Interview with The Late Yetis

Nol, front man and guitarist from The Late Yetis shares with me the secret of their mysterious band name, their influences, day time jobs and the bands love for retro anime.

Where did the band name come from?

The name of the band - inspired by music from the late 80's, rap, pop- we didn't want to be too obvious so named it on a cool magical, mysterious  yetis.

Frontman; Nol

So  do you believe in yetis?

We love mysticism, folklore so yes.

The new Ep (to me)gives resembles American music like Nickleback, NIRVANA - what are your influences?

Myself and Rob grew up in 90's and had Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Morrissey around us and the best of hip hop.  The other two members were brought up on Blink 182. Between us we like to mix it up and not conform to one formula.

Who are the band?

Nol is a musician, originally from Brunei and does martial arts, they write collectively. Nol makes the skeleton but they work together bringing the organ's and soul together.

Rhys Wiliams grew up in Libya, a synth player who directed and produced the last video and has suggested animating versions of the band and they have discussed making a Daft Punk esque video. 

David Bell is a huge Dragon Ball Z fan. Via word of mouth they get heard and offered gigs to preform at. Have followed the Camden circuit, east London, North West...

Jake the drummer also manages a music promotion company called Anivian and is currently organising the release of the EP show/twitter/ soundcloud/ bandcamp.

Rob the guitarist's forte apart from making music is a great cook, butcher by day and musician by night. He does pop up restaurants here and there. He's just great!

David Bell, originally from Malaysia is manager of a restaurant and the biggest DBZ fan and very family orientated.  

They want to build the music career together and ultimately play music for a living. They are prepared to work hard and make it to preforming full time.

Previously you released an album before Ep, shouldn't it be the other way around?

Super Saiyan Mode!

We had two different members back then. Our former drummer produced it and went to Brunei. Jake took over after.  The second attempt is a lot darker rather than pop-py. The first album like most was; fresh, excited, happy go lucky and then the ep had happened after a long journey. Some of the members were going through a rough time and music reflected it.

Musically started from Goku to Super Saiyan.

Wait you watch anime?

Brought up on retro classics like Fist of The North star and Vampire Hunter D and the elephant in the room Akira. I even subscribed to a computer video game magazine which sent me a Manga membership card.

Have you thought of doing Soundtracks for anime/ video games?

We would love to look into these sort of avenues as me and Dave Bell ( a huge Dragon Ball Z fan) childhood was filled with anime and we still play video games when we have the time. Also Rhys has toyed with the idea of making animated avatars for the band members.

Working on any future projects?

I will think of ideas, save them to my phone, and always brainstorm them with the boys. This is down to different influences from the band,we all listen to all genres of music alongside rock.

Looking at underground music becoming commercial like Muse, how do you feel about this stigma on bands?

I feel they got better, got more noticed, and then they progressed. 10-15 years ago you wrote stuff,  you would look back now and wonder 'why did i write that?' Matt Bellamy is a genius using classical music and rock with bits of electro, and very good at conducting it.

Any last thoughts?

Thank you to Andy from Steaming Kettle being an old friend from school, for supporting us.

For more news from The Late Yetis follow them on Facebook.

Buy their new Ep from itunes.

Watch The Late Yeti's latest video Blood Driven here below.

Pokemon: Symphonic Evolutions

For the first time in the Uk we had the themes from all the Pokemon games from the the first Red and Blue generation to the newest X and Y. Performed by the acclaimed Royal Philharmonic concert orchestra and conducted by Susie Benchasil Seiter.

All brought to us by the creative team behind The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concert tour have joined forces with The Pokémon Company for a follow-up centered around one of the most popular game series in the world to the Hammersmith Eventium on the 20th December.

There were lots of attendees cosplaying as Pikachu, Pokemon trainers (including myself) showing their love for the series. The merch stall was bombarded by queues to get a t-shirt for £20 and poster £15. If you bought the poster you got to get it signed by the composer and some of the orchestra.

Some of the themes played are from the games listed:

• Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue
• Pokémon Yellow
• Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver
• Pokémon Crystal
• Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire
• Pokémon Emerald
• Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl
• Pokémon Platinum
• Pokémon Black and Pokémon White
• Pokémon X and Pokémon Y

The highlight was the sing-a-long for the Pokemon opening to the first anime series, sadly a lot of the audience didn't know the second verse but the loud singing when the chorus came. Alot of my friends came than I expected, they were in the closet but at the end of the day it was apart of my generations childhood and I talk about Pokemon with pride in regards t watching it on TV and playing all the games.

