2003.02.02

>> Send TWO-MIX a message!

Carman, the webmistress for the fan-site TWO-MIX Little Planet is hosting another "Send-a-message to TWO-MIX" campaign.

The original campaign was started as a petition to show TWO-MIX that foreigners were interested in joining their fan-club in Japan. For this third campaign Carman is accepting both general messages to TWO-MIX, along with messages specifically about the fan-club.

She originally said she was planning on sending a batch of messages sometime in February, so please submit your messages ASAP.

(Sorry Carman, for not posting this sooner.)

Sources: TWO-MIX Little Planet

>> What's in store for TWO-MIX in 2003?

I've been picking up some rumours about the following since late last year from a few Japanese fan-sites.

First, TWO-MIX plans to be drastically cutting back on the number of CDs they release. Those of you who have been paying close attention the past 2~3 years will notice that they have only released about 1~2 CDs a year compared to the several that they used to release. This trend is expected to continue as Takayama Minami, the composer for the band, concentrates a little more on her voice-acting career.

For example, early last year TWO-MIX announced that they would release a full original album in the fall or winter. However, these plans had to be scrapped half-way through the year because of Takayama's unexpectedly busy schedule. (Also, she wasn't in very good health last year either.)

Apparently when TWO-MIX debuted, Takayama asked her voice-acting management to cut back on her workload, but more recently she is being asked to take on a few more roles per year. Being the talented voice actress she is, I personally wouldn't want her to say "no" to that!

Second, TWO-MIX's record contract with Warner Music Japan is now fully expired and has not been renewed. Instead, they are making preparations to turn Little Station (currently their artist management company) into their own record company. This rumour sent some alarms going off in my head, so I asked a Japanese fan about it, and here's what he told me:

"I can only quote info from the Fan-club Newsletter but 'LS plans to produce and sell CDs independently' and so the situation will be very close to that of an Independent label. However, there may be 'one time contracts with major record companies if a song is for some temporary project or is tied-up with a commercial or show'. Nothing has been announced yet about how they will be selling the CDs."

If so, then it is going to be extremely difficult for those of us outside of Japan to obtain TWO-MIX CDs in the future. The major online stores that ship overseas (CD Japan, YesAsia) don't stock Independent label CDs, even as special order; and those that might (Amazon Japan, Tower Records Japan) are the ones that charge enormous amounts for shipping.

The worst case scenario is that Little Station sets up a mail order system that ships only within Japan and only accepts payment via the Japanese postal service. This sort of system seems to be quite common with Japanese Independent labels, so it is quite possible.

It seems to be true that Little Station is undergoing some major restructuring at the moment. For example, the administration of TWO-MIX's fan-club has recently been contracted out to an external company, which seems to have been created anew exactly for this purpose.

Nothing will be announced officially until March. At this time, they apparently plan to announce a new single. I suppose those of us outside of Japan will have to wait and see what happens.

Sources: F-TWO, Centuria, TWO-MIX Space

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2002.11.12 Well, I am running late again. Here's what I've got for ye all:

>> Happy Birthday Nagano-san!!

Yesterday was Nagano Shiina's birthday! He turned 20 years old. Again. Remember, he's a "Highlander"...

Those of you who are interested can sign the fan-message board at the official Little Station web-site to wish him a "Happy Birthday!". (The fields are, from top to bottom: name, email, title/subject, and message.) I'm sure he would love to hear from his international fans.

>> So, what the heck is TWO-MIX up to these days??

Well, to be honest, nothing much. It seems that Takayama-san wasn't in any condition to do any musical work during most of the spring and summer (something about her health and just too much other work overall), so they decided to cancel plans to release a new album this year. They were also forced to cancel the mini-concert that they had planned for their annual fan-club event, which was held just this September. They hope to be back and running by sometime next year.

Sources: Little Station, F-TWO, Centuria

>> New compilation album, coming November 20, 2002!

TWO-MIX COLLECTION BOX ~Categorhythm~ / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10161~4
(Warner Music Japan)
2002.11.20 in stores

To make up for the lack of new material, TWO-MIX will be releasing another "best of" compilation. Like their previous "7th anniversary BEST", the members of the group are involved in producing this collection, however this time, it will include songs from both their "King Record" and "Warner Music Japan" years. Definitely recommended if you are having trouble tracking down TWO-MIX's earlier CDs and/or you missed the release of "20010101" last year.

