Featured Image: SoboRESONICA.
This edition of The Weekender is brought to you from Los Angeles where we are on location for the US debut of JIEMEI. They kicked off their US tour last night with a mini live at Asayoru Maid Cafe. The venue serves as a cornerstone of the local idol scene and has become a stop for many units passing through town. JIEMEI performed a handful of songs in maid uniforms before switching into yukata for a powerful acoustic set. I am now convinced that the acoustic version of “Autophilia” should be the default arrangement moving forward. In fact, I would endorse the production of an entire acoustic JIEMEI album. Stripping down the instrumentals really highlighted the members resonant vocals and revealed some hidden emotional depths to these songs.
It was a short but incredibly memorable performance. JIEMEI definitely brought some impressive vocal pipes with them on this trip.
Today, JIEMEI join Taiwan’s THERAREz and several standout units from the US kaiga idol scene for the LA edition of Plum Valley Fes. As a special bonus, Australian gyaru idol sunnysaurus has been added to the lineup, so there will be three continents represented on stage.
yubiningyou are still in the UK. Today they are appearing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the largest arts festivals in the world.
YURAPICO announced that she will be performing on the continent of Africa when she visits Kenya later this month! This makes her the first idol covered by Homicidols (including BABYMETAL) to perform on that continent. Then, if she just performs in South America and Antarctica, Yura can join Metallica as the second musical artist ever to perform on all seven continents.
After returning from Africa, YURAPICO will be heading to Germany with GARUDA.
The new PV from MAZARI delivers their curses with the assistance of an all-star backing band.
Finally release one of the most creative MVs of the year in support of their new EP, “door.”
Standout art unit zerobansen to yoakemae releases a very personal MV.
airattic releases what very well may be their last EP.
For those who like their idols loud and screaming, SoboRESONCIA have released what just may be the best idolcore album of the year in, Kyomei. The rookie unit full of veteran talent debuted on April 1st but are seriously no joke. I especially recommend track 6, Kaihou Sengen, which immediately jumped on my short list for Song of the Year consideration.
usabeni teams up with A-bug for a terminally catchy lofi tune.
Jonesing for some loud idol but don’t have a lot of time? The latest from MAGAMZ delivers a loudol fix in less than 90 seconds.
Shock pop unit HATEandTEARS thinks there’s room for improvement.
Spicy curry makes me happy, so I don’t know what this new one by AQ is about.
The new single from Zetsubou Kinema will be shunned by arachnophobes..
BLUEGOATS get honest in their Live MV for “If I Could Tell One Lie.”
yubiningyou are taking some time in the UK to get in some dance practice.
Oshiloss Corner
Candy Yamauchi will be taking a break from live performances and other activities with The Grateful a MogAAAz.
Gekkan PAM, who have been consistently delivering some of the best music in the genre, will go on indefinite hiatus in January, 2027.
Oshifound Corner
KAQRIYOTERROR finally, officially, debuted their new third member, Ichiren Tademaru (Usotsuki Naisho).
Cinder-ella unveiled their new four-member lineup. Veterans Mitsuko and Ami Miane are being joined by Rio Millena (who enjoys camping and horses) and Mi Mei Mei (who can play the trombone).
Cissné, the extraordinary band project of hikage (formerly know as Shidare Futamaru of Yukueshirezutsurezure) collaboration with Costa Rican band Adiós Cometa.