A great event to enjoy for gamers and also people who appreciate the games and great orchestra music. I have attended the Zelda concert and not being the biggest fan but walking out in utter awe for the talent of musicians capturing the magic of the games. This concert was nostagic and emotionally moving, the feels achieved by the ending themes and footage edited together were wonderful. 

For more information on future tours check the website:

http://www.pokemon.com

To follow my adventures at conventions, and to read my anime/gaming reviews and see general cat photos follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

^_^ Aisha Anime

We are Perfume documentary at Rich Mix

Celebrating the band Perfume's 15th anniversary of group’s formation and 10th anniversary since making their major debut, they have released a new documentary.


The documentary "We are Perfume" portrays the group's present and links to their past and future.

Their popularity has sky rocketed in their later years with their recent album, LEVEL3, released in 2014 was distributed in 251 countries/regions and made it to number 1 on iTunes Electric Music Album category chart in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand, and also went to top 10 of the chart in 19 countries including the US and Canada.

Perfume achieves universal popularity due to their new wave techno-pop songs (different from most girl bands in the charts), sophisticated dances and live performances using the latest technologies

The documentary film follows their activities over a two months period while touring overseas. You will see footage from Perfume WORLD TOUR 3rd and SXSW 2015 during their 10th major debut and 15th formation anniversary year, 2014-2015. With over 500 hours of footage filmed across Asia, Europe and the US this film portrayed their music, live performances and behind-the-scenes which has never been shown before.

Witnessing the current Perfume as they are, you will understand their achievements since the group’s formation and their desire for the future.

We are perfume will be screened in the UK for one day only on 12th December at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green at 12.45.

In addition to this special one-day screening of documentary, Perfume’s official merchandise will be available to buy including: T-shirts, stickers and plastic folders.

The merchandise booth will be open from 12pm.

Buy tickets here.

http://www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/we-are-perfume-world-tour-3rd-document/

Directed by Taketoshi Sado

Songs by Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule)

Main Theme: Perfume, Star Train (Universal Music)

Film Partners: Amuse, Nikkatsu, Universal Muisc, Live Viewing Japan, NHK Enterprises

Planning & Released by Amuse, Nikkatsu

Production: NHK Enterprises

Distributed and Promoted by NIKKATSU (Japan), LIVE VIEWING JAPAN (Worldwide)

© 2015 "WE ARE Perfume" Film Partners.

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015: Interview with Airly Momok/ Edo Anime

It was fantastic walking around Hyper Japan meeting so many like minded people. Amongst the VIP guests I helped out at a friends stall Japan Underground and a beautiful lady in a Cinderella dress approached me and handed me a leaflet. This was Airly Momoko a Japanese-French idol who came to Hyper Japan to help promote the Edo Anime stall.

For more information on the Edo Anime 1803 project please check out their website.

Watch our interview below:

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Ladybaby - cute girls and a beardy wrestler

Another novelty band you may think but actually so were Babymetal but they did pretty well right? I came across this time a Japanese trio called Ladybaby -formed with two young Japanese girls - Rie Kaneko, 17; Rei Kuromiya, 14 who are accompanied by Australian Wrestler, 32, Ladybeard. They are described on their facebook as to "Destroy dancing and singing all of the border , a new sense idle group of Japan souvenir". 

So this Ladybeard is a Cosplayer, pin-up model (witch his own book may I add), established wrestler in Asia, and a heavy metal singer. Oh, and sometimes, a movie reviewer. the irony is as much as th pin up aspect freaks you out (but you cant help but look closer) one of the girls was also a puin up...in her younger years...moving along swiftly.

The bearded idol has been perfecting this look for years now, starting to wrestle in dresses from 2009 and wearing a dress at the age of 14 at a costume party. Since then, he's enjoyed wearing women's clothing to the max and boy does he own the style.

While Ladybeard might seem gimmicky to most like Conchita (Eurovision contest) there's a bit more going on than just a bearded guy in a dress: his vocals aren't too shabby and he manages to incorperate otaku motifs in his performances and style.

