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Chatmonchy Performing Additional Date at NYC!

2010-03-15T21:29:00Z

SBR would like to announce that popular J-pop girl band, Chatmonchy, will perform on a additional date in New York on Monday, March 22!!!

They will be performing at Cakeshop. So if you can't make it for their show at Bowery Ballroom the day before, you can stop by the show the day after!

Cakeshop is located at:
152 Ludlow St, NYC
btwn. Stanton St. & Rivington St.
212-253-0036

As a reminder, Chatmonchy's three albums are already out at Sony Independent Music Network in digital format. If you haven't had a chance to listen to their songs, please do so. Chatmonchy is as good as the critics say they are.

SBR will interview Chatmonchy next week! Stay tuned! See ya soon!

Visit their website at: http://www.chatmonchy.com

CHiAKi KURiYAMA's Debut Single "Ryusei No Namida" Now Available!

2010-03-11T22:32:00Z

Hey J-Pop & Gundam fans, Japanese singer/actress CHiAKi KURiYAMA has finally released her debut single "Ryusei No Namida" on iTunes & all major digital outlets everywhere. SBR showcased her back on Winter Anime Day at Kinokuniya. The song is currently the opening theme for the new Gundam series, "Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn". For those whose aren't familiar with her, Chiaki became famous from her roles in Shikoku and Battle Royale. She made her American debut as Gogo Yubari from Quentin Tarantino's KILL BILL Volume 1, where she became immensely popular.

Chiaki even made a special appearance at the premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn in Tokyo, where she dressed up as one of the main characters, Audrey Burne. She received a star with her name on it in the Monoceros (Unicorn)!

You can purchase CHiAKi's debut single here. By the way, her singer name is spelled differently because she wants to let everyone know about the 3 i's (i as a normal girl, i as an actress, & i as a singer).

Also, the music video for "Ryusei No Namida" is now released in the U.S. courtesy of MTV Iggy! You can see a sneak peek at: http://www.mtviggy.com/video/music-video-teaser-chiaki-kuriyama-ryusei-no-namida

"Ryusei No Namida" is a great song! Chiaki is a very talented singer! You can find more about her at her official site: http://www.chiakikuriyama.net.

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Podcast: Interview with NYC J-Rock Band UZUHI!

2010-03-11T03:10:00Z

Hey folks, SBR's own Tony Yao recently interviewed the NYC-based J-Rock band, Uzuhi! Listen to the hilarity that ensued during the interview. XD Enjoy the wonderful discussion which involved rice, music, booze, manga, and oh yeah, ONE PIECE!

You can check out Uzuhi at: http://www.myspace.com/uzuhi.

As a reminder, Uzuhi will perform at Spring Fest NY this Saturday, along with one of our favorites, Mai Kawamura! Be sure to catch their "ONEWAY" tour! More information on where they're touring can be found on their site.

For all you New Yorkers, Gosha didn't forget about you guys. The last stop on the ONEWAY tour will be at New York City at Santos Party House on Friday, April 2!!!!! You can purchase tickets here.

Show off your Sweet Lovely Chocolate Smile to Uzuhi all this month (and April too )!!!!!!!

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Sara Barton's Exclusive Interview with Tomm Moore live at the SBR's studio

2010-03-11T00:48:00Z

The walls of the SBR studio are littered with the signatures of famous musicians and celebrities. This is a sacred moment in SBR history, as Tomm Moore signs SBR's wall. Aisling and Pangur Ban brought magic into the SBR studio.

3/10/2010- Sara Barton

This Wednesday, I had the rare pleasure of interviewing Tomm Moore, the director of the Oscar nominated film, The Secret of Kells, live at the Samurai Beat Radio studio.

Tomm and I sat down for a once in a lifetime interview, we talked about his experience at the Oscar's, The Secret of Kells, and more; words can’t describe it, you'll have to listen to it for yourself.

The Secret of Kells, is a beautiful hand-drawn film, with a rich tapestry of Irish history and culture. It’s a must see film, featuring a cast of memorable characters.

