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Babymetal

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Babymetal
From left to right: Yui Mizuno, Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi
From left to right: Yui Mizuno, Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi
Background information
OriginTokyo, Japan
GenresHeavy metal,[1][2] J-pop,[3] death metal[4]
Years active2010–present
LabelsJūonbu Records, BMD Fox Records
MembersSu-metal
Moametal
Yuimetal
Websitebabymetal.jp

Babymetal (stylized BABYMETAL) is a Japanese metal vocal and dance group, consisting of Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-metal, Moa Kikuchi as Moametal and Yui Mizuno as Yuimetal. The concept of the group is a fusion of metal and idol.[5] The three teenage girls and their group are managed by the Amuse talent agency. They released their debut album of the same name February 2014.

History

2010-2012: Origins and formation

The group was initially formed as a subunit of the female idol group Sakura Gakuin, aiming to realize a "fusion of metal and idol [music]".[5][6][7] None of the three members knew what metal music was before the inception of the band.[8] Suzuka Nakamoto once said in an interview to MTV 81, "The first time we heard the idea for Babymetal, we were like “What the?!”".[9][10]

According to Kobametal (the band's producer), Babymetal's name came to him by revelation (as a "divine message"). It is a play on the words "heavy metal". "Baby" may indicate cuteness, "metal" – intensity. Also, he has come to like interpreting it as "newborn metal".[11] In an interview for Razor TV while in Singapore in late 2013, the band members also used the latter interpretation. They stated their brand of metal was a newborn genre, and that was what "baby" in "Babymetal" stood for.[8]

Babymetal's first indie CD single, titled "Babymetal × Kiba of Akiba", ranked 3rd in the Oricon weekly indie chart and number one in the Tower Records Shibuya weekly indie ranking.[12] The band's major debut single "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" sold 19,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number 6 in the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.[5]

2013-present: Debut album, growth in popularity and viral success

Main article: Babymetal (album)

In the spring of 2013, Suzuka Nakamoto graduated from junior high school and therefore had to "graduate" from the group Sakura Gakuin (that consists of girls of up to junior high). However, their management decided that Babymetal would not dissolve and would continue its activities as a band.[6] The group released its next single, titled "Megitsune" on Wednesday, June 19.[13] On November 20, 2013, Babymetal released its first live DVD/Blu-ray Disc. The disc contains three different concerts.[14] The Blu-ray Disc version debuted at seventh place in the weekly Oricon Blu-ray Disc charts (and at the second place among music Blu-ray Discs).[15]

On August 10 and 11, 2013, Babymetal performed at the "Summer Sonic 2013" rock festival which was held in Tokyo and Osaka.[16] Reportedly, Metallica members came to watch their show.[17][18] It was Babymetal's second time playing at the festival; in 2012, they became the youngest artists ever (with the average age of 12) to perform there. Later, in October 2013, Babymetal also became the youngest artists ever to perform at the Heavy Metal Music Festival, Loud Park.[19] In November 2013, Babymetal released a promo video for the Japanese premiere of Metallica's movie Through the Never.[4]

On February 26, 2014, Babymetal released it first, self-titled album. It contained 13 tracks and was also available in a limited edition that included a DVD with music videos and live footage.[20][21] The album was very well received by music critics[22] as well as the public, selling over 37.000 copies in Japan on its first week and debuting at number 4 in Oricon[23] and number 2 in Billboard Japan.[24] It also topped metal iTunes charts in the US, UK and Germany and on March 22 reached 187th position on US Billboard 200, something (entering the chart) that very few Japanese artists have achieved.[25][26]

On March 1 and 2, 2014, the band gave two concerts at Budokan. With the average age of 14.7, they became youngest-ever female act to give a show there. The two concerts were attended by 20,000 people. At the March 2 concert, a European tour, to take place in the summer, was announced.[27][28]

