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Free-Will
is a Japanese independent record label founded in 1986 by Color vocalist Hiroshi "Dynamite Tommy" Tomioka, with branches predominantly in Japan and the United States, as well as previously in Europe. It also continues to co-manage many of its artists after they have signed recording contracts with a major record label. Free-Will along with Extasy Records are credited with helping to spread the visual kei movement. Free-Will also produced the 2001 anime adaptation of the long running manga series ''Grappler Baki''. Sub-divisions The company operates several sub-divisions, some of them for a single band or purpose only. For example, ''Firewall Div.'' solely handles material which is released in collaboration with Sony Music. Under Sony Music * ''Back Coat'' – 12012 * ''Firewall Div.'' – Dir en grey, Merry * ''Lizard'' – Kagerou Under King Records * ''PS Company'' – Kra ** ''Indie PSC'' – Born * ''S'Cube'' – Baroque, Eile de Mu, Puppet Mammy, Ruvie, Tokyo Michae ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Hiroshi Tomioka
, better known by his stage name Dynamite Tommy, is a Japanese musician, record producer and businessman. He first rose to prominence as vocalist of the punk rock band Color in the late-1980s and early-1990s, but now predominantly works behind the scenes running his record label Free-Will. Career Dynamite Tommy formed the punk rock band Color in 1985, for which he was initially the guitarist before quickly taking over the role of vocalist. In 1986, Tommy formed the independent record label Free-Will to distribute his band's work. It is one of two labels credited with helping to spread Japan's visual kei movement. It has also been a major contributor in spreading modern visual kei outside Japan. During a break in Color activities in 1992, Tommy teamed up with Kenzi of the recently disbanded Kamaitachi to form Sister's No Future. In 2008, Tommy wrote and directed the music film ''Attitude'', with various Japanese rock artists from the 1970s–1990s appearing as themselves. Tommy ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Dynamite Tommy
, better known by his stage name Dynamite Tommy, is a Japanese musician, record producer and businessman. He first rose to prominence as vocalist of the punk rock band Color in the late-1980s and early-1990s, but now predominantly works behind the scenes running his record label Free-Will. Career Dynamite Tommy formed the punk rock band Color in 1985, for which he was initially the guitarist before quickly taking over the role of vocalist. In 1986, Tommy formed the independent record label Free-Will to distribute his band's work. It is one of two labels credited with helping to spread Japan's visual kei movement. It has also been a major contributor in spreading modern visual kei outside Japan. During a break in Color activities in 1992, Tommy teamed up with Kenzi of the recently disbanded Kamaitachi to form Sister's No Future. In 2008, Tommy wrote and directed the music film ''Attitude'', with various Japanese rock artists from the 1970s–1990s appearing as themselves. Tommy ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians that is characterized by the use of varying levels of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics, similar to Western glam rock. Some Western sources consider visual kei a music genre, with its sound usually related to glam rock, punk rock and heavy metal. However, visual kei acts play various genres, including those considered by some as unrelated to rock such as electronic, pop, etc. Other sources, including members of the movement themselves, state that it is not a music genre and that the freedom of expression, fashion, and participation in the related subculture is what exemplifies the use of the term. Etymology The term "visual kei" was derived from one of X Japan's slogans, "Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock", seen on the cover of their second studio album '' Blue Blood'' (1989). This derivation is credited as being coined by Seiichi Hoshiko, the foun ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Color (band)
Color (stylized as COLOR) was a Japanese punk band formed in 1985 by Dynamite Tommy, who founded the Free-Will record label a year later.''Free-Will and Groove Productions Press Release'' Retrieved Sep 12 2007 They are considered to be important to the formation of . Their debut album ''Gekitotsu'' was named one of the top albums from 1989–1998 in a 2004 issue of the music magazine ''Band Yarouze''. History Color released their debut album ''Gekitotsu'', in January 1988. After releasing their second album ''Fools! Get Lucky!!'', they signed to |
Baroque (band)
BAROQUE (previously stylized as Baroque and baroque) was a Japanese rock band originally formed in 2001.baroque's Biography at CD Journal Retrieved August 27, 2007Bounce ''Di(s)ctionary Number 13 - Visual Kei'' Retrieved November 19, 2008 Originally signed to S'Cube, a sub-division of the independent record label , the band later switched to the company's Firewall Division, with distribution handled by [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kagerou (band)
was a Japanese visual kei rock band, formed in September 1999 by vocalist Daisuke and bassist Masaya, with guitarist Yuana joining shortly afterward. In 2000 Kagerou left their record label Loop Ash to sign with Lizard, a sub-label of Free-Will. After experiencing success within Japan, the band set their sights abroad and in 2005 they played in both Germany and France. History Kagerou means " mayfly" in the Japanese language. Mayflies can be as old as three years. However, when mayflies reach their adulthood, their life span varies from two hours to three days. The short lifespan of a mayfly was thought to be symbolic of vocalist Daisuke. He suffered heart problems since infancy and knowing that his heart could stop any day the band was named Kagerou in honor of him. At their live on September 16, 2006, at Liquid Room Ebisu, Kagerou announced that they would disband. Member comments on their official website stated that their last live would take place on January 8, 2007 at Ze ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Dir En Grey