It's the story of a young boy named Brendan, a remote medieval outpost, under siege from barbarian raids. Brendan life is about to change when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. In order to help complete this magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil? (Gkids)

This is the first time an Oscar nominee has graced Samurai Beat Radio’s studio. As Tomm would say it was “a surreal” experience. The staff and I were in awe. I will treasure this moment for the rest of my life, not only as reporter for SBR, but as an artist and animation lover. We’re honored to have had the privilege to interview Tomm. We would like to congratulate him again on his nomination and wish all the best for the future.

To purchase tickets click here:

Links

The Secret of Kells - official website-

http://www.thesecretofkells.com/

The Blog of Kells:

http://theblogofkells.blogspot.com/

New York Int'lChildren's Film Festival (NYICFF) main website:

http://www.gkids.com

The Show Must Go On! Samurai Beat Radio reports from New York Int'l Childrens' Film Festival Opening Night!

2010-03-09T06:17:00Z

Feb. 26, 2010- Sara Barton

“The show must go on”! –New York Int'l Children' Film Festival declared, reassuring ticket holders that this February's snow storm wouldn't stop Opening Night. The snow didn’t deter movie patrons from attending Friday’s Opening Gala. It was a fullhouse. This year’s Opening Gala featured the film Summer Wars, directed by Mamoru Hosoda. This is Mr. Hosoda's second film to premier at NYICFF, his first was,The Girl who Leapt through Time, which debuted at NYICFF 2005.

It was business as usual, as Eric Beckman, the co-director of NYICFF, christened the opening ofNYICFF 2010 by throwing t-shirts into the audience. For those who haven't been to NYICFF it is an annual tradition for directors and staff to throw t-shirts or prizes at the audience; past festivals have included raffle drawings. Who wouldn't love catch a free t-shirt? If you didn't get a chance to catch one, the festival also has them available for purchase in front. To own a NYICFF merchandise is similar to owning a piece of art. The t-shirts are created by outstanding graphic designers. This year festival t-shirt featured, the space monster, from the film, The Terrible Thing of Alpha 9,(in the Heebie Jeebies short film completion). It is a simple and bold design. Let's not forget the NYICFF poster, featuring the highlighted film or theme of the festival. This year the honor went to the film, The Secret of Kells, directed by Tomm Moore.

In addition to the premier, the audience was treated to a catered party, showcasing fabulous cuisine from the NYC area. The delicious cupcakes from Tonnie’s Mini’s were a hit among the audience. The star of Opening Night was director Mamoru Hosoda, a gracious and humble man. He listened to every movie-goer’s questions in the Q&A session, held after the screening. He signed autographs, and posed for photos with everyone, he even signed this reporter's splint, and said, “Get well soon”. It was an amazing night, and it's only just begun.

Stay tuned for more NYICFF coverage from Samurai Beta Radio featuring:

-The audience Q&A sessions with Mamoru Hosoda, director of Summer Wars

-Sara Barton’s exclusive interview with Tomm Moore, director of the Oscar Nominated film, The Secret of Kells.

and lots more....

Links:

New York Int'l Children's Film Festival (NYICFF) main website:

http://www.gkids.com

Tonnie's Minis- Cupcake shop:

http://www.tonniesminis.com/

------Tickets are still available ------

To see full schedule and purchase tickets click below:

or call :212-349-0330.

To download PDF of NYICFF 2010 schedule:

http://gkids.tv/pdf/NYICFF_2010_Brochure.pdf

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Ponyo Day at Kinokuniya Bookstore on March 6th!

2010-03-03T22:03:00Z

Love Hayao Miyazaki? Love Studio Ghibli? Loved his latest movie, Ponyo? Then stop on by Ponyo Day at Kinokuniya Bookstore this Saturday, March 6th!

SBR will be having a Hayao Miyazaki-themed quiz show. We will ask a variety of questions pertaining to Ponyo and Miyazaki's other works. The winners will receive a wide variety of prizes, courtesy of Walt Disney Home Entertainment. Contestants who want to participate in the quiz can sign up on that day. We will have a sign-up form ready for you guys.

