Difference between revisions of "Atari Kousuke"
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| − | Hailing from Amami-Oshima in southern Japan, Atari Kousuke is a | + | [[Image:kousuke2019.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Atari Kousuke promoting "[[Missing (Atari Kousuke song)|Missing]]" (2019)]] |
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| + | <div align="justify"> | ||
| + | Hailing from Amami-Oshima in southern [[Japan]], '''Atari Kousuke''' (中孝介) is a folk singer currently signed to [[Epic Records Japan]]. He is a self-trained musician, and performs in the difficult ''shima-uta'' (island-song) style of his hometown. | ||
While his style of music is close to mainstream pop, his vocals have an undoubtedly traditional Japanese flavour, and his inspiration still comes from his traditional roots. | While his style of music is close to mainstream pop, his vocals have an undoubtedly traditional Japanese flavour, and his inspiration still comes from his traditional roots. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Profile== |
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* '''Name:''' Atari Kousuke (中 孝介) | * '''Name:''' Atari Kousuke (中 孝介) | ||
| − | + | * '''Birthdate:''' July 13th, 1980 | |
| − | * '''Birthdate:''' July | + | * '''Birthplace:''' [[wikipedia:Amami Ōshima|Amami-Oshima]], [[wikipedia:Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]], [[Japan]] |
| − | * '''Birthplace:''' Amami-Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture | ||
| − | == | + | ==Information== |
| + | ===History - Indie Releases=== | ||
| + | When Atari was in high school, he became a fan of [[Hajime Chitose]]. Inspired, he began to teach himself how to sing in shima-uta style. | ||
| − | + | In 2000, he won the [[Amami Folk Song Grand Prix]]'s 'New Member Award'. He also won the [[Japanese Folk Song Association Award]]. He continued to participate in numerous Ryukyu based folk festivals and tournaments. | |
| − | + | He began releasing very traditional albums in 1999, under the [http://www.amami.com/jabara/ ''Jabara Records''] label. He released two straight traditional albums, [[Atari]] and [[Kurudando]], followed by the mini album [[Shodon]], which saw him experimenting with a wider range of instruments and musicians, and finally the full-length [[Notus]], which saw an even further departure from the traditional style with jazz elements and other influences. After these four releases he moved to a more modern pop style with his ''Day! Records'' release, [[Materia]]. | |
| − | + | In September of 2005, he gained much attention with the release of an indie mini album entitled [[Materia]]. [[Materia]] is the first of his musical releases to have an undeniable 'pop' music feel to it, although it managed to retain the flair and beauty of his traditional style vocals. The album shot to #5 on the indie music charts, and sold over 7000 copies. | |
| − | + | ===Major Debut - Sorezore ni to Yurai Bana=== | |
| + | By March of 2006, he had released his debut major label single, [[Sorezore ni]], for Epic Records Japan. Atari worked with much of the same staff for this single that helped him created his indie album [[Materia]] six months beforehand, and the single was chosen as a 'power-play' track on Kyushu FM radio stations. The single did fairly well, originally peaking at #60 on the Oricon Charts. After some time doing live performances and other types of promotion, the single re-entered the charts, and peaked at #50. | ||
| − | + | His second single, [[Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi]], was used as the theme song for the film [http://www.chakuari.jp/web/ '''Chakushin Ari Final''']. It also peaked at number 50 on the Oricon Charts, although it saw a shorter chart run. His third single, [[Hana (Atari Kousuke)|Hana]], was a spring time ballad. It debuted at #19 on the Oricon Charts, immediately making it his highest ranking single to date. | |
