This is one of their songs they wrote. It's also one of my favorites. Kanami the lead guitarist is the primary songwriter. She will write the basic song and takes it to the rest of the band and they will work on it together with the drummer and bassist writing their parts. Miku, the backing vocalist writes the lyrics with input from Saiki the lead vocalist. If you want to hear the very first song they wrote that was recorded check out 'Alone'.
I really like how you comment on songs. Yes, I'm a Band Maid fan, but I'm also a musician.. And the way you comment on songs is really constructive and well thought. It's a welcome change from your regular, off the mill reactions. Subscribed. For your first live song, I recommend Moratorium, puzzle or the feb 14 2020 live version of domination. They are phenomenal live. I'm lucky to live in japan, and let me tell ya.. Thos videos are mixed in post, yes.. But They really are that tight live. If you have a chance, go see them live. They will print a smile on your face for weeks.
I would echo your sentiments pretty much! Getting a bit jaded with a lot of the reactors in general. This guy telling me things that I didn't necessarily already know. Refreshing !!
6:03 You're right. One thing about Band-Maid that put them above all other bands, new or old, for me is how they work together and respect one another. No ego among them. No trying to outshine each other but instead they lift each other. They rewrite parts of songs to allow the rhythm guitarist to solo when she's become skilled enough (she only started learning guitar from the lead guitarist after forming the band).
This is the best breakdown of this song that I have heard a reactor give! Great job! I think you are going to be hooked, because Band-Maid are masters at the points that you brought up. Live is surely the way to go now. Say like a heavier tune like Moratorium.
By this time 2017 they were on the big girl charts and had a huge team. The credits list over 50 names, with multiple people in roles like vocal direction and sound design, includes marketing types etc. But lyrics by founder/rhythm guitarist, music by BandMaid, generally accepted that guitarist brings song, lets others arrange their own (obv drums & bass work closely), and generically listed as Producedby BandMaid. Guitarist Kanami considers it praise from Tony Visconti when he basically only tweaked effects and vocal melody, to fit the lyrics that he brought to her song, with minimal other editing. His involvement was so huge, it’s hard to tease out a simple story, but she’s clear that she was happy to accept his work as a stamp of approval on her production. That song is most recent vid, The Dragon Cries. ruclips.net/video/skEkpogsmE0/видео.html There are good subtitled interviews of their background, this recent one hypes the show that is their latest dvd, but also touches on Visconti, and on band history/lore. Reactable, tho no performance and subtitles are a consideration. ruclips.net/video/DJOCtXT9bF0/видео.html Ha, I hadn’t noticed , the clip playing underneath their introduction is Choose Me, only available as a Bside, heh, who’s crafty now hmmm
Man, you nailed it. Most people usually get astonished by their musicianship during much time before they get into the songwriting. Your comments are really spot on. Very observative and accurate. Yes, this song shows a punk rock side. They write their music using all the cathegories of rock (punk, funk, pop, hard, metal), sometimes in the same song!. Yes, second verse is different of first. Always, and you cannot still imagine how much they can vary them. Yes, they always find formulas to give every member a time to shine without overlap other. The tempo of their songs usually vary in clever forms... Well, probably this is the most cretive band in active, and you are just scratching the surface. This is "Alone", official MV. Four years ago. The first song they wrote and arranged : ruclips.net/video/axF56i4spio/видео.html After that song nobody was able to offer them nothing better of what they write. BTW. Suscribed
I knew I liked this band a whole lot. But your ability to explain what it is that I like about them so much. Has really deepened my love for their music!
Love this song; love the reaction. I am bingeing your Band-Maid reactions (again) while on the way to the studio in Santa Fe. Nothing like the beauty of the happiest hard rock in the world to get me in the right frame of mind to lend my feeble talent to the record. Great and thoughtful analysis as always. 1/5 of Band Maid in your list; can't wait to join you for more of the journey.
I remember an old jazz guy in a band I used to play in said it's an old trick used by jazz and blues bands, never play a theme twice exactly the same. Keeps things fresh. Band Maid does this all the time. Slightly different arrangements in consecutive verses and choruses. It shows a lot of thought. Check out Puzzle live to see this in action.😁
Thank you, Chase, for reacting Band-Maid!! Except for their very early songs (such as Thrill and Real Existence), they produce and write their songs by themselves. Their roles are as follows (from right to left): 1. Kanami (lead guitarist): composition (except for the bass line and backing vocals) 2. Saiki (lead singer): overall direction and final judgement 3. Akane (drummer): drums arrangement 4. Miku Kobato (rhythm guitarist/backing singer): lyrics, vocal arrangement, backing vocals composition 5. Misa (bassist): bass composition/arrangement So, each member is talented, but as far as songwriting is concerned, Kanami, the lead guitarist, is by far the most important.
pop-punk perfection. eclectic classicism is part & parcel of this generational coterie's ethos but not at the expense of melodic invention & instrumental ingenuity.
BAND-MAID has a superpower. It’s synergy. Five awesome individuals coming together to form a single greater awesomeness. Nice reaction. Liked & subbed.
For a frame of reference, they started writing their own music during the recording of Brand New Maid. Their single "alone" was the first taste of what they could do by themselves.
I absolutely love your reactions and breakdowns of the songs! Can't wait for you to do more of Band-Maid! Do as much as you can! I'll be watching all of them!
Yesssss! After all the brilliant music and the amazing performance that we all enjoy, you picked up on the key to Band-Maid (for me) - listening to their music makes you feel happy, positively joyous! It's just as good when you watch someone get infected by the Band-Maid experience, like watching someone fall under a spell!
Everything after the song alone is completely theirs. That song was the first after gaining complete creative control to my knowledge. And they've grown and incorporated so many genres since then. They can do just about anything. They even did a small slipknot cover during a live stream
Not all of them, if im remembered correctly, "you" is not t Written by them, same as "smile". But yeah, almost all of them are written by the band after "alone"
Nice reacts and comments! Maybe my favorite new band of last 20yrs. Soooooo solid, i love all the tempo and style changes in every song. For live stuff check out "Don't you tell me", "Play", "Moratorium", or more recent "Domination". P.S. Thx for getting past the outfits and actually listening to these fun and positive, impossibly hard-rocking ladies
Your reaction to Thrill was the first of yours that I'd seen and I've really been enjoying watching your reactions over the last few days since seeing that one. Your analysis is clear and concise and interesting to listen to, and it's so much better than a lot of channels who just whoop and holler and pull silly faces. Very refreshing, thank you! Funnily enough, when I saw the title for this one I thought maybe you were doing the live version of Choose Me from their recent blu-ray recorded in February at Line Cube, Shibuya. It might be interesting for you to check that one out as a direct comparison, even if not as a reaction video. I don't think you can really go wrong with Band-Maid, it's just great song after great song. My personal favourites are Alone, Blooming, Daydreaming, PAGE and Secret MY Lips. Subbed. Keep up the good work!
Thank you sooooo much for the support. Yeah live stuff definitely up next. Just wanted to hear of their own written songs first but I'm hooked. Much more coming soon.
@@ChaseCarneson Brilliant, looking forward to it! I hope you can check out Lovebites, too, at some point - they're a Japanese all-female Power Metal band and they're phenomenal as well. Your comment about giant solos might come back again lol . . .
I may like simply watching people's reactions to BAND-MAID, but I really appreciate it whenever the person reacting gives me a new look on the subject, teaches me something. And I learned something today, so thank you. I would've never noticed those hi-hat openings otherwise. Loving how you put these videos together, keep them coming!
The bass line at 04:56, is MISA actually slapping. She switched from picking to slapping in just that moment then she switched back to picking. 06:00 The lead guitarist, Kanami, who played the solo, is also the main composer of the band. She never wants a song to be a guitar-hero song, so she always sits down and composes her solo for fitting the song the most. Thanks for the reaction. This is my recommendation: Blooming, Reincarnation, The Dragon Cries, Daydreaming, Dice, Take me higher, Onset, Moratorium, Screaming, Puzzle, Awlward, .... Yeah, almost each song is different, they have a variety of sound.
Yeah, the live performances, haha. This band was made for playing live. Incredible musicians, great songwriting, tight as hell live. The little showcases of each individual, but still within the context of the song, were really made for live shows. It's just a great time!
