Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系, vijuaru kei, lit. "visual System") refers to a type of rock music, originating from Japan. "International Music Feed feature "J Rock"". imf.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31. </ref>[1] that is characterized by the use of eccentric, sometimes flamboyant looks. This usually involves striking make-up, unusual hair styles and elaborate costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics.[2][3]
These looks have enjoyed popularity among independent underground projects, as well as artists achieving mainstream success, with influences from Western phenomena, such as glam, goth and cyberpunk.[3][4] The music performed encompasses a large variety of genres, i.e. pop, heavy metal and electronica.[5][3] Magazines published regularly in Japan with visual kei coverage are Arena 37°C, Fool's Mate and Shoxx. Noted bands who at least at some point sported a visual kei theme include Dir en grey,[1] Luna Sea[6] and Malice Mizer.[7]
Popularity and awareness of such groups outside of Japan is sparse, but has seen an increase in recent years. While the successful X Japan launched an attempt to enter the international market as early as 1992,[8] it would still take another decade until live concerts and regular domestic releases by visual kei themed bands in Europe and North America came to pass.
See also
References
- ^ a b Monger, James Christopher. "All Music Guide biography of Dir en grey". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
- ^
Strauss, Neil (1998-06-18). ""The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era"". nytimes.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
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Reesman, Brian (2006-11-30). ""Kabuki Rock "". grammy.com. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
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(help) - ^ Mascia, Mike. "Dir en grey feature interview". blistering.com. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
jmf_jrock
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Luna Sea at Yahoo Music". music.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2007-08-21.
- ^ "Malice Mizer at Yahoo Music". music.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2007-08-21.
- ^
Duffy, Thom (1992-09-05), "Home and Abroad: Warner Marks X from Japan for Int'l Success", Billboard, pp. p. 46
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