| − | + | His first full length major album, [[Yurai Bana]], was released on July 11, 2007, and faired quite well on the Oricon Charts, debuting at number 7 on the weekly rankings. Two days later, he released [[Hua Jian Dao]], a sister album to [[Yurai Bana]], in Taiwan. | |
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| − | + | ===Kizuna Uta=== | |
| + | [[Image:atarigap.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Atari Kousuke in the Gap campaign]] | ||
| − | + | Following the release of [[Yurai Bana]] and [[Hua Jian Dao]] albums, Atari set to work on his next set of singles, gearing up for his second major original album. The first follow-up single was [[Tane wo Maku Hibi]] in November of 2007. The song was considerably more upbeat than his previous single releases. It peaked at #22 on the Oricon charts, with a chart life of 8 weeks. | |
| − | + | The single [[Haru (Atari Kousuke single)|Haru]] followed in April 2008. Many fans found it attempted to be a repeat of his previously successful [[Hana (Atari Kousuke)|Hana]] single, which was released at the beginning of spring the year before. [[Haru (Atari Kousuke single)|Haru]] followed its predecessor's initial success by placing at #17 in the Oricon chart. However, this single only charted for 7 weeks, versus [[Hana (Atari Kousuke)|Hana]]'s 34 weeks. Around this time Atari was selected to join in a worldwide campaign by clothing company ''Gap''. He would follow in the footsteps of other Japanese artists including [[Ken Watanabe]], [[Puffy]], and [[Ai Tominaga]], who had all previously been featured in Gap campaigns. The campaign involving Atari set promotional material in 3000 stores world-round, and also featured R&B artist Maxwell, actor Chris Pine, and music producer Swizz Beatz. | |
| − | + | In August of 2008, a Taiwanese film called ''Cape No. 7'' was released in theatres. Atari Kousuke made his acting debut as an unnamed teacher who fell in love with a Taiwanese girl, but was forced to leave her behind when the Japanese occupation of Taiwan ended. He also appears later in the film as himself, and sings [[Sorezore ni]]. The film was wildly successful and helped to boost Atari's popularity in Taiwan and other areas outside of his usual Japanese market. | |
| − | + | [[Kizuna / Natsu Yuuzora]], the third and final single before his next album, was less successful. Peaking at #27, and charting for only 6 weeks, despite the limited edition, first press bonus marketing. The album [[Kizuna Uta]], released just under one month afterward. Dropping over a year after [[Yurai Bana]], [[Kizuna Uta]] saw little success in comparison. It peaked at #17, and was alive on the charts for only 9 weeks. The following month, a Hong Kong version of the album was released with [[Sorezore ni]] as a bonus track. This addition was in response to the immense popularity of the film ''Cape No.7'' in which Atari and the song were featured. | |
| − | Atari | + | ===Current=== |
| + | Atari has just recently released his an Asian Best Selection album, and has formed a unit with [[Hajime Chitose]], know as [[Ochugen]]. [[Ochugen]] will release its first single, [[Haru no Koujin]] on March 9, 2010. | ||
| − | + | Atari Kousuke tends to promote his releases through numerous free-live performances and radio and TV appearances around Japan. He keeps his [http://atarikblog.exblog.jp/ official blog] very well updated with dates and times for his appearances, and enjoys fan feedback. | |
| + | </div> | ||
| + | ==Discography== | ||
| + | [[Image:Atarikousukeblog.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Atari Kousuke promoting "[[Kizuna / Natsu Yuuzora]]" (2009)]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Ugamiutapromo.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Atari Kousuke promoting ''[[Ugamiuta ~Kizuna, Sono Te ni~]]'' (2010)]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===Albums=== |
| + | * [1999.04.04] [[Atari]] (アタリ) (Indie) | ||
| + | * [2000.07.30] [[Kurudando]] (くるだんど) (Indie) | ||
| + | * [2002.06.09] [[Shodon]] (諸鈍) (Indie) | ||
| + | * [2004.09.03] [[Notus]] (ノトス) (Indie) | ||