Great reaction! I love your analysis. In all of your videos you keep it simple, but you point out really good things a lot of reactors don't notice. It's extremely valuable. Thank you for taking the time! I'm already excited to catch your next one.
this is such a great and constructive reaction, Im beyond glad i could see someone be just as excited and amazed by Band Maid as i was, when i first became a fan bc of THIS exact song recently. love it bro
This has to be one of the best reactions to them I've seen up to this point... And it does have to do with your knowledge on the subject. You described what they do perfectly....and it is present in nearly every song. The value of Kanami-san to the band (lead gt). I have a sneaky suspicion Akane's (drums) contribution to that process is not yet recognized with Kanami currently enjoying what seems like 100% of the credit. When I first discovered the Japanese scene a few years ago, it was the seemingly ubiquitous quality of musicianship and song writing that I am still fascinated with today. I've only come across one explanation outside of dietary concerns that accounts for that. I can't speak to it's validity but it makes sense. The comment I tead notef that within the Japanese efucation system music is still emphasized, and not only that, but is actually promoted as a viable career choice. The v9mnent also noted that within that part of the system the girls out-numbetex the boys something along the lines of a 65-35 split. This was offered up to account for quantity of all-girl Japanese bands. I suppose it sprung from the Idol culture industry.... I might be repeating myself, age does that....lol I should have learned to play an instrument back in the day...:)
I didn't used to watch a lot a anime until recently (once I retired I had more free time), but my daughter told me to watch K-ON!, about high school four girls joining the "light music" club at school and how that turned into a rock group. I was very taken by the themes and the girls determination to create a rock band. The original manga was published between May 2007 and Oct 2010. I've heard that it was very popular with high school girls at the time (15B Yen sales). Most of the girls in BM would have been in high school at that time, not sure if that was an influence or not. Here's the WIKI entry - the main character, Yui, in some cases seems similar to Miku - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-On!
@@glenkelley6799 I will definitely look for that and check out the wiki... it's all so fascinating! My mother, still alive pushing 80, and I were talking the other day about how her parents and grandparents all played instruments, and in the evenings, on the farm, after dinner, would sit around playing songs and singing all night for entertainment...even after they got a radio in the house! All that did was give them new songs to learn. I have some faint childhoid memories of that. We were speculating about reasons for the decline of that part if out culture...what else do "old people" do...lol ... Anyway... Here's an example of what I was referring to earlier. Its just amazing... Jill and accomplice (?), doing a cover of Dream Theatre's - The Dance of Etetnity - ruclips.net/video/LUtdC-9jaPc/видео.html
@@moomakemoney That's pretty much what I remember growing up, mom played the piano and sang, dad sang and we kids had learn to the songs. Each week she would buy a new popular song sheet for piano to learn. Thanks for that link, love Jill - here's one for you cello and guitar - ruclips.net/video/HM1M6p1fiUM/видео.html
"lol I should have learned to play an instrument back in the day...:)" Never too late to start. I'm finding that my new guitar (the purchase of which was inspired by learning of Miku's amazing progress on her playing) is helping with my arthritis. The trigger finger syndrome, however, is...not helped. I guess pigeons can't cure everything, sad po.
It's refreshing watching a reactor that can pause & have some meaningful commentary on their musicianship, song structure, etc. Looking forward to your first reaction of a live performance. Great job.
Kanami, the lead guitarist is the main music composer and arranger ... She is a damn genius as you may have noticed!! Mika, the rhythm guitarist is the main lyricist. Recently Kanami has been forcing the other members to start doing some of the composing and arranging as well which is working a wonderfully, but this song is Kamami's
"It makes me so happy watching them" That's really it, isn't it? That was my immediate thought as well when I discovered them, followed closely by 'how is it that I'm just hearing about this now?'
I’m really glad you picked up on how they differentiate the second verse by adding different elements. They do that in many of their songs and it seems like most reaction accounts fail to pick up on it. You’ve earned yourself a new sub!
I've listened to them a million times and I'm learning new stuff watching your analysis. Yes, they always vary things between first and second verses--it's a trademark of their approach, and even casual fans notice it--they can give you a different feeling with subtle changes. And your comment on Kanami's restraint is spot-on. I think it's almost tactical--Band-Maid fans are constantly in a state of wanting more, which is exactly where she wants us. Before you graduate to live performances, there is one studio track they did which still stands as the best version of that song: "Alone"--the first one they completely wrote and produced themselves with full control. Notable for two things: 1) This is where the "Band-Maid" sound really crystallizes, and 2) Kanami's solo on this has become legendary. Again, it's short, but it's been likened to a rocket blasting off. ruclips.net/video/axF56i4spio/видео.html
I've been enjoying your Band-Maid reaction videos and I am just now watching your 'Choose Me' reaction. I sometimes watch Rick Beato's analysis videos and was curious about his negative reaction to Band-Maid and 'Choose Me'. Someone posted a clip of his live stream where he was choosing songs to analyze. He was sitting in his studio with a guitar and keyboard handy, headphones on and his engineer was in the booth feeding music to his headphones. Rick said that his audience suggested he listen to Band-Maid, no particular song and he choose 'Choose Me' (Ha-ha!) The engineer complains that the feed is too loud and when Rick actually hears a short clip (a few seconds after the band kicks in - he never hears Saiki singing) he declares that "There's a lot going on" and then complains that it's too loud, too compressed, and there's no dynamics, and "I like dynamics." ...and that's the end of that! End of story. One thing I have noticed about Band-Maid songs are the constant and abrupt changes: if you play a few bars and hit pause, you have no idea that the next note is that sea change that turns the song on its ear. I believe Rick did not listen long enough to give them a chance. Also I'd love to hear your opinion on Band-Maid's use of compression and dynamics. Another thing Beato complains about is key changes: he claims that in the last twenty years popular music has seen the use of key changes nearly disappear. Hearing this, I thought of 'Cross' another Band-Maid song which surely sounds as though they're doing a nice fat key change when they repeat the chorus (chorus, CHORUS! x's 3) Thoughts?
Keep up the great reactions dude! Not just to this band but everything you do is leaps and bounds better than the majority of reactors who have no music knowledge and don't fully appreciate what they're listening too. I've been watching your Babymetal, Release the archers, Band Maid, and Lovebites reactions and love them all. Currently waiting for the next Lovebites reaction :)
@@ChaseCarneson My bad, I thought you did them already but glad to hear they're on your list. "When Destinies Align" is their latest release with an awesome official video and a great song in general. I can't wait to hear what you think about them.
This is easily, EASILY, the best reaction to Band-Maid I’ve seen. Thank you so much for your well considered take on their music and your insight into their songwriting. I haven’t read all the other comments, so I don’t know if it’s been covered by others yet, but here’s a brief breakdown: Miku (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) is the band founder and main lyricist. The whole gentle maid/hard rock concept is hers. She found Kanami (lead guitarist and principle songwriter) online. Kanami knew Akane (drummer and unofficial band leader in the “alright guys, let’s practice” sense), and Akane knew MISA (the bassist). They quickly realized that Miku, who originally came from a pop background, didn’t have the vocal power for rock, so she recruited Saiki (main vocals and occasional lyricist), and learned how to play guitar from Kanami to help fill out the sound. Miku remains the “face” or “mascot” of the band, especially when interacting with the Japanese press and their fans, but the other members have opened up more. In public, they lean into some Japanese maid pop culture personas which are exaggerations of their real personalities. Miku is bubbly and cute, Kanami is sweet and demure, Akane is silly, MISA is mysterious, and Saiki is serious and reserved. Behind the scenes though they are just a bunch of normal girls who rock (okay, Miku is a little weirder than the rest). Anyway, glad your enjoying the band, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more reactions from you, for Band-Maid as well as other acts!
Welcome to the world of Band Maid, your never going to leave you're going to love it. For me they are quite possibly the best band on the planet today. When you check out their live videos you will see how really awesome they are.
4 года назад+6
This is just great. Makas you happy and energetic.
As fantastic as it is, this is still nothing compared to live. I see your smile and that is one thing that makes them addictive. They make you smile. You can hear how fun they have, playing and wait until you see them smile on stage. Well, of course not gloomy bass-MISA.. :D I have never ever felt such joy from watching a band. On my second place comes Lovebites. Two japanese girl bands hooked me totally
@@ChaseCarneson Especially its fun to watch the drummer, Akane. Hitting like a beast with a big smile on her face. The harder she hits, the more she smiles :D
Morgan Olsson the way you described her makes her seem like a psycho 😂 Well when you think about it all of them are somewhat eccentric esp. Miku and Kanami. Saiki, the only one I initially thought was normal just happened to be obsessed with chasing around trains in her free time..... oh well.
They are almost a sensory overload live. Moratorium live is an insanely good hard rock song. To me it's one of the best hard rock songs I've ever heard.
@@ChaseCarneson Just a heads up, the Moratorium video that everyone reacts to got taken down today. You might want to do another song until Moratorium gets re-uploaded. (I can upload it if needed, just let me know if you can't find it. It really is an amazing performance).
Lead guitarist Kanami is the one who writes all of their music. They have dropped 6 albums so far and almost everything since their song “Alone” from their 3rd album, have been arranged and composed by the band themselves. Kanami is quite the genius songwriter as they pretty much dropped an album a year since their debut in 2013, with each one consisting around 10 to 15 tracks. And majority of them are very well written. BM diehard fans have a belief that they can only ever have good songs and great ones and in my personal experience it is quite close to the truth as they are just very consistent in their “Band maid sound” and they add in enough variations to keep it fresh. So, if you happen to like one of them you’re most likely going to like 95% of them. From their interviews, it seems that their previous label kept rejecting everything Kanami wrote before “Alone” so I’m guessing all that frustration eventually blew up the Genius in her lmao. Btw her along with the drummer Akane and bassist MISA are all professionally trained musicians who have been playing multiple instruments from as young as 4 years old. They’re in their late 20s now so its about 2 decades of experience. This core instrumental trio is definitely top tier. The rhythm guitarist Miku who is also the main lyricist and band founder, started learning guitar under Kanami after Saiki took over as the main vocalist.