Misako Rocks! & Hills Learning Center will stop to promote Ghibli in their own unique ways. If that doesn't excite you yet, Roland Kelts, author of the hit book "JAPANAMERICA: How Japanese Pop Culture Invaded The U.S.", will also stop by to share his thoughts on the genius that is Hayao Miyazaki. An interactive discussion entitled "How We Grew Up With Ghibli" will also take place with Megumi as one of the panelists onbroad. Oh yeah, everyone's favorite event: the big raffle will be held too, courtesy of Walt Disney Home Entertainment & New York Anime Festival. :]

Also, Kinokuniya is having a special deal going on right now. If you buy "Ponyo" on Blu-Ray or DVD and either "Kiki's Delivery Service", "Castle in the Sky", or "My Neighbor Totoro", you will get $10 off your total purchase.

So what are you waiting for? If you're a huge Miyazaki fan, please stop by and pay homage to one of the greatest Japanese animators of all time! See you there!

Chatmonchy U.S. Tour Dates Announced!

2010-03-01T20:13:00Z

JAPAN'S CHATMONCHY CONFIRM ADDITIONAL U.S. TOUR DATES & PERFORMANCES IN NY, LA, SF, AUSTIN!
THREE ALBUMS AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. ON MARCH 2!

“Chatmonchy have reached the upper-echelons of the Japan charts with three gritty, emotional, yet vivacious albums.” - The Japan Times

Chatmonchy will be making the following stops during their U.S. tour.

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

March 19   Austin, TX 　　　     Elysium (SXSW Japan Nite Tour)
March 21   New York, NY 　     Bowery Ballroom (Japan Nite Tour)
March 24   Los Angeles, CA　　　　　Amoeba Music (In-store)
March 26   San Francisco, CA 　　Amoeba Music (In-store)
March 26   San Francisco, CA　　　The Independent (Japan Nite Tour)　
March 27   Los Angeles, CA 　　　　 Viper Room (Japan Nite Tour)

On March 2, 2010, SIN/Sony Music Independent Network willrelease three of the band's full-lengths in a digital only format, including2009's “Kokuhaku”(Confession), “Miminari” (EarRinging), and “Seimeiryoku” (LifeForce).

Chatmonchy goodness ALL THIS MONTH!

New York Int'l Children's Film Festival 2010 Opens this FRIDAY !!

2010-02-23T22:54:00Z

                         OPENS THIS FRIDAY !



Opening Night featuring Summer Wars

                   Other feature films include:

Get your tickets while they last!

To see full schedule and purchase tickets click below:

or call :212-349-0330.

To download PDF of NYICFF 2010 schedule:

http://gkids.tv/pdf/NYICFF_2010_Brochure.pdf

New York Int'l Children's Film Festival (NYICFF) main website:
http://www.gkids.com

Becca's U.S. Debut & National High School Tour!

2010-02-23T20:58:00Z

BECCA’S U.S. DEBUT CD ALIVE!! TO DROP MARCH 2 ON SONY MUSIC INDEPENDENT NETWORKS

BECCA TO EMBARK ON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TOUR MARCH – APRIL

SXSW AFTERNOON SHOWCASE ON MARCH 18 AT ANTONE’S

“Becca is too cool for pop rock, but when it comes to real deal rock ’n’ roll she and her band can settle into the groove, with plenty of firepower to spare!” – Jersey Beat

Hailing from Portland, OR Becca has already made a mark on the international music charts and now she is gearing up to do the same in the U.S. as she gets set for the release for her U.S. debut CD ALIVE!! to hit the streets on March 2 on Sony Music Independent Network. Look for Fall and Spring high school tour dates to be announced soon with a stop in Austin at SXSW for an afternoon showcase at Antone’s, summer tour plans in the works.

