- おふろ ♨ タイム -

Namahousou Schedule (May 2013)

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:06:28 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Namahousou Schedule
(May 2013)

Updates announced at ofurotaimu's twitter account

Previous Schedule
April

This is a list of all reserved and important namahousou which will take place this month. What kind of namahousou will you see here?

• reserved namahousou (not yet aired but can be TS'd by both premium and free accounts;
• important namahousou (like the daikaigi, other concerts and events); and
• nicoraji and other regular shows which will feature Ps or utaites

There will be no list of ongoing namas or namas that have already aired, even if they can be TS'd. We wanted to be fair to both holders of free and premium accounts, and it would be unfair if we list all past namas if free users can't view them. If you are a premium user and would like to watch previous namas you missed, you can see if they have timeshifts in the community pages. Note that you can only watch and timeshift community-locked namahousou if you are a member of the community!

This project will hopefully be as consistent as the news pool. If you are part of a community with a reserved nama (meaning they already have a slot/alert/link even if they haven't aired yet), please post them in the comments and they will be added to the list!

( May Schedule )

comments

Ofurotaimu News Pool (April & May 2013)

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:47:50 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

This is a post where everyone, even those with OPEN ID accounts and even those who are Anon, can post Vocaloid and utattemita-related news that they read in the web, heard through the grapevine, etc. This post will be open the whole month and people can freely comment with news and info they gathered. By the end of the month, the post will be closed and news of stuff which haven't happened yet (for example, CD releases in the past month, etc.) will be transferred to another post for the following month.

The old news post is here.

Just some rules to make the post orderly.
• make sure the news item you share hasn't been shared yet in any of the comments;
• make sure that you are reporting something that hasn't happened yet ^^;
• post the news as a parent thread, not as a comment to another comment;
• write a blurb on the title on what the news is about so it'd be easy to find;

e.g.; [Utattemita] Mi-chan releasing a single in Vocaloid Master

• write the date! And source, like an official website or nicovideo link if possible; and
• feel free to comment on the news post or fangirl, since all comments under the parent comment (the one with the news) will be considered fannish stuff.

I usually update the main pool at the beginning of each month, so this main post is often out of date. Most releases should be available at stores that ship internationally (i.e. CDJapan, YesAsia, HMW), unless otherwise stated. I list Japanese store links because they're often faster to update listing information.

Please check comments for the most recent information and updates.

( news )

comments

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 233 (4/15-4/22, 2013)

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:22:38 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

Just a warning that this week's utaran includes songs pertaining to the recent scandal involving Panyo (*). This includes parody videos and some of Panyo's works. I've labeled everything properly, so you can skip the parts than can trigger you.

I'll be including the weekly top fifteen and the overall top thirty of the week. Links to the nicovideo are included as well as some information. You may download the .mp3 file by inputting the link @ nicosound. Enjoy!

original Nico Nico Douga Link

( New Upload Ranking )

( Overall Weekly Ranking )

comments

Weekly Voca/Utau Ranking 289 (4/8 - 4/5, 2013)

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:04:31 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

Since there are changes in the UTAU/Vocaloid ranking system, this is just a temporary template until I find a better way of presentation or something.

original nicovideo link

Under the cut includes Vocaloid 1-30, UTAU 1-10, and pickups.

( Vocaloid top 30 and UTAU top 5 under the cut )

comments

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 232 (4/8-4/15, 2013)

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:18:33 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

I'll be including the weekly top fifteen and the overall top thirty of the week. Links to the nicovideo are included as well as some information. You may download the .mp3 file by inputting the link @ nicosound. Enjoy!

original Nico Nico Douga Link

( New Upload Ranking )

( Overall Weekly Ranking )

comments

Utaite Spotlight: S!N

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:06:03 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

S!N

mylist | community

This writeup has been sitting in my computer for months now, because I was too busy to get around to posting it ;;. I'm sorry I only had the chance to update and post this now.