Band-Maid is amazing. Songs I'd recommend for sure, even if you don't react to them: DICE, Alone, Glory, Don't You Tell Me (live), Bubble, Blooming. Also their alter-ego 'Band-Maiko' has a traditional+rock fusion song 'Secret Maiko Lips' (a cover of their own song: 'Secret My Lips'). You won't be disappointed by any of these. Not even slightly.
Choose Me was released as a single with a ballad Daydreaming, and belter Play. Watch Play live but the MV for Daydreaming would be my recommendation. All written by them.
Kanami (lead guitar) is the primary songwriter and is very masterful in the use of negative rhythm to create conversations between all the instruments. She also has an amazing ear for writing solos that are the perfect blend of musicality, and guitar pyrotechnics to show just how much of a badass she is without detracting from the song or the other's performances. Also Akane is easily one of the best drummers in the business! Impeccable timing and brilliant sense of dynamics. She has some of the best double kick chops as well. I would rank her with Danny Carey and Gavin Harrison.
This was the first Band-Maid song I ever heard. When I heard it I felt like that guy in Back to the Future during Marty McFly’s “Johnny B. Goode” cover. “Hey, you know that new sound you been looking for? Well, listen to this!” I think the last band that had that affect on me was Saosin in 2005.
But of course, Band Maid fans and fans of other groups like this have been "praying in the desert" for years. Most of us follow those groups from their first album years ago and so many times say to people "hey, you must hear Band Maid, you must hear Aldious, you must hear Scandal" and so on and... nothing. People hearing hip-hop, reggaeton, insustancial "pop stars" and we are feeling like strage freaks hidden in a cave hearing strange japanese music. Now from a few time ago, a lot of people reacting see this and finally, finally some people says "well, you´re right, this is great" 🤘 I remember long time ago, when i buy a mini-cd in Japan so "cheap" who comes in a cardboard sleeve instead of jewel box of a new group called "Scandal" in 2008 and say to my friends this and nobody say nothing... the more "those girls maybe can last maybe a year" or "gravure meat" and well, their now have 9 studio albums. Same thing with Band Maid, etc... There´s a huge music world in Japan, really a big one. Oh, and those technical reaction dissecting the songs are great, much better than the usual "wow, this is great, thanks... subscribe, put money in my account love you all" and nothing more. Your reactions add some info, real info about the songs. Good job
It's always cool to see some react to a song on a more technical stand point rather than just reacting to the whole song in general and really highlighting each individual members strong suits. You deserve a sub and Imma ring your bell as well my guy!
I really enjoy your more technical analysis. I am a proud newish member of the Band Maid army (since January) but have enjoyed your reactions to Nightwish and others too. Subscribed. I haven't found any way to go wrong with Band Maid, but my favorites are Moratorium, Onset, and Don't You Tell Me.
These girls have great synergy and yes please start checking out their live videos. Thrill was their first video and Choose Me is off their latest album, so years in between.
I’ve watched a lot of reaction channels but this one is by far the best. Great insight and detailed analysis of the songs. It’s obvious you’re a great musician yourself, work in the industry or both. It’s nice to hear discussion about the technical aspects of the music and performances. Other reaction channels are just like “Wow! Amazing!” with nothing further to add. AND it’s so awesome to get such detailed reactions to my favorite band, BAND-MAID! It’s everything a fan can ask for and I fall deeper into fandom with each of your reaction videos. So thank you for that! You gained a new subscriber! You’ve just grazed the all-female J-rock rabbit hole with Band-Maid and Lovebites and I hope you’re prepared for what’s to come! There’s a literal PLETHORA of talented all-female rock bands from Japan but if I could suggest just one more, it would be Bridear. After Band-Maid, they’re my next favorite. Lesser known but just as talented, IMO. They also play their own instruments and compose their own music. A few tracks to whet your appetite: Light in the Dark Ignite Ghoul Remedy Please give them a chance. I promise you won’t regret it!
I just had a thought...it seems like sometimes we Maidiacs are so protective of Band-Maid that reaction vids can seem like auditions for 'Battle of the Band-Maid Reactions.' Our comments are filled with statements like 'aha, you noticed that thing we all know about,' not to mention a complete band biography spread out over several people excited to share/explain things to give greater context to try to make people 'get it' about the band (I've been guilty of that myself!). So to get on with the 'aha, you noticed' portion, it's nice to hear a breakdown of their songs from a music theory perspective sometimes instead of just 'whoa, they rock.' I like those too, but it's good to see that it's getting through on all levels how really talented Band-Maid is. My experience with music theory is about 30 years out of date and it never came from small-group musicians in the first place, but since finding Band-Maid and reigniting my interest in music I'm learning how to adapt. Reactions like yours are helping me think in that way about the music, because I'll be honest, originally I was the 'whoa, they rock' type of fan and I like having another level of appreciation for their talent.
Really appreciate the support and comment. I agree, there's place for all types of appreciation and reaction. Main thing is people enjoying the music and paying it the respect it deserves,
Another great reaction! I was going to discuss their writing process but Riff Raff beat me to it. And I must say, their first self crafted song, "Alone" is one of my personal favorites. It really showcases how well the voices of Saiki and Miku blend so well together. There are both live and studio versions of that song. I'll leave links below to both. But yes, when Band Maid switched to Nippon Crown records, their first album under that label featured songs by hired song writers except "Alone", which is the one song the company allowed the girls to write. It was such a runaway success that the girls were allowed to write almost all their own material on the three subsequent albums. You can tell "later era" Band Maid typically by the costumes and the instruments. Saiki and Misa moved further away from the "stereotypical" maid outfits with Miku's blessing. Also, as their popularity increased, Kanami, Miku, and Misa acquired endorsements from PRS, Zemaitis and Black Cloud respectively. This one is actually transitionary as Misa is playing a G&L bass. In any case, really looking forward to a live reaction! "Alone" (live): ruclips.net/video/cFuklNAIKB8/видео.html "Alone" (music video): ruclips.net/video/axF56i4spio/видео.html
Definitely live stuff next, live live live; it’s just so superior As far as song writing it was mostly handled by other people in the beginning with the girls having a hand in the arrangement but starting with their 2017 album just bring it it switched, that album they did nearly everything, lyrics, music, arrangement, the whole 9. It’s been that way ever since. Interestingly a lot of the lyrics are written by Miku, the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist.
These girls have it all, besides being awesome musicians, arrangers and songwriters they also have both onstage and off stage personas that are very interesting and provide their fans with lots a fun things to discuss. Additionally even the band has a different persona, every April 1st, except this year due to unforeseen circumstances, the virus, they release an April Fool's joke video for their fans where they dress up in traditional Japanese Maiko (Geisha in training) outfits, add some traditional sounding instruments and record I music video for their fans. I wouldn't suggest it right now, but eventually you need to listen to their Bang-Makio song 'Gion-Cho'. This song I believe is when Kanami first started to give the other band members a chance to take a more prominent position in their songs. In this case, she did not play any real lead and left the drums and the bass to do all the riffing and fills that she normally mostly does. Not only is Kamami a musical genius but she is a great musical leader and teacher (Miku, the rhythm guitarist, didn't even know how to play an instrument when the band first formed, what she knows she learned from Kanami.)
Great reaction man! Your one of the few reactors that speaks in detailed about the song. And only musicians can relate to. Thanks for reacting to bandmaid. See you in your next bandmaid reaction.
Its refreshing to hear reactions from someone who has some knowledge of musical terms. Thanks! Some live performances you may be interested in: Play Domination Onset
Welcome to the wonderful world of Band-Maid! This group of ladies is fantastic! There live performance will punch you in the face! There music structure is on point and they don’t really have a bad song! Great breakdown dude! I’m subscribing
the "little pigeon" Miku, doing the backing vocals is the main producer and songwriter, just like Tuomas from Nightwish, whatever you find fascinating about the band, she is the one to take credit for))) Misa, the grand-jewel on the bass, wow, you have seen nothing yet. The more you get into their discography the more you will fall in love with her, as well as Akane on the drums. There is not even a single weak pillar in this band. You are right, whoever suggested picking any song and you can't go wrong as long as it is a live performance, that band is made for live shows...! I love to go through that journey and see your most proficient reactions as you explain things I know, and feel on a subconscious level, but lost for words to explain...Thank you for that!
Basicaly Kanami composes songs and makes demo with all parts. After it, Akane (Drs) and Misa (B) change and input their parts. In online talkshow on 10th May, Kanami said that sometimes she writes melody first, sometime she write drum and base parts first. Also for the last concerts (13th and 14th Feb), Kanami arranged songs or SE, but she asked Akane and Misa to make some intro parts or solo parts with base and drums. Akane named them "Super Base and Drum Time".
