Ever since the birth of Napster, downloading has been a window to obtain songs without a price. Now in the year 2012, downloading, whether legal or illegal, has increased and thus the music industry has continued to suffer for it. Some companies and artists follow the changing times and go along with the trend of downloads, which saves them a little money from making too many hard copies. So, does that mean that CDs are becoming obsolete to digital downloads? Honestly, I think there's still people like myself that still exist and would rather have a hard copy in their hands.You're probably thinking, after reading handfuls of music posts, that Miko is so old school. Maybe she needs to get with the times and start supporting the rise of digital downloads. Well, four iPods later and I still love my CDs. I like flipping through the pages, showing my friends these musicians I enjoy, and checking out the lyrics and such. Is that so wrong? Computers crash, relatives delete your stuff, and various other things could happen at any moment, but a CD is usually your back-up if such things happen, right? Unless you're super old school and you own a floppy disc.
May I ask you a question? What's the last CD you purchased? And, if you can, why did you purchase it as oppose to downloading it? For me, the last CD I bought was Daichi Miura's D.M.. It's an amazing album and after hearing it once through, I immediately bought it. I wanted to support because he's a great artist and he's a bit underappreciated. As for non-Asian musicians, I believe my last CD purchase was The Birthday Massacre's Pins and Needles. I know it's an old album, but when I first saw them live I didn't have enough money to buy both their album and Aural Vampire's...plus the venue's ATM was broken.
So, what was the point of that? Well, I just wanted to remind you that musicians still make hard copies. If they truly believed that CDs would be extinct, then they wouldn't put the money to produce them; releases would go straight to digital download. I also must point out that they still sell vinyls too! Anyway, forgive me for bringing up Asian music, but Japan and South Korea put a lot of effort into their packages. Therefore reinforces my point that CDs aren't going any where for a while at least. I know South Korea is a little more successful with their digital downloadables, but they have yet to ditch the CD market. Perhaps this is one reason fans don't pay for downloads for Asian music. The packaging and perks are worth having something tangible. Unfortunately, the U.S. is struggling to figure out what do with the marketing: transition to downloads or stick with hard copies or perhaps figure out a way to balance both mediums.Artists and labels want to get paid and I totally understand that. Teaming up with legitimate businesses like Amazon and iTunes is a good start for those who want to download, but I've noticed that prices on iTunes have increased for certain tracks. Even with these options, American artists and labels are still struggling and I think that's partially why all these silly bills have come to the table.
I think LinzerDinzer summed up the situation best in her latest video rant.
Now the question is, how can we fix the U.S. music market or the entertainment industry as a whole? Stay tune for the follow up post!
If there's something you want me to answer, check out this post on how you can submit questions.
As mentioned before, if you read the previous post then you know that I feel that PS Company is trying to cut off overseas fans. I know there are plenty of devoted oversea fans that try and support by buying various CDs, DVDs, and such. Kudos to them! But it sucks that the company has been lagging behind the trend of joining up with YouTube to expose their bands more legitimately so fans don't have to infringe on their copyrights and risk their accounts. I'm sure these fans post these videos of PSC bands to show their support and admiration for them, perhaps get other potential fans to join the ranks of the PSC club.
I've heard and experienced many of these fan stories on why/why not fans pay for CDs. When I first started this blog, I posted several places 
Onto the next point, the band, labels, distribution, etc. I believe I mentioned this in a post concerning how the jpop industry should be more global like kpop, but it was something around the lines that Japan doesn't seem so openly "needy" for overseas fans when it comes to purchasing their products, but they don't discourage it. I think they have every right to feel this way since their music industry is a lot stronger than South Korea's. Even though I feel this way, I also feel that they know that international buyers exist, but don't bother to make any moves to make products more accessible aside from online places like CDJapan, YesAsia, etc. Like it would be nice to walk into a CD store that isn't in an Asian related area (ex. China, Japan, Korea Town whatever), but it's just not going to happen. I can understand why the companies fear that there isn't enough support outside of Japan and they don't want to risk the expense on exporting goods for the sells to flop.