Babymetal made their debut appearance in the United Kingdom at the Sonisphere Festival 2014. They performed on the main Apollo stage on July 5.[29][30] Babymetal is also going to be the opening act to five Lady Gaga's concerts in her tour "artRAVE: the ARTPOP ball".[31][32]

Musical style

The music group are most commonly associated with the genres death metal, heavy metal and jpop, but have also incorporated various other sub-genres into their music such as symphonic death metal, melodic metal, 'melodic speed metal', synthpop, trance and idol music.[3][4][10][33][34] They have also been dubbed by their record label and fans as "Kawaii metal" because of their Japanese teen pop style fused together with metal genres.[1][2]

Before the trio formed, they previously had no experience into the metal genre. Yui Mizuno admitted that beforehand she was actually scared of heavy metal music, but later stated that "It’s fun and I see why people enjoy it so much! I still don’t completely understand it, but I'm interested." Kobametal, the bands producer, aimed to create a fusion of heavy metal genres and mix them with Japanese idol music, quoting "At Amuse, we have this group called Perfume and I really like them. But I thought, if I’m gonna make a group, how would I do it? I really like metal, so I figured I’d try mixing metal and idol music."[35]

Live performances

File:Kami-Band2013.jpg
Kami Band
File:BLACK BABYMETAL.jpg
Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno as Black Babymetal

The dancing trio all perform vocal roles; Suzuka Nakamoto is the clean vocalist of the trio while Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno perform scream vocals with additional clean vocals.[35][36] The trios usually dress up in punk lolita style outfits of red and black. Nakamoto, the tallest of the three, is typically in the centre, with the other two members positioned either side of her.[35][37] In addition, Kikuchi and Mizuno make up a sub-group called BLACK BABYMETAL.[38][39] The dancing is choreographed by the trio's dance teacher Mikiko, who is renown for her choreography with Perfume and owns her own dance company called 'Eleven Play'.[40][41]

Instead of the sign of the horns, the band uses the hand gesture of the fox (or more accurately the kitsune) to symbolise the band's divine inspiration.[35][42] When asked about this divinity (the 'Fox God') they replied, "We’ve actually never met the Fox God, but because of his blessing, we were able to become BABYMETAL."[10] In their concerts, Babymetal are assisted by a backup band, which is either a pretend band called Babybone, dressed in black-and-white skeleton outfits, who mime playing instruments [43] or a live band called Full Metal Band (also known as the "Gods of Metal" or "Kami Band").[17][18][44] The first time they performed with a live band was in Oct 2012.[45]

There is also a backup dance group called Sisterbone that may join them on stage.[46] Metalhammer described their act using the formula "Short skirts, school girl charm and squeaky voices - just like in the manga comics. But they mix the whole thing with Metal.".[47]

Members

Discography

Babymetal discography
Studio albums1
Video albums1
Music videos7
Singles5

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JP US
Babymetal
  • Released: February 26, 2014 (2014-02-26)
  • Label: BMD Fox Records
  • Format: CD, DVD, digital
 2 187

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
Oricon[48]
"Doki Doki Morning" 2011 - Babymetal
"Ii ne!" 2012 46
"Headbangeeeeerrrrr" 20
"Ijime, Dame, Zettai" 2013 6
"Megitsune" 7

Music videos

Title Year Album Director Type Link
"Doki Doki Morning" 2012 Babymetal Unknown Performance [1]
"Ii ne!" [2]
"Ii ne!" (Live in Tokyo 2012) Live performance [3]
"Headbangeeeeerrrrr" Narrative [4]
"Ijime, Dame, Zettai" [5]
"Megitsune" 2013 Performance [6]
"Gimme Chocolate" 2014 [7]

Video albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
Oricon
Weekly
Live: Legend I, D, Z Apocalypse 7[49]

