MERRY BAD END has been invited to perform as the featured artist in the latest installment of streaming music and arts event, Digital Scene. 

Digital Scene is the brainchild of Baltimore-based OTS Productions and Montgomery Drive. As they describe it: “The concept behind Digital Scene is to bring people together by virtual collaboration from around the world. We strive to present different experiences with each edition of the series.” Version 4.0 featuring MERRY BAD END will be streaming on Twitch TV next Friday, July 24th at 8:00 pm EST (9:00 am JST).  

Other artists performing include Le Montro from the Dominican Republic, and  Logicoma  and Pangelica from the U.S.

Digital Scene 4.0 will be free to view but donations for all of the artists involved will be accepted. A Q&A session with MERRY BAD END will follow their performance. More details can be found on the event Facebook page.

For the uninitiated, MERRY BAD END was founded by their center, CHiHiRO who created the group after experiencing about 18 months of unsuccessful auditions for other idol units. She then recruited costume designer, Honaming! and choreographer, Yuina to fill out the group determined to “Fight against bad endings.” Their sound is a fusion of metalcore, digital and j-rock elements with CHiHiRO contibuting harsh vocals and raps for the strategically placed screams and nu-metal drops. They have been on a creative streak lately, releasing new singles in March, April and May of this year.

In the current environment when opportunities for groups to perform in front of live audiences are limited, livestreaming is becoming a lifeline for artists and fans alike. While Western appearances by Japanese artists are being cancelled or postponed indefinitely, it is encouraging to see this innovative event leverage the livestream medium for an international collaboration that transcends travel restrictions. 

The team behind Digital Scene 4.0 have considerable experience working with Japanese artists including underground idols, most notably (from our standpoint) hosting Hijokaidan and Avandoned back in 2016. Michael from OTS and Marshal from Montgomery Drive were kind enough to answer some questions for us regarding the event, what inspired them to collaborate with MERRY BAD END and the current and future state of live and local music.

Merry Bad End bring their own special dynamic to the show. We’re most looking forward to experiencing their show in this capacity and helping them reach new (and old) audiences alike.

Homicidols: What is the concept behind the Digital Scenes series of events?

OTS & MD: The concept behind Digital Scene is to bring people together by virtual collaboration from around the world. We strive to present different experiences with each edition of the series.

Homicidols: What do you consider when selecting the artists you invite to perform as part of the series? 

OTS Productions: As for Digital Scene Concept, Flow and Diversity. 

Montgomery Drive: Aside from those factors – it’s all about the energy. We need to feel that magnetism through a screen, so this is definitely another important ingredient.

Homicidols: You’ve previously worked with the more avant-garde spectrum of Japanese performers, so why an idol group? 

OTS: While having long relationships with Japan art and culture, related to this series we would like to show many aspects of Japanese Culture.

MD: Art is like food – there are a million different options that offer different flavors and experiences. We’re trying to prepare an exciting meal for you so come hungry 🙂

Homicidols: How did you hear about MERRY BAD END?  Did you know about them or were they suggested to you? 

OTS: A while ago there was a proposal on the table with other idol groups apart of other projects in the physical world. The scene in Japan is also very small, so remaining in contact with people and then sending us proposals is how it is possible now in the digital world!

Homicidols: What are you most looking forward to from their inclusion in Digital Scenes 4.0?

OTS: The flow of energy from start to finish. 

MD: Merry Bad End bring their own special dynamic to the show. We’re most looking forward to experiencing their show in this capacity and helping them reach new (and old) audiences alike.

Homicidols: Are there any other particular idol units you would be interested in working with in the future and why? 

OTS: Tentenko would be great because I think their views are interesting. But also Frun Frin Friends ( Beni and Nayuta from Avandoned) because I think it would be nostalgic for them to do a performance with the US audiences again.

MD: AKB48 or BABYMETAL would be rad! Always loved both those projects…. but it’s most exciting for us to work with newer/upcoming artists, so it’s probably someone I haven’t heard yet. We’re always open to suggestions and love checking out stuff!

Homicidols: As venues are reopening in Japan, instead of going back to “normal”, we are seeing adjustments such as limiting in-person audience size while continuing to offer livestream viewing options. Have you given any thoughts to what live events will look like when local venues are allowed to open back up here? 

MD: Absolutely!  I think we all are excited and patiently awaiting getting back to live shows, but safety is (and needs to be) the first priority. Live events will look very different when venues are allowed to open (at least from the onset). When things do initially open,we will definitely see lots of limited in-person engagements, new safety regulations/precautions, alternative shows, and streams will keep going for sure.

Homicidols: The pandemic has had a brutal effect on local and independent music scenes, artists and venues. What can people do to support their local music scene and independent artists during the crisis?

OTS & MD: Thank you for asking about this. There are TONS of things people can do and we urge you to get involved and do whatever you can to support your local community.

For Venues: Lots of venues have support options including – Package/To-Go Sales, Merch, Go-Fund- Me Pages, Stream Fundraisers, and evene Venmo/Cash App Options Available – we’d recommend checking you’re favorite spaces websites directly to see what methods they are offering or works best for them.

For Artists: Go to their social media and see what options they have available, but similar to venues – lots of artists have merch and music available for purchase, venmo/cash app, and streams where they accept donations. Moreover, stream their music and share it! 

If you don’t know where to start, reach out to an organizer or artist and ask. We’re all in it together.

 

Digital Scene 4.0 featuring MERRY BAD END will be streaming on Twitch TV next Friday, July 24th at 8:00pm EST, USA (9:00 JST).

Check out the Digital Scene 4.0 event page for more details.