Dir En Grey (stylized as DIR EN GREY and previously as Dir en grey) is a Japanese Heavy metal music, heavy metal band formed in February 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. With a consistent lineup of guitarists Kaoru (musician), Kaoru and Die (musician), Die, vocalist Kyo (musician), Kyo, drummer Shinya (musician), Shinya and bassist Toshiya (musician), Toshiya, they have released eleven full-length records. Numerous stylistic changes have made the genre of their music difficult to determine, though it is generally considered to be a form of metal. Originally a visual kei band, the members later opted for more subtle attire, but have continued to maintain a dramatic image on stage. History 1997–1999: Early career Dir En Grey was preceded by the Indie (music), independent rock band La:Sadie's, which included four of Dir En Grey's members before disbanding. They disbanded due to leader and bassist Kisaki not wanting to debut as he felt that ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
12012
is a Japanese visual kei rock band. Formed in 2003 in Osaka Prefecture, the group centers its work around the concept of "madness inside a human" (人間の内面における狂気 '). 12012 is also the penal code for the possession of a dangerous weapon in California. The group sometimes performs as , which is a translation of that offense. Musical styles The band's musical style has changed over the years. Starting out as a hardcore punk band — and later an alternative metal band with some punk elements — after its first two albums '' Not Obtain+1'' and '' Play Dolls'' the band's music shifted to a more radio-friendly sound which could be described as a mix of pop and hard rock. After guitarist Suga left, the band slowly drifted back to heavier terrain. The band's current style could be described as heavy metal with alternative and progressive rock influences. History In 2007, the band performed the ending theme, "Cyclone", to the Gonzo anime television series ''Rome ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Merry (band)
is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in Tokyo in 2001. The current member lineup consists of Gara on vocals, Yuu on guitar, Tetsu on bass, and Nero on the drums. History 2000~2004 In late 2000, after the disbandment of their bands After effect and Shiver respectively, vocalist Gara and guitarist Yuu, only briefly acquainted through a few live events, contacted each other in hopes of a fresh beginning. In the following months of 2001, a series of meetings and discussions over the phone eventually led to the recruitment of the three other members, Tetsu, Nero and Kenichi in that order, and the five of them formed in October 2001 what was to be known as Merry today. Early activities as an obscure indies band included the distribution of 500 copies of a 2-track MD in indie CD stores nationwide, accompanied by a number of secret live shows held in Tokyo and Nagoya. Regular "serious" activities only began in 2002. Following more live shows, the band created their own indepen ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Extasy Records
Extasy Records is a Japanese record label founded in April 1986 by Yoshiki Hayashi, co-founder of the heavy metal band X Japan. The label's first release was X's 1986 single "Orgasm". Over the next few years, the label signed several then-little-known bands, among them future million-selling Glay and Luna Sea. Extasy along with Free-Will are credited with helping to spread the visual kei movement. The label also hosted a series of events to promote the groups, called Extasy Summits, which would also feature formerly signed bands that had already moved on to a major label. History Yoshiki Hayashi founded Extasy Records in Japan in 1986, using money he received from his mother when she sold her business. His band X Japan (then still named X) released their second single, "Orgasm", as the label's first release. In 1988, their debut album '' Vanishing Vision'' came out and was a huge success for an independent band. Over the next couple of years Extasy signed many bands that woul ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Avex Group
is a Japanese entertainment conglomerate led by founder Max Matsuura and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1988, the company manages J-pop talents like Ayumi Hamasaki and internet sensation PikoTaro. It has also shifted into other business domains like anime, video games and live music events, partnering with Ultra Music Festival and hosting the annual A-nation. The company is a member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) ''keiretsu''. Name Avex is an acronym of the English words Audio Visual Expert. Since its foundation, its corporate name was Avex D.D., Incorporated, and ten years later it was changed to Avex, Incorporated. The current name, Avex Group Holdings, Incorporated, was adopted in 2004 as part of reconstruction process after Tom Yoda's resignation. Avex Group Holdings, Incorporated was used for the main subsidiaries, while the old name (Avex, Incorporated) was for entertainment components of the Group. In 2005, Avex, Incorporated became Avex Ente ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Europe
Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in its own right because of its great physical size and the weight of its history and traditions. Europe is also considered a subcontinent of Eurasia and it is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. Comprising the westernmost peninsulas of Eurasia, it shares the continental landmass of Afro-Eurasia with both Africa and Asia. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and Asia to the east. Europe is commonly considered to be separated from Asia by the watershed of the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Greater Caucasus, the Black Sea and the waterways of the Turkish Straits. "Europe" (pp. 68–69); "Asia" (pp. 90–91): "A commonly accepted division between Asia and Europe ... is formed by the Ural Mountains, Ural River, Caspian Sea, Caucasus Mountains, and the Black Sea wit ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
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