It was Ladybeard who formed the band and coined the genre of his music as ‘Kawaiicore’ – death metal covers of J-pop songs. The unlikely pop group's first music video featuring a track called ‘Nippon Manju’ (Japanese Bun), a song covering all the things they love about Japan hit 1million views after being uploaded.

The video shows Ladybeard singing with his band while dressed in a French Maid's outfit or Little Bo Peep, while his two little scantily clad co-singers dance alongside him through the streets of Tokyo, one day I would like to see this in person.

Watch their video here.

For more news on Japanese culture, anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and Twitter ^_^ Aisha Anime

Ladybeard cosplayed as Chun Li at Comicket 2015  in Japan

Okilly Dokilly – a Ned Flanders themed metal band

Formed last month, the American (Phoenix-based group) were discovered by Adelaide street press. They embody everything you could possibly want from a metal band with a Ned Flanders gimmik. Every member dresses like Ned. They talk like Ned. They also have Ned affixed to all of their roles.

The band revealed to Rip It Up what metal – or “Nedal” music as they call it – sounds like: “Not as fast as Bartcore, and a little cleaner than Krusty Punk,” Head Ned said. “Not as heavy as Homer J.ent – Nedal is a happy medium in the Simpscene.”

The actual idea for Okilly Dokilly’s came from Head Ned - he revealed the band’s origin story: “Myself and our drummer [Bled Ned] were in line at a grocery store, entertaining ourselves by coming up with really cutesy names for really hardcore, brutal bands. The name Okilly Dokilly came up and was very funny to us,” he said. ”We ran with it. I contacted a few friends and here we are. Most of us have played in other bands around our hometown. “This is definitely the heaviest sounding project any of us Neds have done.”

As a Simpsons fan I thought this was the most novel thing ever but after listenign to the music I actually enjoy it regardless of the Ned Flanders theme though if you listen clearly you can hear phrases from Mr Flanders subtly in the songs. I recommend you listen to Nothing at all and All that is Left.

This band is the real deal. You can even listen to some of their music – including their ode to the Leftorium ‘All That Is Left’ here.

For more adventures into conventions, anime, cosplay and gaming follow me on Twitter and Facebook ^_^

YOSHIKI x TOSHI from X JAPAN at Hyper Japan

YOSHIKI from X JAPAN has announced his participation in this summer’s HYPER JAPAN. YOSHIKI AND TOSHI will give a SPECIAL UN-PLUGGED PERFORMANCE, and have a X JAPAN booth signing merchandise and posing for photos with the fans !

Band leader YOSHIKI and vocalist TOSHI will present the “YOSHIKI x TOSHI from X JAPAN special live showcase” at the 2,700 capacity concert house inside the 02 Arena. Fans of X JAPAN will be overjoyed to hear that X JAPAN will be holding a concert at Wembley Arena on March 12, 2016! To commemorate this announcement, YOSHIKI and TOSHI will be performing a selection of their songs and making an appearance at the X JAPAN booth that day. Furthermore, they will be making another appearance at the booth on the 12th, from 15:00 to 16:00. At the X JAPAN booth, YOSHIKI’s beloved crystal drum set will be on display, and fans will be able to purchase Wembley Arena advance tickets, T-shirts and other goods.

YOSHIKI x TOSHI from X JAPAN Special Performance

Date and time: 15:45-16:45 on Saturday July 11th 2015
Venue: HYPER Live! Stage

Special Live Showcase Entrance: A general entry ticket (Saturday Second Session/Dual ticket/3-Day ticket) is necessary to enter. Entrance on the day will be decided on a first-come-first-served basis, and the number of audience members will be limited. Queueing for the live showcase will open at 15:00.

YOSHIKI x TOSHI from X JAPAN Special Appearance

Date and time: 17:00-18:00 on Saturday July 11th 2015

Date and time: 15:00-16:00 on Sunday July 12th 2015

Venue: X JAPAN Booth, Area 2

Tickets for the Wembley Arena concert will also be on sale at the X JAPAN booth! If you’re lucky to obtain tickets for the Wembley concert, YOSHIKI and TOSHI will be there to give you a High-Five! If the duo aren’t at the booth when you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive a voucher which you can use to get a High-Five with them at Wembley Arena. The seats allocated for purchases made at HYPER JAPAN are specially selected seats with good views, so be sure to get yours!

