supercell

Overview

Supercell is a Japanese J-POP and J-Rock band formed in 2007, led by composer Ryo. The group consists of illustrators and designers, and it does not have a permanent vocalist, instead using Vocaloid software like Hatsune Miku for their music. Currently, supercell is signed to Sony Music and has 463,525 followers on Spotify.

Activity History

2007-2008: Formation and Independent Releases

• December 7, 2007: Ryo submitted the original song "Melt" to the Nico Nico Douga video sharing site, which has since garnered over 6 million views.
• After using an illustration by artist 119 without permission in the video, Ryo contacted 119, and they began collaborating, leading to the formation of supercell.
• In 2008, supercell released songs like "Koi wa Sensō," "World is Mine," and "Black Rock Shooter," each surpassing 1 million views.
• August 2008: They released a self-produced album titled "supercell" at Comiket 74, achieving complete sellout.

2009-2011: Major Debut and Vocalist Nagi

• March 2009: Supercell made their major label debut with Sony Music, releasing their self-titled album, which included updated tracks.
• August 2009: Their debut single "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" ranked 5th on the Oricon chart.
• They collaborated with vocalist Nagi for their second album, "Today Is A Beautiful Day" (2011), which was well-received.

2011-2013: Vocalist Koeda

• May 2011: An audition was held for a new vocalist, resulting in the selection of 15-year-old Koeda.
• Throughout 2011, Koeda contributed to several singles, including "My Dearest."
• November 2013: The third album, "Zigaexperientia," was released, marking Koeda's last contribution.

2016-Present: New Vocalists Ann and Gaku

• 2016: Supercell held auditions for new vocalists, selecting Ann and Gaku.
• September 2019: They released the single "#Love feat. Ann, Gaku," marking a new chapter for supercell.

Musical Characteristics

Supercell's music is known for its emotional depth and fusion of various genres. Ryo emphasizes creating music without the constraints of a human vocalist, often saying he uses his initial ideas without excessive editing, particularly when writing lyrics for Vocaloid performances. Many of their songs are tied to anime, further enhancing their popularity within that context.

Conclusion

Supercell stands out in the Japanese music scene due to its unique musical approach and collaborations. Their music resonates deeply with fans, offering emotional narratives that enhance their appeal.