Emmy winning singer reacts to Band-Maid “Catharsis” live acoustic (2021) [Miki’s Singing Tips 🎤]

[@Puyax01]

You are right, they felt out of their natural element. But they killed it, it was an amazing show

[@stevehall5128]

Yeah they were all laughing in the commentary about how, without the normal stage lights in their eyes and with the sun through the windows, they could actually see the whole crew watching and it made them more self-conscious.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Did the crew pull faces at the Maids to try & put them off?😏

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Crew goes all hengao and shiz? LOL

[@thunderchild7137]

Yes they are having to hold back a bit since they are great hard rock band. But these ladies are consummate performers no matter the environment. In fact they live to perform.That is why they have done so many live online concerts the last year and half or so. Because of the pandemic they haven't been able to be in front of an audience which is where they truly shine. If you are going to do more from them try Warning or Manners, Black Hole from the Day of the Maid online live concert.

[@K.H.D710]

Thanks for your reaction to this video. The place is used for wedding ceremonies and parties, not a hotel lobby. They felt awkward because of two reasons as they commented in their audio commentary of this concert: 1. They were not in the usual maid outfits which they call as their commbat dress. 2. They could see staff members' faces clearly because of the bright lighting. Since there was no audience (this was an online concert), they didn't know where to look at. It was a good observation that you pointed out their awkwardness👍😉

[@patron40silver]

Saiki💙, Saiki💞, Saiki💕

[@bartyslattfast]

Thanks. Japanese is not a "rock friendly" language in it's structure nor does it easily translate. Miku also truncates a lot of words(even native speakers have a hard time understanding some songs). Some songs Saiki seems like she is rapping but it is just the nature of the language. You are correct that they were nervous. They are very particular about wanting to be "perfect" . The commentary track version of this has a lot of chatter between them making fun of each others awkwardness. They said that they are happy to give this to the fans but that it will be an "infrequent Christmas gift". Please react to their song "Wonderland".

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Japanese language not rock friendly? Tell that to Maximum the Hormone, Shonen Knife, and Electric Eel Shock. LOL

[@bartyslattfast]

@@ShikataGaNai100 they make it work but other native speakers have told me it is not easy so I am just going off of that.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@bartyslattfast 真剣に？ そうですか？

[@bartyslattfast]

@@ShikataGaNai100 Yes. of course that is just their opinion and none of them write or produce music. I know maybe 20 words of Japanese so I am certainly no expert.

[@_JimS]

I believe Akane was using a type of "Hot Rod" drum sticks which are like small wooden dowel sticks bundled to produce a softer/mellow sound when striking the skins or cymbals for this session. I also read in comments somewhere that they were very nervous doing this in front of the crew with everyone staring at them and Saiki's head was sweating profusely from the lights and nervousness. They are real troopers and give us their all for music videos and live concerts with their true mission of pleasing their audience, in a true Japanese fashion. They are my absolute favorites for music and personalities.

[@Aaronacer]

I really appreciate the reaction, but I think you missed some things (or were not privy to them). This was awkward-ish for them. They are stripping down rock/hard rock songs to an acoustic setting (check out the original version of Catharsis to understand that). They reworked-- and relearned-- as a group, all of these songs, and as such, they even said they were nervous. And they did that for us, the fans. They truly are one of the few bands out there that we matter, that we-- the fans-- mean more to them than anything else. Second, and obviously this is not on you, this was one song in a fourteen song set. And quite frankly, the most boring to me. The arrangements and compositions they have in every other song are more interesting. Finally, and most importantly, they are Japanese. They sing in Japanese primarily. English can be very "wordy" too. It is unfair to gripe because that the verbiage doesn't fit your traditional English speaking musical palette. That is too short-sighted for someone like you. And if you want to hear some truly live (audience) acoustic performances, try Puzzle and Anemone live they did at one of their shows. Again, not criticizing you, but it's hard to truly understand all the nuances with any band and their chemistry. Thank you for the reaction! Keep them coming. And I will always like.

[@pugnaciousdeliciososa2191]

You got it with the second, she wasn't privy to them.

[@ronniebrucehalford8396]

Other bands sing in Japanese and don't come across as wordy (but their songs do come across as simpler). Band-Maid songs seem to be wordier than most. Miku does at times appear to be like Charles Dickens getting paid by the word. I mean, how often do we ask Saiki to take a breath. Good thing her vocal stamina is amazing as is her rapid-fire delivery. I think wordy songs regardless of language aren't as popular. Look at Bruce Springsteen. His wordy as hell "Blinded by the Light" didn't chart, but his less wordy "Dancing in the Dark" hit #2. REM's "End of the World" didn't break the top 40, but "Losing My Religion" was so close to #1. Michael said she doesn't like wordy songs. It's a fair critique, and not unfair, as it has nothing to do with Japanese language constraints or her being short-sighted. It is difficult to cram words into tight spaces and make it sound perfect all the time. Bruce Springsteen can't do it. Bob Dylan can't do it. Band-Maid does a great job of it most of the time, which is more remarkable as they jump back and forth between two languages. Your review of "Catharsis" is much harsher than anything she said.