Choose Me was written by the band. The first song they wrote on their own was called "Alone" and was released in early 2016. After that, they've written almost all their songs, and the handful they didn't write aren't any of their bigger songs so you can assume all the videos on their channel starting with "Alone" and after are written by them. Alone was actually the song that got me into Band-Maid (that and "The Non-Fiction Days"), so it would be pretty cool to see you react to it. The studio version is the one I would go with for that song. For live songs, they have a few on their RUclips channel like "Domination" and "Choose Me". They are good performances, but many of us were disappointed that Kanami's guitar is a bit quiet in the mix for that entire blu-ray. Still, they are pretty good performances and the vocals turned out really clear on these recordings. I also think they have a live version of "Real Existence" on on their channel, which is good because I much prefer live to studio for that song. You could also look for "Play" on RUclips that was from another blu-ray they released a couple years ago. It wasn't uploaded by Band-Maid, but it should still be up, and that is really good live.
Band Maid is wonderful. Im a bassist and the song that really drew me in was "Real Existence" Their live stuff sounds great as well. If you wanna dive into some more Japanese rock/metal, check out Maximum the Hormone and Ningen Isu. MTH is very metal, lots of screams, and even wrote an into for an anime (Death Note) Ningen Isu has been around since the 80's and have a musical sound somewhere between the riffage of Black Sabbath and Pantera's heavy, driving chords.
I have to agree with some of the comments about how you approach your reactions. It’s a refreshing take on reacting to music and I love it! As a Band-Maid fan I would also have to say check out “Puzzle” or “Moratorium” live next. Pretty much anything from here on out should be the live versions. They’re better live.
Fantastic mate! As musician myself I enjoy the comments, constructive, thoughtful, as well as intuitive. Some good live are Puzzle, Moratorium, Domination, Onset... I could go on but those are some of my favorites. Stay safe! 🐱🏍
That's what I really like about Kanami's songwriting. She has very interesting solos but it never feels dragged out. Instead, it leaves you craving more.
I really like your reactions. 👍 For the next Band-Maid song, you can basically pick randomly (yes, they are THAT good). Just please do a live performance.
Brilliant reaction! So refreshing to see a more technical breakdown of a song/artist rather than simply sitting there, listening and telling us you enjoyed it. For that reason you have a new subscriber my friend! As for Band-Maid, I only discovered them a month ago and they have single-handedly reignited my love of music! They are infectiously good. For checking out some live stuff, I couldn't recommend 'Don't you tell ME' ruclips.net/video/foqErbEw05o/видео.html enough. Don't want to spoil anything because I'd genuinely love to see your reaction to the middle of this performance. For a more technical look at the band, you will not be disappointed ;)
Love your reactions. For Band Maid I would go with "Dice", "Domination", a double reaction for "Secret my lips" and "Secret Maiko lips" (by Band Maiko, april 1st version, Maiko being a traditional japanese maid) and for live "Onset". Love them! As for orher japanese acts. Check out Ningen Isu! "Color out of space", "Namahage", "Voice out of nothing" and "Heartless scat". And check out Maximum the Hormone!
There were more than enough songs that came out with this one, and a lot more killer songs since, but this remains one of my favorites. Maybe it's because I'm a Kanami groupie and there are 2 guitar solos. Not to mention a generous helping of jazz-like or even classical-like noodling hints of the main theme throughout.
Written by Kanami (lead guitarist/songwriter) with inputs from the other members. Lyrics by Miku (rhythm guitar/backing vocals) and Saiki (lead vocals).
Great detail in this reaction. It is much appreciated! Suggest you follow up with a live version of this song to see how they play with the structure. Never the same performance. As you noted, in the material that they have written, they rarely utilize copy and paste. There is almost always a different nuance in the verses and choruses. Most people may not recognize it, consciously: however, they will feel it. A rake here, a tap there, a slap here, a palm mute, a different drum fill, a different backing vocal line, etc. The differences will come from each of the band members. Also, as Miku's playing has matured. It is giving Kaname and Misa more space and opportunity to display their virtuosity.
Chase Carneson hello, Great review. Enjoyed very much. I won't say anything about this band other than just how much fun they are to watch. Not just on stage or video, but in their interviews or cutting up with other. So much personality, quirkiness and so damn humble to be this good at their craft.
This has probably already been said. Misa (base) and Akane (drums) are music school trained on their instruments. Kanami (guitar) was classically trained on piano, but went to a standard liberal arts secondary school. She started taking guitar lessons as a teenager, than played in bands. Miku tried to be an idol pop singer as a teenager. She's kind of the rock n' roll headbanger of the group. Saiki was hired last because of her heavier/darker alto voice. She was not a rock singer when hired. Miku who's voice is very bright and poppy, thought her voice was a mismatch for the type of music they wanted to do. Kanami composes on both guitar and piano. The three primary instrumentalists are very sound technically and understand their music. Miku's music education was less academic. She also didn't start learning the guitar until forming the group. She has come a long way fast on the guitar. They all seem to have very eclectic music tastes and know about lots of kinds of music.
Still one of my favorite Band-Maid songs - even after all the killer songs they've put out since. Any time there are 2 Kanami solos, it's gotta be good.
This was the opening song for the valentines day 2020 concert, and it is available as a love video. Just enough different to thrill the senses. MISA is able to seamlessly switch between picking and slapping.
I come late in the game but I entirely agree with your analysis (I'd prefer say your sensibility) plus it shows in your eyes, your body language etc... It's a pleasure seeing you react to these fantastic songs. They're an everyday litft up in this world. Many thanks from France.
without fail.. listening to BAND-MAID always improves my day. when this song came out, i just couldn't believe it. it was just so damn well put together(as they all are).. love the arpeggios in the chorus. #1 complaint you might hear about the band is that the solos are too short : P Choose Me has two, and they're both just right imo. standard MO for the band is to switch things up from verse1 to verse2. they stick to a pretty standard format for most of their songs, but i think they do so much with it.. would love to hear em draw things out and really just take us for a ride. ruclips.net/video/B90RTjIwyJI/видео.html Awkward is a slower one, and maybe one of their most progressive tracks to date.. song just keeps changing things up
"This makes me so happy watching them"
Exactly! Now multiply this happiness umpty times seeing them in a live concert. One big huge grin!
Gotta do a live one next. Thank you for the support.
This is one of their songs they wrote. It's also one of my favorites. Kanami the lead guitarist is the primary songwriter. She will write the basic song and takes it to the rest of the band and they will work on it together with the drummer and bassist writing their parts. Miku, the backing vocalist writes the lyrics with input from Saiki the lead vocalist. If you want to hear the very first song they wrote that was recorded check out 'Alone'.
React to "Alone" that's "the song" for them, it was the first song written and arranged completely by them
I really like how you comment on songs.
Yes, I'm a Band Maid fan, but I'm also a musician.. And the way you comment on songs is really constructive and well thought. It's a welcome change from your regular, off the mill reactions. Subscribed.
For your first live song, I recommend Moratorium, puzzle or the feb 14 2020 live version of domination. They are phenomenal live. I'm lucky to live in japan, and let me tell ya.. Thos videos are mixed in post, yes.. But They really are that tight live.
If you have a chance, go see them live. They will print a smile on your face for weeks.
Really appreciate the support and comment. Will definitely look into those.
Totally agree and great song suggestions
I would echo your sentiments pretty much! Getting a bit jaded with a lot of the reactors in general. This guy telling me things that I didn't necessarily already know. Refreshing !!
That’s so true you can’t help but smile it’s great love this band
I think all the good live videos are being taken down, so I would suggest Blooming or Bubble.
Everything you need to know about Band Maid is on-stage!!
Live they really shine with extra solo's and battles, always so tight.
6:03 You're right. One thing about Band-Maid that put them above all other bands, new or old, for me is how they work together and respect one another. No ego among them. No trying to outshine each other but instead they lift each other. They rewrite parts of songs to allow the rhythm guitarist to solo when she's become skilled enough (she only started learning guitar from the lead guitarist after forming the band).
This is the best breakdown of this song that I have heard a reactor give! Great job! I think you are going to be hooked, because Band-Maid are masters at the points that you brought up. Live is surely the way to go now. Say like a heavier tune like Moratorium.
That's really nice of you to say. Appreciate the support. Live stuff up next.
I agree! The best breakdown
@@ChaseCarneson Chase??? Did you forget about us Band-Maid fans??? 5 Days, jeez! Looking forward to more Band-Maid!
