HANABIE. Unleash New Music Video "OTAKU Lovely Densetsu" via Sony Music Japan
HANABIE. is one of the more popular bands to come out of Japan’s Harajuku-core scene, a movement that combines metalcore with the bright and vibrant fashion aesthetics that originate in Tokyo’s fashion district known for its vintage shops and cosplay stores. Their latest video for "OTAKU Lovely Densetsu" is a tribute to Japan’s role as the creator and innovator of anime and video game culture, known as “otaku.”
"I wanted to write a song to express my gratitude to all the fans, staff, and bands that I met and played with on our world tour, and to express what I felt on the tour,” said vocalist Yukina. “One of the things I felt was "Japanese culture, such as anime and video games, is truly loved"! We love Japanese culture, but not only about Japanese culture, this is a chaotic and HARAJUKU CORE-like song that makes you think it’s cool to be faithful and straight up to what you like."
The appeal of Japan’s geek culture is cross-cultural and international according to guitarist Matsuri.
“'OTAKU Lovely Densetsu' is a chaotic song that focuses on anime and games that are part of Japanese culture,” said Matsuri. “You shine brightest when you’re into what you love and just being OTAKU. OTAKU is not just in Japan but also overseas too so be confident being OTAKU! This song is just freestyle and doing what we want, so please enjoy this HANABIE. world! Japan culture rocks!"
Bassist Hettsu echoed Matsuri in pointing out how prevalent otaku culture is in today’s pop culture landscape.
"I think this song is about how OTAKU has become more commonplace since entering the 2021 era, and how everyone is addicted to something and has become an OTAKU,” said Hettsu. “Well, most of all we ourselves are OTAKU! LOL”
Hettsu is particularly proud of the composition of "OTAKU Lovely Densetsu" and how well HANABIE plays it.
“Personally, please listen closely to the end of the intro falling into the outro where you can feel the skipping beat, it’s my favorite part. It's catchy with hectic changes, so listen to it a lot and get hooked,” said Hettsu.
Drummer Chika further explained the musical choices that were made in the writing and production of "OTAKU Lovely Densetsu."
"The intro drum phrase expresses a parallel world feel with the snare out of position,” Chika. “I was inspired while traveling overseas seeing drummers who added blast beats. I think I was able to put it in a good way in the second verse of this song! All OTAKU should continue to be proud and enthusiastic! If you are not OTAKU, I hope you will take this opportunity to step into the world of OTAKU! Thank you!!!!"
REBORN SUPERSTAR! Track Listing:
1. Blast Off
2. 超次元ギャラクシー (Hyperdimension Galaxy)
3. NEET GAME
4. 今年こそギャル ～初夏 ver.～ (Be The GAL~ Early Summer ver.~)
5. Tales of Villain
6. Warning!!
7. 我は宇宙最強のインベーダーちゃんである (I Am the Most Powerful Invader Girl in the Universe)
8. TOUSOU (Run Away)
9. お先に失礼します。(Pardon Me, I Have to Go Now.)
10. Today's Good Day & So Epic
"OTAKU Lovely Densetsu" is the first recording from HANABIE since their cover of the Imagine Dragons song “Believer.” After previously releasing their recordings independently, HANABIE has signed with Sony Music Japan. Their first major label album is Reborn Superstar! The new album features the single"お先に失礼します。(Pardon Me, I Have to Go Now.) which recently became a viral hit. Other tracks of note include "TOUSOU (Run Away)" and "今年こそギャル ～初夏 ver.～ (Be The GAL~ Early Summer ver.~).”
