They have a few videos where they're not wearing the outfits. Over the 10 years they've been around, their costumes have gone through an interesting evolution.
Mike Einziger of the rock band Incubus, created the opening riff for the band and had input into the overall sound, but the Maids did the rest. Miku wrote the heartfelt lyrics as tribute to her bandmates, her "besties". After more than ten years together the band has become more like sisters. A little story of how much the band members feel about each other. When Akane. the drummers, grandmother was in a hospice, the band performed some music for her. When Akane's grandmother passed away, the band played at her funeral to support their bandmate and best friend.
Easy Funky, You are correct that there are hardly any groups out today that have the original founding members. But Band-Maid is a once in a lifetime group. The stars and the planets aligned for Miku Kobato when she formed Band-Maid. This song if you pay attention to the lyrics she wrote. She wrote them for each and every member of Band-Maid. They are actually best friends and a so called family. To me as a musician of 56 plus years, I find Band-Maid is more progressive rock and Kanami Tono proves it each and every time she writes and composes a new song. 👍👍🕊️🇺🇸
Well, it's Scandal who is now in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-active band with the original members. 24 years, I think? BAND-MAID will never be there because initially they were four-piece, Saiki joined later.
Yes, lyrics aren't complex; it's because it's in English, Kobato-san's non-native Language. Ummm, it's really not a coming of age story as it describes the friendship of the band members with each other. That's how I view the lyrics.
Yes, I also perceived this song more like... coming out of age? If there is "coming of age," at the end of the road it's "coming out," right? To me, Bestie carries a slight feeling of sadness, of parting with a friend. Of course, the lyrics are all about the friendship being permanent, forever, years from now etc., but to me it sounds almost like you know that you are going to die eventually, and your friend is going to die eventually, and you swear to her that even when your soul leaves your body, your friendship will remain. The song gives me a feeling that there is already a long path behind us, we've been through thick and thin together, and we love each other so much that we would wish it last forever-but there is nothing eternal in this life. So, "You look up in the sky / We live in the same time / Yes, I am always here for you / Right here beside your heart." Like, our connection is through the sky, it's a permanent bond that nothing can shatter.
They still wear their maid uniforms most of the time. This was a collaboration with Incubus so they decided not to wear the battle armor. This is a great song that is all sung in English and is very rare for them. They are much better live imo. Try Domination or Hate official live videos to see how they perform live. Miku wrote the lyrics for all her besties in the band as they are all besties. What does it matter what they wear. Of the music is good that is all that matters. Other very successful bands have dressed up and no one cared as their music was good. Kiss, Alice Cooper to name a few. It is a bit jarring at first but you get used to it and now when I see them not wearing maid uniforms it is a bit surprising. Great reaction and hope you stay on this journey for Band Maid.
Welcome new princess to the world of Band Maid ❤ 🤘🏽 “Bestie” is a side project, out of uniform. Love our Maids’ creativity and courage. However, this song is entirely different from the essence of Band Maid. It’s the perfect example for why I always recommend listening to at least 10-15 songs to grasp what they bring to the music industry.
Maid clothes aren't a gimmick. The founder, MIKU, was a girl who really admired maid costumes, and was actually a clerk at a maid cafe in Akihabara (the starting point of her entertainment career). The four people she gathered wore maid uniforms as battle uniforms out of respect for her. Although the designs have changed, MIKU is proud of the fact that she wears maid uniforms.
Um... Maid clothes are used for the gap, and that is per definition a gimmick. Nothing wrong with a gimmick, it is often what makes bands memorable for people. There is no confusion who Band-Maid is by just their looks. That said "Evolving past their gimmick" is kind of missing the point of having a distinct look. It is kind of similar to people saying they "grew out of their adolecence interests", becoming more adult. I say more power to people that can own their past and integrate it into the future, which they are already doing by constantly changing their uniforms. "Growing out of a gimmick" is kind of feeling a shame of their origins, caring more about some vocal nay-sayers. I see nothing wrong in the gimmick then and there should be nothing wrong with the gimmick now. If they continue with their gimmick, then it is showing confidence of their identity and that is much more admirable than becoming bland.
@@madsstavang You seem to have misunderstood, but I explained this because the video owner seems to have some misunderstandings about Japanese subcultures even though he lives in Japan. Doesn't she know that this maid costume is not a production promotion, but MIKU's own idea? In "Bestie", only MIKU wears a red flower in her maid's hair on one of her shoes. Also, she doesn't deny the gimmick theory because she thinks it's interesting, but she wonders, "Are clown clothes a gimmick?" In my personal opinion, from the perspective of us Japanese people, the wild costumes and tattoos of the original Western rock scene are gimmicks, so I think there is a parody in MIKU's idea (for Japanese people, doing Western rock music is already possible, It's a kind of cosplay). paradox (I don't think MIKU thought that far) There's also a wall of shame when it comes to music (I think machismo like "I'm cool" is also a way to hide shame). ``Clown clothes'' and ``Kabuki makeup'' have similar meanings. (It will evolve over time) In the early days of BANDMAID, the live SE were a cacophony of circus tunes.
@@kgw898r6 to clarify the definition of gimmick: "a trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or trade." The idea of Miku was a gap. This abstract in itself is a gimmick, because it exists to contrast look and audio, to gain attention beyond its functionality. The origin may not be a gimmick, but the usage of it in a band format is. Example of gimmicks: Corpse paint of black metal Hobo look of grunge Hair metal You already mentioned tatoos KISS costumes Slipknot prison uniforms (prison uniforms are not gimmicks in themselves, but used as costumes for a band they definitely are) Ghost costumes etc.
@@madsstavang In a broader sense, I don't disagree with your judgment. I'm not trying to criticize or disagree. That's what I'm trying to explain. What I'm trying to say is that, for example, in Europe, women with gothic loli hobbies are seen as strange, and there is no free subculture environment. Japan prides itself on being a stupid country, so no one thinks anything of it even if there are women in Tokyo wearing maid uniforms as if they were casual clothes. Sure, it might be shocking to see him standing in Akihabara (although there are many in the sex industry), The image of Japan is, "In the sense of fun, it's stupid.'' The Japanese clothing of the band "人間椅子ningenisu" also has some similarities. (Japanese think of them as ``funny idiots.'') They never expected to be featured in overseas reaction videos. (In Japan, it is not recognized as advertising. There is a slight difference.) “Overcoming the wall of shame” = “Revealing your true self” I think MIKU's ability to write silly lyrics and the straightforward and simple lyrics of "Bestie" have something to do with her determination. (The same goes for stage MCs, right?)
Thanks for checking out bandmaid, I think this is the only MV where they are not wearing their maid outfits, you should check out more from them. Also this is co-written with mike from incubus.
