Vocaloid music still isn’t exactly what you’d call mainstream in Japan, but the genre of virtual idols has made considerable strides in popularity over the last couple of years. Just last month, Vocaloid Hatsune Miku appeared on perpetually popular TV program "Music Station," a feat that’s considered a feather in the cap of any performer.
Now, Japan’s most popular virtual vocalist has teamed up with one of its most popular human ones, as Hatsune Miku and J-pop recording legend Namie Amuro have collaborated on a new song and music video.
Since Miku doesn’t have a physical body, Amuro (who’s no stranger to innovative videos) instead ventures into her world, appearing alongside the Vocaloid in animated form to promote their joint project, titled “Be Who I Want 2 B feat. Hatsune Miku.”
In keeping with Miku’s technological based roots, there’s a heavy use of synthesized sounds. But Amuro rose to fame on the strength of her dance and R&B releases, so in short order there’s also a strong, steady beat bumping along.
The animated medium obviously allows for quick and easy costume changes, but the producers did more than just mix up the two singers’ outfits and makeup. As the video goes on, Miku and Amuro transition multiple time from hand-drawn anime to CG models and back.
There’s even a point in which the two strap on headsets to play a round of what looks like VR Splatoon This gives us the unusual situation of watching a representation of a virtual idol running around and firing a laser in a second layer of virtual reality.
At just two minutes and 36 seconds long, “Be Who I Want 2 B” is likely to have fans ready to hit the replay button as soon as it’s done, although it’s possible the album edit, which appears on Amuro’s, is a bit longer. Still, the short and sweet music video is a treat for the eyes and ears, and who knows, it might just be the start of a beautiful friendship.
_Source: Twitter/@namieamurojp
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© Japan Today
4 Comments
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Mikanojo
With 3D rendering technology at the level it is now, i was hoping Amuro-san would have pulled Hatsune-san into realspace for a time? Maybe in the full length video she did, or in future videos she will?
harvey pekar
"Japan’s most popular virtual vocalist..."
Every single female idol group, from Perfume on down to those sad exploited 15 year olds at shopping malls, are virtual vocalists. Cuz, man, when you hear one of them try and sing for real, it's head splitting. I'm looking at you Maeda Atsuko.
Wc626
I'll second that. I can't stand J-pop. Thought N. Amuro was long washed-up like those others, revival w/ virtual vocalists? Oh brother- what will they think of next??
misunderstood
Sorry to say but if anyone really knows anything about music this song is a total remake or should issue Rip Off of a popular song! Auto tuned up and sped up to make it dance pop the name of the song is There's No Place I'd Rather Be. When I first heard the undertones I listened to the song then goggle the song listen closely. I hope it's the same producer if not he should go collect his money from the copy cat theives.