[@Cheezzepuff]

The conversion of this song from its original to acoustic is what makes this song stick out. It’s hard to hear that without listening to the original before hand.

[@JasonKale]

I love Band maid...I would hate to be the person who actually criticizes them on one of the many reaction videos which seems likes its own little industry.. There are like legions of men who are their fans and I think would literally do anything for these girls...I love this version of the song...

[@Space_Ranger]

I love how Kanami and Akane are looking up and around like it's no big deal. They are so well practiced and professional they make it seem easy.

[@pugnaciousdeliciososa2191]

Another great reaction, Michal. Thank you and Happy Lunar New Year to you too. I really like two insights you had about this video. You caught that the band was a bit uncomfortable about their surroundings but still powered through it like the pros they are. And you mentioned their wordiness, yup they are wordy. I hear people have a difficult time doing Band-Maid songs in karaoke because of that and lyricist Miku truncates the Japanese words just so that they can fit.

[@davestafford8273]

I thought that this was an excellent, thoughtful reaction/review. You had obviously done your research about the band and it was nice to see you promote the concert, given how difficult it must be for musicians during the Covid restrictions. You really picked up on the band’s nervousness in playing in an awkward situation. In the commentary, they said they didn’t know where to look with the staff sitting in front of them. Saiki’s vocals were the highlight for me where the laid-back feel gave her the chance to shine and she really does have a great voice. She’s able to handle the “wordiness” of Miku’s lyrics and it’s amazing how she can switch between English & Japanese so easily.

[@tonygriffin_]

Band-Maid - or, at least, Miku, the founder of the band and rhythm guitarist - write lyrics with much more depth than a lot of songwriters. Same goes for Kanami, the lead guitarist and composer of their music, who always puts in lots of intricate pieces as well as construcying a great tune. This was a beautiful concert to get on xmas day, consisting of 14 songs, many of them very cleverly adapted from the often heavier, amplified sound they usually make. 10:40 - You're right about Akane, the drummer, not being overpowering, as she chose to use 'rods' (or, "Rods of the Drum Goddess" as they are known to me and another commentator, @Gary Holloway 🤣) rather than sticks to keep the sound softer. Their clothes wouldn't look out of place in an episode of The Expanse or Star Wars, which shows they are not just making the music for the 21st century but wearing 21st century fashions too!

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Frankly, Miku and Kanami are becoming a latter day McCartney/Lennon.

[@tonygriffin_]

@@ShikataGaNai100 Yes. Except there are some Beatles songs I don't like. Not the case with Band-Maid!

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@tonygriffin_ Well, to be fair, there are some Beatle songs that Lennon and MACCA didn't like. LOL

[@tonygriffin_]

@@ShikataGaNai100 🙂😂

[@hiawatha.g]

Lots of rock bands can thrash, but very few can pull it back this way and still make it work. Thanks for featuring more Band-Maid.

[@philcalvino884]

Great exposition and reaction, Michal! Not many people take the time to retrieve and reflect on lyrics, that was nice. One of the most fascinating things about this incredible acoustic set are the astonishing arrangements. Catharsis is much faster and more urgent in the original rock version. In the second pre-chorus, the lead singer (Saiki) lays down that kind of punk-funk vocal run, where it feels like her voice is just another instrument. That runs a little bit against the grain of more meditative atmosphere of the acoustic arrangement, but I still felt like it worked overall. There's something about the Japanese language -- or at least the way Band-Maid adapts it -- that enables it to sync well with rhythmic parts. It would be interesting to get your take on this aspect of singing in a song like Blooming.

[@curtisrrobles7885]

MISA!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! 🥃🥃🥃the best Hard Rock band in the world right now.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Indeed they are Curtis. My "B-M storm" comment is still M.I.A. I even left it on this channel but was told it got hidden so i deleted it.😥

[@curtisrrobles7885]

@@GaryHolloway-810 😲 that's weird. YT can't handle the truth

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@curtisrrobles7885 Maybe they don't like the "Hit the US full force bit". I will try leaving it somewhere :)

[@outwest1014]

They are a Hard Rock band, per Miku Kaboto!! FYI, Miku wrote the lyrics. Saiki began singing in a Karaoke bar to occupy herself as her Mother socialized with friends. Vocal training started when she was about 14. She was a backup singer/dancer when she was recruited for Band Maid when she was 18yo.. The videos on YT of her as a backup singer/dance have been taken down.