Yeah, it's not a dogma for them, we know it. Also, the current version of the outfits is pretty far from "Maid". Only Miku's costume is still a Maid one, Kanami now wears black, and Akane now looks like she's dressed in leather. It's interesting how people overcome (or don't) The Gap. For me the outfits were a stumbling block initially, and I solved this problem by listening to the audio only. Anyway, I don't like watching music videos usually, there is too much flashing on the screen, and it distracts me from the music. It took me some time, like a month, perhaps, to get deep into BAND-MAID style, but after listening to their entire catalogue a few times, I could not care less what they wear. They might have worn burlap sacks, I would not mind. The music is so freaking amazing that the looks don't matter.
🐦 *Easy Funky Crazy* 🐦 Welcome to the world of *BAND-MAID* (2013 - Present) A group of 5 young ladies from Japan that will rock your world: *Miku Kobato* (Kuruppo) = Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar *(Po!)* *Saiki Atsumi* (Sai-Chan) = Lead Vocals *Kanami Tono* (Kanamincho) = Lead Guitarist *Akane Hirose* (A-Chan) = Drummer *MISA* (MISA, MISA, MISA) = Bassist If you wish to continue down this Pigeon Hole 😊 you will enjoy over 100+ great songs you will start saying to yourself “This is my favorite *BAND-MAID* song”. _(No joke Po!)_ Below is a list of songs that will get you started *Choose Me(MV) - 2018* *Dice(MV) - 2018* *Real Existence Live - Zepp Tokyo 2018* *Blooming(MV) - 2019* *ONSET - Zepp Tokyo 2018* (instrumental) I discovered *BAND-MAID* in 2019 and came to a realization that *BAND-MAID* more then just a rock band they are a band that does not have any boundaries and is willing experiment into different genre from (Blues, Rock, Punk and Jazz) and a lot of fans including me would say “you got to check out their live videos” from: *2017-STUDIO COAST* *2018-Zepp Tokyo* *2020-LINE CUBE SHIBUYA* *2021-BAND-MAID ONLINE ACOUSTIC* In the end I realize that *BAND-MAID* more then just a band but a band that cares about each other and their fan base and in October of 2022 I had a fortune of experiencing them live and with that *BAND-MAID* cemented their Legacy into my heart. Rock On! 🤘 *100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back…*
Generally maid outfits is their preferred "battle uniform". The dresses have progressed to where they are now (see HATE? live) and there has been another concert (online Christmas) from a few years back when they had other clothing on. Whatever they wear is just "dressing" on top of the fantastic musicianship and wonderful stage presence.
Very nice reaction (catching up on all the reactions I've missed over the last month). This song was a collaboration with Mike Einziger guitarist from the band Incubus (they met at the Point Fest in St. Louis in 2023) and struck up a connection which lead to this song. The lyrics were written by Miku (second vocalist/rhythm guitar/red hair). The singer Saiki, designed all the outfits just for this performance because it's so different from their other songs. And you are correct, it's about their friendship with their band mates, they've spend most of their free time with each other for the last 11 years since the band was founded.
Oh they're still maids and will return as such. They change their outfits about every tour. Their latest outfits are quite nice and bring a little more dark edge to their appearance. They were out of costume during their Christmas Day Acoustic show from Yokohama Bay Hotel. Some of those performances are on their TH-cam channel. What is your issue with the Maid look?
I didn't feel she had a problem with the Maid outfits, sounded like she's just pleased that they're doing other things as well in terms of the look. I feel the same. (edited to note that I hadn't gotten to the end of the video... yeah, curious now too what the issue is).
I don't have an issue with maid outfits per se, nor do I mind a strong outfit theme or gimmick. I have an aversion to certain aspects to kawaii and otaku culture in Japan because of their connections to oversexualizing young women. Unfortunately, maids (and maid cafes) are very much part of that culture. I'm not saying a woman can't choose and enjoy to wear those or work at a maid cafe, but I personally am not a fan. :) Hope that makes sense.
@@easyfunkycrazy Well it’s Japan, with real women, and like Band-Maid they enjoy serving their “Masters and Princesses” it’s in their DNA and no amount of western feminism will change it….. thank God for that. Hope you can enjoy them and celebrate what they have accomplished as women with a goal and not letting anyone stand in their way like I do. They are my hero’s! Dig into their history or where they come from and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them even more. Stay well.
@@_JimS I think in the end anyone saying this should not dress in is patronizing and is actually anti-, especially if is not getting the same restrictive treatment. Yes, it may have good intentions, but you are singling out specific people and applying restrictions to them only. I say there should be no stigmata on how people should be.
@@easyfunkycrazy You've basically formed an image and an opinion about a subculture of a culture you don't belong to. And you take it as something that you dislike because of "oversexualizing young women". OK, all good. But the question is how you see these five women and not how they see them. It is up to me as the viewer on what connotations I give. Personally I see the existence of so many all women bands, concentrated in Japan, as a counteraction to that oversexualization you mention. You can see oversexualization in western culture too, we are just accustomed to it and ignore it. My personal distress, using leggings as pants. As a funny story, visiting a monastery, I once saw a woman buying and giving to another stranger one a scarf to cover her shoulders as she was wearing an off-shoulder top. This "kind" woman was wearing an ankle length skirt, but had no problem with the fact that her skirt was a see through in the sunlight, to the point that you can tell the pattern of her underwear.
This is actually isn't 100% their sound since it is co-written with Mike Einziger of Incubus and I think you can hear it in some of the riffs. It's also one of the few songs they have with purely English lyrics, the lyrics are written by Miku Kobato (purple hair). I am still not completely sold on it (not a fan of the chorus and ballads are just typically not my thing), but I know a lot of people like it a lot and good to see you check out Band-Maid as well. As far as the uniforms go, they still wear them. I think they changed it up because it is a collaboration. They also played without maid uniforms for their Christmas acoustic show they did a couple of years ago, which was meant as a gift to the fans. As far as the uniforms go, Miku Kobato used to work in a maid cafe, which gave her the idea to mix the uniforms with rock music. It's difficult to tell how much of it was pushed by their talent agency, but both the lead vocalist and the bassist relatively quickly got rid of the extremely maidlike uniforms they used in the past and every time they change uniforms most of them are a little less maidlike imo (with the exception of Miku). I understand why you are not a fan, it was probably the thing I was the least sold on in the beginning as well, but they don't use them in the typical "sexy" way it gets used in Japan. That said, I am not a woman, so there might be more than I am just missing. You are certainly not the first who didn't like the uniforms. Miku does still do the whole Omajinai Time (including MoeMoe-Kyunkyun's) for their breaks during live shows and they still call their shows Okyu-ji's and their fans "Omeishusama", but I see this the same as bands like Kiss dressing up and they don't have to rely on it since they are all great musicians.
