not just a bunch of great musicians, they actually care about themselves and the fans...
On top of that they are freaking talented, down to earth and do not shy away from being themselves. Really rare these times!
Oh and one fun fact about "new generations": My wife is an teacher and she teaches german (i am from Germany) and the kids there should do an essay about their favorite hobby.
One young lady made an essay about Band-Maid and my wife started laughing right at the beginning and that girl thought she did something wrong until my wife explained to her that her 39 year old husband loves that band too... That girl was 14 years old at that time... Funny and true story :)
Essentially they're a super group. Any one member would be the standout star in any other group.
Love the observation that BM is composing and performing for the audience, not themselves.
LOL! TY! another From Now On addict! I have been in music long ago, and yes:.... never heard such a perfect instrumental that as you say: always gets you pumped up!!
Band-Maid is a phenomenon if I dare use the word. Being 60, yea same damn thing happened to me: a YT video producer introduced me to this remarkable group playing Take Me Higher, then like many, I raced into all Band-Maid to see...fell into a wonderful rabbithole of extremely high skill, genius,...and sounds that had been missing...and downright loving performers. VERY GOOD and timely presentation guys!!
Absolutely everything these gentlemen said about the discussion topic is completely relevant to varying degrees. Nice, respectful discussion. Three thumbs up for all three gentlemen. Thanks to Chase for starting this.
it's their melodic classic rock sensibility - more than anything else - that got me hooked.
It's not just that they can play. Lots of band, especially in Japan, even the Girl Groups, can play. But BAND-MAID doesn't just play. They have the songs, and not just a few. They have well over a hundred, and nearly every one is a hit! Show me another band anywhere in the world that has so many hits? I can't think of one in the last 20 years, let alone the last 10. But some people you can't hip to BAND-MAID. I've tried. I think some people just don't get it. But that's okay. It's not for everyone.
Have any of there songs actually been hits? I like bandmaid and have great songs in fact they pump them out at the risk of burning out. Also love them or hate them Babymetal have the honour of the highest charting song/album for any Japanese artist and many other firsts.
@@dangermouseuk78 I think the hit he mentioned is for the fan base, most of us likes at least 40 songs of their catalog, what is comparable just for The Beatles far way in the sixties. I hope you got the idea I tried to expose.
@@wanderleyjesus6772 I think the Beatles comparison is a bit of stretch but I get what your saying, all I was trying to say is that they are far from unique and there are a few Japanese groups that have larger followings and just as nice of fans. I do enjoy bandmaid I just think outside a vacuum they a similar to a few other bands out there, I mean you have the warning, Nemophilia, lovebites all full female bands. Also it worries me with there constant output they will burn themselves out.
@@dangermouseuk78Pretty sure they just mean, They _should_ be hits. But for 95% of the population, popular music is just background noise - and really, the internet has let more people find and dig into what they really like, so it's actually gotten better over the past decade.
I'm tempted to say that we should stop complaining about what dominates the mass media and just say, there's two kinds of music, the seriously musical (not meaning it can't be boppy or headbanging fun too), and the corporate product. But... there are artists with mass popularity that are actually good and we shouldn't make my teenaged proto-hipster mistake of assuming that just cuz a band is huge means they're not good.
@@stevehall5128 I think it shouldn't matter how the music came to be as long as it's good and you enjoy it, I've probably been guilty of that. Also there's been many things over the years I thought should of done better than other things, but just because I think that doesn't mean it's right or true. But ultimately it's all subjective and I don't think anyone's right or wrong it's just a difference of opinion. end of the day enjoy what you want to, have a little friendly banter and discussion. I personally have said elsewhere I have nothing but admiration for Miku for learning the guitar it's just a shame she often gets pushed to the back. Also to be fair like it or not bandmaid pretty corporate I don't think they came together as organically as they make out. But it doesn't stop them from being great talented Musicians.
great discussion chase! i think alan mentioned something that i've also noticed & appreciated about B-M: there are levels of their music. sure they have awesome guiter/drum/bass/vocal rhythm riffs but i'm sure (almost) every fan knows at this point THEY NEVER PLAY THE SAME THING TWICE. always shifting rhythms, keys, accents if you really, really pay attention. i love the layers of their compositions & i love that they find joy in allowing every member to shine in a song. rock on maids!
