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Labels: Giant Robot, Giant Robot Magazine, Giant Robot New York, GRNY, Hal, J-Pop, Makito, Quaff, Seiya, SNG, TAkuma, Ukisemi, Visual Kei

Friend of GRNY Diva (of The Diva Review)recently made me an offer that I couldn't refuse. QUAFF, a J-Pop/Visual Kei powerhouse band from Japan was going to be in NYC to play a live show, and they wanted to come to Giant Robot New York to do a signing for their fans. Of course the answer was yes! Quaff call their music "Hybrid Japanese Rock Sound". There are definitely elements of J-Pop and traditional Visual Kei with some metallic tinges, but these guys also incorporate a lot of Western influences, such as wind instruments and an MC in the band. Their sound is based around the Japanese concept of "uta" (melody) and "tsuzuri" (rap). They've toured the US before, and their fanbase continues to grow every time. If you aren't already familiar with Quaff, check out their artist page on myspace.

So the band will be coming to GRNY from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday April 24th. here's the best part...they will be coming directly from a photo shoot, Seiya, Ukisemi, Makito, SNG, Takuma and Hal will all be dressed to the nines. Quaff fans, I expect no less from you. I want to see beautiful makeup, crazy outfits, and sky-high hair. Represent for J-Pop and VK in NYC, at GRNY! The band will have tour merchandise available for sale, so be ready to get your items and get them signed. Samurai Rock and vivid Japanese visual expression are here to price your skull with the genre-breaking sound of Quaff!

Labels: Giant Robot, Giant Robot Magazine, Giant Robot New York, GRNY, Hal, J-Pop, Makito, Quaff, Seiya, SNG, TAkuma, Ukisemi, Visual Kei

Call them visual kei, J-Pop, Nu-Metal, or experimental rock...there's no denying that Japan's Dir En Grey have commanded a loyal following in the US, and in NYC in particular. Kyo, Kaoru, Die, Toshiya and Shinya are in town, playing 3 dates at the Blender Theatre in support of their new DVD complilation Average Blasphemy (that includes the 10 minute version of Vinushka and Dozing Green that was voted best video on Headbangers Ball 2008). Giant Robot New York is happy to be sponsors of a fantastic event for fans. Starting at 7 pm Tuesday November 10th at Kinokuniya bookstores (1073 Avenue of the Americas) Lady Miz Diva Vélez of the Diva Review will be hosting an invite only panel discussion and autograph session with the band. These types of events rarely take place outside of Japan, and even then usually only for Dir En Grey fanclub members. This event is a rare opportunity for American fans to get up close with the band. Kinokuniya looks out on Bryant Park, and the streets are sure to be jammed with Dir En Grey fans. Want to get invited? BE in-store with the band while everybody else watches you from the street? Here's the deal. Sign up now at the Diva Review website to enter the contest and win a chance to meet the groundbreaking rockers. But act fast, time is short and spots are limited. Entries will be accepted until Saturday November 7th at 9pm. Time is short and slots are limited, so enter now for the chance of a lifetime to meet with Dir En Grey!!

Labels: Bryant Park, Dir En Grey, Giant Robot, Giant Robot Magazine, GRNY, J-Pop, Japanese Metal, Kinokuniya, The Diva Review, Visual Kei