un: specialprize

[isntitsad]

Exciting times, aren't they? I have to say all this idol hype is a little nostalgic. Even if I usually worked with independent groups, I do know a few pro idols back home! It's a tough life, but some people might say the reward is worth it.

With that said, though, I'm always interested to hear about the music industry in other worlds. What's popular where you come from? Or maybe more importantly, what's it like there? I know some of you come from some pretty different places, like that world where rap battles are a little more literal than most. That still throws me a little, but it sounds exciting, too, doesn't it?

Even if you're not in the music industry yourself, I'm sure you have a couple stories.

Comments

[isntitsad]

That's right! And all of them have their own appeal, too. Some do it for the camaraderie -- they're already friends and the band is just what they like to do together. Others just want to have fun, or try to get noticed, or try to be the best that they can be. You know, I think that's true of professionally produced musicians too, even if their approach ends up different since they've got other people directing their output.

[koboreta]

Those are all legitimate reasons. Music means so many different things to different types of people, so it's only natural that bands each have their unique stories and motivations. I was actually the guitarist in a small indie band back in college, even though it wasn't for long.

You're fortunate to get to witness all of those stories firsthand. Idol units only disclose a certain amount of information to the public, but I always enjoy talking to different people about how they reached the place where they are now.

Ah, sorry... I hope I'm not rambling. I can't help getting excited when I talk to someone else who's passionate about the music industry.

[isntitsad]

Don't worry! It's the same with me. I see how hard all these acts work every day, and I want to see them achieve what they're aiming for. Everyone's got a dream, after all -- that's not just what you'd say in a magazine or meetup, there's a lot of truth to it.

[koboreta]

Fufu. I couldn't agree more. Dreams evolve over time, so as people achieve their goals and move forward, those dreams change with them. For most people I know, all of those cliche-sounding answers given in interviews are nothing but genuine. Being completely open is a challenge, but I feel like it's easier to connect to the fans through sharing your honest feelings when you can.

Ah, I'm sorry. I'm Sougo Ousaka of MEZZO". It's a pleasure to meet you.

[isntitsad]

No need to apologize! You've got a lot of insight, and it's all true, I think. My name is Tsukishima Marina. Have they had any competitions here for the musicians coming in? With the responses I'm getting, I think it might get a lot of people excited.

Sorry for the wait!

[koboreta]

Competitions? Not that I know of... But that sounds like a great idea.

What kind of competitions have you run in the past? Or are you thinking of doing something different here? My unit back home has been in several, but they were all the type that we had to be nominated for.

[isntitsad]

Actually, I'd just started one in collaboration with a number of other venues when I came here! Different bands would sign up and go through a few rounds, and the highest-placed ones would compete in the finale. I think that kind of thing might work here, since everyone seems to be working for one agency or managing themselves.

[koboreta]

I think that type of format would be very successful, especially if both amateur bands and groups belonging to an agency could compete on the same playing field.

If you submit a proposal to the larger agencies here, I'm sure several of them would be delighted to participate. I can only offer assistance with my own, but as an employee as well as an idol, I'd be happy to help however I can.