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Free-Will (label)
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 Michael ... [...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] |
Kra (band)
Kra is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 2001. Musical styles Their music includes a variety of genres from indie pop, alternative, funk, punk, hard rock and even an influence of jazz. Kra is signed to the PS company label and made their major label debut with the single "Heart Balance" on September 21, 2006. History The band formed in August 2001, and released their first demo tape, ''Brise'', on May 18, 2002. The following November, they signed a contract with ''PS Company'' after releasing their second demo tape, ''Hard Lolita''. Guitarist Mai left the band due to health problems and a farewell performance was made on December 28, 2010. Guitarist Taizo and drummer Yasuno left the band after a concert on January 25, 2019, due to artistic differences. Members Current Lineup *Keiyuu - vocals, piano, guitar (2001–present) *Yuhra - bass (2001–present) Former Members * Mai - guitar (2001-2010 - due to poor health) * Taizo - guitar (2011-2018) (formerly of Zoro) ... [...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 Zepp ... [...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 independe ... [...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 band formed in February 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. With a consistent lineup of guitarists Kaoru and Die, vocalist Kyo, drummer Shinya and bassist 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 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 it was too soon, but guitarist Kaoru believed that they were ready for it. After parting ways with Kisaki, members Kaor ... [...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 ''Romeo x ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Grappler Baki
Grappling, in hand-to-hand combat, describes sports that consist of gripping or seizing the opponent. Grappling is used at close range to gain a physical advantage over an opponent, either by imposing a position or causing injury. Grappling is a broad term that encompasses many disciplines. These various martial arts can be practiced both as combat sports and for self-defense. Grappling contests often involve takedowns and ground control, and may end when a contestant concedes defeat, also known as a submission or tap out. Grappling most commonly does not include striking or the use of weapons. However, some fighting styles or martial arts known especially for their grappling techniques teach tactics that include strikes and weapons either alongside grappling or combined with it. Grappling appeared in the 1950s. Types of technique Grappling techniques can be broadly subdivided into clinch fighting; takedowns and throws; submission holds and pinning or controll ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is used in Japan to refer to both comics and cartooning. Outside of Japan, the word is typically used to refer to comics originally published in the country. In Japan, people of all ages and walks of life read manga. The medium includes works in a broad range of genres: action, adventure, business and commerce, comedy, detective, drama, historical, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction and fantasy, erotica ('' hentai'' and ''ecchi''), sports and games, and suspense, among others. Many manga are translated into other languages. Since the 1950s, manga has become an increasingly major part of the Japanese publishing industry. By 1995, the manga market in Japan was valued at (), with annual sales of 1.9billion manga books and manga magazi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japanese, (a term derived from a shortening of the English word ''animation'') describes all animated works, regardless of style or origin. Animation produced outside of Japan with similar style to Japanese animation is commonly referred to as anime-influenced animation. The earliest commercial Japanese animations date to 1917. A characteristic art style emerged in the 1960s with the works of cartoonist Osamu Tezuka and spread in following decades, developing a large domestic audience. Anime is distributed theatrically, through television broadcasts, Original video animation, directly to home media, and Original net animation, over the Internet. In addition to original works, anime are often adaptations of Japanese comics (manga), light novels, ... [...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 fou ... [...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] |
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