By this time 2017 they were on the big girl charts and had a huge team. The credits list over 50 names, with multiple people in roles like vocal direction and sound design, includes marketing types etc. But lyrics by founder/rhythm guitarist, music by BandMaid, generally accepted that guitarist brings song, lets others arrange their own (obv drums & bass work closely), and generically listed as Producedby BandMaid. Guitarist Kanami considers it praise from Tony Visconti when he basically only tweaked effects and vocal melody, to fit the lyrics that he brought to her song, with minimal other editing. His involvement was so huge, it’s hard to tease out a simple story, but she’s clear that she was happy to accept his work as a stamp of approval on her production. That song is most recent vid, The Dragon Cries. ruclips.net/video/skEkpogsmE0/видео.html
There are good subtitled interviews of their background, this recent one hypes the show that is their latest dvd, but also touches on Visconti, and on band history/lore. Reactable, tho no performance and subtitles are a consideration.
ruclips.net/video/DJOCtXT9bF0/видео.html
Ha, I hadn’t noticed , the clip playing underneath their introduction is Choose Me, only available as a Bside, heh, who’s crafty now hmmm
Man, you nailed it. Most people usually get astonished by their musicianship during much time before they get into the songwriting. Your comments are really spot on. Very observative and accurate. Yes, this song shows a punk rock side. They write their music using all the cathegories of rock (punk, funk, pop, hard, metal), sometimes in the same song!. Yes, second verse is different of first. Always, and you cannot still imagine how much they can vary them. Yes, they always find formulas to give every member a time to shine without overlap other. The tempo of their songs usually vary in clever forms... Well, probably this is the most cretive band in active, and you are just scratching the surface.
This is "Alone", official MV. Four years ago. The first song they wrote and arranged : ruclips.net/video/axF56i4spio/видео.html
After that song nobody was able to offer them nothing better of what they write.
BTW. Suscribed
I knew I liked this band a whole lot. But your ability to explain what it is that I like about them so much. Has really deepened my love for their music!
Another great reaction, I loved it.
How about BAND-MAID / Domination (Feb. 14th, 2020) next?
Their live performances are also amazing.
It's definitely on the list. Thanks for the support.
Love this song; love the reaction.
I am bingeing your Band-Maid reactions (again) while on the way to the studio in Santa Fe.
Nothing like the beauty of the happiest hard rock in the world to get me in the right frame of mind to lend my feeble talent to the record.
Great and thoughtful analysis as always. 1/5 of Band Maid in your list; can't wait to join you for more of the journey.
I remember an old jazz guy in a band I used to play in said it's an old trick used by jazz and blues bands, never play a theme twice exactly the same. Keeps things fresh. Band Maid does this all the time. Slightly different arrangements in consecutive verses and choruses. It shows a lot of thought. Check out Puzzle live to see this in action.😁
Thank you, Chase, for reacting Band-Maid!! Except for their very early songs (such as Thrill and Real Existence), they produce and write their songs by themselves. Their roles are as follows (from right to left):
1. Kanami (lead guitarist): composition (except for the bass line and backing vocals)
2. Saiki (lead singer): overall direction and final judgement
3. Akane (drummer): drums arrangement
4. Miku Kobato (rhythm guitarist/backing singer): lyrics, vocal arrangement, backing vocals composition
5. Misa (bassist): bass composition/arrangement
So, each member is talented, but as far as songwriting is concerned, Kanami, the lead guitarist, is by far the most important.
pop-punk perfection. eclectic classicism is part & parcel of this generational coterie's ethos but not at the expense of melodic invention & instrumental ingenuity.
BAND-MAID has a superpower. It’s synergy. Five awesome individuals coming together to form a single greater awesomeness.
Nice reaction.
Liked & subbed.
For a frame of reference, they started writing their own music during the recording of Brand New Maid. Their single "alone" was the first taste of what they could do by themselves.
Its a good feeling ,being in the Band maid army.
I absolutely love your reactions and breakdowns of the songs! Can't wait for you to do more of Band-Maid! Do as much as you can! I'll be watching all of them!
Thank you for that. Really appreciate the support.
Yesssss! After all the brilliant music and the amazing performance that we all enjoy, you picked up on the key to Band-Maid (for me) - listening to their music makes you feel happy, positively joyous! It's just as good when you watch someone get infected by the Band-Maid experience, like watching someone fall under a spell!
Yes, Band Maid 🔥 🔥
Thank you 🙏
You're very welcome. More coming soon.
Everything after the song alone is completely theirs. That song was the first after gaining complete creative control to my knowledge. And they've grown and incorporated so many genres since then. They can do just about anything. They even did a small slipknot cover during a live stream
Not all of them, if im remembered correctly, "you" is not t
Written by them, same as "smile". But yeah, almost all of them are written by the band after "alone"
@@monke-mk5 To add to your comment, I think the same person who wrote "thrill" also wrote "smile".
@@monke-mk5 and the lyrics and part of the arrangement for Dragon Cries
Nice reacts and comments! Maybe my favorite new band of last 20yrs. Soooooo solid, i love all the tempo and style changes in every song. For live stuff check out "Don't you tell me", "Play", "Moratorium", or more recent "Domination". P.S. Thx for getting past the outfits and actually listening to these fun and positive, impossibly hard-rocking ladies
Your reaction to Thrill was the first of yours that I'd seen and I've really been enjoying watching your reactions over the last few days since seeing that one. Your analysis is clear and concise and interesting to listen to, and it's so much better than a lot of channels who just whoop and holler and pull silly faces. Very refreshing, thank you!
Funnily enough, when I saw the title for this one I thought maybe you were doing the live version of Choose Me from their recent blu-ray recorded in February at Line Cube, Shibuya. It might be interesting for you to check that one out as a direct comparison, even if not as a reaction video. I don't think you can really go wrong with Band-Maid, it's just great song after great song. My personal favourites are Alone, Blooming, Daydreaming, PAGE and Secret MY Lips.
Subbed. Keep up the good work!
Thank you sooooo much for the support. Yeah live stuff definitely up next. Just wanted to hear of their own written songs first but I'm hooked. Much more coming soon.
@@ChaseCarneson Brilliant, looking forward to it!
I hope you can check out Lovebites, too, at some point - they're a Japanese all-female Power Metal band and they're phenomenal as well. Your comment about giant solos might come back again lol . . .
I may like simply watching people's reactions to BAND-MAID, but I really appreciate it whenever the person reacting gives me a new look on the subject, teaches me something. And I learned something today, so thank you. I would've never noticed those hi-hat openings otherwise. Loving how you put these videos together, keep them coming!
Appreciate that. Lots more to come I promise.
The bass line at 04:56, is MISA actually slapping. She switched from picking to slapping in just that moment then she switched back to picking.
06:00 The lead guitarist, Kanami, who played the solo, is also the main composer of the band. She never wants a song to be a guitar-hero song, so she always sits down and composes her solo for fitting the song the most.
Thanks for the reaction. This is my recommendation: Blooming, Reincarnation, The Dragon Cries, Daydreaming, Dice, Take me higher, Onset, Moratorium, Screaming, Puzzle, Awlward, .... Yeah, almost each song is different, they have a variety of sound.
Nice one, thanks for the heads up on that and thanks for the support!
Yeah, the live performances, haha. This band was made for playing live. Incredible musicians, great songwriting, tight as hell live. The little showcases of each individual, but still within the context of the song, were really made for live shows. It's just a great time!
BAND-MAID = Rockin' out with a Smile on your face!
😃
Good reaction. Waiting for some more stuff of this incredible talented band
More coming soon. Live stuff up next.
@@ChaseCarneson your analyze are always good. It s Really good to see you react to song. Good work.
Great reaction! I love your analysis. In all of your videos you keep it simple, but you point out really good things a lot of reactors don't notice. It's extremely valuable. Thank you for taking the time! I'm already excited to catch your next one.
Thank you for the support, Criss. Really appreciate the feedback and comment. Will keep working hard and keep them coming daily!
I'm re-watching your Band-Maid videos, and it's interesting to see your progression. First video: "I approve." Second video: "OK. I'm a fan."
this is such a great and constructive reaction, Im beyond glad i could see someone be just as excited and amazed by Band Maid as i was, when i first became a fan bc of THIS exact song recently. love it bro
This has to be one of the best reactions to them I've seen up to this point... And it does have to do with your knowledge on the subject. You described what they do perfectly....and it is present in nearly every song. The value of Kanami-san to the band (lead gt). I have a sneaky suspicion Akane's (drums) contribution to that process is not yet recognized with Kanami currently enjoying what seems like 100% of the credit. When I first discovered the Japanese scene a few years ago, it was the seemingly ubiquitous quality of musicianship and song writing that I am still fascinated with today. I've only come across one explanation outside of dietary concerns that accounts for that. I can't speak to it's validity but it makes sense. The comment I tead notef that within the Japanese efucation system music is still emphasized, and not only that, but is actually promoted as a viable career choice. The v9mnent also noted that within that part of the system the girls out-numbetex the boys something along the lines of a 65-35 split. This was offered up to account for quantity of all-girl Japanese bands. I suppose it sprung from the Idol culture industry.... I might be repeating myself, age does that....lol I should have learned to play an instrument back in the day...:)
Wow, thank you for the kind words. Really loving this group and can't wait for the next one which will be live.