They call themselves BAND-MAID. They must wear the maid uniforms, that’s their image. And like you said, Miku is doing the Omajinai Time. It’s all part of the Maid Café thing. Imagine if Easy Funky Crazy’s name was Purple Miyavi Crazy and you told her in the comments that you hope she got rid of the purple color she’s wearing because she doesn’t need it to do these reactions. And that Miyavi is overrated…I’m joking 🙃 Fun fact: when BAND-MAID opened for Incubus, Mike Einziger played “Bestie” with them. When Incubus played their show, Miyavi came on stage to play a song with them. Also, Incubus did a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” 😄
Interpretations 🤷♂ It's a long chain of associations. I would say, the reason why many Westerners dislike it, is that it's OOPART, out-of-place artifact. It's French Maids, right? What do French Maids do in Japan? Also, people know that the Maid outfits are sometimes used in sexual games (as well as nurse uniforms, but for some strange reason nurse uniforms don't get this stigma of being sexual toys). Probably you remember this, I said it many times, that for me as a person who was born in the Soviet Union, these are schoolgirl uniforms. Like, a one-to-one, exact replica.
@@VladimirChupin Is it women that don't like the costumes more than men? Tbh i've never thought their Maid costumes were overtly sexy. Maybe the very early iterations with the short skirts were a bit more saucy but B-M have never had any cleavage or underwear on show playing up their sexuality. Many can't keep theirs in.😂
The White outfits are a one off , they will be back in there Battle Armor , and its not a gimmick , this was a colaboration with Mike Einziger of Incubus , fav song Turn me on , didn`t care for the song by itself , the MV helps make it better .
Welcome, Shira. You are embarking on (along with many others - over 200 million YT views plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid:
BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (130+ songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom. Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular! Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 70 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: th-cam.com/video/Uds7g3M-4lQ/w-d-xo.html Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Hate?, Shambles, Influencer, Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on. But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, Bestie, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits (AniMaid) like Sense, Glory and Unleash!!!!! (from their own Anime MV (series?)): th-cam.com/video/7LB_EPS48HE/w-d-xo.html) And many songs are represented with over 50 well produced music videos. th-cam.com/users/BANDMAID Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYUJI concerts: 2023 Yokohama 10th Year Anniversary Concert “Endless Story” th-cam.com/video/Za1y-RRVd70/w-d-xo.html ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” th-cam.com/video/nAdWnIRjGak/w-d-xo.html Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” th-cam.com/video/QbyQCJn6rYg/w-d-xo.html ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” th-cam.com/video/-qQnKILR5u0/w-d-xo.html Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD. And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent. Here’s two of what it’s like to see Band-Maid LIVE at an intimate venue: Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: th-cam.com/video/DgxU-MVjta0/w-d-xo.html See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: th-cam.com/video/vjZkNeoGmhc/w-d-xo.html If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, live streams, CD, DVD/BD & merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Don’t Let Me Down, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid. For fun, check out: "Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009 Band-Maid MIDI covers: www.youtube.com/@DeanF_MIDI Reimagined compositions of Band-Maid songs: www.youtube.com/@fxdxmusic Band-Maid Members: Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 30 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen! Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 32 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!! Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 32 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more! Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 33 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party! MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 31 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA! Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans. [BAND-MAID NEWS] BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo The Maids SOLD OUT 2023 US & Mexico tour wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!! In addition, their Japan tour finished up with 13 concerts, AND they’re writing and recording for their new album. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concluded at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023 and in Hong Kong Dec. 21! And their latest 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR SPIN OFF concert at KT ZEPP YOKOHAMA on February 22, 2024, where they played songs not performed at the 10th anniversary tour final at Yokohama Arena, was SOLD OUT! 📢 JUST ANNOUNCED 📢 -- The Warning, a world-famous band from Mexico, and BAND-MAID will perform a dream two-band show! After meeting on our US tour in 2022, "The Warning" will be making their memorable first visit to Japan with BAND-MAID! Venue: EX THEATER RIPPONGI Date: Jun 12, 2024. -- BAND-MAID released a new song, "Bestie," co-written with Mike Einziger of INCUBUS! The MV dropped May 1st. -- BAND-MAID HALL TOUR 2024 -- June 28, 2024 (Fri) Nagoya City Public Hall, Aichi, Japan; July 5, 2024 (Fri) Osaka, Fenice Sakai Main Hall; July 14, 2024 (Sun) Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, Kanagawa. -- FESTIVALS - July 21,OSAKA GIGANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024; Aug 16,17 RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2024 in EZO; Aug 17 SUMMER SONIC 2024 The Maids are one of the hardest working super groups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!
[Bestie, co-written by Michael Einziger of Incubus.] MISA's playing and bass tone are setting new standards... and Akane's drumming is so in-the-pocket and distinguishable... and Kanami's solo is Daydreaming masterful! The recording and mix are as enjoyable as the song and beautiful MV! Miku’s English lyrics (I bet with Saiki and Mikey-chan's influence) are heartfelt. "I can't look into your eyes." Is Band-Maid a band of fashion-forward, trend-setting Besties? 💞 Thx, Mikey & Band-Maid!
Saiki: "The off-white color worn by the members signifies the expectation for the future progress. I hope everyone can imagine how it will be colored and enjoy it together." Also Saiki, "When I listen to "Bestie", I get the image of traveling in the wilderness. I wanted to feel the same scenery and immerse myself in the world of the song with them, which is also expressed in the music video." @saiki_bandmaid FYI, this is a new collab song with Mike Einziger (Incubus), Po! Expect a little 😈when they collab with The Warning. All should be included in their new full album due out this Summer, Po! 🦍🍌PS, I don't recall "KISS" or "SlipKnot" abandoning their "Fighting Gear," so, I expect Band Maid will do the same, Po!
This is a unique song from BM...co written ....I would highly suggest you listen to more to get a true representation of this wonder band. The writing is top notch and the musicianship is second to none. I would highly suggest to get over the maid look,,,otherwise you will miss out on some the best rock music I have ever heard !!!!!! I hope you do as I really enjoy your presentation
Hi EFC. Thanks for your reaction. I like this song very much, but it is atypical for them. If you want to give them another spin, try the official live video for "Hate?" or perhaps the official music video for an instrumental called "From Now On." In the current iteration of outfits you'll discover that only one of the five (Miku--the band founder) has held to the full maid outfit. Also, possibly of interest, they have an alter ego version called Band-Maiko. In the official music video for "secret Maiko lips," they perform in Maiko outfits, incorporate traditional instruments into the mix, and use a Kyoto dialect for the lyrics. And this comment has gone on long enough. Cheers
As far as varying their outfits, check out their Christmas Day acoustic set for a very different set of outfits. Here's one of the pieces from that: th-cam.com/video/_3Oi7u3Wx9Y/w-d-xo.html
Canciones favoritas : todas . Outfit : Bueno ,como lo q hace cualquier otra banda , desde The beatle (niños buenos de oficina ) a the Kiss (los demonios) a Supertramp o todas las bandas de los 70´s , el Glam rock (Dabid Bowie . q se baso en la teatro japones tradicional ) , .Hoy tiene a Slipknot u otras . El outfit no es ninguna medida para valorar a un grupo de música . Gracias por la reacción . A por cierto la canción nace a propuesta de Incubus a Band Maid , es decir es algo distinto a su trabajo o estilo habitual , tal vez de ahí el cambia de vestimenta , para diferenciar lo q es el estilo de Band Maid con lo q puede ser el ,en parte , estilo de Incubus . También puede ser un homenaje a una de esas bandas q les influyeron en su juventud (opinión) . Salud y Rock and Roll 🥰
Thanks for expounding on the language. Since I discovered them 4 1/2 years ago,I've seen many comments about how difficult it can be to translate to English. Plus,there have been mentions about Miku using the dialect common to her home town; I don't remember what it's called. I do remember her saying in an interview that eating horse is common there,and she likes it. She's,also,in to horse racing,gambling there,and owns a horse. TMI,perhaps? BTW,that was a great reaction. I think that,sometimes,we viewers need to be reminded music appreciation is purely subjective; we don't need to get bent out of shape when someone has a different opinion. We should just enjoy the parts we agree with.