[@fastskipper777]

The particular space is most often used as a wedding hall and other gatherings. It's located in a really nice hotel.

[@Greg-om2hb]

I was originally unfamiliar with Catharsis, but I think this performance is the highlight of the acoustic set. To fully understand the brilliance of this acoustic arrangement, one must also listen to the hard-rocking, frenetic original version. The catchy chorus (“oyoide, oyide”) is the “swimming swimming” part. Japanese lyrics are difficult to translate for many reasons. One is that in Japanese the subject of a sentence is often omitted. In Japan’s high-context culture, the subject is often assumed to be understood by the listener. To speak explicitly can even be considered to be boorish.

[@vili7783]

Nice reaction ccion coach Miki! ..!

[@me262a1]

They performed a version of Sayonakidori in this acoustic set but there is no video release as of yet. It wold be interesting for you to compare the two since you already reacted to the other version.

[@dennisthemenace671]

MISA !!! MISA !!! MISA !!! , The Barefoot Bass Assassin .

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!

[@ernestrimbeck7630]

With a guitar in her hand, there is no place out of Kaname's elements In fact I would love seeing the whole band busking on a corner

[@bartyslattfast]

In addition to Wonderland by Band-Maid may I recommend About Us; Band-Maid wrote About Us as a love letter to fans & it is about the separation caused by the pandemic. It is a sad but inspiring, hopeful song. Saiki turns her head sharply at one point while singing in what looks like an effort to hold back tears. They really miss performing live for fans and talk about it frequently in interviews.

[@stefanbranden4898]

If you watch the full "ONLINE ACOUSTIC 25/12" concert the biggest difference according to the band on recording this acoustic session was that MISA was sober!!!!😱😱😱😜😜

[@bobespirit2112]

There’s an unofficial video of Miku singing their song “Sayonkadori” (Nightingale) during this same acoustic set. She’s joined by just Akane drums and Misa’s bass with Akane on backing vocals. A completely different feel from their typical songs. It’d definitely be cool to hear your analysis of her vocals.

[@rossmudie9298]

Chill out some people, it was a decent reaction 🤘🤘

[@ronniebrucehalford8396]

It's actually a very good reaction. Band-Maid themselves said they were nervous and felt awkward. The reactor sensed that and commented on it. Don't know why some are getting defensive.

[@rossmudie9298]

@@ronniebrucehalford8396 I won't disagree, over sensitive, maybe not very knowledgeable of other artists, tunnel vision, age, hero worship I could go on

[@ronniebrucehalford8396]

@@rossmudie9298 There may also be a language barrier, especially when dealing with not just an international band, but International fans and international reactors. There is room for misinterpretation, so we hardcore fans - and I include myself here - need to be mindful to ask for clarification first before jumping to conclusions.

[@rossmudie9298]

@@ronniebrucehalford8396 some fans just want a worship reaction and have no tolerance, don't mind seeing or giving fair and measured criticism if the reactor is poor, but she's good and some people are just dicks who deserve no excuses.

[@pugnaciousdeliciososa2191]

@@rossmudie9298 Age is kind of an interesting one - I believe the main Western audience for Band-Maid are actually men that are old enough to be Band-Maid's fathers or grandfathers. It may be a bit too early to tell with the tunnel vision/lack of knowledge of other artists - but there'll be more Japanese acts appearing in Michal's future reactions - if there's a lack of comment on those by BM fans that would be rather sus.

[@lakenneth374]

Set the record straight, as a group Band-Maid never thought of quitting. Misa way before Thill was written: Actually... there was 1 time when I thought I wanted to quit BAND-MAID. It was before the 1st or 2nd one-man [BAND-MAID only concert, not as part of a bigger event or joint event with other bands or activities]. I felt there was a slight gap between the music that I really liked and the music that BAND-MAID was playing at that point in time. . I was quite troubled about this and discussed it with our manager at that time. I was told "For now, why don't you take a good look at the view from the stage at the next (one-man) performance and decide after that?" as a suggestion. So, when it was time and I went up on stage to perform, the view before me was truly amazing. The expressions of the Masters and Princesses and the response and reactions to our music moved me deeply and I enjoyed that "service" [BAND-MAID's live performance] very much. Above all, seeing that view before me made me think "this band can go much, much higher (further)". So, I decided to continue with the band.

