Fans of utaite are in for a treat this year, as vocal group ROOT FIVE will be performing for the first time in Singapore, exclusively at AFA 14!
Born from Japan’s biggest video sharing website, Nico Nico Douga, members of ROOT FIVE had humble origins as utaite. ROOT FIVE consists of members Pokota, Kettaro, koma’n, Dasoku, and Mi-chan, who have gained great popularity and a strong following in the Nico Nico community. Together, they debuted as a vocal group under major label avex trax in 2011.
For the uninitiated, the Japanese term “utaite” （歌い手）refers to users who perform song covers and upload them on Nico Nico Douga, much like the equivalent of Youtube within Japan. The song covers are posted with a “uttattemita” （歌ってみた）tag, and this growing community of amateur singers have gained a strong following, spawning more than a whopping 38 million members and counting. Utaite perform covers of anything ranging from original Vocaloid compositions to popular J-Pop, often collaborating within the community and performing parodies, much to the amusement and joy of fans. In recent years, utaite have begun to break into the professional music industry, after being signed on by major music labels.
(From left to right) Mi-chan, Kettaro, koma’n, Dasoku, Pokota
Even before ROOT FIVE was formed, Dasoku, Pokota, Mi-chan, Kettaro and koma’n individually have gained a strong following of fans, boasting over 35 million views on their individual channels combined. While they might be mistakenly labelled as a “boyband” by casual onlookers, this vocal group is unique as they retain their strong individualistic performing styles even as a group. They also appear in drama series and musicals as individuals, and are active on social media platforms such as Twitter (and even Tumblr!), keeping in touch with the community that gave them fame.
Their first single, 「MERRY GO ROUND」, marked their debut as a group in 2011. In fact, their group name √5 (ROOT FIVE), was decided by their fans in a pre-debut poll. Subsequently, they released another 5 singles and album, achieving a record of 7th on the Oricon Weekly rankings on their first album, 「ROOT FIVE」. Their fourth single, ShinseiΩShinwa, was the 2nd Opening theme of Saint Seiya Omega, the 2012 anime spin-off of the legendary Saint Seiya series. Their upcoming single, Kimi no Mirai, composed by notable VocaloP KEI, will be the next Ending theme of TV Tokyo’s 「Fairy Tail」.
ShinseiΩShinwa (新星Ω神話)
One unique aspect of ROOT FIVE is that their music releases retain elements of their Nico Nico origins. Many of their songs, especially in the earlier stages of their major debut, were composed by Volcaoid producers (users who compose original music using Vocaloid software). They also traditionally release illustrated PVs, a common feature of Nico Nico song covers, before the “live-action” versions. Check out both PV types below for their debut single:
「MERRY GO ROUND」(Illustrated PV)
「MERRY GO ROUND」(Live action PV)
Also, catch their most recent PV 「Change Your World」from their recently released 2nd album “Summer Days”:
While collaborating as a vocal group, the members are also actively releasing individual singles or collaborative albums with other performers. Get to know more about the members:
Dasoku (蛇足)
The most mature member of the group, the American-Japanese Dasoku claims to be eternally 33 years old. Known for his deep and smooth voice, his lazy drawl is an endearing trait to many fans. He also sang the 2nd Opening theme of Mushibugyo 「Denshin∞ Unchained」(伝心∞アンチェインド) as part of unit “FREE蛇’M” with VocaloP samfree. He is also known amongst seiyuu circles to bear an uncanny vocal resemblance to seiyuu Junichi Suwabe. Dasoku has also graced our local shores previously at AFA Spring Taikai in 2012, together with Gero and KANAME☆.
Official Twitter (Dasoku): https://twitter.com/dasoku_niconico
Nico Nico channel: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/9258972
Pokota (ぽこた)
Pokota was first known for his ability to impersonate GACKT, covering songs in GACKT’s signature style and voice. This unique quality eventually spawned into a Nico Nico Douga commercial collaboration, much to the amusement of fans. He has also shown great versatility not only as a singer, but also in other areas such as musicals. Aside from song covers, Pokota also uploads occasional dance covers. Pokota gave up his full time job as a real estate agent to pursue his music dreams, even releasing an album commemorating it.
Official Twitter (Pokota): https://twitter.com/pokotaegamyer
Nico Nico channel: http://www.nicovideo.jp/user/10250047
Mi-chan (みーちゃん)
Known for his unique baritone vocals, his covers of songs with rock or creepy overtones are highly popular. The disparity between his deep voice and cute personality has also won the hearts of many fans. Watch that j-rocker facade falter as he cuddles up to his beloved cat. Often does song collaborations with other utaite, including kettaro.
Official Twitter (Mi-chan): https://twitter.com/michan39
Nico Nico channel: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/11081986
Kettaro (けったろ)
The rapper in ROOT FIVE, kettaro has steady, middle-tone vocals. Currently in a band “stiRise” as well as in producer unit “TOTAL OBJECTION”, he is actively involved in different aspects of music. Has also appeared as an extra in the 2011 remake of popular idol drama “ Hanazakari no Kimitachi e”.
Official Twitter (Kettaro): https://twitter.com/kettar0
Nico Nico channel: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/4888390
koma’n（コマン）
The youngest member at only 22 years, koma’n is also the leader of ROOT FIVE. Musically talented, he had a hand in composing and arranging some of the ROOT FIVE songs, such as Jun-ai Delusion. His song covers feature his own piano arrangements, which has gained him much popularity.
Official Twitter (koma’n): https://twitter.com/komankoman
Nico Nico channel: http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/23887539
Find out more about ROOT FIVE at these links:
Official Website (Japanese): http://avexnet.or.jp/rootfive/
Official Website (Chinese): http://www.avex.com.tw/rootfive/
Official Nico Nico Douga community: http://com.nicovideo.jp/community/co1964761
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/root5_official
Official Tumblr: http://root5official.tumblr.com/
Look forward to watching ROOT FIVE live at AFA this year, as they perform alongside Eir Aoi, FLOW, GARNiDELiA and May’n on 7th Dec (Sun). Expect power vocals and lots of hilarity from these guys.
AFA’s I Love Anisong concert tickets will officially go on sale soon.
The Early Bird Promotion for the 3-Day VIP Package goes on sale after 12pm on 1st Oct 2014 (Wed).
Normal sales of individual concert days begin after 12pm on 11th Oct 2014.
Do check out the details at the AFA official website.
Also, check out the full line-up for all 3 days of I Love Anisong!
The post [JMUSIC] AFA 2014 I LOVE ANISONG ARTISTE FEATURE – ROOT FIVE appeared first on AFA Channel!.