I didn't used to watch a lot a anime until recently (once I retired I had more free time), but my daughter told me to watch K-ON!, about high school four girls joining the "light music" club at school and how that turned into a rock group. I was very taken by the themes and the girls determination to create a rock band. The original manga was published between May 2007 and Oct 2010. I've heard that it was very popular with high school girls at the time (15B Yen sales). Most of the girls in BM would have been in high school at that time, not sure if that was an influence or not. Here's the WIKI entry - the main character, Yui, in some cases seems similar to Miku - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-On!
@@glenkelley6799 I will definitely look for that and check out the wiki... it's all so fascinating! My mother, still alive pushing 80, and I were talking the other day about how her parents and grandparents all played instruments, and in the evenings, on the farm, after dinner, would sit around playing songs and singing all night for entertainment...even after they got a radio in the house! All that did was give them new songs to learn. I have some faint childhoid memories of that. We were speculating about reasons for the decline of that part if out culture...what else do "old people" do...lol ... Anyway... Here's an example of what I was referring to earlier. Its just amazing... Jill and accomplice (?), doing a cover of Dream Theatre's - The Dance of Etetnity - ruclips.net/video/LUtdC-9jaPc/видео.html
@@moomakemoney That's pretty much what I remember growing up, mom played the piano and sang, dad sang and we kids had learn to the songs. Each week she would buy a new popular song sheet for piano to learn. Thanks for that link, love Jill - here's one for you cello and guitar - ruclips.net/video/HM1M6p1fiUM/видео.html
"lol I should have learned to play an instrument back in the day...:)"
Never too late to start. I'm finding that my new guitar (the purchase of which was inspired by learning of Miku's amazing progress on her playing) is helping with my arthritis. The trigger finger syndrome, however, is...not helped. I guess pigeons can't cure everything, sad po.
It's refreshing watching a reactor that can pause & have some meaningful commentary on their musicianship, song structure, etc. Looking forward to your first reaction of a live performance. Great job.
Thanks for the support. Really appreciate that!
Kanami, the lead guitarist is the main music composer and arranger ... She is a damn genius as you may have noticed!!
Mika, the rhythm guitarist is the main lyricist.
Recently Kanami has been forcing the other members to start doing some of the composing and arranging as well which is working a wonderfully, but this song is Kamami's
"It makes me so happy watching them" That's really it, isn't it? That was my immediate thought as well when I discovered them, followed closely by 'how is it that I'm just hearing about this now?'
I’m really glad you picked up on how they differentiate the second verse by adding different elements. They do that in many of their songs and it seems like most reaction accounts fail to pick up on it. You’ve earned yourself a new sub!
Thank you sir. Appreciate the support.
I've listened to them a million times and I'm learning new stuff watching your analysis. Yes, they always vary things between first and second verses--it's a trademark of their approach, and even casual fans notice it--they can give you a different feeling with subtle changes. And your comment on Kanami's restraint is spot-on. I think it's almost tactical--Band-Maid fans are constantly in a state of wanting more, which is exactly where she wants us. Before you graduate to live performances, there is one studio track they did which still stands as the best version of that song: "Alone"--the first one they completely wrote and produced themselves with full control. Notable for two things: 1) This is where the "Band-Maid" sound really crystallizes, and 2) Kanami's solo on this has become legendary. Again, it's short, but it's been likened to a rocket blasting off. ruclips.net/video/axF56i4spio/видео.html
Alone is probably my favorite B-M song.
@@armynurseboy Certainly one of my 90 favorites...
I've been enjoying your Band-Maid reaction videos and I am just now watching your 'Choose Me' reaction. I sometimes watch Rick Beato's analysis videos and was curious about his negative reaction to Band-Maid and 'Choose Me'. Someone posted a clip of his live stream where he was choosing songs to analyze. He was sitting in his studio with a guitar and keyboard handy, headphones on and his engineer was in the booth feeding music to his headphones. Rick said that his audience suggested he listen to Band-Maid, no particular song and he choose 'Choose Me' (Ha-ha!) The engineer complains that the feed is too loud and when Rick actually hears a short clip (a few seconds after the band kicks in - he never hears Saiki singing) he declares that "There's a lot going on" and then complains that it's too loud, too compressed, and there's no dynamics, and "I like dynamics." ...and that's the end of that! End of story.
One thing I have noticed about Band-Maid songs are the constant and abrupt changes: if you play a few bars and hit pause, you have no idea that the next note is that sea change that turns the song on its ear. I believe Rick did not listen long enough to give them a chance. Also I'd love to hear your opinion on Band-Maid's use of compression and dynamics.
Another thing Beato complains about is key changes: he claims that in the last twenty years popular music has seen the use of key changes nearly disappear. Hearing this, I thought of 'Cross' another Band-Maid song which surely sounds as though they're doing a nice fat key change when they repeat the chorus (chorus, CHORUS! x's 3)
Thoughts?
Keep up the great reactions dude! Not just to this band but everything you do is leaps and bounds better than the majority of reactors who have no music knowledge and don't fully appreciate what they're listening too. I've been watching your Babymetal, Release the archers, Band Maid, and Lovebites reactions and love them all. Currently waiting for the next Lovebites reaction :)
Thank you sooo much for saying that. Really glad you enjoy them. Got Lovebites in the plan so will be doing that one very soon.
@@ChaseCarneson My bad, I thought you did them already but glad to hear they're on your list. "When Destinies Align" is their latest release with an awesome official video and a great song in general. I can't wait to hear what you think about them.
This is easily, EASILY, the best reaction to Band-Maid I’ve seen. Thank you so much for your well considered take on their music and your insight into their songwriting. I haven’t read all the other comments, so I don’t know if it’s been covered by others yet, but here’s a brief breakdown: Miku (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) is the band founder and main lyricist. The whole gentle maid/hard rock concept is hers. She found Kanami (lead guitarist and principle songwriter) online. Kanami knew Akane (drummer and unofficial band leader in the “alright guys, let’s practice” sense), and Akane knew MISA (the bassist). They quickly realized that Miku, who originally came from a pop background, didn’t have the vocal power for rock, so she recruited Saiki (main vocals and occasional lyricist), and learned how to play guitar from Kanami to help fill out the sound. Miku remains the “face” or “mascot” of the band, especially when interacting with the Japanese press and their fans, but the other members have opened up more. In public, they lean into some Japanese maid pop culture personas which are exaggerations of their real personalities. Miku is bubbly and cute, Kanami is sweet and demure, Akane is silly, MISA is mysterious, and Saiki is serious and reserved. Behind the scenes though they are just a bunch of normal girls who rock (okay, Miku is a little weirder than the rest).
Anyway, glad your enjoying the band, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more reactions from you, for Band-Maid as well as other acts!
Thank you soooo much for the kind words and support. Appreciate the suggestion too.
Welcome to the world of Band Maid, your never going to leave you're going to love it. For me they are quite possibly the best band on the planet today. When you check out their live videos you will see how really awesome they are.
This is just great. Makas you happy and energetic.
As fantastic as it is, this is still nothing compared to live. I see your smile and that is one thing that makes them addictive. They make you smile. You can hear how fun they have, playing and wait until you see them smile on stage. Well, of course not gloomy bass-MISA.. :D
I have never ever felt such joy from watching a band. On my second place comes Lovebites. Two japanese girl bands hooked me totally
Can't stop smiling when listening to them. Live stuff definitely next, now that I've heard some of their own written stuff.
@@ChaseCarneson Especially its fun to watch the drummer, Akane. Hitting like a beast with a big smile on her face. The harder she hits, the more she smiles :D
Morgan Olsson the way you described her makes her seem like a psycho 😂
Well when you think about it all of them are somewhat eccentric esp. Miku and Kanami. Saiki, the only one I initially thought was normal just happened to be obsessed with chasing around trains in her free time..... oh well.
@@Dtagcity The more she hits...the more I smile too :)
@@Dtagcity Akane actually reminds me of drummer Animal in The Muppets :D
They are almost a sensory overload live. Moratorium live is an insanely good hard rock song. To me it's one of the best hard rock songs I've ever heard.
That's gotta be the next one then. Thanks for supporting.
@@ChaseCarneson Just a heads up, the Moratorium video that everyone reacts to got taken down today. You might want to do another song until Moratorium gets re-uploaded. (I can upload it if needed, just let me know if you can't find it. It really is an amazing performance).
@@falkarios2944 This one has subtitles, but sounds good. Is the Studio Coast version. MORATORIUM LIVE: ruclips.net/video/izn9uj6BCWU/видео.html
@@falkarios2944 People don't waste time. a few minutes ago: ruclips.net/video/UjBNyxUNssQ/видео.html
@@ChaseCarneson Sadly it got taken down today (for a while ...many are back, people just need to look a little harder)
Lead guitarist Kanami is the one who writes all of their music. They have dropped 6 albums so far and almost everything since their song “Alone” from their 3rd album, have been arranged and composed by the band themselves.
Kanami is quite the genius songwriter as they pretty much dropped an album a year since their debut in 2013, with each one consisting around 10 to 15 tracks.
And majority of them are very well written. BM diehard fans have a belief that they can only ever have good songs and great ones and in my personal experience it is quite close to the truth as they are just very consistent in their “Band maid sound” and they add in enough variations to keep it fresh.