[@matttate9999]

Band-maid songs are all wordy.

[@ernestrimbeck7630]

Chicks, am I right

[@technopsychobedlam]

@@ernestrimbeck7630 Yeah, that's funny :-)

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Saiki was, by her own admission, sweating profusely...but came through in amazing form. Also, great harmony vocals by Miku...who is not comfortable with full on face photos. Kanami's bridge riff is almost impossible on acoustic...even that $4,000 Alvarez. MISA is awesome...bass as a lead instrument. And Akane using those hot rod sticks...awesome.

[@Bodneyblue]

I loved every second of the times I watched the concert. And was great fun to listen to the ladies commentary. It shows they can put their hand to anything. These ladies are class in everything they do. I have not been so impressed with a band in 30 years as I am with BAND-MAID. I have suffered a great loss in the not so distant past and have suffered mentally with depression, and these ladies have made me smile for the first time in years. Their music has been the only therapy that has given me hope that the world is a worth while place to be...so ..Long May They Reign.

[@schelin1447]

BAND-MAID are more than amazing, such fantastic musicians, song writers and performers

[@billhallisey7298]

This performance shows their versatility. How many metal bands can go acoustic with such style. This song has a pop jazz feel to it. The little acoustic interlude, to my non-musician ears, I call an acoustic romp. It reminds me of ponies or children running, jumping and playing in a field.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Thank for reading the lyrics. Too many people ignore Band-Maid because their lyrics are primarily in Japanese. Miku Kabato's lyrics are too often ignored, which is a shame because her lyrics are beautifully written, and can be quite inspirational. This was recorded on Christmas Day, 2021 and there were still severe restrictions on public gatherings. That's why there is no applause: no audience was present, just production crew and the band. Yes, they were nervous and they talk about it in the commentary. In the Fall of 2019, Band-Maid was looking forward to playing at Budokan in 2020 and launching a huge world tour, they believed they were going to make their big break through internationally, but everything was cancelled by the lockdowns and further plans kept getting cancelled. Band-Maid has the Punk Rock DIY work ethic and it was devastating to them to have all their work and plans erased by events beyond their control. However, as soon as they realized that things were not returning to normal, they turned to the internet and started doing online concerts, of which, this Christmas concert was one. Another was their Online Okyu-ji (Feb.11, 2021) again no audience. They scheduled it in conjunction with Valentines Day and performed a love song to their fans, "About Us". Do a reaction to "About Us" - it's one of their more remarkable performances.

[@muhammadzarfan]

please react to LOVEBITES also japanese all female heavy metal bands.thanks if u read this.sorry my eng very bad.

[@michaelpalmer3717]

Brilliant, as always. Consumate musicians and great performers. Kanami, lead guitar, manages to virtually shred her acoustic at one point - if you play guitar try it,. They just get better and better.

[@lurkmerchant]

They are 'hard rocking' band, but they play 'anything' infused with pop. They can go as hard and fast they want, or slow and mellow as they want. They were indeed very awkward and nervous without their usual maid 'armour' so you were right. Yes they often fit so many words in their vocal melody, which gives Saiki the lead vocalist no time to breathe...and many songs have 'rap-like' element because of it. But it's all part of their sound. Thanks for honest, enjoyable reaction.

[@コマツ雅也]

彩姫さん！２月８日　お誕生日なんだな～おめでとう？ はまたあとで、、ね！。素晴らしい個性と天才的な素晴らしい才能が集まったバンド！！、、なんだよな～！！

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Did you notice that drummer Akane is being filmed with a Handycam?

[@fenris7769]

They are not metal. They dabble in many genres of rock

[@bartyslattfast]

Thank you for including a link for buying the concert archive; it is well worth the cost.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Kanami goes full Larry Carlton (a guitar hero of hers) and Pat Metheny on the bridge riff.

[@the.variable.japanese]

yes! TAMA DRUMS ;)

[@JuanSan66]

Excelent job, Thank you!

[@jimr4354]

Band Maid are really a cross between the east and west. Just understand this is the east. It's not America. There is a lot of restrain in many ways. You don't expect too much out of control playing in an acoustic. Saiki's English pronounciation is not always exact as English as it's not widely spoken in their country. Most millennials don't have a grasp of English like most other nations. They a great band and you'll learn to understand that as you listen to more of their collection. The range and diversity is immense and you'll understand why so many like them in most countries. They are not only a metal band. They cover most genres from rock, pop, jazz and more. Kanami is an amazing song composer. Really talented in so many areas including intellectually in an economics degree. She composes many songs on piano. Yolo is 1 and there's a clip online. Anyway great that you're spending the time reviewing the band as many Maidiacs are awe struck by their talents and appreciate the positive reviews.

