Wagakki Band Reaction! 焔 (Homura) + 暁ノ糸 (Akatsuki no Ito)

[@tonym480]

This is really interesting, thank you for reacting to it. The deeper I go into Japanese music the more I find to like.

[@meteorrunner]

This has been a great way to start the day! Just caught the premier by accident 20 seconds before it started haha, and now I'm going to start work! Sunwheel and Tengaku are some other great songs by them. Generally can't go wrong with Wagakkiband YT videos, I personally haven't seen any bad quality ones and there's plenty of live stuff. The guitarist generally only wears the mask for his solo instrumentals (he wrote Homura as a solo artist), and then takes it off for full band stuff as he is secondary vocals :)

[@hiawatha.g]

“Wagakki” is Japanese for “traditional instruments” The band was founded by the shigin (classical poetry) singer, SUZUHANA Yuko, who is also a classically trained pianist. She developed the concept of fusing Japanese traditional instruments and musical tropes with modern western music. The full band consist of eight musicians, three on western instruments (bass, guitar, drums), four on Japanese instruments and Suzuhana-sama on vocals and sometimes piano. The sad thing is that after ten years of huge success they are hanging it up indefinitely after this year. Meanwhile they have a lot of material up on youtube and it’s all worth exploring. Some more background” The “lute” thing is a Shamisen. The “harp” thing is a Koto. The “flute thing” is a shakuhachi. The Japanese drums are collectively called “wadaiko”. Yes, you’ve heard these instruments a million times, in movie soundtracks, when they want to convey a Japanese atmosphere. Here is a video that really lets you see up close all the instruments and how they work together: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2PQloqhjNaWY6s It was originally written for a “Vocaloid” which is an electronic virtual singer-essentially an AI. In Japan (where else?) vocaloids have actually become pop stars. What can I say? America may be the land of innovation for things like tech and social media, but in music no one here cares any more. Most of the creative action has moved to Europe and Japan.

[@KittyKarenpoo]

I think the Wagakki band is the world's biggest secret. It is hard to imagine a band more traditional and innovative at the same time. They have been a real joy to me, and I list them as my 3rd favorite Japanese band, after Band Maid, One Ok Rock and before Doll$boxx and Hanabie. My favorite Wagakki song is A Letter with No Name. Just a fantastic blend of all that is great with this band: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4OxoWV7pLN1Z7s

[@bernardoesperanto3194]

You are late with your reaction to this "classic" show, but you are respectful and decent, so thank you. Those who want to know more about the mask, read the Wikipedia article "Noh".

[@TheCyberMantis]

I know you are busy, but you really need to do a deep-dive on Wagakki Band. They are on another level. For me, Yuko Suzuhana has the most beautiful voice. She plays piano too. She is so amazing. Songs I would recommend for you: "Moon Shine", "Howling", "Sun Wheel", "Shiromadara", "Queen of the Night", "Togakubi". This band has so many songs, I lose track of them. WGB has been around for 10 years. They release new material constantly.

[@gt120]

I love the commentary you provided!

[@YesYouCANPlayGuitar]

Thank you!

[@richardn8866]

Unfortunately, they are going on indefinite hiatus at the end of the year. They have other interests they need/want to pursue. I will be lucky enough to see them end of November in Tokyo. Thanks for the reaction.

[@DrAcula-os1nz]

This is a gem of a band. Definitely my favorite band from Japan.👍 It is a Noh mask from Noh theatre. This mask represents the spirit of a woman, the cut on the eye is not original. Machiya only uses it on instrumental songs, which are also only performed live. They have been going since 2013 and have released 7 studio albums. Check this one: Wagakki Band - 戦-ikusa- + 拍手喝采 (Hakushu Kassai)/ Dai Shinnenkai 2018 Ashita e no Koukai [ENG SUB CC]

[@藤崎イヨク]

Vocal、Keyboards：Yuuko Suzuka. Koto(A musical instrument invented around the 7th century)：Kiyoshi Ibukuro. Shakuhachi(A musical instrument similar to a flute. A musical instrument made from bamboo that was developed at the end of the 16th century. There are 5 holes (4 in the front, 1 in the back).：Daisuke Kaminaga. shamisen(A musical instrument invented around the 16th century.It is played with a huge pick called a ”BACHI".)：Beni Nagawa. Wadaiko(A musical instrument that dates back to around 500 BC.)：Kurona Guitar Vocal Chorus：Machiya.His dominant hand is his left hand. Although he has been corrected so that he can play with his right hand, he can actually play with his left hand better than his right hand. Bass：Asa.When he performs, he wears feminine makeup, hairstyle, and clothing, but he is male. Drums：Wasabi. There's also a video of him performing Bring Me To Life with Amy Lee at Nippon Budokan.

[@mishi586]

You should definitely check out 'Bring Me To Life', which they performed with Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE). There are so many exciting rock and metal bands in Japan. I guess this is what it was like when many British bands came out after the Beatles.

[@jimnusbaum3589]

Machiya plays a custom 29 fret Sago guitar. Wagakki band is fantastic. I prefere their earlier vocaloid covers but all their music is fantastic. Yuko Suzuhana is an exceptional talent as they all are.

[@snowspring-s2h]

竹製の縦笛の名前は" shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute)”です。shakuhachiについて興味があるならば、Mr.John Kaizan Neptuneさんが良く知っていると思います。 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kaizan_Neptune いつもあなたの動画を楽しんでいます。ありがとう！

[@bartonbagnes4605]

There's a Mongolian metal band you should see, The Hu. Their rendition of the Metallica song "Sad But True" is amazing, as are their own songs.

[@Patrick_H.]

Ah Brian, you've discovered another one of my favorite Japanese bands!! The traditional musicians are all accredited 'masters' who teach their instrument in University. Including Yuko, the vocalists who sings a lot in traditional Japanese Shigin style (used for vocal poetry). I'll try to buy you a Coffee and send a request for another Japanese Band - *_Gacharic Spin_* ( 'ch' like 'chicks' as in 'they are a 5 _chick_ band' ) I think you'll love them, something you haven't heard from Japan yet - they play Rock Funk-Jazz

[@YesYouCANPlayGuitar]

Hi Pat! I'll be posting something for you this week on KZbin, I really appreciate the extra support!

[@Patrick_H.]

Thanks man! I'm reading this reply while I'm in queue for your Reaction to Edge of the World. I suspect you will have a lot to say about it :0)

[@Patrick_H.]

LOL I was watching your Comments on Wagakki band and literally watched you type the above msg to me. Damn, the Internet is So Dope!

[@donbrashsux]

A Very cool band

[@Maxmaidiac]

Oh yeah, I believe you can get a working holiday visa to join the active music club performers. They would love your looks and doing commercials might bean option. No offense but they honor older people and you would be the perfect good looking western ogeesan to sell products. Dozens of basement music clubs in the business buildings of Tokyo. If you can do Jazz they love it. If you can sing they want vocal coaches to teach up and coming bands to add in English lyrics. Go for it brother❤

[@YesYouCANPlayGuitar]

Great idea!!

[@ShikataGaNai100]

US music didn't die, it just went expat to Japan.