Nice catch on the translated feeling lyrics. I respect the guts to write a whole song in a language that you're not the strongest in, but I wish they'd run it by a native English speaking editor to smooth out some of these awkward lines, especially if they were going to do a poppier sound to broaden their appeal with western audiences. I noticed the same kind of thing with the line that's like, "With you, darkness is not scary", where it's more common for Japanese people to say that something is scary (kowai), but in English, people generally talk about their feeling (e.g. I'm scared, or the line could have been like, with you, I don't fear the darkness).
CONGRATULATIONS SHIRA ON 1K+ SUBS! YAY! I'm so happy for you🥰🥰🥰 I know I'm glad I found your channel...no thinking required😍 I enjoyed the song and your comments. Like you, I don't have a lot of experience with Band Maid. PS...I hear rumors of a Baby Metal+Electric Callboy joint song coming out. What fun! Take care love!
Maid cafes are part of Japanese culture and have nothing to do with patriarchy, objectification of women and that kind of things. It's a job like any other, they are not dressed provocatively, on the contrary, the clothes are more sober than their school uniforms. They serve you as kindly as any clerk in any shop would serve you, with the difference that "they want to make you feel at home" (they also want to make you feel important, but that's what every kind of general clerk or waiter in Japan does). Some may find it cringe (I find it cringe, the level of shame you feel in that moment is absurd), but let's not start making a sexist conversation about it as usual. There are also the same cafes but with men serving you instead of women. I've never understood the problem with maid clothes, they're more dressed than a lifeguard.
Gimmick, band maid is nota Gimmick, that's their jobs they are the hardest rocking maids ever , their shows aren't concerts, their servings of rock n roll no matter the size , place or country , they choose to wear their battle armor not bc u think it's a Gimmick, ur the 1 w the problem w it not them , go away now!
This is very atypical of them. They co-wrote and coproduced it with Mikey chan Einziger of incubus, who coproduced a song with Aviici called "Wake me up (when it's all over)" which was a global megahit. They met at Pointfest in the States and hit it off really well. Miku Kobato (coloured hair) wrote the lyrics in English herself, which was quite a challenge. All the band were left really good friends with Mike so maybe we'll see more.
It's interesting that you mention that point about "I think" as a probable translation of "to omoimasu." I did not think about it because this thing is present in all languages. In English people often abuse "like," for example. It's just a filler, people often don't mean that something is like something else. They just repeat "Like... Like..." without any actual need. In this particular case it's a part of a rhythmic pattern: I think - I'm glad - I met There is even one more "I" before that, which adds to the rhythm: I promise that I won’t leave. Never ever I will I think I'm glad I met you now Although yes, since you mentioned it, it becomes clear that this is a meaningless filler here. Of course, Miku is always influenced by her own Japanese background, but here, I would say, the problem is wider. Just a parasite word, the variations of which people probably use in all languages.
Now your comment about "I think I'm glad I met you now" plunged me into deep thinking 😂 OK, one more thought, and I'll stop. Such expressions may not be meaningless. They actually indicate that the person speaking is reflecting on his own actions. I just realized that I am often saying the same thing. "I think I'm glad..." - yes, it happens often. The feelings are fleeting objects, you know. Sometimes the feelings are complicated: you may be partially glad to see someone, and partially... mmm... sad? Afraid? Apprehensive? It may be anything. Like, someone may ask me, "Are you glad to see your wife coming home?" Yes, I'm glad, but at the same time, I am a bit sad because I know my leisure time is over and she will start organizing things now, probably telling me to stop watching BAND-MAID and vacuum the floor. So, I think I'm rather glad she is home because I love her and she brings light into my life, but at the same time, I'm a bit sad. I hope I was able to explain it well enough 😂
Sorry, I was reading the lyrics and realized that this "I think I'm glad" is probably intentional. Just look at the complete verse: I don’t wanna be shy But I can’t look in your eyes You can count on me anytime you need I promise that I won’t leave. Never ever I will I think I'm glad I met you now So, she is shy and is not sure of her own feelings. She can't look into the eyes of her bestie and say, "I'm glad." It's a vacillation between "I'm glad" and "I'm not worthy." Probably.
Young pretty lady, costumes have been a part of Japanese performance art for thousands of years. So don't diss the Maids outfits. It's just part of the performance. Culture, how does it work???
Good react 👍 Recomended for you....come react 3girls hijab rock metal band from imdonesia VoB (Voice of baceprot) : god,allow me please to play music. These good band n amazing talentted 3ladies,good liryc in the music,waiting for you 🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥
![ง้อ (ALRIGHT) - FOURTH Prod. by URBOYTJ [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qs8ZeV6Dqj8/mqdefault.jpg)
They haven't ditched the maid uniforms, that's their self-described Battle Armor.
They have a few videos where they're not wearing the outfits. Over the 10 years they've been around, their costumes have gone through an interesting evolution.
Mike Einziger of the rock band Incubus, created the opening riff for the band and had input into the overall sound, but the Maids did the rest. Miku wrote the heartfelt lyrics as tribute to her bandmates, her "besties". After more than ten years together the band has become more like sisters. A little story of how much the band members feel about each other. When Akane. the drummers, grandmother was in a hospice, the band performed some music for her. When Akane's grandmother passed away, the band played at her funeral to support their bandmate and best friend.
That is very sweet. Thanks for sharing.
Easy Funky, You are correct that there are hardly any groups out today that have the original founding members. But Band-Maid is a once in a lifetime group. The stars and the planets aligned for Miku Kobato when she formed Band-Maid. This song if you pay attention to the lyrics she wrote. She wrote them for each and every member of Band-Maid. They are actually best friends and a so called family. To me as a musician of 56 plus years, I find Band-Maid is more progressive rock and Kanami Tono proves it each and every time she writes and composes a new song. 👍👍🕊️🇺🇸
Well, it's Scandal who is now in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-active band with the original members. 24 years, I think?
