Alternative idol
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An alternative idol (also known as an alt-idol or anti-idol) is a term used by overseas J-pop fans to describe idols that differ from the traditional Japanese idol scene typically by having a darker image and performing heavier genres of music. Alternative idols came about in the early 2010s after the formation of Bis popularized mixing alternative rock with typical idol pop music.
History[edit]
2010s–2020s: Origin of alternative idols and rising popularity[edit]
Japanese girl group Bis were the first major alternative idols to debut in Japan. Created by Pour Lui and managed by Junnosuke Watanabe under Tsubasa Records, Bis introduced an image much darker than that of the traditional J-pop idol, initially seen as controversial they soon became known as the pioneers of the alt-idol scene.[1] Seiko Oomori, who debuted in 2012 and has a musical style influenced by idol culture and punk rock, is also considered a pioneer of the scene.[2] Known for utilizing shock value early in her career and touching on hard-hitting subjects in her lyrics Oomori's music has an appeal different from the music of mainstream idols.[3] This style of music led by the likes of Bis and Oomori gave way to the more popular genre of Kawaii metal and began a surge in popularity for the sub-culture of alternative idols.
In 2014, after the disbandment of the first generation of Bis and the formation of Pla2me, former Bis manager Watanabe established WACK, a music production company specialising in alternative idols. To date, they have debuted a second and third generation of Bis, re-debuted Pla2me as Gang Parade, which had previously split into Go to the Beds and Paradises, formed Bish who will disband at the end of 2023, Empire (now ExWhyZ), Mameshiba no Taigun, ASP, and the now disbanded Carry Loose.[4] WACK's most successful group, Bish, the successor of the first generation of Bis, achieved two number one singles with "Paint It Black" and "Bye-Bye Show", and two number one studio albums with Letters and Going to Destruction.[5]
Characteristics[edit]
Generally alternative idols distance themselves from mainstream J-pop by venturing into heavier genres of music and making use of a darker and more unconventional onstage image to garner more attention.[6]
Alternative idols often venture into genres other than pop and alternative, such as rock, heavy metal, EDM and new wave.[1]
Notable artists[edit]
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See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Singing Songs of Rebellion: Meet 7 of Japan's Alternative Idols". Japan Forward. February 9, 2021.
- ^ a b "Seiko Oomori – Midnight Seijun Isei Kouyuu: New music from Japan". The Guardian. January 27, 2014.
- ^ a b "Seiko Oomori: J-pop's reigning rule-breaker". Japan Times. September 26, 2018.
- ^ a b "WACK's new idol group ASP announces debut album 'ANAL SEX PENiS'". Tone Deaf. April 15, 2021.
- ^ "Alt-Rock Idol Group BiSH Turns The Idol Game Around". Otaquest. May 21, 2020.
- ^ "Why One J-Pop Girl Group is Covering Themselves in Fake Semen To Protest Idol Culture". Vice. June 23, 2014.
- ^ "黒木啓司プロデュース番組にBILLIE IDLE(R)が登場！ 最新アルバムから2曲を披露". The TV. November 17, 2018.
- ^ "Tentenko Is Japanese Pop Music's Greatest Weirdo". Vice. September 19, 2018.
- ^ "『レコ大』辰巳ゆうとが最優秀新人賞 現役大学生のイケメン演歌歌手が涙の受賞". Oricon. December 30, 2018.
- ^ "CARRY LOOSE's First Music Video a Signal of Intent Ahead of Debut Album". Otaquest. October 22, 2019.
- ^ "cy8er Blends Classic Idol Pop with Hard-Hitting EDM Beats". Otaquest. March 20, 2020.
- ^ "ExWHYZ、1stアルバム『xYZ』が示す"生まれ変わり続ける"姿勢 EMPiREからの変化と進化が刻まれた決意の1枚". Real Sound. November 1, 2022.
- ^ "「第34回日本ゴールドディスク大賞」発表。髭男、King Gnu、米津、RAD、back number、LiSAら". Rockin' On. February 27, 2020.
- ^ "Maison Book Girl Set Their Sights On The UK". Clash. April 26, 2018.
- ^ "『レコ大』真田ナオキが最優秀新人賞 "日本酒うがい"で培ったハスキーボイス、師匠・吉幾三に感謝". Oricon. December 30, 2020.
- ^ "The Conversation: Migma Shelter". Medium. May 30, 2020.
- ^ "Idol-pop act Necronomidol is taken to the dark side". Japan Times. October 28, 2014.