S!N (pronounced SIN) is actually a rather seasoned but underappreciated utaite, having celebrated his second year anniversary last December. He is uploaded a ton of covers since then, usually touching the popular works and sometimes parodies of well-known songs. His uploads fluctuate in terms of views--he usually gains ample but less than 10k views, but a surprise hit would sometimes give him up to 20k views.

S!N's voice is often described as deep, cool and sexy, with his vocal quality placed among the ranks ikemen voices like ASK, Faneru, etc. However, he's also similar to them in the sense that he likes singing parodies or suddenly changing his pitch/tone in the middle of the song. Because of this, most people would comment that "he's wasting his wonderful voice" in his parodies. When he sings ballads in high notes, he seemingly sounds like KK although his voice is usually deeper. He is also quite good at singing rock with a rough voice and also does a good job with rapping. His voice wavers a bit in high and/or long notes, but he manages to cover those up with inexplicable smoothness. He seemed to have tried a lot of genres in covering songs: ballads, rock songs, near-screamo, raps, jazz, although it seems that his voice sounds perfect in jazz rock songs.

S!N participates a lot in collaborations and duets, but he sings perfectly well on his own. If you look at his mylist, you can see his gradual development from being a shaky singer to being a wonderfully smooth vocalist, especially in ballads. His sudden pitch changes and adlibs might be distracting, but those are traits only his own and are enjoyable in a way.

sample covers:
• Karakuri Pierrot (40mP original)
• Kimi he ( feat. Ringo Juice; RetasuP original)
• j e l L y (TaP original)
• Abstract Nonsense (Neru original)
• Envy Catwalk -rap ver- (Tohma original)

nikki says
I've seen S!N's name a lot in rankings, but I first properly listened to him in his upload of "Abstract Nonsense," which is one of my Neru favorites. He reminded me so much of ASK, it's not even funny XD. Admittedly, his uploads are a hit or miss for me; it's either I like it very much or I don't like it at all. The ones I listed above are my personal favorites. I also think he should use his voice to the fullest instead of doing parodies, but I enjoyed his parodies a lot, lilts and random note changes included XD;.

comments

Producer Spotlight: YonoP

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:53:26 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

YonoP / よのP

mylist | homepage | piapro

It's been a long time since I did a producer's spotlight, so I'm writing today about one of my favorite Yuzuki Yukari VocaloPs :). Note: As usual, I'm using "he" as a pronoun, but I'm not sure of their gender but I can't use "their" because I have to distinguish them as an individual.

YonoP debuted as a Vocaloid producer in 2009 with a song named "Kuusou no Machi". He was previously a member of a 2-member circle, but is currently working as an individual. In his nearly three years as a producer, he has released a fair amount of songs, with a few remakes using different vocaloids. He is also one of the few Ps who has so far retained their styles constantly throughout their careers. YonoP is mostly known for his song "Hotarubi" using Miku Dark, which was a remake of a previous release using Miku Append.

YonoP's genre is centered on old school guitar rock, similar to the styles of KuwagataP and possibly 40mP. Which is why in the sudden influx of fast, hard rock songs, YonoP's works are a nice break. His guitars are strong and is a big part of his songs; sometimes the intervals between stanzas are a long, melodious display of guitar skills. However, his guitars do not drown out the voices or the other instruments are are regulated well throughout the songs. His bass is usually echoey and flowing along the rhythm which makes it a distinct but welcome addition as opposed to distracting thumps. His drums are not very distinct but they create a nice effect during instrumentals and highlights of the refrain or chorus because they are played very fast. Sometimes, he also uses piano melody, usually high and skipping, making it a nice contrast to the strong guitars.

YonoP's main Vocaloid used to be Hatsune Miku (and Append) but lately, he's taken a liking to using Yuzuki Yukari. His Miku was initially tuned high and solid, but his use of Miku Append gave him a bit more variety to work on. His Yuzuki Yukari is beautifully tuned with a solid, rich voice with a controlled pitch. He has also used GUMI Whisper once, and it's a pity he didn't use her more because she sounded wonderful even in her spoken parts. The vocaloids might sound a bit boring at first because they weren't tuned in a way unique to YonoP alone (unlike other producers with a distinct way of tuning), but all of them are impressive in the sense that they sing without getting drowned under the load of instruments and that their voices are so well-guided that they sound natural and not awkward even when singing high notes.

