Tide on Spotify

Just found out that you can listen to Ken-chan's 1st mini album TIDE on Spotify (for free).
Please follow Ken-chan's spotify as well ^^
I guess Coronoid Records does have a more international view compared to other music recording companies in Japan *claps claps*
Ken-chan even puts his albums up on Itunes so you can save shipping time and money.
Although I prefer a hard copy, I'm having so much trouble putting them on iphone.
Putting these tracks on my walkman is just VERY SIMPLE.
And there are ppl who say android is complicate or difficult to use....

僕と君が、前を向くための歌～生きゆく街に海を見る。上北健 HALL LIVE IN TOKYO 2017~ Report

Just realised I havent been updating this blog for so long already. Cant remember how many times I told myself to write one about KK's new mini album Layered, which was released on the 12th April. I'll put the link to his new album and stuffs like that at of this article. But first, let's have a quick report of his live at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall last night!*

                                     

                               "僕と君が、前を向くための歌"
　                                                                  生きゆく街に海を見る。

I have to say, it was totally worth it, spending money, time and effort to fly all the way to Japan, just to see KK's live this year. As I thought, my parents did complain a bit when I told them I'd go to Japan to see KK''s live. But in the end, it was my money and my hobby so they respected it! I guess as I grow older, they start to understand more about my decision in life, although this decision was simply spontaneous~ So yea, I booked a flight in late Feb and came to Japan the day before the live. 

Done with background information, now let's move to the real deal~~~~
My seat was right in the middle in the first row of the fixed seats, so I could see the stage without any obstruction! I think I prefer it than siting in the areana area. 

If I counted the 2016's live that I watched on Nico Nico, this would be the 3rd time I watched KK's live. Amazing? Fantastic? Wonderful? My English vocab doesnt allow me to describe it correctly. The live was, as always, not perfect but perfect! 

Ken-chan's voice was beautiful as ever. I'm glad they didnt make the BGM too loud so we could listen to his voice in such a big hall. He started with the concept song of this live, followed by Yuragi and Cross street, and it was too much for my heart! I have talked about my personal obsession with Yuragi so finding out he included it in this time, I was just filled with happiness. Together with the concept song, he also wrote a concept story especially for yesterday's live (I'll try to translate it later on), and actually read it out loud! Anyone who follows him would know he doesnt talk alot. Even on namahousou, Ken-chan usually sings and only tells important information. However yesterday, he stepped out his comfort zone and told us the story in his beautiful voice. Each phrase was read with emotion and wonderful acting skill, as if he wasnt a singer, but a story-teller. In some sense, Ken-chan is a story-teller, isnt he! Through music, he conveys the story of what he has been encountered in life, the story that portrays his feeling, thought and emotion. It's not always a pretty story, it's not always a happy story, but they are all real, and that's what draw me to his music. 

Talking about comfort zone, it was a rare sight seeing Ken-chan sings without his guitar. In this 1.5 years, I have never saw him without it, regardless using it or not. But yesterday, in front of everyone, he did it! To be honest, it was awk af!!!! But at the same time, seeing him trying his best, I almost bursted into tears. The awk movement and position he placed his hands were just too cute <3. 

What amazed me the most is that the audiences were speechless during the first 3 songs. No one was able to clap or whatsoever, like the hall was frozen by his voice. That feeling when you want to clap hands and show how great the performance was, but couldn't because you dont want to disturb the flow of it. It was simply amazing!

Thank you all the staffs, band members and the two dancers who played an irreplaceable role in creating such beautiful performance last night.
And Ken-chan, thanks so much for being there, for singing with your heart.
スタッフの皆さん、バンドメンバーの皆さん、ダンサーのお二人、本当にありがとうございます。
健さん、いつもいつもありがとうございます。
これからもずっと応援します。
いつまでも健さんの素敵な音楽を続けますように、
いつか世界中に広げますように。

I still havent listened to Layered since I dont have a cd driver atm, but I got to listen to the songs in yesterday's live so all good! 

I'm really really glad I came all the way to watch it. 

Can we just have DVDs of the lives? CDs would be good as well though! Just give us something plsss.

Kamikita Ken's 2nd Mini Album~ Layered
Cross-fade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHWjvxlVYXM

For those who want a hard copy no matter what (like me ^^) CdJapan or AmazonJapan

Those who don't have a cd driver and hate waiting for the physical copy to be shipped, you can now buy it on Itunes
I was able to access it from overseas so shouldn't have any problem on buying outside of Japan.

Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

*I wrote this on 17th though didnt have time to publish it and cbs fixing the date now lol

上昇 by Kamikita Ken~ Translation

Have been in love with this song since I first heard it from his live in April. Listening to it for the first time, I couldn't quite get the lyrics but I was drawn to these two lines
"Please never let your heart grows cold 
Even a fallen flower has a soul"

And once I understood the lyrics (according to my own interpretation), I cried.
I guess I shouldn't be saying all these songs describe my life, but if you are going through many things in life, I hope this song could be somewhat of a light, brightening even just a tiny little bit of your day like how it is to me

Joushou

Written and composed by Kamikita Ken (KK)

English translation by Makoto 

Just now, a dream had come to the end, scattering on the ground.
It was such a charming ending.
When this rain stops,
Will it make a rainbow crossing across the sky?

Please keep moving forward.
Even if you get lost and end up directionless,
Accept the challenge in front of you and take a step forward.
Fighting against (the challenges one faces in life) is an opportunity to grow up.
Until the day we could meet the not-yet-to-be-known tomorrow.
Fly high. Fly high. Fly high.
What you'll be able to find
Under layers of your memory
Is the stair, which will lead to your future.