Label owners Kiwamu (Darkest Labyrinth & Starwave Records), Miyavi (J-Glam), and Kisaki (UnderCode) even cater to international fans by providing various goodies that can be accessed outside of Japan. There are various tour goods, CDs, DVDs, photo sets and such that you can purchase from the Darkest Labyrinth and Starwave Records official site easily. Miyavi created a global fanclub that is actually effective outside of Japan, like his latest tour in 2011 where fans gained some special privileges. Also, recently Kisaki gave access to some exclusive UnderCode goodies via CDJapan, which is pretty awesome. Even though this union wasn't perfect, Dir en grey joined forces with The End Records/The Omega Order when they were releasing Uroboros. They offered decent deals, offered international special items, and made things easier for American fans. So, there is some progress in some areas when bands and their team get a taste of the outside world.
Like conventions, the science fiction community is acknowledged as the starters of fanfiction with their love for Star Trek, Star Wars, and the like. For those not familiar with what fanfiction is, I'll fill you in. Fanfiction is a type of fictional writing created by a person from a specific fandom. They take characters from something they enjoy like movies, books, comics, anime, video games, etc. and place them in fictional situations. These fictional writings can range from funny and innocent to fluffy romances to dark and kinky. Some fans, probably ones interested in Asian pop culture or simply younger fans, probably think that fanfics are made for smut or slash pairings, but you can do whatever you want in fanfics, even nonsexual situations. They do exist!
I admit that I read fanfics from time to time, not very often really. I'm quite picky, but it seems like it's easy to tell what seems like works of a delusional fan and an artistic one, if that makes sense. It's all in the style and content of the fanfic, which is why some fans in the scene could be against it. The dangerous territory lies when romance is involved and the writer changes the character's personalities completely. Perhaps they pair two characters together they like and leave out details, in short, living out their weird little fan fantasies with this pair. It's weirder when they're Mary Sues (fanfics that include the author as a character in the story). I'm sorry, dear, but no one wants to read about your character making out with the GazettE's Ruki, please keep that to yourself.
On the other hand, I've read some pretty good fanfics that have character pairings in them, with and without the graphic progression. Although, I've mostly been reading jrock fanfics which kinda lies in a grey area if you're unsure how you feel about real people in fanfictional situations. I see it as TV series or movie characters, since majority of jrockers go by their stage names and have a totally different persona than reality. For me, I'm not that bothered by it. There are, indeed, pairings I disapprove of and fanfics I dislike because I enjoy substance like a regular fictional story. Also, a pairing doesn't have to be prominent either. Anything outside of jrock/jpop in the yaoi nature, like kpop...I cannot read at all. It just weirds me out. Even seeing kpop boys displaying fanservice is very awkward to me. Perhaps it's the fact that I just associate such things with Japan.
I'm sure everyone is aware of the hallyu wave in Japan. More and more kpop groups are entering Japan for more global exposure and profit. One problem with this is the lack of original material geared toward their Japanese fans. I don't understand why they're not making new material! It makes them appear lazy, especially rookie groups that are barely established in South Korea. 
I'm mostly disappointed that YG Entertainment has fallen victim to this lazy procedure. 2NE1 has recently entered Japan territory and came with no original tracks. Their appearance has become increasingly ridiculous and their music video remakes are a lot weaker than the original like Japan can't handle it. My disappointment lies with their past work with SE7EN and Big Bang. They both started with original material...a whole album even.
With communication, there is also the difference of how musicians carry themselves when interviewed. American musicians know what to give their listeners, because they are American and know what their fans expect, but for Asian musician to be interviewed here is quite difficult. Interviewers want to pry into personal details, joke with them a little (sometimes in a bit of a perverse way), and be casual and loose with them. It's a little more formal and PG when it comes to interviews in Asia. Sometimes it can be a little touchy like KinKi Kids' show and other variety shows that don't take things as seriously, but still maintain some sort of polite manner about themselves.