YonoP has released one solo CD in 2011 and is part of a few compilations including twilight e.p., Shikisai Ongaku Irodority, and Shoujo Jihanki. He will also be releasing a solo album, Glider Record on Vocaloid Master 24.

sample works
• Hotarubi (Miku Dark)
• Piano (Miku Sweet)
• Kuusou no Machi (Miku Append - remake)
• Licorice no Tou (GUMI Whisper)
• Risky (Yuzuki Yukari)
• Sekai Saigo no Hikoushi

nikki says
As I like Yuzuki Yukari so much, I was constantly hunting for good songs sung by her. Last year, YonoP's Yukari song Crow Girl was such a hit, that I ended up checking if he would ever upload more Yukari songs, and I wasn't disappointed. I like his works because the voices do not sound forced or extreme. I think that also makes his songs quite singable and nice to the ears. Right now he's not very prolific although his latest work (Sekai Saigo no Hikoushi) is another wonderful release. I wish he'd use GUMi more, though, since his one GUMI song is the only one with a slightly different genre that his other works, not to mention he tuned GUMI beautifully there.

comments

Weekly Voca/Utau Ranking 288 (4/1-4/8, 2013)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:41:40 GMT

Weekly Utaran # 231 (4/1 - 4/8, 2013)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:55:41 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

I've skipped the March rankings because there was no way I'll be able to catch up to everything ;; Sorry!! But I've properly started April, so I hope I'll be able to continue this properly orz. I'm really sorry!

I'll be including the weekly top fifteen and the overall top thirty of the week. Links to the nicovideo are included as well as some information. You may download the .mp3 file by inputting the link @ nicosound. Enjoy!

original Nico Nico Douga Link

( New Upload Ranking )

( Overall Weekly Ranking )

comments

Namahousou Schedule (April 2013)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 02:33:12 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Namahousou Schedule
(March 2013)

Updates announced at ofurotaimu's twitter account

Previous Schedule
March

This is a list of all reserved and important namahousou which will take place this month. What kind of namahousou will you see here?

• reserved namahousou (not yet aired but can be TS'd by both premium and free accounts;
• important namahousou (like the daikaigi, other concerts and events); and
• nicoraji and other regular shows which will feature Ps or utaites

There will be no list of ongoing namas or namas that have already aired, even if they can be TS'd. We wanted to be fair to both holders of free and premium accounts, and it would be unfair if we list all past namas if free users can't view them. If you are a premium user and would like to watch previous namas you missed, you can see if they have timeshifts in the community pages. Note that you can only watch and timeshift community-locked namahousou if you are a member of the community!

This project will hopefully be as consistent as the news pool. If you are part of a community with a reserved nama (meaning they already have a slot/alert/link even if they haven't aired yet), please post them in the comments and they will be added to the list!

( April Schedule )

comments

Ofurotaimu News Pool (March & April 2013)

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 23:51:12 GMT

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 224 (2/11-2/18, 2013)

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:08:26 GMT

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 223 (2/4-2/11, 2013)

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:10:45 GMT

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 222 (1/28-2/4, 2013)

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:57:35 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 222 (1/28-2/4, 2013)

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

I'll be including the weekly top fifteen and the overall top thirty of the week. Links to the nicovideo are included as well as some information. You may download the .mp3 file by inputting the link @ nicosound. Enjoy!

original Nico Nico Douga Link

( New Upload Ranking )

( Overall Weekly Ranking )

comments

Namahousou Schedule (March 2013)

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:19:39 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Namahousou Schedule
(March 2013)

Updates announced at ofurotaimu's twitter account

Previous Schedule
February

This is a list of all reserved and important namahousou which will take place this month. What kind of namahousou will you see here?