The ones who wish for a peaceful tomorrow
The ones who continue to live on while being chased by something.
Please never let your heart grows cold
Even a fallen flower has a soul

On the pitch black east side of the sky
A sixth magnitude star, trying its best to shine
Although it can only emit a pale light.
Just like how that pale light is still visible
There must be someone who will find you and your light.
And someday, even this place will definitely turn into a beautiful memory.

Please keep moving forward.
Even if you get lost and end up directionless,
Accept the challenge in front of you and take a step forward.
Fighting against (the challenges one faces in life) is an opportunity to grow up.
Until the day we could meet the not-yet-to-be-known tomorrow.
Fly high. Fly high. Fly high.
The memories within your heart
Will show you a way to your future.

4th song from KK's mini album, TIDE
Cross-fade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yleMFsZ_eeo
Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan
Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

緑閃光 by KK～Transaltion

Not long to go until the release of Tide *clap clap*. But I'll have to wait quite a bit for my copies to arrive. I decided to grab both the cd (w/ bonus disc from Tower records) and the concept book so double the excitment! Well, in the meantime, there are heap of stuffs need to be done, for example, tranlsating songs from Scoop~ 

Ryokusenkou wasn't my favorite when I first listened to the album. But the moment I was able to hear the 5th part of this song (and the 8th), ryokusenkou jumped all the way to the top of my playlist! 

Ryokusenkou

(Green flash) 

Written and composed by Kamikita Ken (KK)

English translation by Makoto (with BIG help from jisho ^^)

‘If it’s too painful, stop these fingers’

There was a voice whispering that, in the classroom at the end of the day.

As if wanting to invite people with its light, the sun poured down incessantly.

In that very moment, I realized I’d be the only one left behind.

A new day began.

There is no limit to the problem that one faces in life.

Day by day, those problems just keep on increasing.

Despite how much people suffer every day, this town still looks the same.

There must be a lot more things that I could do.

And it feels like this world would become a much more beautiful place, when I’m able to change.

You know, even someone like me have tried to become a better person.

I wonder if you’d smile, seeing the way things are now.

If you have wounds that could never be healed

Never think of the scars left behind as something ugly or shameful.

The scars, which remain forever in your heart 

Are the proof that you’ve been fighting until today

And one day, they may become the reason for your existence.

Time moves in an endless circle by its momentum.

The only thing that changes from yesterday is how the sky looks today.

Though the wind is strong, doesn’t look like it’s gonna rain.

If all you do is taking one step forward, then back

You’ll just go through the same-old everyday

Without achieving anything

And end up thinking that every moment goes by is meaningless.

How are our values and believes shaped? 

Based on appearances, impressions; or how good we are at hiding ugly parts of ourselves? 

However, I could never be able to say these things out-loud 

Instead, I'm here, just waiting for the day to finish.

The reason we feel regret about those days we could no longer return to,

Is because we still carry the passions we used to have with us.

Please don't leave behind the pains, grieves, and all that you have been through,

I hope one day, these emotions would reach your heart. 

When the sky turns into a deep blue colour,

A flock of birds flies towards the west.

You guys can go wherever you want to 

Because I'm sure one day, I'll reach your place.

To be able to see the scenery you wish for,

You must accept and cherish your past 

No matter how much you want to hide it.

Things that remain in you heart

The proofs that you've been fighting

I hope one day, they could become the reason for your existence.

And one day, turn into the direction to your tomorrow. 

7th song from KK's latest album, SCOOP

Cross-fade: https://youtu.be/qi_OZmkGUKI 

Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan

Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

Kamikita Ken's 1st Mini-Album TIDE!!!!

OMG Yessssssss, finally YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

I have been waiting for the info on his upcoming album since April! It totally worth the wait!
I was going to do a live report for the April live but well, things happened and I got so tired with assignments and final exams so yea....
Anw, except for his beautiful and powerful voice, and all the meaningful songs from Scoop, there were 3 important news in the live.

1. Three new songs were performed
上昇 (Joushou)
ブルータウン (Blue town)
フラワーパズル (Flower puzzle)

Personally I love the first two new songs so much. As usual, the songs Ken-chan wrote are full of messages. Listening to his music isn't just about listening to a song, as once you understand the lyrics, all of them will turn into a somewhat painful memory, or a story about one's life. And like I said before with Sekaowa's music, anyone who can't seem to understand Ken-chan and Sekaowa's music should be happy. There is no need to be ashamed, because your life is much brighter than ppl who get the messages behind those words. Although these 3 songs have a much happier vibe compared to the previous one.

2. Release tour in summer (in Japan, ofc ToT)
I hope he will broadcast it on nico nico again, because I'm pretty sure he already knew that there is a number of overseas fans. The Korean fan base seems to be quite strong~

3. 1st mini-album release!!!!!!
He told us the date, time and venues for live tour but nothing about the album back in April. But finally this morning, it has been announced that the album, called TIDE, will be released on 3rd August 2016 *clap clap clap*

The moment I saw his twitter, I rushed to cdjapan to order mine (although there is no reason for that lol).
The album consists of 7 tracks, which you can find more information on (and perhaps get your copies because I'm sure you'd fall in love with his music) cdjapan, amazon japan or Ken-chan's official site.
For now, you can listen to Blue town on youtube or nico nico
Can't wait for full lyrics of these songs to be published.

Oh btw, Ken-chan created a facebook account at last! I think Japanese netizens are slowly adapting to facebook. So many good news today!

Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan
Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information