Good job gentlemen. About the English thing. I saw Lovebites and liked them a lot. I must have seen 10 videos before I realized they were singing English. It probably says more about me then them. I still like Band-maid a bit more.
I was able to listened to Asumi, when I read that she sings in English (lol).
Everything about this band is special
A rock band that dresses up in maid clothing, refers to their lives as "service" and fans as "masters" and "princesses". Their twin-vocal combination reminds of "shadow" and "light", and their skillful and powerful instrument team backs the two vocalists up with passionate hard rock sound.
Great discussion. When it comes to the fan base I know it's all ages. I'm 56 and introduced Band Maid to my 31 year old daughter and she loves them. Then she introduced them to her 24 year old friend. And that fan base is still growing. My daughter and I are already planning to see Band Maid and The Warning. Who knows what's next. But I know it will be great!! 😎🤘✌️❤️
I am glad you brought Ty in to this. 100% agree with his view and how he communicated a lot of thoughts that I have on these topics as well. It was really refreshing to hear about RUSH and listening to the music more etc. Everything Ty said really resonated with me, almost as if he were cherry picking thoughts out of my brain! :P nice interview.
FROM NOW ON 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Best instrumental you'll hear this decade. And you won't even be able to debate that claim!
Great interview! And loved hearing everyone’s thoughts and experiences on Band-Maid. When Ty brought up Kanami’s solo in Daydreaming, it was pretty much my exact thoughts on it 🤘🏻
One reason the individual members are so great are they are good friends. They're willing to push each other to higher levels. They hold each other accountable, and no one wants to let the group down.
I still say that it would go a much longer way if Band Maid would have a western distributor for their physical music. When the shipping cost exceeds the cost of a cd, it can be cost prohibitive.. if their goal is to dominate the world they have to be accessable to the whole world. That means getting their music in the hands of the world. Their management team could push harder for western distribution.
perfect
"Why Band-Maid?" The perfect question. Thanks for this interview. Very much appreciated.
There really are people out there that appreciate this band.
Thank you Chase, Alan and Ty.
Great to hear each take on the rock phenomenon that is Band-Maid.
11:10 - I think it's a combination of BAND-MAID's catchy rhythms and riffs, dabbling in different rock genres (something for everyone), along with sprinkling English phrases in their lyrics that contributes to their growing popularity in the United States and other western countries.
I've just found out about them yesterday, as somebody that's been a fan of Babymetal (and has seen them live both times they came here), and they're already in my Top 5 favorite bands ever. And I've been to easily 1000+ shows in my life and am a huge music buff. They're everything I've wanted to see and wished we had and then some, and their entire catalog is just fucking awesome. Heavy music has gotten stale and has kind of been an offputting boy's club for a while, and these ladies are absolutely putting us to shame and I couldn't be more for it. It's fresh, exciting, enthusiastic, and technically brilliant.
Can't wait to take a short trip to Austin in May and catch them live, it's going to be awesome.
The cute, vulnerable image along with the hard edge is also represented in their Bow tie logo. But if you look at the bow tie, there is also the face of a monster in it (the eyes are the inside of the loops)
Cool insight!
Re: making music that can appeal to casual listeners as well as those who want a deep dive, IMO the pinnacle of songwriting is when you can make that happen IN THE SAME SONG, where people like me who can only really relate to music on a emotional level can find the song just as satisfying as someone like Chase, who can unpack a song for hours if it has something there to unpack.
DISCLAIMER: I may have stolen this opinion from Chase.
I like this reaction channel much more than most I've come across so far; Chase Carneson gives me more of what I'm looking for in his reactions. Appreciate the diverse grouping of commentators in this video. BAND-MAID is a terrific group and I look forward to them carrying the torch and fanning its flame. They are one of my favorite 'feel-good' rock bands.
