[Kalen Anzai] ★♫ It's the 2000s again in Kalen's 1st thread ★♫

[Surreal17]

Hmm, I kinda have mixed opinions about this. On one side, I really like how they are consistent with the visuals and sound (and structure lol) for the two singles, but the song itself had more potential in my opinion. Maybe with a different chorus, I don't know. The rest of the song is enjoyable. The way in which she sings reminds me of 90s /early 00s jpop which is not entirely my cup of tea, but not bad either.
Also, what's up with those long titles lol

[hud]

the PV is amazing, but the song needs to grow on me.

[oaristos]

I didn't like this song as much as the first one, but it's still good. I love the instrumental at the beginning. The video is really nice, too. It'd be amazing if she kept this aesthetic for an entire album.

[mi|kshake]

Think I'm enjoying this single more than the first.

[Teppei-chan]

We'll get a new single soon. She posted some pictures of her recording in the studio in her Instagram stories and today this was uploaded on the avex YouTube Channel

[Teppei-chan]

The new Song is called 人生は戦場だ and the music Video also just got released



Will give my opinion in it later on when I got more time

[tokyoxjapanxfan]

I can’t decide if I prefer this or the debut!
It’s defin better than the 2nd single for me tho

[EndOfTheWorld]

These vocals give me more Nami Tamaki and Hitomi Takahashi vibes. It's so cool to see the old style updated like this.
I do wonder how long she will continue to make music in this current style.

[EndOfTheWorld]

J-Pop Star Kalen Anzai Gives First English Interview

Many fans have noted that your music pays homage to the late ‘90s, early 2000s J-pop sound, while also embracing a futuristic sound. Did you listen to a lot of J-pop from the ‘90s/2000s era growing up?

When I was little, I grew up listening to Western music such as rock and jazz. I still remember that I felt so fresh when I first encountered the 1990s-2000s J-pop sound. I interpret it as a new genre when I listen and sing.

What music has most inspired you as a musician?

My first live show was seeing The Rolling Stones. I was impressed by the saxophone-playing band member [Bobby Keys] and worked hard to [learn the alto saxophone] and get into a tournament. I think it was my motivation to pursue music.

What do you like to enjoy when you're not working on music?

I love watching movies. I'm addicted to Netflix's 13 Reasons Why!

What are your go-to favorite songs to sing at karaoke?

I always sing Whitney Houston's “I Have Nothing" around the end!

You’re also known for showing your fashion looks on Instagram. Do you have a favorite outfit from one of your music videos?

My favorite music video costume is the outfit that combines the red mini dress with the motorcycle jacket that I wore in the video for my second single, “Dareka no Raise no Yume Demo ii.” I didn't usually wear red [before], but now I like it!

What are your favorite places to go shopping for unique clothing?

I usually buy things that I thought are cute in Urahara (Ura-Harajuku) and Shibuya. When I want overseas clothes, I buy them online, but I always check out the brand ELF SACK.

What is it like working with MAC Cosmetics? Do you have a favorite makeup trend currently?

When shooting the MAC collection visuals, the face changes so much with makeup! I was so impressed and delighted to bring out my new self. A recent makeup trend [I like] is to contour the center of the face. I recommend it because it makes your face look smaller and autumn-like.

Why do you think “Sekai no Subete Teki ni Kanjite Kodoku sae Aishiteita” was the best single to introduce your music to the world?

The [combination of the] sound of the ‘90s and the futuristic aesthetic was interesting and new, and I thought it would be perfect for me.

Your music videos and songs have futuristic and technological themes, like virtual relationships and augmented reality. Why did you want to explore the future and technology in your music?

Musically speaking, I actually wasn’t conscious of the future or technology—I drew from my real feelings instead. The video treatment was the inspiration of the creative team, and it became a collaboration. In itself, it was a very fun experience, and when I first saw the finished video, I screamed, “Cute!” Before shooting, when I was asked to propose a world view like the prophecy [in the video], I wanted to be in a position to express [my own] reality. On my own, I never really had the feeling that I always wanted to pursue the future and technology.

What is it like working with an agency as prestigious in the pop community as Avex?

I’m really stimulated every day. There are so many things I don't know yet. Everyone is really cool and I want to do my best to get closer to them.

Are there any J-pop artists you would recommend to J-pop lovers around the world?

Recently, I have been listening to Official髭男dism (Official HIGE DANdism). I love the lyrics and the melodies linger in my ears.

Your video for “Dareka no Raise no Yume Demo ii” prominently shows LGBTQ+ and interracial couples. Do you hope that society in the far future continues to embrace diversity and inclusivity?

Of course!

Your songs have both themes of hope and sorrow. Do they go hand in hand?

When you really want something, I think everyone experiences feelings such as anxiety, fear and sadness.

What does it mean to be cyberpunk in your world?

I think it means to be unique, like the Japanese gals (gyaru) culture.

What is the cyberworld that is featured in your first music videos? Is it a future Earth? A future Japan?

It is a new world that can only be made through human imagination, fantasy and hope.

What does your ideal vision of the future look like?