Details are as follows:

- initial pressing only limited release
- 4 CD set, 57 tracks
- all tracks remastered
- tracks include all their singles, plus other tracks from various albums
- songs are organized by disc into 4 categories: Singles, Singles & Select, Dance, and Love Songs
- includes the "Detective Conan" demo-tape version of "LIVING DAYLIGHTS", and an earlier version of "CAN'T STOP LOVE"
- comes in a special box that measures 10" x 10"
- includes a 48 page booklet with never-before published photographs; also includes liner notes by both Nagano Shiina and Takayama Minami

The box cover art and a complete track listing can be viewed at the Little Station web-site.

Since this item is planned to be a limited release, it is recommended that it be preordered. Preorders are currently being accepted at: CDJapan, JpopHelp, Tower Records Japan, and Amazon Japan.

Sources: Little Station, TWO-MIX Database

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2002.04.29 Happy 7th anniversary to TWO-MIX!!

>> Newest best collection album in stores!

7 years ago today TWO-MIX debuted with their first single, and to mark their anniversary they have just released an aptly (?) titled compilation album:

7th anniversary BEST / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10136
(Warner Music Japan)

The songs included on this album have been selected mainly from the singles released since changing record labels to Warner Music Japan in late 1998. The cover art and track listing can be viewed here. All songs have been remastered for the album, and indepth liner notes are included in the booklet.

If you are wondering where to buy this album, see the links page.

>> Some important dates coming up!

As mentioned above, today is TWO-MIX's 7th anniversary. Also, coming up next week on May 5th is the vocalist, Minami Takayama's birthday. You can leave TWO-MIX and/or Takayama-san a message online here at their official site.

>> TWO-MIX public appearance info for people in Japan:

That's right, TWO-MIX will be appearing in public very soon on two separate occasions.

First, on May 3rd TWO-MIX can be seen talking live at the Decks Tokyo Bay Studio in Odaiba, Tokyo. They will be appearing as guests for a public recording of the new radio show "Odaiba MUSIC CAFE", and members of the public are welcome to attend. The show will be broadcast on the USEN 440 Broadband Networks on the week of June 3rd. However, you need special equipment to listen to this broadcast. More information can be found here.

Second, on May 5th Shiina Nagano will be holding a talk and shake-hands-with-the-fans event at the Ishimaru Denki store in Akihabara, Tokyo. Minami Takayama will not be able to attend, but she will be sending along a video-taped message for showing. The first 400 people to purchase the "7th anniversary BEST" album at any Ishimaru Denki store will receive a ticket to attend this event. More information can be found here and here.

If you live in Japan you might want to check out either or both of the above!

Sources: Little Station

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2002.04.07 Some past and some upcoming [updated]:

>> Newest albums in stores!

TWO-MIX's newest original album and re-mix album were both released near the end of last year. Information is as follows:

0G / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10117
(Warner Music Japan)

Track listing, cover art, and music samples can be found here.

BPM "Dance ∞" II / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10126
(Warner Music Japan)

Track listing and cover art can be found here.

The above have been spotted in stock at CDJapan, YesAsia and JpopHelp.

>> Best album coming soon!

April 29th marks the 7th anniversary of TWO-MIX. To celebrate the occasion (and as someone mentioned in the guestbook) TWO-MIX will be releasing a best album at the end of this month. Information is as follows:

7th Anniversary BEST / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10136
(Warner Music Japan)
2002.04.24 in stores

Songs to be included have been selected mainly from the singles released by TWO-MIX since changing record labels to Warner Music Japan in late 1998. The cover art and finalized track listing can be seen here. All tracks will be remastered. The CD will come complete with liner notes by TWO-MIX's scribe, Shiina Nagano. The booklet will apparently be illustrated with computer graphics.

To CD can be preordered at CDJapan, JpopHelp, Tower Records, Amazon.com, and CDNOW.

>> Minami Takayama sings as a member of "PROJECT ARMS"!

In related news: the 4th and last ending theme for the animated show "PROJECT ARMS" featured the four main voice actors of the series as singers. One of these voice actors was Minami Takayama of TWO-MIX. The song was recently released in Japan as a maxi-single:

Owaranai yume no naka de / PROJECT ARMS
GZCA-2034
(GIZA)
2002.03.13 in stores
c/w "Friends"

According to the "PROJECT ARMS" official site, the title song was composed mainly by Takayama.

Sources: Shudaika.com, Sound Torax's TWO-MIX Database, Little Station

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>> DVD and maxi-single currently in stores!

Have you got your copies yet? I had to pass on the DVD since I don't own a player, but I'm waiting for the single right now.

For those of you thinking "What the *heck* is she talking about???", see the below for details.

>> Brand new album, coming very soon!