Very much appreciate the comment Randall. I’m thanks for supporting 🙏
I'm glad Alan brought up The Warning. I wish Chase would pay them a little bit of attention, they really deserve it.
When discussing the appeal of BAND-MAID, the
Europeans, Americans and Japanese all say the same thing. They somehow have a classic Rock foundation.
I completely agree with Ty's 1986-reminiscent sensibility.
I also agree with Alan's point about the progressive rock aspect.
Late 80's early 90's Hard Rock with a good dollop of punk and metal.
I really enjoyed this discussion. It is always interesting to hear other people's opinions and takes on the band and music. In a weird way it kind or validates the fact that I think they are incredible even if others around me don't want to pay attention.
Thank you Guys, real thank you.🤘🤘😊😊
Chase, this was a great segment. I've been subscribed to you for several years, and the same with Alan. Ty is someone new to me who I will definitely look into. You all brought up some very interesting points about the group. I'm in my mid-to-late 70's and have been following rock for a long time and had really lost my taste for American music with the decline of good rock, whether it was progressive, hard or anything in between. All my playlists, with very few exceptions, were definitely strong on music from the 60's through the mid 1980's. One of the exceptions was disco, as I had DJ'd quite a bit during that era. But about 5 years ago or so, I was on Facebook and someone had posted Wagakki Band's video of Kishikaisei and after watching it, I was hooked. From there it was Baby Metal, SCANDAL, Aldious and some others. But when I first heard Band Maid's video of Onset for the first time I was stunned at the precision and musicianship and dove in head first. I have always been a big fan of instrumentals, going back to Don Wilson and The Ventures, The Ripchords, Surfaris and from England, The Shadows. The sheer number of very good Japanese groups, many of them female groups, was astounding, as was the number of unbelievably talented young artists developing their talent. The plain fact of the matter was that Japan was reviving rock from its doldrums. I had briefly gotten into the seminal Japanese female band The 5, 6, 7, 8's after I watched Kill Bill, but that passed quickly. I am continually amazed by the compositions of Kanami, who to me is a Mozart-like savant. The way the group was put together with just the exact people needed to mesh in to what we know as Band Maid was serendipitous to an amazing degree. I went to two shows on their 2022 tour, once in NYV at Irving Plaza, and once at the same show Alan was at. They were astounding live and in person. Right at the top of my bucket list is a trip to Japan to see my favorite groups play on their home court. I've thoroughly enjoyed your reactions.
I am a (classic trained) producer of "sophisticated" chillout tunes. And Band-Maid won me over immediatly....so...its not only the Rock Fans.
Tone, composition, mixing, musicianship.
Ty knows that they release instrumental versions of their albums I hope? They're so musically complex I think that most of their music works both with and without lyrics, and they work differently in the two different iterations.
Listening to BAND-MAID, you can fall in love with yourself all over again.
And the Rock lineage lost in your youth is revived.
I never thought this phenomenon would happen to me.
This phenomenon doesn't happen with other female bands.
I feel a terrible talent in the composition of the songs.
CHASE!!! CHASE!!!! CHASE!!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! 🥃🥃🥃
Awesome discussion, Chase, thanks for putting this together! I have been a fan of Band-Maid's music (especially Misa and Akane's prowess) since before you started reacting to it, but because my leanings are more towards Metal, I have these same kind of feelings about Lovebites....I have been deeply and truly bitten!! *Sidenote: All English lyrics would definitely help catapult Band-Maid's path to stardom, IMHO! Cheers!🤘
In 2016, MISA was considering leaving the band. They did a gig at the Seattle anime/asian culturCon. They were so well received there that she decided to stay.
Very interesting. I have yet to come across a song I didn't like in some way. They all have their moments in the Sun without overpowering the song. The lack of ego I agree is a big thing. Never known a band that I can sit through over two hours of music with a quarter of an hour of nonsense that would not be out of place in a Marx Brothers movie. Then I still feel that isn't enough. They really are a genre of music all to themselves. Mainly rock that is a throw back to the good old days of rock music. But plenty of other stuff. Band Maid saved my life and save Rock Music.