BAND-MAID will never be there because initially they were four-piece, Saiki joined later.
Yes, lyrics aren't complex; it's because it's in English, Kobato-san's non-native Language. Ummm, it's really not a coming of age story as it describes the friendship of the band members with each other. That's how I view the lyrics.
Yes, I also perceived this song more like... coming out of age? If there is "coming of age," at the end of the road it's "coming out," right?
To me, Bestie carries a slight feeling of sadness, of parting with a friend. Of course, the lyrics are all about the friendship being permanent, forever, years from now etc., but to me it sounds almost like you know that you are going to die eventually, and your friend is going to die eventually, and you swear to her that even when your soul leaves your body, your friendship will remain. The song gives me a feeling that there is already a long path behind us, we've been through thick and thin together, and we love each other so much that we would wish it last forever-but there is nothing eternal in this life. So, "You look up in the sky / We live in the same time / Yes, I am always here for you / Right here beside your heart." Like, our connection is through the sky, it's a permanent bond that nothing can shatter.
They still wear their maid uniforms most of the time. This was a collaboration with Incubus so they decided not to wear the battle armor. This is a great song that is all sung in English and is very rare for them. They are much better live imo. Try Domination or Hate official live videos to see how they perform live. Miku wrote the lyrics for all her besties in the band as they are all besties. What does it matter what they wear. Of the music is good that is all that matters. Other very successful bands have dressed up and no one cared as their music was good. Kiss, Alice Cooper to name a few. It is a bit jarring at first but you get used to it and now when I see them not wearing maid uniforms it is a bit surprising. Great reaction and hope you stay on this journey for Band Maid.
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll add them to my list. :)
Welcome new princess to the world of Band Maid ❤ 🤘🏽
“Bestie” is a side project, out of uniform. Love our Maids’ creativity and courage. However, this song is entirely different from the essence of Band Maid. It’s the perfect example for why I always recommend listening to at least 10-15 songs to grasp what they bring to the music industry.
Maid clothes aren't a gimmick.
The founder, MIKU, was a girl who really admired maid costumes, and was actually a clerk at a maid cafe in Akihabara (the starting point of her entertainment career).
The four people she gathered wore maid uniforms as battle uniforms out of respect for her.
Although the designs have changed, MIKU is proud of the fact that she wears maid uniforms.
Um... Maid clothes are used for the gap, and that is per definition a gimmick. Nothing wrong with a gimmick, it is often what makes bands memorable for people. There is no confusion who Band-Maid is by just their looks. That said "Evolving past their gimmick" is kind of missing the point of having a distinct look. It is kind of similar to people saying they "grew out of their adolecence interests", becoming more adult. I say more power to people that can own their past and integrate it into the future, which they are already doing by constantly changing their uniforms. "Growing out of a gimmick" is kind of feeling a shame of their origins, caring more about some vocal nay-sayers. I see nothing wrong in the gimmick then and there should be nothing wrong with the gimmick now. If they continue with their gimmick, then it is showing confidence of their identity and that is much more admirable than becoming bland.
@@madsstavang You seem to have misunderstood, but I explained this because the video owner seems to have some misunderstandings about Japanese subcultures even though he lives in Japan.
Doesn't she know that this maid costume is not a production promotion, but MIKU's own idea?
In "Bestie", only MIKU wears a red flower in her maid's hair on one of her shoes.
Also, she doesn't deny the gimmick theory because she thinks it's interesting, but she wonders, "Are clown clothes a gimmick?"
In my personal opinion, from the perspective of us Japanese people, the wild costumes and tattoos of the original Western rock scene are gimmicks, so I think there is a parody in MIKU's idea (for Japanese people, doing Western rock music is already possible, It's a kind of cosplay).
paradox
(I don't think MIKU thought that far)
There's also a wall of shame when it comes to music (I think machismo like "I'm cool" is also a way to hide shame).
``Clown clothes'' and ``Kabuki makeup'' have similar meanings. (It will evolve over time)
In the early days of BANDMAID, the live SE were a cacophony of circus tunes.
@@kgw898r6 to clarify the definition of gimmick: "a trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or trade." The idea of Miku was a gap. This abstract in itself is a gimmick, because it exists to contrast look and audio, to gain attention beyond its functionality. The origin may not be a gimmick, but the usage of it in a band format is.
Example of gimmicks:
Corpse paint of black metal
Hobo look of grunge
Hair metal
You already mentioned tatoos
KISS costumes
Slipknot prison uniforms (prison uniforms are not gimmicks in themselves, but used as costumes for a band they definitely are)
Ghost costumes
etc.
@@madsstavang In a broader sense, I don't disagree with your judgment.
I'm not trying to criticize or disagree.
That's what I'm trying to explain.
What I'm trying to say is that, for example, in Europe, women with gothic loli hobbies are seen as strange, and there is no free subculture environment.
Japan prides itself on being a stupid country, so no one thinks anything of it even if there are women in Tokyo wearing maid uniforms as if they were casual clothes.
Sure, it might be shocking to see him standing in Akihabara (although there are many in the sex industry),
The image of Japan is, "In the sense of fun, it's stupid.''
The Japanese clothing of the band "人間椅子ningenisu" also has some similarities.
(Japanese think of them as ``funny idiots.'')
They never expected to be featured in overseas reaction videos.
(In Japan, it is not recognized as advertising. There is a slight difference.)
“Overcoming the wall of shame” = “Revealing your true self”
I think MIKU's ability to write silly lyrics and the straightforward and simple lyrics of "Bestie" have something to do with her determination.
(The same goes for stage MCs, right?)
@@kgw898r6 I see the point you are making. Thanks for being informative 😀
Thanks for checking out bandmaid, I think this is the only MV where they are not wearing their maid outfits, you should check out more from them.
Also this is co-written with mike from incubus.
Well, there is Band-Maiko, but that is another story *-)
They wore Christmas colors for the 2022 Christmas acoustic concert.
@@armynurseboy"Reindeer colors!" - Kanami
Yeah, it's not a dogma for them, we know it. Also, the current version of the outfits is pretty far from "Maid". Only Miku's costume is still a Maid one, Kanami now wears black, and Akane now looks like she's dressed in leather.
It's interesting how people overcome (or don't) The Gap. For me the outfits were a stumbling block initially, and I solved this problem by listening to the audio only. Anyway, I don't like watching music videos usually, there is too much flashing on the screen, and it distracts me from the music. It took me some time, like a month, perhaps, to get deep into BAND-MAID style, but after listening to their entire catalogue a few times, I could not care less what they wear. They might have worn burlap sacks, I would not mind. The music is so freaking amazing that the looks don't matter.