| + | * [2007.07.11] [[Yurai Bana]] (ユライ花; ''The First Flower'') | ||
| + | * [2008.10.01] [[Kizuna Uta]] (絆歌; ''Bond Songs'') | ||
| + | * [2011.10.19] [[Kiseki no Kakera]] (キセキノカケラ) | ||
| + | * [2020.10.28] [[Anata ga Iru Dake de (Atari Kousuke album)|Anata ga Iru Dake de]] | ||
| − | + | ===Chinese Albums=== | |
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* [2006.11.03] [[Chung Dong Xin Xian]] (触動心弦) | * [2006.11.03] [[Chung Dong Xin Xian]] (触動心弦) | ||
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* [2007.07.13] [[Hua Jian Dao]] (花間道) | * [2007.07.13] [[Hua Jian Dao]] (花間道) | ||
| − | * [ | + | * [2010.11.13] [[Atari Kousuke Best Selection]] (「華語圈限定發行精選集～像樂器一樣的聲音～」) |
| − | === | + | ===Mini-Albums=== |
| + | * [2005.09.07] [[Materia]] (マテリヤ) (Indie) | ||
| + | * [2006.10.11] [[Natsukasha no Shima]] (なつかしゃのシマ; ''The Island I Miss'') | ||
| + | * [2010.04.21] [[Ugamiuta ~Kizuna, Sono Te ni~]] (うがみうた ～絆、その手に～) | ||
| + | * [2019.04.10] [[Kanasha]] (愛者～Kanasha～) | ||
| − | * [ | + | ===Cover Albums=== |
| − | * [ | + | * [2013.07.31] [[Best Covers~Motto Nippon.~]] (ベストカバーズ～もっと日本。～) |
| + | * [2015.06.17] [[Best Covers ~Natsume Yuujin Tobari~]] (ベストカバーズ ～夏目友人帳～) | ||
| − | === | + | ===Best Albums=== |
| + | * [2016.10.26] [[The Best of Kousuke Atari|THE BEST OF KOUSUKE ATARI]] | ||
| + | ===Singles=== | ||
* [2006.03.01] [[Sorezore ni]] (それぞれに; ''In Each and Every'') | * [2006.03.01] [[Sorezore ni]] (それぞれに; ''In Each and Every'') | ||
* [2006.06.28] [[Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi]] (思い出のすぐそばで / 真昼の花火; ''Right Next to Memories / Midday Fireworks'') | * [2006.06.28] [[Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi]] (思い出のすぐそばで / 真昼の花火; ''Right Next to Memories / Midday Fireworks'') | ||
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* [2007.11.14] [[Tane wo Maku Hibi]] (種をまく日々; ''The Days When Seeds are Scattered'') | * [2007.11.14] [[Tane wo Maku Hibi]] (種をまく日々; ''The Days When Seeds are Scattered'') | ||
* [2008.04.09] [[Haru (Atari Kousuke single)|Haru]] (春; ''Spring'') | * [2008.04.09] [[Haru (Atari Kousuke single)|Haru]] (春; ''Spring'') | ||
| − | * [2008.09.03] [[Kizuna / Natsu Yuuzora]] (絆 / 夏夕空; ''Bonds'') | + | * [2008.09.03] [[Kizuna / Natsu Yuuzora]] (絆 / 夏夕空; ''Bonds / A Calm Summer Sky'') |
| + | * [2009.03.25] [[Koi (Atari Kousuke)|Koi]] (恋; ''Love'') | ||
| + | * [2009.09.09] [[Sora ga Sora]] (空が空; ''The Sky is the Sky'') | ||
| + | * [2011.03.09] [[Haru no Yukundo]] (春の行人; ''Spring's Traveller'') <small>('''[[Ochugen]]''')</small> | ||
| + | * [2011.08.10] [[Kimi no Kakera]] feat. [[Miyamoto Emiri]] (君ノカケラ) | ||
| + | * [2015.11.11] [[Me wo Tojite mo (Atari Kousuke)|Me wo Tojite mo]] (目をとじても) | ||
| − | === | + | ===Digital Singles=== |
| + | * [2017.11.29] [[One (Atari Kousuke)|One]] | ||
| + | * [2019.02.13] [[Missing (Atari Kousuke song)|Missing]] | ||
| − | * [ | + | ===Compilations / Other=== |
| − | + | * [2016.02.24] [[Mika Nakashima Tribute|MIKA NAKASHIMA TRIBUTE]] (#9 ''Sakurairo Mau Koro / '''Atari Kousuke''''') | |
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| − | == | + | ==External Links== |
| + | * [http://www.atarikousuke.jp/ Official Site] | ||
| + | * [http://blog.oricon.co.jp/atarikousuke/ Official Blog] | ||
| + | * [http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/atari/ Official Sony Music Japan Site] | ||
| − | + | {{Atari Kousuke}} | |
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[[Category:Artists]] | [[Category:Artists]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Shima-Uta]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Kagoshima Artists]] | ||
| + | [[Category:J-Pop]] | ||
| + | [[Category:J-Folk]] | ||
| + | [[Category:1980 Births]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:17, 3 January 2021
Hailing from Amami-Oshima in southern Japan, Atari Kousuke (中孝介) is a folk singer currently signed to Epic Records Japan. He is a self-trained musician, and performs in the difficult shima-uta (island-song) style of his hometown.