“Upbeat, kick-your-ass music with poignant lyrics to create an album that truly leaves you energized” – Young Poor and Angry Press

By playing pure and simple rock & roll without making an explicit issue of her gender, 20 year old Becca is eager to bring her original brand of music to the masses, loud and stripped-down, yet filled with overpowering pop-rock hooks. Showing a maturity far beyond her years on songs like “I’m Alive!,” her vow to live life to the fullest in the wake of the premature death of a friend, and “Turn Up the Stereo,” a cautionary tale to her peers about the dead-end offered by non-stop partying. Songs examining personal relationships, such as “Turn to Stone,” “Lose You Now” and “Perfect Me,” all penned by Becca herself.

"Becca is a triple threat; she is cute, very sweet and extremely talented. Most of all, you won't be able to get her songs out of your head once you start listening to them." – Rock On Request

Becca is ready to break the mold of today’s stereotypical female rocker, with the ferocity she delivers her lyrics set to pop infused rock & roll mixed with punk passion and all delivered with a mischievous smile.

Becca rocks - she really does! Becca has a ton of class, style, and rockability.
While she can definitely pull off a pop fused ballad, she can also hit hard when she unleashes a rockin’ anthem.
– All About The Music

You can check out Becca at:
http://www.BeccaOfficial.com
http://www.beccahollcraft.com
http://www.myspace.com/beccachanofficial
Follow her at: http://twitter.com/BeccaUSA

We'll keep you posted on where Becca will perform! Stay tuned!

"Rainbow" Music Video by Mai Kawamura

2010-02-22T20:13:00Z

Hey fans, we want to showcase to you guys the latest music video for Mai Kawamura (who made a splash at the NYC Japan Fair this past summer). This is her new single "RAINBOW", off her newest album, "MAI Life". Enjoy!

Like it? We sure did. :]

You can check out Mai's website at: http://www.maikawamura.com
You can purchase "MAI Life" at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/maikawamura

6 days until the New York Int'l Film Festival opens !!!

2010-02-20T13:38:00Z

6 days left until the New York Int'l Children's Film Festival opens !!

If you haven’t heard of NYICFF, imagine a family friendly version of Cannes, Tribeca Film Festival, and the Oscars all rolled into one. Established in 1997, NYICFF is North America’s largest festival offilm for children and teens and stands at the forefront of a movement to define a new, more provocative and compelling film for kids.

They were the first to premiere: Mamoru Hosoda, The Girl who Leapt Through Time and Hayao Miyazaki's, Ponyo. In 2001, the festival’s main theme was anime, featuring a special on Astro Boy, and many animated films never seen before in the US. For the first time a majority of anime fans had a chance to see, Sailor Moon R the movie, Dragon Ball Z, and several Miyazaki Films on the big screen.

NYICFF has grown since then, featuring film making workshops (if you want to know on how your favorite films are created, these workshops are worth going to), and sneakpreviews of fabulous films year-round.

NYICFF 2010 opens, Feb 26-Mar 21 at theaters around Manhattan, with 100+ films plus gala premieres, retrospectives, and filmmakers’ Q&A, production workshops, receptions, audience voting, and the NYICFF Awards Ceremony.

-------------------------------------

NEW SCREENINGS JUST ADDED:

-- THE SECRET OF KELLS - OSCAR NOMINATED - Fri, Mar 5,3:45pm - IFC Center

-- THE SECRET OF KELLS - OSCAR NOMINATED - Sun, Mar 7,6:55pm - IFC Center

-- SUMMER WARS - US PREMIERE - Sat, Mar 13, 11:00am - IFC Center

-- STELLA - Sat, Mar 13, 8:45pm - Symphony Space

-- KIRIKOU & THE SORCERESS - Sat, Mar 20, 10:30am - IFC Center

---------------------------------------

TICKETS ARE GOING FAST -70% of tickets have been sold.

Click on the image below to purchase before time runs out !

NY Int'l Children's Film Festival main site:

http://www.gkids.com

written by: Sara Barton

Japan R&B Sensation, Shota Shimizu, Performing at NY on March 2nd!

2010-02-20T03:33:00Z

Another concert to report for next month: Japan's #1 R&B Sensation, Shota Shimizu, will be back again in NY on March 2nd for a special one night performance at SOBs!