0G / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10117
(Warner Music Japan)
2001.10.11 in stores

The album title has been finalized. I'm still trying to figure out how you read it though. I'm assuming it's "Zero-G". You can now check out the full track listing and the album cover image here. The concept of this upcoming release is "pop music". Can't wait!

>> Official site @ Warner Music Japan re-newed!

TWO-MIX Official Site @ WMJ
[ http://www.warnermusic.co.jp/artists/domestic/two_mix/index.html ]

Nagano-san also announced recently that the staff at Warner Music Japan, their record company, has agreed to fully coordinate the publicity for their upcoming CDs. Hopefully, the site renewal is one of many such activities to be seen in the near future.

TWO-MIX has always suffered from insufficient publicity. Let's hope that things are going to change for the better with this move.

Sources: Yahoo! Japan Music, Shudaika.com, Sound Torax's TWO-MIX Database, Little Station, CD Japan

Special thanks to: Eimi

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2001.07.17 New and upcoming releases for the summer:

>> TWO-MIX's first single in over a year!

Gravity Zero / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10114
(Warner Music Japan)
2001.08.29 in stores

TWO-MIX's first CD release in a long time is a maxi-single which is scheduled to be released in late July August. Go here to view the final track listing, plus the beautiful jacket cover art. The title track "Gravity Zero" is currently being featured in the new opening Flash animation for the "Little Station" website.

>> ...and a DVD of that legendary (?) music video!

WHITE REFLECTION The MOVIE / TWO-MIX
KIBM-25
(King Records)
2001.08.08 in stores

King Records, TWO-MIX's old record company, is releasing a DVD of the promo movie which was originally released in 1997 on the bonus CD for "BPM 'Best Files'". This is a fully animated music video set to the song "WHITE REFLECTION". Also included on the DVD is a video-medley of remixes of TWO-MIX's earlier songs. This footage was shown at the "Roppongi Velfarre" dance club for a TWO-MIX fan-club event held there in 1998. Check out the jacket cover art and complete track listing here.

Sources: Yahoo! Japan Music, Shudaika.com, Sound Torax's TWO-MIX Database, Little Station, CD Japan

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2001.05.05 Well the engines are on for yet another TWO-MIX filled year:

>> "LUPIN THE DANCE - HYPER GROOVE ENERGY - " featuring TWO∞MIX!

TWO∞MIX is participating on this dance-remix CD by doing a cover/remix version of the song "Love Squall", one of the ending themes for the old "Lupin III" TV series. I'm actually excited about this CD because I love "Lupin" songs (I have and really like " Punch the Monkey"), and I especially like "Love Squall". The original piece is a very nice ballad.

LUPIN THE DANCE - HYPER GROOVE ENERGY - / Various Artists
WPC7-10104
(Warner Music Japan)
2001.05.23 in stores

You can hear a sample of the song here.

>> Single and Album releases, both planned for this year!

Expect a single sometime in the summer, around July. They're apparently working on it right now, even as I write this. And thoroughly enjoying it, from what I understand of what Nagano-san wrote in the "Station Caf¨�" section of their official site. It *has* been quite a while since they were last in the recording studio...

They are also planning on releasing an album in the fall or winter. Personally, this worries me. I think they should wait until next year to put out an album. Gives them more time and avoids burn-out, which seems to have been the problem the past few years. Oh yes, and gives me more time to save up, of course ^_^;

>> TWO-MIX's Official Internet Provider!

Starting April 27th, 13h00 (Japan-time) TWO-MIX is starting up their own official internet provider "TWO@MIX". If you sign up for their services, you can get email, webspace, plus access to members-only message boards and chat rooms to which TWO-MIX is expected to show up from time to time.

Yes, unfortunately it's all in Japanese and is mainly for people in Japan. Anyway, atleast you know it's there ^_^

TWO@MIX Internet Provider
[ https://service.pbrand.co.jp/two-mix ]

Source: Little Station Web Site

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2000.11.26 Update on CD box-set:

Still a 4 CD set, track listing still unknown. The 4th disc is entitled "ANOTHER ONE" and consists of remixes and rearrangement, probably tracks from their mini-albums. Be warned: the set is expected to cost 5000 yen, which is about 47.00 USD.

TWO-MIX announced that they finally received official word about this release from the record company. However, the two members are not involved with the box-set in any way, and they are asking fans who may buy the set not to complain to the artists about track order, sound quality, or packaging if there is anything wrong. I think they're quite worried about this, especially after the shoddy job done by the same company on the "Super Best Files" CD.