🐦 *Easy Funky Crazy* 🐦
Welcome to the world of *BAND-MAID* (2013 - Present) A group of 5 young ladies from Japan that will rock your world:
*Miku Kobato* (Kuruppo) = Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar *(Po!)*
*Saiki Atsumi* (Sai-Chan) = Lead Vocals
*Kanami Tono* (Kanamincho) = Lead Guitarist
*Akane Hirose* (A-Chan) = Drummer
*MISA* (MISA, MISA, MISA) = Bassist
If you wish to continue down this Pigeon Hole 😊 you will enjoy over 100+ great songs you will start saying to yourself “This is my favorite *BAND-MAID* song”. _(No joke Po!)_
Below is a list of songs that will get you started
*Choose Me(MV) - 2018*
*Dice(MV) - 2018*
*Real Existence Live - Zepp Tokyo 2018*
*Blooming(MV) - 2019*
*ONSET - Zepp Tokyo 2018* (instrumental)
I discovered *BAND-MAID* in 2019 and came to a realization that *BAND-MAID* more then just a rock band they are a band that does not have any boundaries and is willing experiment into different genre from (Blues, Rock, Punk and Jazz) and a lot of fans including me would say “you got to check out their live videos” from:
*2017-STUDIO COAST*
*2018-Zepp Tokyo*
*2020-LINE CUBE SHIBUYA*
*2021-BAND-MAID ONLINE ACOUSTIC*
In the end I realize that *BAND-MAID* more then just a band but a band that cares about each other and their fan base and in October of 2022 I had a fortune of experiencing them live and with that *BAND-MAID* cemented their Legacy into my heart. Rock On! 🤘
*100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back…*
Generally maid outfits is their preferred "battle uniform". The dresses have progressed to where they are now (see HATE? live) and there has been another concert (online Christmas) from a few years back when they had other clothing on. Whatever they wear is just "dressing" on top of the fantastic musicianship and wonderful stage presence.
Very nice reaction (catching up on all the reactions I've missed over the last month). This song was a collaboration with Mike Einziger guitarist from the band Incubus (they met at the Point Fest in St. Louis in 2023) and struck up a connection which lead to this song. The lyrics were written by Miku (second vocalist/rhythm guitar/red hair). The singer Saiki, designed all the outfits just for this performance because it's so different from their other songs. And you are correct, it's about their friendship with their band mates, they've spend most of their free time with each other for the last 11 years since the band was founded.
Hi Easy Funky Crazy,
welcome to the world of Band-Maid !
Glad to have you on this journey.
Oh they're still maids and will return as such. They change their outfits about every tour. Their latest outfits are quite nice and bring a little more dark edge to their appearance. They were out of costume during their Christmas Day Acoustic show from Yokohama Bay Hotel. Some of those performances are on their TH-cam channel.
What is your issue with the Maid look?
I didn't feel she had a problem with the Maid outfits, sounded like she's just pleased that they're doing other things as well in terms of the look. I feel the same. (edited to note that I hadn't gotten to the end of the video... yeah, curious now too what the issue is).
I don't have an issue with maid outfits per se, nor do I mind a strong outfit theme or gimmick. I have an aversion to certain aspects to kawaii and otaku culture in Japan because of their connections to oversexualizing young women. Unfortunately, maids (and maid cafes) are very much part of that culture. I'm not saying a woman can't choose and enjoy to wear those or work at a maid cafe, but I personally am not a fan. :)
Hope that makes sense.
@@easyfunkycrazy Well it’s Japan, with real women, and like Band-Maid they enjoy serving their “Masters and Princesses” it’s in their DNA and no amount of western feminism will change it….. thank God for that. Hope you can enjoy them and celebrate what they have accomplished as women with a goal and not letting anyone stand in their way like I do. They are my hero’s! Dig into their history or where they come from and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them even more. Stay well.
@@_JimS I think in the end anyone saying this should not dress in is patronizing and is actually anti-, especially if is not getting the same restrictive treatment. Yes, it may have good intentions, but you are singling out specific people and applying restrictions to them only. I say there should be no stigmata on how people should be.
@@easyfunkycrazy You've basically formed an image and an opinion about a subculture of a culture you don't belong to. And you take it as something that you dislike because of "oversexualizing young women". OK, all good.
But the question is how you see these five women and not how they see them.
It is up to me as the viewer on what connotations I give. Personally I see the existence of so many all women bands, concentrated in Japan, as a counteraction to that oversexualization you mention.
You can see oversexualization in western culture too, we are just accustomed to it and ignore it. My personal distress, using leggings as pants.
As a funny story, visiting a monastery, I once saw a woman buying and giving to another stranger one a scarf to cover her shoulders as she was wearing an off-shoulder top. This "kind" woman was wearing an ankle length skirt, but had no problem with the fact that her skirt was a see through in the sunlight, to the point that you can tell the pattern of her underwear.
This is actually isn't 100% their sound since it is co-written with Mike Einziger of Incubus and I think you can hear it in some of the riffs. It's also one of the few songs they have with purely English lyrics, the lyrics are written by Miku Kobato (purple hair). I am still not completely sold on it (not a fan of the chorus and ballads are just typically not my thing), but I know a lot of people like it a lot and good to see you check out Band-Maid as well. As far as the uniforms go, they still wear them. I think they changed it up because it is a collaboration. They also played without maid uniforms for their Christmas acoustic show they did a couple of years ago, which was meant as a gift to the fans.
As far as the uniforms go, Miku Kobato used to work in a maid cafe, which gave her the idea to mix the uniforms with rock music. It's difficult to tell how much of it was pushed by their talent agency, but both the lead vocalist and the bassist relatively quickly got rid of the extremely maidlike uniforms they used in the past and every time they change uniforms most of them are a little less maidlike imo (with the exception of Miku). I understand why you are not a fan, it was probably the thing I was the least sold on in the beginning as well, but they don't use them in the typical "sexy" way it gets used in Japan. That said, I am not a woman, so there might be more than I am just missing. You are certainly not the first who didn't like the uniforms. Miku does still do the whole Omajinai Time (including MoeMoe-Kyunkyun's) for their breaks during live shows and they still call their shows Okyu-ji's and their fans "Omeishusama", but I see this the same as bands like Kiss dressing up and they don't have to rely on it since they are all great musicians.
They call themselves BAND-MAID. They must wear the maid uniforms, that’s their image. And like you said, Miku is doing the Omajinai Time. It’s all part of the Maid Café thing.
Imagine if Easy Funky Crazy’s name was Purple Miyavi Crazy and you told her in the comments that you hope she got rid of the purple color she’s wearing because she doesn’t need it to do these reactions. And that Miyavi is overrated…I’m joking 🙃
Fun fact: when BAND-MAID opened for Incubus, Mike Einziger played “Bestie” with them. When Incubus played their show, Miyavi came on stage to play a song with them.