You guys are such a vibe. Well done! 😊
Interesting conversation. 🤘🏻
Loved the discussion guys! Band maid has been my favourite band since I discovered them in 2017. My only gripe with them has been that their MVs are a bit too paint by the numbers, just them playing in different back drops. A great MV can really help a song/band blow up.
47:14 minutes that the Band Maid World has been waiting for. Thank you!
Nice exchanges. I want to add something about language barrier: it goes way further than just sing along; in Canada, the CRTC imposes language (and / or local artists) quotas for radio airplay except from midnight to 6 am. So basically, Only The Dragon Cries can play on classic rock stations any time of the day. (Don’t let me down too, but the first line will mostly get the song banned).
Also, Japan is big enough to give a fairly popular band a living wage. Again, a Canadian comparison: the Greater Montreal Area is roughly the same size as Tokyo; but you need to put the entire Canadian population in GMA to get some kind of equivalence. Ant that’s only Tokyo. Bands could tour Japan exclusively and make a living. (I’m in no way a specialist of Japan, just talking numbers here).
On the other hand, there is the Rammstein phenomenon. So, it is possible that some Japanese band make it huge outside Japan, but it will take some serious promotional campaigns, imho.
My two interests came together...the Expanse and Band Maid...is this heaven?
Check out videos of Miku's music. All the Maids take part. They are like a traveling comedy troupe who plays music on the side.The relationship between band and fans is a loving one. Just listen to the words of Memorable.
my lookalike handsome chase has come on down to profess once more his love for our maids.
I love The Warning, Band-Maid, and the Expanse so this episode checks all the boxes! Thanks for doing this Chase. Yes, the lack of English lyrics does result in a lower ceiling for the size of the fandom, but numbers do not tell the whole story as the panel rightly points out. I loved to hear more of these panel discussions and I nominate The Warning as a future topic. 🙂
I nominate liliac…
The whole The Last Rockstars thing is interesting. One of the artists that Alan couldn't think of is Hyde, mainly known from L'Arc-en-Ciel (and also Vamps). The crazy thing is I heard a Hyde solo song on the radio the other day when I was waiting for them to make my sandwich at Penn Station. Now, that song was in English, but I was just amazed that I heard a song by a Japanese artist being played in public just as background music at a sandwich restaurant in the US.
I think it’s just good ass song writing/structure. Everyone I’ve introduced them to, friends, family etc the first thing they comment on is how well the songs sound/flow and then the talent. Listening to most other bands (especially most American ones) I find the songs are always lacking feel empty etc. I think that says a ton about how good BM is at writing songs etc.
Not in English holds them back, at least in English countries. I first heard Band-Maid several years ago. My thoughts back then were something like:
"WoW! They are really good. Appear to be darn musicians. Shame its not in English so I can understand what they are saying or what the song is about."
Did not listen to them again for quite awhile. Heard them again I think maybe last year and same thought. Except I noticed they are excellent musicians. And it appears they have put out quite a bit of music over the years. Their music is really in depth. Why I think their music is really great, for me personally I do not mind hearing it if its playing, but its not a style of music or any songs that have specifically caught my imagination that I am going to seek them out. That might be different again if I knew the words or meanings of the songs. I also admit I have heard some of their songs, but not a lot of them. So I could be missing out on something I might actually really love. So for me it is both not a style I absolutely love, but I do really like it, coupled with not in English. IF it is a style I really loved, I would still listen regardless. For instance if Led Zepplin was not in English I wouldn't have cared and still would have listened to that style of music over and over again. While both singers are good, again imho they do not really stand out for me. For instance Luciano Pavarotti a lot of times does not sing in English, but I could listen to him for hours. It is kind of shame to, because musically they are really talented and they seem to just keep getting better. They remind me of actual musicians and artists. Someone playing for the love of the music and the love of entertaining ... not just to get some huge hit or some catchy pop song and the money.
Great discussion Chase and Crew! I really enjoyed the discussion and have a good one!
They can play the shit out out of their instruments. The one that blew me away is the song thrill with the bass and guitar solo
Yeah I think that was my first reaction to them. This band is incredible.
