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BAND-MAID kicked off 2025 with a new digital single called “Zen,” released Jan. 13. The track is being featured as the opening theme song for ZENSHU, an original TV anime series produced by MAPPA. The collaboration between the all-women rock band and animation studio hailing from Japan with fans around the world is poised to gain a wide global audience suitable to celebrate the start of a new year.
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The five members of BAND-MAID chatted with Billboard Japan about the production process of the new single, the tracks on Epic Narratives, their first studio album in three and a half years, and their outlook for what is already looking to be a super-busy 2025 for the group.
“Zen,” your new single, has a different flavor from the songs on the Epic Narratives album. Did you start working on it after you finished the album?
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Miku Kobato (Guitar/Vocals): It was around the same time. We were asked to write it when we were still working on the album. KANAMI started off by coming up with a number that fit the requirements for the tie-in while also having a different feel from the album.
KANAMI (Guitar/Vocals): I was given the script for the main story and received quite specific requests regarding the music, so I simplified the image I had in mind to create the track.
MISA (Bass/Vocals): When I listened to the demo, I thought that this song had a strong melody, so I made the bass line feel solid to bring it out. I usually tend to play bass lines that move around a lot, but this time I tried to really focus on the melody and held back on being too technical.
AKANE (Drums/Percussion): I was also very aware of making a melody-oriented beat. Since many of BAND-MAID’s songs have fast BPM, this one might sound a bit mid-tempo, but I tried to avoid making it sound simply like a chilled-out mid-tempo track by adding little details, like creating beats with fills, that would become the hook. Basically, though, I wanted people to listen to the vocals throughout the song, so it’s a simple beat that supports the vocals.
It might be a little simple for BAND-MAID, but when you compare it to songs by other rock bands, it’s not laid back at all.
AKANE: Right. [Laughs] When the melody line is extended like this and the drums are keeping a simple eighth-note groove, it sounds mid-tempo when our band does it. But I didn’t want to erase its speedy feeling, so was conscious of creating a beat that wouldn’t get boring. In terms of the anime, it’s like being reincarnated in another world. I added a furious drum fill before the final chorus, and had these two themes of another world and the real world in my mind when I recorded it.
Kobato: I’ve felt that there are surprisingly few songs with a simple feel recently, so I’m thinking of playing the guitar parts in our live shows [the band calls its concerts “Okyuji,” meaning “to serve”] in a way that would complement the catchy melody, po. SAIKI sings in a way that really brings out the story, so I tried to sing the chorus in a way that would support her from behind, changing the nuances and singing with a lot of range. The chorus work is rich, so I tried to sing it with that in mind, po.
SAIKI, when you wrote the lyrics, what did you focus on in the work it accompanies?
SAIKI (Lead vocals): The title “Zen” was there from the demo stage, and the ZENSHU team were like, “Perfect, that’s great,” so we kept it. I was able to really get into the work by watching all the episodes as moving images, and picked out words from the story and incorporated them into the lyrics. ZENSHU taught me all kinds of things about being an animator, the profession of the protagonist, and thought it’d be nice to convey how creators like that feel. I think musicians and animators are the same in that we both create, so there were lots of parts I could relate to as a musician, and the lyrics in the chorus also reflect how we feel as BAND-MAID.
When (an anime) is based on a work that exists, you might already like it and be able to get into it right away, but since ZENSHU is an anime by MAPPA with an original story, I imagine it must have been difficult to grasp its worldview and reflect that in the lyrics.
SAIKI: It was. [Laughs] But I went over the plot and script and everything many times and worked on it after becoming a fan before anyone else. I felt that the song was “kayou [vintage Japanese pop music] rock.” We don’t often do songs in that style, and because of that, I figured my lyrics would reach people without sounding off, so I did pretty much what I pleased. As a vocalist, I recall recording it in a simpler way. In the first verse, I did simple chorus work, and from the second verse I tried to show off my own quirks, and added more and more harmonies to each chorus.
In terms of the performance, the descending part at the end of the chorus is memorable. What was the inspiration for that arrangement?
KANAMI: I wanted to create a kind of conclusion to the song. I also considered ending all together with the members, but since the work is about reincarnation, I wanted to include a fantasy-like image.
Your guitar solo, on the other hand, has an ascending, chaotic nuance that’s cool.