While his style of music is close to mainstream pop, his vocals have an undoubtedly traditional Japanese flavour, and his inspiration still comes from his traditional roots.
Contents
Profile
- Name: Atari Kousuke (中 孝介)
- Birthdate: July 13th, 1980
- Birthplace: Amami-Oshima, Kagoshima, Japan
Information
History - Indie Releases
When Atari was in high school, he became a fan of Hajime Chitose. Inspired, he began to teach himself how to sing in shima-uta style.
In 2000, he won the Amami Folk Song Grand Prix's 'New Member Award'. He also won the Japanese Folk Song Association Award. He continued to participate in numerous Ryukyu based folk festivals and tournaments.
He began releasing very traditional albums in 1999, under the Jabara Records label. He released two straight traditional albums, Atari and Kurudando, followed by the mini album Shodon, which saw him experimenting with a wider range of instruments and musicians, and finally the full-length Notus, which saw an even further departure from the traditional style with jazz elements and other influences. After these four releases he moved to a more modern pop style with his Day! Records release, Materia.
In September of 2005, he gained much attention with the release of an indie mini album entitled Materia. Materia is the first of his musical releases to have an undeniable 'pop' music feel to it, although it managed to retain the flair and beauty of his traditional style vocals. The album shot to #5 on the indie music charts, and sold over 7000 copies.
Major Debut - Sorezore ni to Yurai Bana
By March of 2006, he had released his debut major label single, Sorezore ni, for Epic Records Japan. Atari worked with much of the same staff for this single that helped him created his indie album Materia six months beforehand, and the single was chosen as a 'power-play' track on Kyushu FM radio stations. The single did fairly well, originally peaking at #60 on the Oricon Charts. After some time doing live performances and other types of promotion, the single re-entered the charts, and peaked at #50.
His second single, Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi, was used as the theme song for the film Chakushin Ari Final. It also peaked at number 50 on the Oricon Charts, although it saw a shorter chart run. His third single, Hana, was a spring time ballad. It debuted at #19 on the Oricon Charts, immediately making it his highest ranking single to date.
His first full length major album, Yurai Bana, was released on July 11, 2007, and faired quite well on the Oricon Charts, debuting at number 7 on the weekly rankings. Two days later, he released Hua Jian Dao, a sister album to Yurai Bana, in Taiwan.
Kizuna Uta
Following the release of Yurai Bana and Hua Jian Dao albums, Atari set to work on his next set of singles, gearing up for his second major original album. The first follow-up single was Tane wo Maku Hibi in November of 2007. The song was considerably more upbeat than his previous single releases. It peaked at #22 on the Oricon charts, with a chart life of 8 weeks.
The single Haru followed in April 2008. Many fans found it attempted to be a repeat of his previously successful Hana single, which was released at the beginning of spring the year before. Haru followed its predecessor's initial success by placing at #17 in the Oricon chart. However, this single only charted for 7 weeks, versus Hana's 34 weeks. Around this time Atari was selected to join in a worldwide campaign by clothing company Gap. He would follow in the footsteps of other Japanese artists including Ken Watanabe, Puffy, and Ai Tominaga, who had all previously been featured in Gap campaigns. The campaign involving Atari set promotional material in 3000 stores world-round, and also featured R&B artist Maxwell, actor Chris Pine, and music producer Swizz Beatz.