So, if you happen to like one of them you’re most likely going to like 95% of them.
From their interviews, it seems that their previous label kept rejecting everything Kanami wrote before “Alone” so I’m guessing all that frustration eventually blew up the Genius in her lmao.
Btw her along with the drummer Akane and bassist MISA are all professionally trained musicians who have been playing multiple instruments from as young as 4 years old. They’re in their late 20s now so its about 2 decades of experience.
This core instrumental trio is definitely top tier. The rhythm guitarist Miku who is also the main lyricist and band founder, started learning guitar under Kanami after Saiki took over as the main vocalist.
Band-Maid is amazing. Songs I'd recommend for sure, even if you don't react to them: DICE, Alone, Glory, Don't You Tell Me (live), Bubble, Blooming. Also their alter-ego 'Band-Maiko' has a traditional+rock fusion song 'Secret Maiko Lips' (a cover of their own song: 'Secret My Lips'). You won't be disappointed by any of these. Not even slightly.
Choose Me was released as a single with a ballad Daydreaming, and belter Play. Watch Play live but the MV for Daydreaming would be my recommendation. All written by them.
Kanami (lead guitar) is the primary songwriter and is very masterful in the use of negative rhythm to create conversations between all the instruments. She also has an amazing ear for writing solos that are the perfect blend of musicality, and guitar pyrotechnics to show just how much of a badass she is without detracting from the song or the other's performances.
Also Akane is easily one of the best drummers in the business! Impeccable timing and brilliant sense of dynamics. She has some of the best double kick chops as well. I would rank her with Danny Carey and Gavin Harrison.
This was the first Band-Maid song I ever heard. When I heard it I felt like that guy in Back to the Future during Marty McFly’s “Johnny B. Goode” cover. “Hey, you know that new sound you been looking for? Well, listen to this!” I think the last band that had that affect on me was Saosin in 2005.
One of the most interesting reactions i've ever watched in Band Maid videos. Keep them coming. Cheers from Argentina 🤘🍻
Appreciate the support! 🇦🇷
I would love to hear your take on Puzzle by them, the combination of Kanami's lead guitar and Saiki's emotional vocals are just soooooo good!
Me too!
But of course, Band Maid fans and fans of other groups like this have been "praying in the desert" for years. Most of us follow those groups from their first album years ago and so many times say to people "hey, you must hear Band Maid, you must hear Aldious, you must hear Scandal" and so on and... nothing. People hearing hip-hop, reggaeton, insustancial "pop stars" and we are feeling like strage freaks hidden in a cave hearing strange japanese music. Now from a few time ago, a lot of people reacting see this and finally, finally some people says "well, you´re right, this is great" 🤘
I remember long time ago, when i buy a mini-cd in Japan so "cheap" who comes in a cardboard sleeve instead of jewel box of a new group called "Scandal" in 2008 and say to my friends this and nobody say nothing... the more "those girls maybe can last maybe a year" or "gravure meat" and well, their now have 9 studio albums. Same thing with Band Maid, etc...
There´s a huge music world in Japan, really a big one.
Oh, and those technical reaction dissecting the songs are great, much better than the usual "wow, this is great, thanks... subscribe, put money in my account love you all" and nothing more. Your reactions add some info, real info about the songs. Good job
It's always cool to see some react to a song on a more technical stand point rather than just reacting to the whole song in general and really highlighting each individual members strong suits. You deserve a sub and Imma ring your bell as well my guy!
I really enjoy your more technical analysis. I am a proud newish member of the Band Maid army (since January) but have enjoyed your reactions to Nightwish and others too. Subscribed. I haven't found any way to go wrong with Band Maid, but my favorites are Moratorium, Onset, and Don't You Tell Me.
Really appreciate the support!
thank you again for reacting to bandmaid! :)
These girls have great synergy and yes please start checking out their live videos. Thrill was their first video and Choose Me is off their latest album, so years in between.
I’ve watched a lot of reaction channels but this one is by far the best. Great insight and detailed analysis of the songs. It’s obvious you’re a great musician yourself, work in the industry or both. It’s nice to hear discussion about the technical aspects of the music and performances. Other reaction channels are just like “Wow! Amazing!” with nothing further to add.
AND it’s so awesome to get such detailed reactions to my favorite band, BAND-MAID! It’s everything a fan can ask for and I fall deeper into fandom with each of your reaction videos. So thank you for that! You gained a new subscriber!
You’ve just grazed the all-female J-rock rabbit hole with Band-Maid and Lovebites and I hope you’re prepared for what’s to come! There’s a literal PLETHORA of talented all-female rock bands from Japan but if I could suggest just one more, it would be Bridear. After Band-Maid, they’re my next favorite. Lesser known but just as talented, IMO. They also play their own instruments and compose their own music. A few tracks to whet your appetite:
Light in the Dark
Ignite
Ghoul
Remedy
Please give them a chance. I promise you won’t regret it!
Thank you for this very kind comment. Appreciate the support and recommendations, will look into them.
I like to say, a day without Band-Maid is a day without love.
I just had a thought...it seems like sometimes we Maidiacs are so protective of Band-Maid that reaction vids can seem like auditions for 'Battle of the Band-Maid Reactions.' Our comments are filled with statements like 'aha, you noticed that thing we all know about,' not to mention a complete band biography spread out over several people excited to share/explain things to give greater context to try to make people 'get it' about the band (I've been guilty of that myself!).
So to get on with the 'aha, you noticed' portion, it's nice to hear a breakdown of their songs from a music theory perspective sometimes instead of just 'whoa, they rock.' I like those too, but it's good to see that it's getting through on all levels how really talented Band-Maid is. My experience with music theory is about 30 years out of date and it never came from small-group musicians in the first place, but since finding Band-Maid and reigniting my interest in music I'm learning how to adapt. Reactions like yours are helping me think in that way about the music, because I'll be honest, originally I was the 'whoa, they rock' type of fan and I like having another level of appreciation for their talent.
Really appreciate the support and comment. I agree, there's place for all types of appreciation and reaction. Main thing is people enjoying the music and paying it the respect it deserves,
Great reaction to one of my faves, but yeah, you gotta go live soon !!!
Promise next one is live for sure!
Another great reaction! I was going to discuss their writing process but Riff Raff beat me to it. And I must say, their first self crafted song, "Alone" is one of my personal favorites. It really showcases how well the voices of Saiki and Miku blend so well together. There are both live and studio versions of that song. I'll leave links below to both. But yes, when Band Maid switched to Nippon Crown records, their first album under that label featured songs by hired song writers except "Alone", which is the one song the company allowed the girls to write. It was such a runaway success that the girls were allowed to write almost all their own material on the three subsequent albums. You can tell "later era" Band Maid typically by the costumes and the instruments. Saiki and Misa moved further away from the "stereotypical" maid outfits with Miku's blessing. Also, as their popularity increased, Kanami, Miku, and Misa acquired endorsements from PRS, Zemaitis and Black Cloud respectively. This one is actually transitionary as Misa is playing a G&L bass. In any case, really looking forward to a live reaction!
"Alone" (live): ruclips.net/video/cFuklNAIKB8/видео.html
"Alone" (music video): ruclips.net/video/axF56i4spio/видео.html
Hey Ron, thanks for the support and the suggestions. Appreciate the links.
Thanks Chase! Finally unbiased, competent and relevant reactor. Subbed 🤘
Appreciate the support!
Definitely live stuff next, live live live; it’s just so superior
As far as song writing it was mostly handled by other people in the beginning with the girls having a hand in the arrangement but starting with their 2017 album just bring it it switched, that album they did nearly everything, lyrics, music, arrangement, the whole 9. It’s been that way ever since. Interestingly a lot of the lyrics are written by Miku, the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist.
Promise, live stuff up next for Band Maid. Thanks for supporting.
These girls have it all, besides being awesome musicians, arrangers and songwriters they also have both onstage and off stage personas that are very interesting and provide their fans with lots a fun things to discuss.
Additionally even the band has a different persona, every April 1st, except this year due to unforeseen circumstances, the virus, they release an April Fool's joke video for their fans where they dress up in traditional Japanese Maiko (Geisha in training) outfits, add some traditional sounding instruments and record I music video for their fans.
I wouldn't suggest it right now, but eventually you need to listen to their Bang-Makio song 'Gion-Cho'. This song I believe is when Kanami first started to give the other band members a chance to take a more prominent position in their songs. In this case, she did not play any real lead and left the drums and the bass to do all the riffing and fills that she normally mostly does. Not only is Kamami a musical genius but she is a great musical leader and teacher (Miku, the rhythm guitarist, didn't even know how to play an instrument when the band first formed, what she knows she learned from Kanami.)
Band Maid are some of the fruit that The Runaways planted in the 70's in Japan.
Great reaction man! Your one of the few reactors that speaks in detailed about the song. And only musicians can relate to. Thanks for reacting to bandmaid. See you in your next bandmaid reaction.
Thanks for the support. Really appreciate that!
As you said Chase, Band Maid doing Band Maid things...well said.