Until Band-Maid at the Gramercy before the recent unpleasantness I hadn't been to a live show since Marilyn Manson opened for NIN. My first live show post-lockdown... Band-Maid in Philly.
Excellent talk, guys, and thanks for making it happen, Chase. As a Band-Maid fan I hope this is the year they take off, or at least grow a bunch more. One thing I constantly marvel at is their amazing ability to blend together catchy and complex. I do agree that language is still a problem for some people (not me), but fortunately their new label sees the value of English captioning. And it also seems like on every tour they get a little better at spoken English.
Great Chase, Alan and Ty!
4:35 THANK YOU. Finally some-one has the Balls to say it out loud. This is the first time in history, when the saying "Back in my Day, music was better" is actually based on facts. And, additional: If you are an A&R and you have the choice to sign a cheap Bedroom Kid, or a not so cheap Musician with talent....what will you do? exactly! ;-)
I actually gave a pair of extra ear plugs to guy next to me cuz they forgot theirs at the Philly show
Interesting discussion. What makes them special? For me personally, they are the first band in _30_ _years_ to make me reassess what is my favourite band; it is now a shared top spot. That alone makes them special to me. Plus there is this clear reference to classic rock with, as Ty already suggested, an _aggressive_ positivity. There seems to be a very special feel-good feedback going on between them and their fans.
Re. their future? They may stay a niche band with a discerning fan-base, which is fine by me. My other top favourite band, Throwing Muses, managed to keep writing the music they wanted to by turning their backs on the music industry, which nearly bankrupted them. They always were and remained largely a critics' band. BAND-MAID on the other hand, I get the impression have learned how to work with (and possibly play) the music industry & management. In any case, even if they change direction, there is an innate quality in their technical talent, their songwriting skills, their camaraderie, and their work ethic; as long as _they_ _themselves_ still enjoy making the music, I’m sure I will enjoy listening to it too. Ty pretty much summed up all I wanted to say myself 🙂.
BAND-MAID is ..... happiness
I was working in the office and desperately trying to find some nice pop, hard rock to listen to that was "modern". I actually came across them after hearing Polkadot Stingray and another, fairly softer pop group. They were okay but I was noticing that something is going on in Japan. Then the YT algorithm struck about 4 years ago and I saw BM on the recommendation list. I was apprehensive because I heard so much praise for Baby Metal and it was the complete opposite of what I was looking for. But I decided to give them a try. I believe the song was Dice and at the intro I knew it was exactly what I'd been hunting for in the past year. Ever since I've been a very fervent fan and tried to see them live this past year for their US tour but I couldn't shoe horn a show between work and my flight to Thailand with my wife. Super bummed about that but they're on the list to see live, and like one of the presenters, I hate live shows. I've not been so excited to try to catch anything live in over 20 years.
Another Japanese group I've seen live is One On Rock. They're not as rock dedicated, but Taka's voice is nothing less than omnipresent. His range and execution is nothing short of phenomenal. They're definitely more pop (save for Memories, We Are, The Beginning, more their pre Fueled by Ramen label days) but his voice always delivers.
Chase you mentioned fans talking abt the band for hours. I can attest to that: last October I went hoarse after partying for hours before 5 shows
Great convo guys. Ty made a great point...Band-Maid largely exist out of some kind of divine luck...the way great musicians come together. You can't manufacture that...usually boring or unoriginal when someone tries too hard to create a group. Their music just had this zing, variety and originality...I was doomed to be entrapped in Maiddom. Happily f****d 🤣🤘 all there's left to say is MISA MISA MISA!!! Oh, and always great to hear Permanent Waves get a mention...one of the pieces of vinyl that moulded my particular tastes. Not just rock man...Depeche Mode were a big group for me too.
im one of the people that comment on alot of reactors, this was a really good discussion. very open minded and fair. but to be honest, without reactors i would never have heard of Bandmaid, or japanese rock. Chase and Alex are two my favorites. and although there are other bands i like, thanks to you guys, Bandmaid and Lovebites are my Loves. Thank you for doing this