Sources: CD Japan and Little Station Web-Site

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2000.11.10 The rumour is confirmed. A 4 CD box-set will indeed be released from King Records in the new year. The CDs will consist of songs spanning their first five albums from "BPM 132" to "DREAM TACTIX". One disc will consist of remixes and rearrangements of their songs.

The product information is as follows:

20010101 / TWO-MIX
KICS-841
(King Records)
2001.01.01 in stores

Although there will be no new songs included, this CD will be a great buy for anyone who has missed out on any of TWO-MIX's earlier works. Track listing and other info will be posted upon availability.

Sources: CD Japan

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2000.10.31 Went surfing on the Japanese side of the web this past weekend for the first time in ages and found out what I had been missing out on recently...

Apparently there will be a four CD box set of TWO-MIX works released sometime early in the new year. The strange thing is that it is being released from King Records, TWO-MIX's *old* record company, and that the members of TWO-MIX knew nothing about this release until they read the rumours on the web. In other words they haven't been informed by King Records. However, the record company has the right to the songs, so I suppose the CD is perfectly legitimate. Anyhow, stay posted and we will see...

Meanwhile on the newer side of things, TWO-MIX are still on vacation. A well deserved one I'd say, considering their break-neck pace the past few years ^_^

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99.07.27 Some belated news:

>> Official launch of the "LITTLE STATION" web-site!

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LITTLE STATION
[ http://www.little-station.co.jp ]

>> New CD single releases on August 25th, 1999!

MAXIMUM WAVE / TWO-MIX
WPD7-10009
(Warner Music Japan)
1020 yen
c/w "BODY MAKES STREAM ~World Cup~"

Kiss / Miru Takayama
WPD7-10010
(Warner Music Japan)
1020 yen
songs written and arranged by TWO-MIX

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>> Project "FORMULA" has begun!!

"FORMULA" is the key-word meant to encompass all of TWO-MIX's projects for the remainder of this year. Like their "BPM" series, this one will also consist of three parts:

VISION FORMULA / TWO-MIX
WPC7-10032
(Warner Music Japan)
4800 yen

To be released on September 29th, 1999, this consists of a computer animated music video plus a full length special CD album. The video will feature various artists including the one who produced the "TRUTH" commercial film. The CD will include all tracks from the music video (apparently all newly recorded): the highlight will definitely be the inclusion of the ballad "IN YOUR EYES", which was initially supposed to have been released as a single along with "BODY MAKES STREAM". Note that only a limited number of copies are being made, so anyone wanting to own this set are recommended to pre-order before the end of August.

RHYTHM FORMULA / TWO-MIX

What?! A double CD album?! And it's not a "Best of" one either! About 20 total tracks have been confirmed. No release date yet; expect an early or late winter release.

ART FORMULA / TWO-MIX

An art book including publicity and public photos, artwork (did you know Shiina Nagano has designed most of the CD art?), essays and interviews. May possibly come with a CD-Rom disk also. No release date or company yet confirmed; expect to be released along with CD album.

Sources: "LITTLE STATION" Homepage and TWO-MIX Official Site at Warner Music Japan Homepage

Special thanks to: Carman

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99.04.03 It seems like it is going to be yet another eventful year for the two-some, according to the unit leader Shiina Nagano:

>> New CD single release on May 12, 1999!!

BODY MAKES STREAM / TWO-MIX
WPD7-10007
(Warner Music Japan)

Currently being heard on TV as the theme song for "Super Soccer". I may have read incorrectly, but it seems that Nagano wrote both the lyrics and melody for the title song: a first.

>> The formation of "Little Station" by TWO-MIX!!

TWO-MIX has officially opened it's own artist/music production company. Consequently it seems that many of the projects planned for 1999 will be related to the company. Their first project is the debut of the new J-Pop artist Miru (?) Takayama. She will be releasing her debut single, also on May 12th:

JUSTICE ~Future Mystery~ / Miru Takayama with TWO-MIX
WPD7-10006
(Warner Music Japan)

The title track is the new opening theme song for the animated series "Boy Kindaichi's Case Files", and is slated to be played on air soon. All songs are written, composed, arranged, and produced by TWO-MIX. Note that TWO-MIX will be releasing their own version of the title song as the coupling song for their single.

>> And there's more to come!!

As mentioned earlier, many of TWO-MIX's projects this year will be related to "Little Station". One major project in the works right now is an extensive official web-site dedicated to TWO-MIX and "Little Station". Another project mentioned is the publishing of a photo book including original designs, and exclusive interviews and essays. And there seem to be other activities which haven't been clarified yet, which are either already in progress or waiting to be. There was mention of more recordings already being done in studio.

Source: TWO-MIX Official Site at Warner Music Japan Homepage

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