Always.
Its refreshing to hear reactions from someone who has some knowledge of musical terms. Thanks!
Some live performances you may be interested in:
Play
Domination
Onset
Those are definitely on the list. Really appreciate the support, Richard!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Band-Maid! This group of ladies is fantastic! There live performance will punch you in the face! There music structure is on point and they don’t really have a bad song! Great breakdown dude! I’m subscribing
Really appreciate the support! Much more coming soon.
Wow! Not just a reaction but an actual review by someone who knows what they're talking about..... You won a sub by me!
Really appreciate the support!
My fave band!
MISA the bassist is fucking amazing!!!
MISA!!!
MISA!!!
MISA!!!
バダス 🍻
彼女と結婚したい
💕💕💕
i am looking forward to your reactions to lives^ ^
Live one next I promise. Thanks for supporting.
Great reaction. Song writing and Produce themselves.
the "little pigeon" Miku, doing the backing vocals is the main producer and songwriter, just like Tuomas from Nightwish, whatever you find fascinating about the band, she is the one to take credit for))) Misa, the grand-jewel on the bass, wow, you have seen nothing yet. The more you get into their discography the more you will fall in love with her, as well as Akane on the drums. There is not even a single weak pillar in this band. You are right, whoever suggested picking any song and you can't go wrong as long as it is a live performance, that band is made for live shows...! I love to go through that journey and see your most proficient reactions as you explain things I know, and feel on a subconscious level, but lost for words to explain...Thank you for that!
Basicaly Kanami composes songs and makes demo with all parts. After it, Akane (Drs) and Misa (B) change and input their parts.
In online talkshow on 10th May, Kanami said that sometimes she writes melody first, sometime she write drum and base parts first. Also for the last concerts (13th and 14th Feb), Kanami arranged songs or SE, but she asked Akane and Misa to make some intro parts or solo parts with base and drums. Akane named them "Super Base and Drum Time".
With a band as talented as they are, it's only natural that you want to allow your bass and drums to shine at points.
The hardest working band there is right now...great reaction👍
Choose Me was written by the band. The first song they wrote on their own was called "Alone" and was released in early 2016. After that, they've written almost all their songs, and the handful they didn't write aren't any of their bigger songs so you can assume all the videos on their channel starting with "Alone" and after are written by them. Alone was actually the song that got me into Band-Maid (that and "The Non-Fiction Days"), so it would be pretty cool to see you react to it. The studio version is the one I would go with for that song. For live songs, they have a few on their RUclips channel like "Domination" and "Choose Me". They are good performances, but many of us were disappointed that Kanami's guitar is a bit quiet in the mix for that entire blu-ray. Still, they are pretty good performances and the vocals turned out really clear on these recordings. I also think they have a live version of "Real Existence" on on their channel, which is good because I much prefer live to studio for that song. You could also look for "Play" on RUclips that was from another blu-ray they released a couple years ago. It wasn't uploaded by Band-Maid, but it should still be up, and that is really good live.
Band Maid is wonderful.
Im a bassist and the song that really drew me in was "Real Existence"
Their live stuff sounds great as well.
If you wanna dive into some more Japanese rock/metal, check out Maximum the Hormone and Ningen Isu.
MTH is very metal, lots of screams, and even wrote an into for an anime (Death Note)
Ningen Isu has been around since the 80's and have a musical sound somewhere between the riffage of Black Sabbath and Pantera's heavy, driving chords.
I have to agree with some of the comments about how you approach your reactions. It’s a refreshing take on reacting to music and I love it!
As a Band-Maid fan I would also have to say check out “Puzzle” or “Moratorium” live next. Pretty much anything from here on out should be the live versions. They’re better live.
Appreciate the support and thank you for the recommendations. Moratorium live probably the most requested next.
Fantastic mate! As musician myself I enjoy the comments, constructive, thoughtful, as well as intuitive. Some good live are Puzzle, Moratorium, Domination, Onset... I could go on but those are some of my favorites. Stay safe! 🐱🏍
Thanks for the support. Really appreciate that!
That's what I really like about Kanami's songwriting. She has very interesting solos but it never feels dragged out. Instead, it leaves you craving more.
I really like your reactions. 👍
For the next Band-Maid song, you can basically pick randomly (yes, they are THAT good). Just please do a live performance.
Thank you again for your most clever reaction, From Japan.
Really appreciate the support! 🇯🇵
Yes, yes, on with the fantastic live versions. Domination, dice, don't you tell me, moratorium, onset...you can't go wrong. :)
Live one coming soon. Keep an eye out and thanks for the support
Brilliant reaction! So refreshing to see a more technical breakdown of a song/artist rather than simply sitting there, listening and telling us you enjoyed it. For that reason you have a new subscriber my friend!
As for Band-Maid, I only discovered them a month ago and they have single-handedly reignited my love of music! They are infectiously good. For checking out some live stuff, I couldn't recommend 'Don't you tell ME' ruclips.net/video/foqErbEw05o/видео.html enough. Don't want to spoil anything because I'd genuinely love to see your reaction to the middle of this performance. For a more technical look at the band, you will not be disappointed ;)
Appreciate the support!
Love your reactions. For Band Maid I would go with "Dice", "Domination", a double reaction for "Secret my lips" and "Secret Maiko lips" (by Band Maiko, april 1st version, Maiko being a traditional japanese maid) and for live "Onset". Love them!
As for orher japanese acts. Check out Ningen Isu! "Color out of space", "Namahage", "Voice out of nothing" and "Heartless scat".
And check out Maximum the Hormone!
Domination is coming out this week so keep an eye. Will put the rest in the plan!
There were more than enough songs that came out with this one, and a lot more killer songs since, but this remains one of my favorites. Maybe it's because I'm a Kanami groupie and there are 2 guitar solos. Not to mention a generous helping of jazz-like or even classical-like noodling hints of the main theme throughout.
Written by Kanami (lead guitarist/songwriter) with inputs from the other members. Lyrics by Miku (rhythm guitar/backing vocals) and Saiki (lead vocals).
Great detail in this reaction. It is much appreciated! Suggest you follow up with a live version of this song to see how they play with the structure. Never the same performance. As you noted, in the material that they have written, they rarely utilize copy and paste. There is almost always a different nuance in the verses and choruses. Most people may not recognize it, consciously: however, they will feel it. A rake here, a tap there, a slap here, a palm mute, a different drum fill, a different backing vocal line, etc. The differences will come from each of the band members. Also, as Miku's playing has matured. It is giving Kaname and Misa more space and opportunity to display their virtuosity.
Really appreciate the support and awesome comment. Thanks you, Stanley.
Chase Carneson hello,
Great review. Enjoyed very much.
I won't say anything about this band other than just how much fun they are to watch. Not just on stage or video, but in their interviews or cutting up with other. So much personality, quirkiness and so damn humble to be this good at their craft.
Forgot ...Subscribed
Appreciate the support!
This has probably already been said. Misa (base) and Akane (drums) are music school trained on their instruments. Kanami (guitar) was classically trained on piano, but went to a standard liberal arts secondary school. She started taking guitar lessons as a teenager, than played in bands. Miku tried to be an idol pop singer as a teenager. She's kind of the rock n' roll headbanger of the group. Saiki was hired last because of her heavier/darker alto voice. She was not a rock singer when hired. Miku who's voice is very bright and poppy, thought her voice was a mismatch for the type of music they wanted to do. Kanami composes on both guitar and piano. The three primary instrumentalists are very sound technically and understand their music. Miku's music education was less academic. She also didn't start learning the guitar until forming the group. She has come a long way fast on the guitar. They all seem to have very eclectic music tastes and know about lots of kinds of music.
Still one of my favorite Band-Maid songs - even after all the killer songs they've put out since. Any time there are 2 Kanami solos, it's gotta be good.
Their tunes back up each other very well,
If you want to see their current level of amazing quality and performance, Then Domination Live. Also Puzzle and Moratorium live are great as well.
This was the opening song for the valentines day 2020 concert, and it is available as a love video. Just enough different to thrill the senses. MISA is able to seamlessly switch between picking and slapping.
I come late in the game but I entirely agree with your analysis (I'd prefer say your sensibility) plus it shows in your eyes, your body language etc... It's a pleasure seeing you react to these fantastic songs. They're an everyday litft up in this world. Many thanks from France.
without fail.. listening to BAND-MAID always improves my day. when this song came out, i just couldn't believe it. it was just so damn well put together(as they all are).. love the arpeggios in the chorus. #1 complaint you might hear about the band is that the solos are too short : P Choose Me has two, and they're both just right imo. standard MO for the band is to switch things up from verse1 to verse2. they stick to a pretty standard format for most of their songs, but i think they do so much with it.. would love to hear em draw things out and really just take us for a ride.
ruclips.net/video/B90RTjIwyJI/видео.html Awkward is a slower one, and maybe one of their most progressive tracks to date.. song just keeps changing things up
Can't wait for him to see some live stuff, Onset and Play come to mind
their awesome
Love how you explained what you've found, subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!