Aya Hirano is making her long-awaited return to solo music with the release of “evolutions,” her first new single in 11 years. Dropping digitally on May 10, 2025, the track will be released under the Lantis label, the same label that launched her solo career in 2006.
“Evolutions” features lyrics written by Hirano herself, with composition and arrangement by John Kanda (Ajiwai), and is produced by Shigeru Saito from Heart Company, who played a key role in her hit songs from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star.
This release comes as Hirano prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her solo debut in 2026. Fans can also look forward to her upcoming live tour, which kicks off in April and will visit eight cities.
Before last year, it had been a while since I saw DIR EN GREY. Pre-pandemic, actually, way back in December 2019. I figured, you know what, I'm going to Japan for a couple of other shows, diru is playing too, why not? So I bought a ticket for their huge show at Yoyogi National Gymnasium with PIERROT. Great show, just like I remember. Lo and behold, they announced they're finally coming back to America not too long after.
Well, part of America. The greater Los Angeles area at least.
Read more: DIR EN GREY Returns to America for Three Concerts in April 2025
Anime and video game music fans are in for a treat as renowned vocalists Lotus Juice takes the stage at the Legends of Anime concert on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at DNA Lounge in San Francisco along with special guest, Raj Ramayya. This event will feature live performances from some of the most iconic anime and game soundtracks, including Persona, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Cowboy Bebop, Made in Abyss, and Tower of God.
Read more: Lotus Juice Live Concert Coming to San Francisco in March
What can be said about Phantom Siita? I had initially thought that the name was Phantom Theater but no, it is instead based upon the words "phantom," the scientific name of the Chestnut Tiger butterfly "Parantica sita," and the scientific name of the moth "Epicopeia hainesii," which has a very close resemblance to a butterfly. Are they idols? Or are they something else, pretending to be idols?
Read more: Live Report: Phantom Siita Makes Their US Debut With the "Moth to a flame" World Tour
This may have snuck under the radar for a lot of you, given that it was announced just a day or two prior to ticket sales, but a new matsuri is coming to town. Matsuri is Japanese for "festival," and boy, do we have a line up for you.
Three big names who each on their own can sell out a show are set to take the stage. Ado, the mysterious singer who has taken the world by storm with her powerful voice; YOASOBI, the creators of the mega-hit theme song for the anime Oshi no Ko, "IDOL;" and Atarashii Gakko!, also known as the 'New School Leaders.'
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