Tuesday March 2nd, 2010
@ SOBs
Gordon Chambers and Friends perform R&B and Soul Classic
Hosted by Lenny Green of 98.7 KISS FM
w/Special Guest including Japan’s #1 R&B Sensation, SHOTA SHIMIZU

SHOTA SHIMIZU (SHOTA) Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Shota Shimizu (SHOTA) is a 20 year-old singer/songwriter with an exceptional talent. Along with studying gospel at a local music school, his fascination with soul music has led him to create his own unique style -- strong yet sensual singing incorporating hip-hop influenced vocal delivery. In 2007, he received much acclaim for his performance on stage at New York’s world famous Apollo Theater and made his debut from Sony Music in following spring. SHOTA also made a successful second New York appearance at Central Park, headlining the annual JAPAN DAY FESTIVAL performing in front of several thousand New Yorkers.

SHOTA’s debut album reached #2 on the album chart in late 2008, and his subsequent singles have been a series of smash hits with over 2 million D/L per title.
In March 2nd, 2010, SHOTA is back to New York City making a special guest appearance at SOBs R&B Showcase as he releases his sophomore album back home.

About Gordon Chambers - The Teaneck, New Jersey native is currently signed to L.A. Reid's prestigious Hitco Music publishing company where has written for over 60 recording artists, including household names Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Usher, Brandy, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and Marc Anthony.
He is best known for his 1994 Grammy- winning hit "I Apologize" for Anita Baker and his 1995 #1 Grammy-nominated smash "If You Love Me" for the trio Brownstone (which was later featured as the theme song of the film "Living Out Loud").
More recently, the eight-time ASCAP winner penned tunes for superstars The Isley Brothers ("Just Came Here To Chill"), Yolanda Adams ("Someone Watching Over Me"), Patti Labelle & Ron Isley ("Gotta Go Solo"), Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown ("My Love"), R&B crooner Carl Thomas ("My Valentine"), breakthrough soul singer Angie Stone "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" and pop sensation Beyonce ("After All Is Said And Done"). Over the years, his compositions have been performed at the ESSENCE awards, the American Music Awards and the Goodwill Games--as well as six major motion pictures.

Performance Information:

SOBs
204 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4809
(212) 243-4940
Tuesday March 2nd, 2010
Doors Open: 7:30pm
Show: 8:30pm
$10/advance; $12/door

You can purchase tickets here.

Chatmonchy Is Coming To America This March!

2010-02-19T22:24:00Z

Successfully performing at the "Nippon Budokan" after their smash hit album "Seimeiryoku", Chatmonchy has already became one of the symbols of the Japanese rock scene. And now, the band had just announced their appearance at the SXSW 2010, one of the biggest US music festival/showcase! They will also be making appearances at New York & San Francisco!

Chatmonchy are three girls from Japan who rock. Playing raw,energy-infused melodic rock music, Eriko (guitar and vocal), Akiko(bass), and Kumiko (drums) have been making a buzz all across Japan since their 2005 majo rlabel debut. Now, with their latest Oricon chart-topping album "Kokuhaku" (Confession), they're ready to infect North American fans with their catchy take on girl-rock power.

Chatmonchy-whose name means absolutely nothing!-burst onto the scene without any label backing in 2004, quickly catching the ear of Sony Music Japan. The next year, Sony's Ki/oon Records released their debut EP, "chatmonchy has come," and the band set off on their first nation-wide tour of Japan in 2006.

Inspiring fans with their feistiness and fire, Chatmonchy released their first full-length album, "Miminari" (Ear Ringing), in July of the same year. The album garnered a Top 10 spot on the national Oricon chart, and the girls were invited to perform at Japan's most important summer festivals, including Summer Sonic, Rock In Japan Festival and the Nano-Mugen Festival.

After the success of their summer festival dates, Eriko, Akiko, and Kumiko did a national tour in the Fall of 2006, then headed back to the studio to finish "Seimeiryoku" (Life Force), the album they had started writing the year before. The album, released in late 2007, hit #2 on the Oricon charts, and Chatmonchy played sold-out shows all around Japan -including a two-night solo concert at the Budokan in the Spring of 2008.