Unfortunately, parts of the world are built on superficial standards and, in this case, the U.S. and Japan have different physical criteria for our rockers. Sure, we're not a stranger to men wearing make up from the extreme like the legendary KISS to a little less like Black Veil Brides to the bare minimum with just eyeliner like Green Day, but these men with make up still maintain themselves as manly men. In the world of visual kei, it varies from artistic to androgynous. So, some of the musicians sacrifice their masculinity to an extent to portray a certain persona of themselves like Yuuki (Lycaon), Rame (Vidoll), and Kyo (Dir en grey). Sadly, some Americans associate this gender bending trend with homosexuality and drag, but it's far from it. This theory is hard to explain to those who don't understand Japanese culture and their assumptions are immediately made when someone sees a male musician rocking out in feminine or flashy attire, especially if fanservice is involved.
Androgyny is also an unfortunate factor for our pretty boys of pop from Japan and Korea. Fans enjoy cuteness, playful flirting between group members, and occasional dress up of jpop idols like the Johnny's boys and sometimes kpop idols. They are used to the ideas of yaoi and their fans welcome that sort of "fantasy" interaction like jrock. But, of course, in America, our male pop artists have to maintain a clean cut image, but still give us a strong masculine vibe that fans learn to crave. In Japan and Korea, they also have to primp themselves, but have more of boyish and somewhat manly quality about themselves. In some ways maybe a cute, young face and a manly built. Crazy thing is that these countries demand more talent from these pop idols compared to America. They must train rigorously with vocals and choreography, sometimes at a young age. A lot of them dabble in acting and/or modelling. As for America, dancing is a plus to the entertainment value, especially in live performances, and give an advantage to pop stars and groups. They mainly focus on selling their music and getting endorsement deals instead of a side acting career.
For those of you who are reading this and don't understand why we enjoy Asian (or any other country/language) music without understanding, here's a short answer. Music is the universal language of the world. It is used to portray emotion through sound that touches the heart and mind. It doesn't need to be understood by a person's native language or existence of words to be felt, like Apocalyptica or An Cafe.
To represent Japanese pop, I have chosen Jasmine, Daichi Miura, MAA, and Foxxi misQ as my examples. Jasmine has a nice, soulful R&B style to her music. She also 
Foxxi misQ also falls along the lines of good R&B music. Unfortunately, the trio split last year and are now taking on solo careers, but if they were still together, I believe they would be accepted here as they have a similar quality as Destiny's Child. They are visually appealing, move very well in heels, are great role models to females representing strong, independent, fierce women, and have the vocal talent to back it up. Lastly, "goth" pop singer MAA would fit well into the trending dance music craze in the U.S.. Watching her music video for 
Head Phones President would be a great representation of female vocals in the jrock genre. They appeal to fans who enjoy Flyleaf's style, but less whiny and they're another band that sing in English. 404NOTFOUND is a bit of an iffy choice for me. This band doesn't sing in English either and their sound is a little bit behind from ours, but could possibly be accepted by rock listeners and bring a little taste of Japan's rock flavor to make them stand out as well. In and out of Japan, they have a promising future in my eyes. Lastly, there were three other choices I wasn't completely confident in mentioning as thoroughly: Seikima-II, Dir en grey, and Fear From the Hate. Seikima-II reunited last year and kicked off their tour in Dallas, Texas. They re-recorded a lot of their tracks for compilation albums into English and it is definitely clear and understandable. Unfortunately, their sound is very dated and would probably only be appreciated by those who enjoy listening to the old metal hair bands. Dir en grey has been an in and out phase in America. At first, they're every where from MTV, Fuse, magazines, and even local newspapers, but once they're gone, the buzz quickly fades as fast as their appearance. They have a chance of making it, but there are many factors that need to be considered. 