For more news on anime, games, conventions and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Writing for Anifest

I totally missed the fact Anifest have added an introducing article on me on their team website.
They recently asked me to be on the team and I was ecstatic, will be nice to have a website hub again. I miss Animepicks immensely.

Hopefully will be able to bring lots of great content to Anifest- more interviews, anime reviews, music reviews, game reviews and what not XD

WHAT IS UKANIFEST ?

 UKAniFest is an anime and Film event on an epic scale, like grind house for all things asian!!

We will  incorporate everything that the avid cinema lover / Asian film lover would want at a cinema festival...

Three films that incorporate how Asian, Korean and Japanese film has finally landed to the U.K.

WHEN AND WHERE??

This will be held in a small 'arthouse' venue in 2013 and at a major London cinema in 2014.

We will showcase one anime film, one anime to live action film and one movie premiere in 2013 and 2014 will see a premiere.

We also hope to have a dealers area in the cinema so you can purchase all your figures, anime and film related merchandise!

Asian Kung Fu Generation at O2 Academy Islington

Since the arrival of Big Bang, Kyari in the UK even classic indie rockers Asian Kung Fu Generation came to town. For £18 (per ticket, standing only) Asian Kung Fu Generation performed to a packed out O2 Islington Academy venue. The Queue spanned from the door, to outside the mall, to the street. If you were one of the lucky go-ers then you will shout "Naruto" with pride.

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Yokohama, Japan, in 1996. Formed with the members band Masafumi Gotō (vocalist), Kensuke Kita (guitarist, Takahiro Yamada (bassist), and Kiyoshi Ijichi (drummer). The band's musical style is influenced by seminal Western punk and alternative rock acts in conjunction with their own local Japanese indie rock background. As a result, their songs maintain a balance of various aspects of the genres, most typically expressing fast-paced tempos and prominent, hard-edged guitar riffs as well as rhythmic flow and emotional lyrics.

Despite the indie nature of their music, the band has enjoyed worldwide commercial success in addition to critical acclaim. They have done songs for anime such as: Naruto, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist and many more. They have even featured in Nintendo and Konami musical games.

The venue itself was intimate which was perfect. You felt so close to the stage and band. If you had queued early to get a good spot near the front then eating would of been an essential. Casually strolling in McDonalds you would have bumped into the band themselves having a quick burger before the show with their entourage.

The gig started promptly at 6:30 with a mixture of hits from all their albums with a lot of otakus pleasers, it had a great vibe - everyone was head bopping and foot taping on the second floor, looking from the balcony to the stage. A great addition was a TV screen for the 2nd floor s if you wanted to rest on the sofas you could still watch the show.

Then a great keepsake of the event was to use the 02 Academy Islington photobooth, where you could get photos with your friends to remember the event. It was an event where you would bump into your anime community friends and catch up. You also had access to two bars, upstairs and down with the usual refreshments including jelly shots for just £1.

For more adventures into anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and twitter. 

^_^ Aisha Anime

Psy doll gig

PSY Doll art for sale

 You should never judge a book by it’s cover, looking at the flyer art for this event it looked cute and I walked into another world. It was in a compound hidden away. The interior was beautiful with steampunk and luchidor decorations. The venue, the resistance gallery, also hosted a wide variety of events and meets. On this particular occassion I was here to see the Japanese cyber punk band psy doll perform XD

audience dressed up

in the maid cafe

Wrestling, the art of Kimbaku (rope art)and music events too. There was a projector showing Ghost in a Shell: Stand Alone Complex above the stage with the beautiful dark art of PSY Doll, which added to the haunting atmosphere.

You also had a chill out area upstairs with a mini maid cafe with classic and alternative maids catering to your needs.

The types of performances varied from dance (ballet) to performing arts and some Kimbaku. I’ve never seen Kimbaku before and was interesting to watch, three top students of Kimbaku showed their skills and one was even female. They all told a story and it’s not as seedy as one would assume.

Lastly PSY Doll performed some great electro sounds with the beautiful and Visual Kei lead singer controlling the energy in the room. A truly entertaining night at a bargain price.

For more alternative Maid events like their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oh-My-Lord

To find out about more intresting events go to animepicks.co.uk

http://animepicks.co.uk/author/aisha-ahmed/