In August of 2008, a Taiwanese film called Cape No. 7 was released in theatres. Atari Kousuke made his acting debut as an unnamed teacher who fell in love with a Taiwanese girl, but was forced to leave her behind when the Japanese occupation of Taiwan ended. He also appears later in the film as himself, and sings Sorezore ni. The film was wildly successful and helped to boost Atari's popularity in Taiwan and other areas outside of his usual Japanese market.
Kizuna / Natsu Yuuzora, the third and final single before his next album, was less successful. Peaking at #27, and charting for only 6 weeks, despite the limited edition, first press bonus marketing. The album Kizuna Uta, released just under one month afterward. Dropping over a year after Yurai Bana, Kizuna Uta saw little success in comparison. It peaked at #17, and was alive on the charts for only 9 weeks. The following month, a Hong Kong version of the album was released with Sorezore ni as a bonus track. This addition was in response to the immense popularity of the film Cape No.7 in which Atari and the song were featured.
Current
Atari has just recently released his an Asian Best Selection album, and has formed a unit with Hajime Chitose, know as Ochugen. Ochugen will release its first single, Haru no Koujin on March 9, 2010.
Atari Kousuke tends to promote his releases through numerous free-live performances and radio and TV appearances around Japan. He keeps his official blog very well updated with dates and times for his appearances, and enjoys fan feedback.
Discography
Albums
- [1999.04.04] Atari (アタリ) (Indie)
- [2000.07.30] Kurudando (くるだんど) (Indie)
- [2002.06.09] Shodon (諸鈍) (Indie)
- [2004.09.03] Notus (ノトス) (Indie)
- [2007.07.11] Yurai Bana (ユライ花; The First Flower)
- [2008.10.01] Kizuna Uta (絆歌; Bond Songs)
- [2011.10.19] Kiseki no Kakera (キセキノカケラ)
- [2020.10.28] Anata ga Iru Dake de
Chinese Albums
- [2006.11.03] Chung Dong Xin Xian (触動心弦)
- [2007.07.13] Hua Jian Dao (花間道)
- [2010.11.13] Atari Kousuke Best Selection (「華語圈限定發行精選集～像樂器一樣的聲音～」)
Mini-Albums
- [2005.09.07] Materia (マテリヤ) (Indie)
- [2006.10.11] Natsukasha no Shima (なつかしゃのシマ; The Island I Miss)
- [2010.04.21] Ugamiuta ~Kizuna, Sono Te ni~ (うがみうた ～絆、その手に～)
- [2019.04.10] Kanasha (愛者～Kanasha～)
Cover Albums
- [2013.07.31] Best Covers~Motto Nippon.~ (ベストカバーズ～もっと日本。～)
- [2015.06.17] Best Covers ~Natsume Yuujin Tobari~ (ベストカバーズ ～夏目友人帳～)
Best Albums
- [2016.10.26] THE BEST OF KOUSUKE ATARI
Singles
- [2006.03.01] Sorezore ni (それぞれに; In Each and Every)
- [2006.06.28] Omoide no Sugu Soba de / Mahiru no Hanabi (思い出のすぐそばで / 真昼の花火; Right Next to Memories / Midday Fireworks)
- [2007.04.11] Hana (花 Flower)
- [2007.11.14] Tane wo Maku Hibi (種をまく日々; The Days When Seeds are Scattered)
- [2008.04.09] Haru (春; Spring)
- [2008.09.03] Kizuna / Natsu Yuuzora (絆 / 夏夕空; Bonds / A Calm Summer Sky)
- [2009.03.25] Koi (恋; Love)
- [2009.09.09] Sora ga Sora (空が空; The Sky is the Sky)
- [2011.03.09] Haru no Yukundo (春の行人; Spring's Traveller) (Ochugen)
- [2011.08.10] Kimi no Kakera feat. Miyamoto Emiri (君ノカケラ)
- [2015.11.11] Me wo Tojite mo (目をとじても)
Digital Singles
Compilations / Other
- [2016.02.24] MIKA NAKASHIMA TRIBUTE (#9 Sakurairo Mau Koro / Atari Kousuke)
External Links
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