KANAMI: Thank you, I like it myself. It’s quite difficult technically, but I always want to play melodies that stick in your ears, and I think I’ve created a guitar solo that leaves a strong impression.
On the Zepp tour last year, you also performed songs off your new album Epic Narratives. How do you feel about the album now?
Kobato: After we “served” them live, we were like, “This album is really good after all,” and our masters and princesses [fans] have told us that that they felt the album was even more wonderful after hearing it live, so that made me happy, po.
SAIKI: It really struck me once again how much we love performing live, and felt that our music is something that is completed by “serving” it to the audience.
The music video for the song “Memorable” off your new album features scenery from overseas. It’s a song you feel strongly about, isn’t it?
Kobato: Yes, po. After COVID restrictions were lifted and we were finally able to go on another overseas tour, we thought it’d be a good idea to write a song about how we felt then, so KANAMI wrote the chorus during the tour. From there, we filled the song with memories of our U.S. tour, like including the English phrases we spoke on the stage and making it so that the people who came to see us at the time could envision the scenery when they listened to the song. The song turned out like that because we decided to write a straightforward ballad with a tempo we’ve never done before as BAND-MAID, po.
Lastly, please say a few words as a New Year’s greeting to your to your masters and princesses.
KANAMI: Happy New Year! I’m really looking forward to 2025, especially because we’ll be able to “serve” [play live] in lots of different places. I’ll write more songs this year and work hard so that we can entertain everyone. Thanks in advance.
SAIKI: This year we’ll be releasing not only the new single “Zen” but also an EP, and there’s more good news to come. I hope you’ll all stay healthy and look forward to it!
AKANE: Last year we were able to perform with some bands we respect, like Incubus and The Warning, and our dreams are steadily coming true. I hope we can continue to make the dreams of BAND-MAID as a whole come true again this year.
MISA: I think we’ll be able to “serve” a lot this year, so I plan on cherishing each show. I want to grow personally and grow as a group and make it a fun year.
Kobato: We’ll be “serving” in lots of different places this year, and there are also lots of things we haven’t announced yet, so I think the year will really pass faster than the last, po. I’m really excited about it, and think that 2025 will bring joy, surprise and all sorts of other feelings to our masters and princesses, so I hope you look forward to it, po. One of our strengths is that we work both in Japan and abroad, so we’d like to continue doing projects that our masters and princesses overseas can enjoy too. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of masters and princesses in 2025, po.
Anything else you want to add as a message to your masters and princesses outside of Japan?
Kobato: We’ve received lots of passionate requests from overseas for us to come and “serve” them, and we also really want to meet lots of people everywhere. We hope masters and princesses from outside Japan can come see us “serve” at Billboard Live this year, and we’ll be “serving” on many other occasions as well, so we’d love for you to plan a trip to Japan and come and see us, po!
—This interview by Takayuki Okamoto first appeared on Billboard Japan
Deadmau5 had some choice words for electronic producer 3lau, in response to social media posts from the latter artist about playing an inaugural ball for President Trump earlier this week in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, 3lau (pronounced “blau”) posted images and video of the event alongside an Instagram caption reading that “five days ago [President Trump’s] team reached out cause they needed a DJ for inauguration afters. Playing Starlight Ball was not on my 2025 bingo card, but I mean wow, what an honor. I was so nervous, and only got to play for 30 min but holy ****. Achievement unlocked.”
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On X (formerly Twitter), the producer shared the same images and video and wrote “Yesterday was a huge leap forward for crypto !!! It was an honor to be a small part of it DJing the @POTUS afters ;)”
Born Justin Blau, the producer has released electronic music as 3LAU since 2013. He is also a well-established tech advocate and investor. In 2021, he launched Royal, a blockchain-based platform for investing in music rights.
“The timing is crazy,” 3lau’s Instagram caption continues. “I know I’ve been quiet for a long time, mainly because 2025 is gonna be the biggest year yet – for both my music and Royal.”
The comments section of his inauguration day post — currently the only post on the 3lau grid — is a mixed bag of feedback, with Deadmau5 among the thousands of commenters on Instagram.
The Canadian producer pointedly wrote, “Here’s the best takeaway, not a single person in that entire dumb— administration has ever known who the f— you were, cared about you, or even gives the remotest sh– about you, and you certainly won’t be remembered by any of em. But everyone in this business will remember that you stood behind nazis and convicted felons who would further marginalize the very people who gave you a platform. What very little respect I had for you is gone. So glad you got some drink tickets out of the deal, enjoy them, you nepo pissbaby.”