Sadly, I don't listen to Fear From the Hate that much, but they're in a genre I don't particularly like...somehow they fell through the cracks. They are a mixture of club rave music sound bits and metal, but recently I viewed 
Now forgive me for lumping these two genres together, but as stated in a previous post, I'm not that hardcore into Korean music. So, this next choice is Korean pop and rap. Last year, there was a video from Black Eyed Pea's will.i.am expressing his interest in taking 2NE1 under his wing. Now I'm not sure if it'll be beneficial to the girls or hurtful (like Kanye West and JYJ). Nonetheless, I do see that special something he sees in them being successful in the U.S.. They are multilingual and, in their latest album To Anyone, they featured an English version of one of their songs. They have a great fusion of dance, pop, R&B, and whatever else that comes to mind. Rain has made a small mark in the entertainment industry, but playing a small part in Speed Racer, starring in his first Hollywood film, and becoming Stephen Colbert's nemesis. His English is slowly improving and his musical talent could persuade R&B listeners to his suave sound. He has the right amount of charm and it seems as though he has picked up new fans with his "Badass" award too. If he doesn't make it with music, he has acting to fall back on a little. 
Even though she hasn't been in the music scene for a while, T (Tasha) would be a great singer to bridge the gap (or racial boundaries) of R&B and rap like Amerie 
Have you noticed your jrock loving friends' decreasing convo topics about the latest GazettE single or the latest visual kei trends? Have they been talking more about gorgeous Taemin is or the amazing moves of 2pm? Well, you're not alone! People left and right in the jrock fandom are straying to the other side to the kpop fandom.
I can honestly say for the past couple years or so, jrock/visual kei as a genre has been waning. From the economy, major bands breaking up or separating, and visually appealing j-indies bands with no talent overshadowing those who do. This could be the reason that elitist and jrock lovers are switching to kpop. Although, with a few iconic comebacks like Luna Sea, X Japan, and Seikima II, jrock could be making a slow gain to make up for the losses we've experienced since 2009.
There is also the increase of kpop invading Japan. Sure, a few groups and artists have dabbled back and forth between countries like DBSK, Big Bang, and BoA, but now groups like SNSD and KARA are taking over the charts and pushing some jrock bands on the back burner. Unfortunately, this issue has formed a conflict between both fandoms despite the matter of it being a tad hypercritical. This matter could also lead to another factor for the switch which is that the genre is a trend or that crossingover is.
So, what other reasons are left aside from the crippling jrock genre and fandom, boredom, misrepresentation, the Korean invasion, trends, the freedom to fangirl, and more openness with your favorite idol's personal life? Well, there's my reason for why I enjoy it. I like trying new things because I love music and some of the Korean music I enjoy has opened my eyes and ears to other elements I enjoy about music as a whole. It also sometimes resembles parts or influences of things I already like from other musicians. There's a new, refreshing, and different structure to kpop compared to jrock. I also get to learn what is appealing to a different culture. I'm sure some kpop fans feel the same way when discovering jrock.
Now 2010 has been a harsh time for some of my favorite j-indies bands with the dreaded "D" word: disbandment. A few examples are nil delete heads, VALLUNA, SKULL, kalvary, Dio - distraught overlord, and [_vani;lla]. They were all great and had major potential! But their lives were short lived. Sadly, bands with repetitive melodies, mediocre vocal talent, but great visual appeal live on and keep sprouting up like weeds in the beautiful visual kei garden. These weeds will continue to suffocate good talent and distract fans with their "flowery" appearance. I'm sure this cycle will continue, but contrast is good. You can't love everything or else the genre will be boring!
Then there has been name and label changes. SINCREA disbanded and have formed FEST VAINQUEUR which should be just as good if not better. As.milk has been doing well as L~Lotus~ and Like Absolute Myself (now known as lam.) are on the same boat. ROACH cannot do wrong as they have always been true to themselves. Lastly, there have been member changes that will possibly benefit the band's growth like Sizna joining Moran. They're already great friends and have a somewhat similar style about them. The same goes for Soshi, ex-vocalist of Watashime Slug, joining oshare kei band Lolita23q.