• reserved namahousou (not yet aired but can be TS'd by both premium and free accounts;
• important namahousou (like the daikaigi, other concerts and events); and
• nicoraji and other regular shows which will feature Ps or utaites

There will be no list of ongoing namas or namas that have already aired, even if they can be TS'd. We wanted to be fair to both holders of free and premium accounts, and it would be unfair if we list all past namas if free users can't view them. If you are a premium user and would like to watch previous namas you missed, you can see if they have timeshifts in the community pages. Note that you can only watch and timeshift community-locked namahousou if you are a member of the community!

This project will hopefully be as consistent as the news pool. If you are part of a community with a reserved nama (meaning they already have a slot/alert/link even if they haven't aired yet), please post them in the comments and they will be added to the list!

( March Schedule )

comments

Ofurotaimu News Pool (Jan&Feb 2013)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 04:04:22 GMT

Producer Spotlight: Phasma

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 08:21:34 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Sorry for the lack of spotlights for the past months. It's been kinda hard since both Nikki and I are busy, but hopefully this year will be a better one. Most of the following spotlight was written by a ghost writer friend of mine. I added some of my own comments, but that's all! -Stephie

Phasma

mylist | Official Site | Blog | community

Phasma is a self-described electronic producer who first started uploading vocaloid works in 2008. Of his original songs, the upload with the highest view count is 20,000, so he is not one of the most popular or well-known producers, but his style is very unique and instantly recognizable; it's very soft, often using glitchy noise sounds as percussion, and warm, non-abrasive synths. His style is very far from dubstep, techno, and other "loud" areas, often creating soothing, ambient (but not droney) textures.

He only uses Miku in his songs, although not all of his Miku songs have lyrics. His use of autotune is also very melodic, sort of reminiscent of how kz autotunes Miku.

Phasma has collaborated with other electronic producers, releasing songs on compilation albums through Ginga. He also does PV work. He also makes his own videos and PVs, despite their simplicity.

Sample Songs
Mori no Ongaku (Music of the Forest)
Heijitsu Fantasy (Weekday Fantasy)
Me no Mae ni Kimi (You Before My Eyes)

Stephie says
I have to admit, before my friend wrote this spotlight, I didn't know much about Phasma outside of his involvement with Ginga. His music quite different from what I usually listen to, yet still accessible and easy on the ears. Miku is used more like an instrument and often doesn't sing any words. She fits perfectly with all the pleasant tones and notes. His Miku sounds adorable when she does sing lyrics.

Phasma is also heavily involved with an "online label" or group called Bunkai-Kei records. It is headed by Go-qualia and Yako, and features artists of electronica, IDM, and ambient music. Phasma fits right in and one of his albums Mirage EP for free legal download.

Here's also a video interview with Phasma and Nyolfen about Gridplay and their music making process from Youtube.

comments

Namahousou Schedule (February 2013)

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:36:45 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Namahousou Schedule
(February 2013)

Updates announced at ofurotaimu's twitter account

Previous Schedule
January

This is a list of all reserved and important namahousou which will take place this month. What kind of namahousou will you see here?

• reserved namahousou (not yet aired but can be TS'd by both premium and free accounts;
• important namahousou (like the daikaigi, other concerts and events); and
• nicoraji and other regular shows which will feature Ps or utaites

There will be no list of ongoing namas or namas that have already aired, even if they can be TS'd. We wanted to be fair to both holders of free and premium accounts, and it would be unfair if we list all past namas if free users can't view them. If you are a premium user and would like to watch previous namas you missed, you can see if they have timeshifts in the community pages. Note that you can only watch and timeshift community-locked namahousou if you are a member of the community!

This project will hopefully be as consistent as the news pool. If you are part of a community with a reserved nama (meaning they already have a slot/alert/link even if they haven't aired yet), please post them in the comments and they will be added to the list!