The ideal future is always changing, but what is unchanging is the love of music ... I just hope I can continue to convey my feelings [at any given moment] in real time.

[Spiral]

new song is the ending song for anime black clover. second single is available for free at tower records~

[Teppei-chan]

After I gave the new Song a few listens I would say it's in the same level as her second single for me. The first one still ís my favourite.
I'm curious to see what kind of turn her music might take. If she sticks to the current sound of her music or If we will also see her trying something new after she might release an album.

[primavera♥]

I like the interview, gives some interesting insight.

I do agree that it sounds more like Nami Tamaki and other artists for this newer track (and the second season as well)

I however don't find it as interesting, powerful, nuanced, catchy or whatever as the kinds of old songs people are comparing it to. It's great to revive old sounds and reimagine them, but the music still has to be good for me to appreciate it. I would like more from her in her vocal delivery, and I would like more from the compositions and arrangements. It's just missing a little something (all three singles so far, but more so the latter two). The first single is still the best to me and the vibe is very "cool" so it kind of works. The first definitely grew on me

The imagery is another thing. In the first video, the direction of the video, effects, pacing of the cuts, etc made a lot of sense and went well with the song. Made for a great video. In this most recent video, it's like they do the same things, but it doesn't fit or work well. They could keep the same world and general imagery and still do something different that fits this song.

I feel like avex has an artist like this with plenty of potential, I just need them to act on it.

Anyway, shes really cool, and I look forward to seeing more from her. Just hoping for the best

[visionfactory]

If they make her sound like Tamaki Nami then she's destined to flop

[oaristos]

On the 20th, Kalen had her first live performance ever (and this is also the first time she "appears" in public) and... Well, see it for yourself:



There are a lot of rumors online saying that Kalen Anzai is not actually human and is made of CGI instead. This sounds ridiculous but after watching that "live performance" I don't know what to think. Why would they hide her so much? I also don't get the whole mirror thing, why not just stand in front of the audience and sing? This is just a conspiracy theory, of course, but I thought I'd share it here so y'all could share your opinions as well.

[Teppei-chan]

This whole mirror thing confused me so much XD it took me so long to realise that you can see her reflection at some points.
Maybe they tried to create a futuristic performance to match her current style. It was nice to now also getting a live performance even if this one was something different

This conspiracy theory is interessting but I'm not sure how much I should believe it. Until further evidencs pops I think I going to think that she is a real human and that her team/avex wanting to try something different. Following in her Instagram also doesn't leave the impression of a non-human being to me. Yes, GCI can be really realistic but wouldn't that always cost more Money to create the pictures she uploads to her story and in her site than she earns? Well, I don't know how much she earns and how much the creation of such a GCI picture cost, I just assume things tbh
It will be such a mindfuck moment if this theory Turns Out to be true

Let's wait and see how other live performances and appearences will turn out. Something on a music show would be cool

[EndOfTheWorld]

The mirror concept does seem a little strange to me too. Maybe it's because we are seeing it from far away and through a camera. The performance was probably designed specifically for the people standing directly in the crowd. We just can't see the full mirror effect. It took me a moment to catch her in the mirror.
I love the live mix of the songs though. I would love for them to be released as remixes.

[tokyoxjapanxfan]

The performance was kind of sad lol. The audience was so dead xD

Well, anyway, I went and got my free single today lol.

[visionfactory]

Originally Posted by oaristos

On the 20th, Kalen had her first live performance ever (and this is also the first time she "appears" in public) and... Well, see it for yourself:



There are a lot of rumors online saying that Kalen Anzai is not actually human and is made of CGI instead. This sounds ridiculous but after watching that "live performance" I don't know what to think. Why would they hide her so much? I also don't get the whole mirror thing, why not just stand in front of the audience and sing? This is just a conspiracy theory, of course, but I thought I'd share it here so y'all could share your opinions as well.

Ok. This is all about avex "new" brand positioning. I say "new" because avex image was revamped 2 years ago, and ever since then they have been working a lot with graphic artists doing futuristic stuff (i.e. AR, RV). So, they have been pretty SLOW on the music side rather than that, they have been developing other areas of avex group (i.e. avex beauty) and doing other random stuff like workshops and tallks. I was expecting them to debut a Perfume-like group but instead we got Karen Anzai.

I really liked the live! It's interesting you can see related videos on YT with other angles so every recording is unique. I think it's pretty cool. And yes, on the HD ones Karen does look real (And very thin and prettier than the Karen we watch on PVs and endorsements).

I feel I'm more interesed in Karen now

[koumori]

It's funny that we're at the point where it could be realistic for an entire singer to be false. Although, Kalen has been doing interviews (text ones, but still), which could be a step too far if she really isn't real. That's teetering on deceiving fans and inevitably they would find out the truth, which isn't a great marketing plan.

Starting and playing into rumours that she isn't real and then revealing she is? That sounds more like something I can believe. I hope it's the case, too

[Teppei-chan]

Kalen released a new Version of Jinsei wa Senjou da , which is produced by Taku Inoue