[@Prober61]

Time for more maids! :)

[@wolfscoat6207]

I is alwys strange for me, when they are critisized about their accent when they sing or speak english words in the songs. For me it would not be neccessary to do this, only Japanese would be fine. But what is the problem with the accent? Especially american reactors have sometimes a cruel accent if they have to speak out words which are not English. I'm always annoyed when it comes to the word "Nemophila". There was not one which could speak it out it correctly ( it is Latin ). But well, it is what it is, be happy that the world is speaking more and more English. We need no discussion about accents. Second thing is, that you talk about the skills of "the singer". You have realized, that there are two? Miku is so underrated and I'm upset, that so many reactors forget her. She has a wonderful voice and without her, Saiki would not shine that much. Very difficult to sing the right voice to support the lead vocal and play guitar at the same time. And especially in this song Miku is also hopping up and down the octaves. This band is such an surprise for me, after looking for decades for new good Rock Music and I'm so happy I have found them ( or did they find me? ).

[@justdave9610]

You make some valid observations and opinions but I don't think she meant to imply anything bad or meant to be offensive and was just making an observation about accents but it's ok to have an accent and doesn't imply a flaw necessarily. Personally I respect the intelligence of anyone who can speak or in this case sing in multiple languages

[@pugnaciousdeliciososa2191]

She already had a reaction video to Sayonakidori, she knows that Miku is a great singer. Michal did praise Miku here, she said "the girl doing the harmonizing here did a lovely job".

[@technopsychobedlam]

It is a little funny to hear someone point out other people's accent while using a strong American twang themselves :-)

[@justdave9610]

@@technopsychobedlam everyone has an accent lol. Even with America there's so much variety in local and regional dialects and accents

[@MaartenT]

I personally didn't see any hostility with what she said about the pronunciation. I don't think it was meant as a slight. I do think Saiki does quite a good job on her English since it always sounds to me that she doesn't really speak English at all, or maybe she is just too shy to do so. Miku always seemed the only one who somewhat can speak English and does understand some English. I guess Kanami is working on it as well. There is no denying that Saiki has quite a big accent (nothing wrong with that). That being said, I have heard way worse with other singers. Granted I am not a native English speaker, so I am sure I have a huge accent as well, but I watch/listen enough English content to hear accents. As far as Miku's backup vocals go, she did touch on them albeit shortly. They are also quite low in the mix, which is shame because I noticed she does a great job on them in the last couple online shows they did. I sometimes have a tough time hearing them in this one even though I know they are there. But to me nothing wrong was said in this video. I personally don't really see a reason to be so defensive. There is nothing wrong with (very slight in this case) criticism on things you love, it doesn't make your love for that thing any less valid.

[@orvoloco8261]

They usually play in front of thousand of people, this is nothing compared.

[@powbobs]

This was not shot in a hotel. It’s a wedding space which is near the hotel.

[@stephenriggs8177]

The commentary was a lot of fun.

[@ral8452]

check out 'wonderland'

[@TomClark-Futoura]

As with all Band-Maid songs and performances, Catharsis is cathartic. Another great B-M acoustic number to check out is “Smile.” Thx, Michal -- the most prepared reactor on KZbin (and one of the prettiest, too! ;-) See this entire incredible Acoustic Concert with archive tickets available at their website.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

I left the exact comment here Tom :)

[@MichalTowberVocalCoaching]

You are too kind! I will check out Smile :)

[@justdave9610]

@@DMiyash248 😕😢

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@DMiyash248 DMiyash i was just told My "B-M Storm" comment was hidden again on this channel. Only my replies seem to be staying up.🤷‍♂️

[@curtisrrobles7885]

🤙🏼

[@suleymanakdemir9606]

check out - Senem Akdemir - Kara Gözler- it's unbeliavable

[@GaryHolloway-810]

"BAND-MAID playing in a hotel lobby"? I must visit this awesome hotel with the lobby on the 23rd floor.🤣

[@baddhorsie8318]

Those occasional comments when you are reminded just how defensive you can be when it comes to Band-Maid. Best band on the planet for those who know :)

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@baddhorsie8318 Exactly. I couldn't have said that better.🙂👍

[@jkkansasband7056]

You sarcastic Maidiac. 👍

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@jkkansasband7056 Lol. I mean i could see the bay bridge. That hotel's a bit like the poseidon Adventure only the other way up.😏

[@jkkansasband7056]

@@GaryHolloway-810 lol. I would have written the same comment. She just used the wrong word. Anyway, have a nice day.😎