Also, Incubus did a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” 😄
Feel sorry for you that what someone wears causes you to miss out, but hey that's your loss not ours
🔥BAND-MAID🔥
メイド服+ハードなサウンドのギャップを楽しんだらいいと「思います」
メイド服で軽く見られるほど単純な曲は1つもありません
What's wrong with their Maid costumes?🤔
Not a thing Gary sir not a thing
Interpretations 🤷♂
It's a long chain of associations. I would say, the reason why many Westerners dislike it, is that it's OOPART, out-of-place artifact. It's French Maids, right? What do French Maids do in Japan? Also, people know that the Maid outfits are sometimes used in sexual games (as well as nurse uniforms, but for some strange reason nurse uniforms don't get this stigma of being sexual toys).
Probably you remember this, I said it many times, that for me as a person who was born in the Soviet Union, these are schoolgirl uniforms. Like, a one-to-one, exact replica.
@@VladimirChupin Is it women that don't like the costumes more than men? Tbh i've never thought their Maid costumes were overtly sexy. Maybe the very early iterations with the short skirts were a bit more saucy but B-M have never had any cleavage or underwear on show playing up their sexuality. Many can't keep theirs in.😂
The White outfits are a one off , they will be back in there Battle Armor , and its not a gimmick , this was a colaboration with Mike Einziger of Incubus , fav song Turn me on , didn`t care for the song by itself , the MV helps make it better .
Welcome, Shira. You are embarking on (along with many others - over 200 million YT views plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid:
BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (130+ songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom.
Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular!
Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 70 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: th-cam.com/video/Uds7g3M-4lQ/w-d-xo.html Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Hate?, Shambles, Influencer, Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on.
But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, Bestie, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits (AniMaid) like Sense, Glory and Unleash!!!!! (from their own Anime MV (series?)): th-cam.com/video/7LB_EPS48HE/w-d-xo.html)
And many songs are represented with over 50 well produced music videos. th-cam.com/users/BANDMAID
Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYUJI concerts:
2023 Yokohama 10th Year Anniversary Concert “Endless Story” th-cam.com/video/Za1y-RRVd70/w-d-xo.html
ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” th-cam.com/video/nAdWnIRjGak/w-d-xo.html
Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” th-cam.com/video/QbyQCJn6rYg/w-d-xo.html
ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” th-cam.com/video/-qQnKILR5u0/w-d-xo.html
Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD.
And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent. Here’s two of what it’s like to see Band-Maid LIVE at an intimate venue:
Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: th-cam.com/video/DgxU-MVjta0/w-d-xo.html
See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: th-cam.com/video/vjZkNeoGmhc/w-d-xo.html
If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, live streams, CD, DVD/BD & merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo
Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Don’t Let Me Down, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid.
For fun, check out:
"Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009
Band-Maid MIDI covers: www.youtube.com/@DeanF_MIDI
Reimagined compositions of Band-Maid songs: www.youtube.com/@fxdxmusic
Band-Maid Members:
Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 30 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen!
Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 32 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!!
Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 32 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more!
Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 33 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party!
MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 31 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA!
Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans.
[BAND-MAID NEWS]
BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo
The Maids SOLD OUT 2023 US & Mexico tour wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!! In addition, their Japan tour finished up with 13 concerts, AND they’re writing and recording for their new album. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concluded at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023 and in Hong Kong Dec. 21! And their latest 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR SPIN OFF concert at KT ZEPP YOKOHAMA on February 22, 2024, where they played songs not performed at the 10th anniversary tour final at Yokohama Arena, was SOLD OUT!
📢 JUST ANNOUNCED 📢
-- The Warning, a world-famous band from Mexico, and BAND-MAID will perform a dream two-band show! After meeting on our US tour in 2022, "The Warning" will be making their memorable first visit to Japan with BAND-MAID! Venue: EX THEATER RIPPONGI Date: Jun 12, 2024.
-- BAND-MAID released a new song, "Bestie," co-written with Mike Einziger of INCUBUS! The MV dropped May 1st.
-- BAND-MAID HALL TOUR 2024 -- June 28, 2024 (Fri) Nagoya City Public Hall, Aichi, Japan; July 5, 2024 (Fri) Osaka, Fenice Sakai Main Hall; July 14, 2024 (Sun) Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, Kanagawa.
-- FESTIVALS - July 21,OSAKA GIGANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024; Aug 16,17 RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2024 in EZO; Aug 17 SUMMER SONIC 2024
The Maids are one of the hardest working super groups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!
WOW! Thank you for taking the time to write all this!
@@easyfunkycrazy 🙏
Band-Maid best hard rock band
[Bestie, co-written by Michael Einziger of Incubus.] MISA's playing and bass tone are setting new standards... and Akane's drumming is so in-the-pocket and distinguishable... and Kanami's solo is Daydreaming masterful! The recording and mix are as enjoyable as the song and beautiful MV! Miku’s English lyrics (I bet with Saiki and Mikey-chan's influence) are heartfelt. "I can't look into your eyes." Is Band-Maid a band of fashion-forward, trend-setting Besties? 💞 Thx, Mikey & Band-Maid!
Saiki: "The off-white color worn by the members signifies the expectation for the future progress. I hope everyone can imagine how it will be colored and enjoy it together." Also Saiki, "When I listen to "Bestie", I get the image of traveling in the wilderness. I wanted to feel the same scenery and immerse myself in the world of the song with them, which is also expressed in the music video." @saiki_bandmaid FYI, this is a new collab song with Mike Einziger (Incubus), Po! Expect a little 😈when they collab with The Warning. All should be included in their new full album due out this Summer, Po! 🦍🍌PS, I don't recall "KISS" or "SlipKnot" abandoning their "Fighting Gear," so, I expect Band Maid will do the same, Po!
This is a unique song from BM...co written ....I would highly suggest you listen to more to get a true representation of this wonder band.
The writing is top notch and the musicianship is second to none. I would highly suggest to get over the maid look,,,otherwise you will
miss out on some the best rock music I have ever heard !!!!!! I hope you do as I really enjoy your presentation
Hi EFC. Thanks for your reaction. I like this song very much, but it is atypical for them. If you want to give them another spin, try the official live video for "Hate?" or perhaps the official music video for an instrumental called "From Now On." In the current iteration of outfits you'll discover that only one of the five (Miku--the band founder) has held to the full maid outfit. Also, possibly of interest, they have an alter ego version called Band-Maiko. In the official music video for "secret Maiko lips," they perform in Maiko outfits, incorporate traditional instruments into the mix, and use a Kyoto dialect for the lyrics. And this comment has gone on long enough. Cheers
Thanks for the recommendations! I'll definitely add those to the list!
As far as varying their outfits, check out their Christmas Day acoustic set for a very different set of outfits. Here's one of the pieces from that:
th-cam.com/video/_3Oi7u3Wx9Y/w-d-xo.html
And those as Band Maiko.
Canciones favoritas : todas .