In response, 3lau wrote Friday (Jan. 24) on X that since playing the ball, “I’ve received backlash from several prominent members of the music community. While I anticipated some pushback, the intensity of the response has been far greater than I expected.
“A matter of fact: I am a proud American,” the statement continues. “The freedoms we have in this country make it possible for me to pursue my passions—whether as a founder, a CEO, or a musician. My pride should not be used as a vessel for other people’s anger. This is exactly the behavior that has divided us. I am unwavering in my decision to focus my music and my work on things that continue to push our country forward. This might not always align with a single party, but progress comes from working together, not against each other.
“I believe firmly in both free speech and the acceleration of tech innovation. These principles have been integral to my identity. I also see crypto and blockchain technology as monumental forces essential to our future as a nation—forces that the previous administration opposed. This administration favors many aspects of the vision I hold for our future; while no one’s values will ever fully align with those of any president or party, I stand by my choice. And, for the record, I am grateful to participate in our democracy.”
DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper behind the 2006 snap smash “Walk It Out,” has died at age 43, his family shared on social media Friday (Jan. 24).
The cause of death has not been publicly revealed. His wife Sherkita Long-Platt wrote on Facebook, “Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson, who signed DJ Unk to his first label deal 25 years ago, confirmed his passing in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper, and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label, and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever,” he wrote, which was also shared on Big Oomp Records’ Instagram account. “Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come. His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.”
Born Anthony Leonard Platt, he joined the DJ crew, the Southern Style DJs, before signing to Big Oomp Records in 2000. DJ Unk released his debut single “Walk It Out” in August 2006, months ahead of his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block! that reached No. 21 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. “Walk It Out” hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
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“I’m glad that it’s good energy and good vibes in the song ’cause they use it as far as work out dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything,” he told Billboard while on the red carpet of the 2023 BET Awards. He also praised André 3000’s verse on the “Walk It Out” remix, featuring OutKast and Jim Jones. “I still can’t believe that to this day,” he said. “I never dreamed that he would get on a record like that because he’s so powerful as far as hip-hop and music and everything, so it’s a blessing. That was a dream come true. It was like doing a song with Michael Jackson.”
“2Step,” the second single from Beat’n Down Yo Block!, reached No. 24 on the Hot 100 and hit the top 10 of Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. These songs solidified DJ Unk as a leader of the snap subgenre of Southern hip-hop. He released his sophomore album 2econd Season in 2008, which peaked at No. 15 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
GloRilla’s “Hollon” single from her 2024 debut album Glorious samples DJ Unk’s “Hold On Ho” from Beat’n Down Yo Block!.
The Americana Music Association and Americana Music Foundation announced its annual AMERICANAFEST Pre-Grammy Salute for 2025 in celebration of John Hiatt. The event will be held at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. PT. General public tickets will be available through the Troubadour’s website on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. PT.
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This year’s salute will serve as a benefit to MusiCares and its aid to those in need during the Los Angeles wildfires.
“Americana has hosted its annual Pre-Grammy Salute every year since 2013 and this year, in light of the incredible devastation brought to California by the recent fires, our only thought was, ‘How can we help?’,” Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association said in a statement. “We’re turning our Troubadour show into a fundraiser, with proceeds going to MusiCares. We hope a sold-out show will help, even in a small way, those who have lost everything.”
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Previous AMERICANAFEST Pre-Grammy salutes have paid tribute to the songs of Paul Simon (2024), Lucinda Williams (2023), Willie Nelson (2020), John Prine (2019), Emmylou Harris (2018), Loretta Lynn (2017), Glenn Frey (2016), Phil Everly (2014), and Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell & Friends (2013). The Troubadour hosted all evenings except for 2018, when the Grammys were held in New York City.
Co-presented by Vector Management and the Americana Music Association and Foundation, all Pre-Grammy Salutes have been produced by Michelle Aquilato and Americana Music Association executive director Jed Hilly.
Hiatt, 72, is a 10-time Grammy nominee, with nominations spanning country, rock, contemporary folk and Americana/American roots categories. He has yet to win a Grammy.
Hiatt has placed 16 albums on the Billboard 200, with 11 of them making the top half of the chart.