( February Schedule )

comments

Weekly Utaran #221 (1/21-1/28, 2013)

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:57:59 GMT

Weekly Utaran # 220 (1/14 - 1/21, 2013)

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:13:04 GMT

Weekly Utaran # 219 (1/7-1/14, 2012)

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 10:42:31 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

This week is a bit slow, but that allows us to know new names and less popular names in utattemita. You also need to watch out for Utaran's new link effect in between ranks that cover the same song XD;.

I'll be including the weekly top fifteen and the overall top thirty of the week. Links to the nicovideo are included as well as some information. You may download the .mp3 file by inputting the link @ nicosound. Enjoy!

original Nico Nico Douga Link

( New Upload Ranking )

( Overall Weekly Ranking )

comments

Namahousou Schedule (January 2013)

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:10:32 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Namahousou Schedule
(December 2012)

Updates announced at ofurotaimu's twitter account

Previous Schedule
December

This is a list of all reserved and important namahousou which will take place this month. What kind of namahousou will you see here?

• reserved namahousou (not yet aired but can be TS'd by both premium and free accounts;
• important namahousou (like the daikaigi, other concerts and events); and
• nicoraji and other regular shows which will feature Ps or utaites

There will be no list of ongoing namas or namas that have already aired, even if they can be TS'd. We wanted to be fair to both holders of free and premium accounts, and it would be unfair if we list all past namas if free users can't view them. If you are a premium user and would like to watch previous namas you missed, you can see if they have timeshifts in the community pages. Note that you can only watch and timeshift community-locked namahousou if you are a member of the community!

This project will hopefully be as consistent as the news pool. If you are part of a community with a reserved nama (meaning they already have a slot/alert/link even if they haven't aired yet), please post them in the comments and they will be added to the list!

( January Schedule )

comments

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 218 (12/31 - 1/7)

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 16:37:55 GMT

Posted by: fascinates

Weekly Utattemita Ranking # 218 (12/31 - 1/7)

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm late, I know. I'm always late these days /sob.
First of all, I'm terribly sorry that I've been away. There's a bit (meaning drastic) of change in my work (I've been promoted?) so I've been really busy. There are also other distractions I wouldn't mention, but the important thing is I actually managed to post an utaran (yay)!

I'm going to put up a mod post later on about stuff and changes (if any) in this comm, but for now, I'd like to stick to my old schedule of posting rankings. I'm actually behind the Vocaran, too, and I don't know if I can keep updating that ;; (I always prioritize the Utaran). If anyone is willing to volunteer in writing the Vocarans in my stead, please do inform me! ♥.

Anyway, for now, please expect me trying my best to continue with our usual posts. I'm really sorry for the trouble the past few months and thank you for sticking with me despite that.

↑# - the song moved up from a previous top 30 rank
↓# - song moved down from a previous top 30 rank
↵ - song is a re-entry to the top 30 rankings

original Nico Nico Douga Link

( New Upload Ranking )

( Overall Weekly Ranking )

comments

Ofurotaimu News Pool (Nov&Dec 2012)

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 10:27:40 GMT

Namahousou Schedule (December 2012)

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 05:07:51 GMT

Posted by: stephieku

Namahousou Schedule
(December 2012)

Updates announced at ofurotaimu's twitter account

Previous Schedule
November

This is a list of all reserved and important namahousou which will take place this month. What kind of namahousou will you see here?

• reserved namahousou (not yet aired but can be TS'd by both premium and free accounts;
• important namahousou (like the daikaigi, other concerts and events); and
• nicoraji and other regular shows which will feature Ps or utaites

There will be no list of ongoing namas or namas that have already aired, even if they can be TS'd. We wanted to be fair to both holders of free and premium accounts, and it would be unfair if we list all past namas if free users can't view them. If you are a premium user and would like to watch previous namas you missed, you can see if they have timeshifts in the community pages. Note that you can only watch and timeshift community-locked namahousou if you are a member of the community!

This project will hopefully be as consistent as the news pool. If you are part of a community with a reserved nama (meaning they already have a slot/alert/link even if they haven't aired yet), please post them in the comments and they will be added to the list!

( December Schedule )

comments