Following the first album, the rock-power girl trio released 4 singles that reached the Oricon Top 10, three that hit the Top 20, and 4 DVDs including music videos and passionate live performance footage. In addition, the single, "Dai Dai," was featured as the theme song on the anime series, "Bleach"- their first step toward connecting to a world-wide audience.

The next step, after adding another couple of DVDs to their catalogue on the home-front, is an attendance at the 2010 SXSW Music Conference on March 19. This will be Chatmonchy's first North American live performance, and the beginning of the next important chapter for these accomplished musicians-these three girls from Japan who rock.

Afterwards, they will perform at New York on March 21, followed by San Francisco on March 26!

Eriko Hashimoto: guitar and vocal
Akiko Fukuoka: bass
Kumiko Takahashi: drums

*And also check out their brand new Facebook & MySpace websites!

http://www.facebook.com/chatmonchy
http://www.myspace.com/chatmonchy

We'll update you guys about the venue & time (for the New York show) chatmonchy will be performing! Stay tuned!

Boom Boom Satellites Video Interview!

2010-02-16T20:31:00Z

For all you Boom Boom Satellites fans out there, we got a special treat for you! We present the video interview with BBS from our studio! Enjoy!

Special thanks to May Young for providing the video!

Recommended Artist: 椿屋四重奏 (Tsubakiya Shijuusou)

2010-02-13T07:18:00Z

I've been meaning to put this band up for the longest time, but kept on forgetting.

Meet Tsubakiya Shijuusou aka Tsubakiya Quartette.

From Left to Right: Nagata Takashige (bass), Ryouta Kodera (drums), Nakada Yuuji (guitar/vocals), Yasutaka Takurou (guitar)

The band formed in 2000 in Sendai by the vocalist. After many changes in the line-up, the band began as a trio, with Yasutaka joining as an official member in 2005. This band has 4 albums, 1 mini-album, 1 best-of album, and 3 singles under their belt. Their music style infuses jazz with a mix of old and new school rock and roll. What I love about this band is Nakada's vocals accompanies the melody so well and its rhythms and guitar riffs are quirky and catchy. Their standard 8-beat songs will keep your feet tapping and listening.

Their latest album, "CARNIVAL" on April 2009 and got rave reviews from critics. Their past tour named after the album had sold out tickets immediately as their popularity increases in Japan.

I first heard of this band while browsing for new music on YouTube. I came across a Kai Radio (Kai's old radio show from the GazettE) translated excerpt from his "Recommended Artist" corner and he recommended Tsubakiya's "Lover." The somber love ballad is bittersweet and powerful. I was immediately hooked and went looking for more of their songs. After listening to their entire discography, I was patiently waiting for some of their newer releases to see what kind of surprise they had in store for their fans and then, boom, a single release followed by an album.

"CARNIVAL" is seriously amazing. I love how playful "CRAZY ABOUT YOU" is along with the softer acoustic side of the band in "Boku ni totte no kimi", the funkiness and sexiness in "LOVE CREATURES" and the tricky rhythm changes in "Finale."

You should definitely give them a listen. You won't regret it!

Podcast: Samurai Beat Radio Fan Interviews at Winter Anime Day

2010-02-12T23:42:00Z

Hey everyone, we're back with our podcast interviews from Winter Anime Day at Kinokuniya Bookstore. We did a feature on the visual-kei band Charlotte and showcased one of their MVs, the video message, and a concert clip. SBR interviewed a number of fans about Charlotte and they were really excited about seeing them in the near future when they come to the U.S.! The event overall was a blast with wonderful guests and oh yeah, cosplay karaoke Enjoy the podcast and enjoy some of the photos from our show we took that day!

We asked who was going to do cosplay karaoke.

This was the response. :]

All photos were taken courtesy of Gerardo J. Flores. You can visit his website here.

Thank you guys for coming out to Winter Anime Day!!!!! Hope to see you guys again soon!