References

  1. ^ a b "Babymetal: Japan's Cute Heavy Metal Band Releases New Video". Huffingtonpost.com. Huffington Post. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Babymetal Biography". Barks.jp. Barks. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  3. ^ a b Stephens, Alexis. "Are Japan's Death Metal Teenyboppers Babymetal Okay?". Mtviggy.com. MTV Iggy. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Lemke, Markus. "metal-hammer.de". Metal-hammer.de (in German). Metal Hammer. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "TOP10入りデビューするライブ重視の個性派アイドル～Cheeky Parade、BABYMETAL". ORICON BiZ online (in Japanese). Oricon. 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
  6. ^ a b " [BABYMETAL] The end was the beginning of the new story of BABYMETAL. It has begun at that night. Here is the report from the night at Zepp Tokyo!". Kawaii Girl Japan. 2013-02-14. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
  7. ^ "12～13歳女の子の「ヘビメタアイドル」 「さくら学院 BABYMETAL」に世界が大注目" (in Japanese). J-CAST. 2011-12-16. Retrieved 2013-04-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b "BABYMETAL: 'Cutest Headbangers On The Planet'". Razor TV (in Japanese and with subtitles in English). Singapore. December 2013. Retrieved 2014-01-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  9. ^ Note: Her words are translated from Japanese, so she didn't actually say "What the!?", didn't actually say it like this in English.
  10. ^ a b c St. Michel, Patrick. "Headbanging with Babymetal at Rock In Japan 2013". Mtv81.com. MTV81. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  11. ^ "異色メタルアイドル「ベビーメタル」はなぜ人気？ "仕掛け人"を直撃！". Nikkei Trendy Net (in Japanese). 2013-10-31. p. 2. Retrieved 2014-01-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "女の子3人組のメタルダンスユニット"BABYMETAL"、初の単独シングル発売決定". De View (in Japanese). Oricon. 2012-04-27. Retrieved 2013-04-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ "BABYMETAL To Release "Megitsune" On June 19th". Japanverse. 2013-04-16.
  14. ^ "Japan-Metaller Babymetal Live-Aufnahme von 'Catch Me If You Can' – METAL HAMMER". Metal Hammer. 2013-11-29. Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  15. ^ "【オリコン】BABYMETAL、初ライブBDがTOP10入り". Oricon Style (in Japanese). 2013-11-27. Retrieved 2013-12-07. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "BABYMETAL ： 2度目のサマソニ参戦が決定 今年は大阪にも降臨！" (in Japanese). Mantan-Web. 2013-05-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b Kawaii Girl Japan (2013-10-04). "[Kawaii girl Japan]BABYMETAL is off to the Top Metal Festival in Japan! Performance at LOUD PARK 13 Confirmed". Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  18. ^ a b "METALLICA movie x BABYMETAL, "Gods of Metal" collaborative commercial released". Barks (in Japanese). 2013-11-21.
  19. ^ "BABYMETAL Live in Singapore 2013". Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  20. ^ "1st Album「BABYMETAL」発売決定DEATH！！". BABYMETAL.jp (in Japanese). BABYMETAL. 2014-01-24. Retrieved 2014-01-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |deadurl= (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "日本武道館2DAYS決定！！オフィシャルHP先行がスタートDEATH！！12月24日（火）23時59分まで！！". BABYMETAL.jp (in Japanese). BABYMETAL. 2013-12-21. Retrieved 2014-01-31. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |deadurl= and |trans_title= (help)
  22. ^ Kazumi Namba (2014-02-10). "BABYMETAL". Rolling Stone Japan Edition (March 2014). Atomics Media: 103.
  23. ^ "2014年02月24日〜2014年03月02日のCDアルバム週間ランキング（2014年03月10日付）". Oricon. Archived from the original on 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  24. ^ "Billboard Japan Top Albums│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard Japan. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
    "週間アルバムチャートでうたプリ1位に、武道館実現のBABYMETALも善戦". Billboard Japan. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