Outfit : Bueno ,como lo q hace cualquier otra banda , desde The beatle (niños buenos de oficina ) a the Kiss (los demonios) a Supertramp o todas las bandas de los 70´s , el Glam rock (Dabid Bowie . q se baso en la teatro japones tradicional ) , .Hoy tiene a Slipknot u otras . El outfit no es ninguna medida para valorar a un grupo de música .
Gracias por la reacción .
A por cierto la canción nace a propuesta de Incubus a Band Maid , es decir es algo distinto a su trabajo o estilo habitual , tal vez de ahí el cambia de vestimenta , para diferenciar lo q es el estilo de Band Maid con lo q puede ser el ,en parte , estilo de Incubus . También puede ser un homenaje a una de esas bandas q les influyeron en su juventud (opinión) .
Salud y Rock and Roll 🥰
Thanks for expounding on the language. Since I discovered them 4 1/2 years ago,I've seen many comments about how difficult it can be to translate to English. Plus,there have been mentions about Miku using the dialect common to her home town; I don't remember what it's called. I do remember her saying in an interview that eating horse is common there,and she likes it. She's,also,in to horse racing,gambling there,and owns a horse. TMI,perhaps?
BTW,that was a great reaction. I think that,sometimes,we viewers need to be reminded music appreciation is purely subjective; we don't need to get bent out of shape when someone has a different opinion. We should just enjoy the parts we agree with.
Thank you! That is very kind of you. :)
Nice catch on the translated feeling lyrics. I respect the guts to write a whole song in a language that you're not the strongest in, but I wish they'd run it by a native English speaking editor to smooth out some of these awkward lines, especially if they were going to do a poppier sound to broaden their appeal with western audiences. I noticed the same kind of thing with the line that's like, "With you, darkness is not scary", where it's more common for Japanese people to say that something is scary (kowai), but in English, people generally talk about their feeling (e.g. I'm scared, or the line could have been like, with you, I don't fear the darkness).
You had 999 subscribers when I subscribed to your channel. You’re officially at 1K now 🥳🎉🍾
I just woke up to this! It's so exciting. Thank you for being the 1,000th subscriber!!
CONGRATULATIONS SHIRA ON 1K+ SUBS! YAY! I'm so happy for you🥰🥰🥰 I know I'm glad I found your channel...no thinking required😍 I enjoyed the song and your comments. Like you, I don't have a lot of experience with Band Maid. PS...I hear rumors of a Baby Metal+Electric Callboy joint song coming out. What fun! Take care love!
Maid cafes are part of Japanese culture and have nothing to do with patriarchy, objectification of women and that kind of things. It's a job like any other, they are not dressed provocatively, on the contrary, the clothes are more sober than their school uniforms. They serve you as kindly as any clerk in any shop would serve you, with the difference that "they want to make you feel at home" (they also want to make you feel important, but that's what every kind of general clerk or waiter in Japan does). Some may find it cringe (I find it cringe, the level of shame you feel in that moment is absurd), but let's not start making a sexist conversation about it as usual. There are also the same cafes but with men serving you instead of women. I've never understood the problem with maid clothes, they're more dressed than a lifeguard.
Gimmick, band maid is nota Gimmick, that's their jobs they are the hardest rocking maids ever , their shows aren't concerts, their servings of rock n roll no matter the size , place or country , they choose to wear their battle armor not bc u think it's a Gimmick, ur the 1 w the problem w it not them , go away now!
You do like it!
Introducing Band Angel!😂🫶
This is very atypical of them. They co-wrote and coproduced it with Mikey chan Einziger of incubus, who coproduced a song with Aviici called "Wake me up (when it's all over)" which was a global megahit. They met at Pointfest in the States and hit it off really well. Miku Kobato (coloured hair) wrote the lyrics in English herself, which was quite a challenge. All the band were left really good friends with Mike so maybe we'll see more.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing. :)
You're trying to match your lipstick to your glasses.
It's interesting that you mention that point about "I think" as a probable translation of "to omoimasu."
I did not think about it because this thing is present in all languages. In English people often abuse "like," for example. It's just a filler, people often don't mean that something is like something else. They just repeat "Like... Like..." without any actual need.
In this particular case it's a part of a rhythmic pattern:
I think - I'm glad - I met
There is even one more "I" before that, which adds to the rhythm:
I promise that I won’t leave. Never ever I will
I think I'm glad I met you now
Although yes, since you mentioned it, it becomes clear that this is a meaningless filler here. Of course, Miku is always influenced by her own Japanese background, but here, I would say, the problem is wider. Just a parasite word, the variations of which people probably use in all languages.
Now your comment about "I think I'm glad I met you now" plunged me into deep thinking 😂
OK, one more thought, and I'll stop.
Such expressions may not be meaningless. They actually indicate that the person speaking is reflecting on his own actions. I just realized that I am often saying the same thing. "I think I'm glad..." - yes, it happens often.
The feelings are fleeting objects, you know. Sometimes the feelings are complicated: you may be partially glad to see someone, and partially... mmm... sad? Afraid? Apprehensive? It may be anything.
Like, someone may ask me, "Are you glad to see your wife coming home?" Yes, I'm glad, but at the same time, I am a bit sad because I know my leisure time is over and she will start organizing things now, probably telling me to stop watching BAND-MAID and vacuum the floor. So, I think I'm rather glad she is home because I love her and she brings light into my life, but at the same time, I'm a bit sad.
I hope I was able to explain it well enough 😂
@@VladimirChupin 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 well then, I think I'm glad I brought it up? 🤣
Sorry, I was reading the lyrics and realized that this "I think I'm glad" is probably intentional. Just look at the complete verse:
I don’t wanna be shy
But I can’t look in your eyes
You can count on me anytime you need
I promise that I won’t leave. Never ever I will
I think I'm glad I met you now
So, she is shy and is not sure of her own feelings. She can't look into the eyes of her bestie and say, "I'm glad." It's a vacillation between "I'm glad" and "I'm not worthy." Probably.
@@easyfunkycrazy And I think I am very grateful to you for this 😂
Young pretty lady, costumes have been a part of Japanese performance art for thousands of years. So don't diss the Maids outfits. It's just part of the performance. Culture, how does it work???
the Outfits dont make the band....
聞いた事の無い次の世代たちには ロックは新しい音楽に聞こえると思いますよ～と！。 古い音楽なんて、、無いのでは、、、？ と！思ったり～！？。
Good react 👍
Recomended for you....come react 3girls hijab rock metal band from imdonesia VoB (Voice of baceprot) : god,allow me please to play music. These good band n amazing talentted 3ladies,good liryc in the music,waiting for you 🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥
Unpopular opinion, The song isn't bad but it doesn't sound like Band-Maid. Definitely more of a collaboration with Incubus.
You don't react to any of their music because they wear maid outfits....good reason ....
you may close your eyes and just listen.