[melissalove]

Originally Posted by voltron

It's definitely a question of product vs. promotion/placement, right? I don't think Ayu is willing to undergo a huge overhaul at this point -- either in sound or in overall image. But I do think she could stomach a "clean-up" if you will to polish the edges a bit, be a little more commercial, etc. BUT I do think with enough money dumped into her, a tight execution strategy, and maintenance of things at a high level of quality, would all combine to a better public image. Namie has been lucky in that she hasn't had to "work" for publicity in the traditional sense (dodging the knives that are about to be thrown at me), because she still doesn't go to TV shows or a super long promo trail. She just gets good tie-ins and that does the work for her.

But yes, I would hate to see Avex just focus on the groups. Mostly because they don't do a whole lot for me. But it might actually be a better financial strategy for them.

And as an aside, I would also love a Maki Goto comeback. I really loved her Sweet Black stuff, but her mini not as much.

Yeah, namie’s team had a bit of a play in her success but it was 90% namie. She decided to part with TK, change her style and refused to tour like avex wanted all by herself. If ayu wants to have any sort of success she needs to change everything and do Something different.