  25. ^ "The Billboard 200". Billboard. 2014-03-13. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
  26. ^ "BABYMETAL to perform at a British rock festival for the first time with the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden". Barks. 2014-04-16. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
  27. ^ "[Concert Report] BABYMETAL's Does Legendary Performance at Budokan, Announces Europe Tour". Barks. 2014-03-16.
  28. ^ "BABYMETAL、武道館単独公演で史上最年少記録". Oricon. 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  29. ^ "LINE UP POSTER". Sonisphere Festival UK. 2014-05-07. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
  30. ^ "BABYMETAL World Tour 2014 Live Schedule". BABYMETAL.jp. BABYMETAL. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
  31. ^ "BABYMETAL レディー・ガガの米ツアーに大抜擢、LAワンマンも - Daily News - Billboard JAPAN" (in Japanese).
  32. ^ "Lady Gaga Artrave US Tour 2014: Babymetal Confirmed As Opening Act". KDramaStars.com. 2014-06-18. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
  33. ^ "Appearance followed by a roar live band BABYMETAL to "SUMMER CAMP 2013"". Musicman.net (in Japanese). Music Man. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  34. ^ "BABYMETAL fusion and metal idol, competing in the "metal girl society" event". Barks.jp (in Japanese). Barks. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  35. ^ a b c d Phro, Preston. "Put your kitsune up! BABYMETAL is set to dominate the world with 'dangerous kawaii'". Rocketnews24.com. Rocketnews24. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  36. ^ Reyan, Ali (2012-08-01). "Seriously, what is Babymetal?". portland.thephoenix.com. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  37. ^ "BABYMETAL、「扇風機ヘドバン」「土下座ヘドバン」が舞い踊るミュージックビデオが完成". Barks (in Japanese). 2012-06-21. Retrieved 2014-05-13.
  38. ^ "BLACK BABYMETAL". BBC Online. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
  39. ^ "Details on CD info and newest artwork for 'festival metal', BABYMETAL's 'Megitsune' revealed". http://www.en.barks.jp. 2013-05-19. Retrieved 2014-06-16. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  40. ^ Azusa, Takada. "Chemistry three of BABYMETAL produces was felt strongly" (Interview). Natalie.mu (in Japanese). Natalie. Retrieved 30 June 2014. Tteyuu MIKIKO teacher, choreographer has worked the choreography threesome artists Perfume's Japan is in charge.
  41. ^ "About Us". Elevenplay.net (in Japanese). Eleven Play. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  42. ^ "「アイドルとメタルの融合」ヘヴィメタル・ダンスユニットBABYMETALのCDの全貌が明らかに". Barks (in Japanese). 2012-02-09. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  43. ^ "テキストリポート【アイドル横丁祭!!】℃-ute、SUPER☆GiRLS、BABYMETALなど豪華７組が出演した【アイドル横丁祭!!】をリポート！楽屋コメント＆撮りおろしのライブ写真とたっぷりとお届けします！動画は随時更新していくよ！". Kawaii Girl Japan. 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  44. ^ Kawaii Girl Japan (2013-07-26). "[Kawaii girl Japan/ Concert Report] BABYMETAL Performed a New Song at NHK Hall Solo Show.". Barks.
  45. ^ "Whitewashed live band also appeared! BABYMETAL first one-man great success". Natalie.mu. Natalie. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  46. ^ "[BABYMETAL] Report from the live at Akasaka BLITZ where they've created new legend!". Kawaii Girl Japan. 2012-12-28. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  47. ^ Ahlig, Enrico. "Baby Metal: Crazy Metal trend from Japan". Metal-hammer.de (in German). Metalhammer. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  48. ^ "ＢＡＢＹＭＥＴＡＬのCDシングルランキング、ＢＡＢＹＭＥＴＡＬのプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2013-06-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ "2013年11月18日〜2013年11月24日のBlu-ray総合週間ランキング（2013年12月02日付）" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2013-12-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)[dead link]
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