Heidi Montag is thanking fans for all their support in recent weeks with a surprise musical gift. The Hills alum took to social media on Friday (Jan. 24) to announce that she released Superficial 2, the following-up to her 2010 album, Superficial. “SURPRISE! As a special thank you for all the love and support, and […]
Investors are betting there’s more gas in Spotify’s tank as the streaming company’s stock price reached an all-time high of $511.98 on Friday (Jan. 24) and finished the week at a record closing price of $510.43, up 5.1% from the previous week. Friday’s closing price valued the company at $101.6 billion, an increase of $5 billion in one week.
Spotify shares are off to a fast start in 2025 — rising 14.1% over the 15 trading days so far — after gaining 138.1% in 2024. The Stockholm-based streaming company is forecasting 665 million monthly active users, an increase of 25 million from the prior quarter, and 260 million premium subscribers, up from 252 million in the third quarter. Spotify’s fast-rising stock price mirrors the improvement in the company’s gross margin, which is forecasted to be 31.8% in the fourth quarter, up from 31.1% in the previous quarter.
Live Nation shares rose 3.8% to $140.74 on Friday, falling just shy of the all-time high of $141.18 reached on Nov. 25, 2024. On Thursday, Evercore raised its Live Nation price target to $160 from $150.
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The 20-company Billboard Global Music Index rose 3.5% to a new record of 2,303.31, bringing its gain in 2025 to 8.4%. That’s more than double the year-to-date gains of the S&P 500 (up 3.7%) and Nasdaq composite (up 3.3%). A dozen of the 20 music stocks finished the week in positive territory, with three exceeding 5% gains. Of the eight stocks that lost ground, just one fell more than 2%.
The week’s greatest gainer was Chinese music streamer Tencent Music Entertainment, which rose 7.4% to $11.59. On Tuesday (Jan. 21), Morgan Stanley upgraded Tencent Music to “overweight” from “equal weight.” K-pop company SM Entertainment also did well, gaining 7.1% to 84,000 won ($58.76), bringing its year-to-date increase to 11.1%.
Cumulus Media finished the week at $0.88, up 4.8%. The radio company’s shares soared nearly 17% on Thursday (Jan. 23) following news that Matthew Blank resigned from the Cumulus board and was replaced by Steven Galbraith, managing director of Kindred Capital Advisors and among the largest Cumulus shareholders.
SiriusXM shares fell 1.4% to $21.96. On Thursday, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on the company to $21 from $23. SiriusXM has fallen 3.7% year-to-date and has lost 58.9% over the last 52 weeks.
The worst performer of the week was Deezer, which fell 7.3% to 1.15 euros ($1.21). Deezer shares have fallen 46.5% over the last 52 weeks and are already down 14.2% in 2025.
Stocks performed well globally as earnings season got off to a strong start. According to FactSet, 80% of companies that reported earnings thus far have exceeded expectations, beating the 10-year average of 75%. In the United States, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite each gained 1.7%. South Korea’s KOSPI composite index improved 0.5% to 2,536.80. China’s Shanghai Composite Index was up 0.3% to 3,252.63. In the United Kingdom, the FTSE 100 increased less than 1%.
SiriusXM kicks off music companies’ earnings releases on Thursday (Jan. 30). Elsewhere, Spotify announced its fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 4 while Warner Music Group follows on Feb. 6.
Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira and so many more are set to perform at the 2025 Grammys. Keep watching to see who will be performing at music’s biggest night! Tetris Kelly: The Grammys will happen!! And the biggest night in music has announced the first batch of performers. We have the list. We’re getting “HOT […]
PartyNextDoor‘s 2013 cult classic “Break From Toronto” becomes the Canadian R&B singer-songwriter’s first song to hit one billion Spotify streams. His label OVO Sound celebrated his feat on X Friday (Jan. 24), when Party got even more good news: His “Resentment” single from his latest album PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 was certified gold by the Recording Industry […]
Almost Monday is No. 1 on a Billboard chart for the first time, with “Can’t Slow Down” jumping two places to the top of the Feb. 1-dated Alternative Airplay survey. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Previously, the song became Almost Monday’s first top 10 on Alternative […]
Jewel is defending her polarizing choice to perform at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Inauguration Day ball while apologizing to those whose feelings she may have hurt in the process. In an Instagram video posted Friday (Jan. 24), the singer/songwriter explained that her appearance at the politician’s “Make America Healthy Again” event four days prior had […]