Difference between revisions of "TWO-MIX"
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'''TWO-MIX''' is a [[J-Pop]] band that is widely known for their popular songs that feature on countless television shows and anime. It was formed in 1995 by [[Takayama Minami]] and [[Nagano Shiina]] after the breakup of their last band, [[ES CONNEXION|ES CONNEXION]] the year before. | '''TWO-MIX''' is a [[J-Pop]] band that is widely known for their popular songs that feature on countless television shows and anime. It was formed in 1995 by [[Takayama Minami]] and [[Nagano Shiina]] after the breakup of their last band, [[ES CONNEXION|ES CONNEXION]] the year before. | ||
It's almost impossible to have lived in Japan since 1995 and not know about TWO-MIX, especially because they have produced songs for a wide variety of anime and television shows in Japan. | It's almost impossible to have lived in Japan since 1995 and not know about TWO-MIX, especially because they have produced songs for a wide variety of anime and television shows in Japan. | ||
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<div id="contentSub"></div><div id="jump-to-nav">Jump to: [[wiki/#column-one|navigation]], [[wiki/#searchInput|search]]</div><div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 252px">[[Image:Two-mix52.jpg|[[Image:250px-Two-mix52.jpg|250px|TWO-MIX]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Two-mix52.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>TWO-MIX</div></div></div> | <div id="contentSub"></div><div id="jump-to-nav">Jump to: [[wiki/#column-one|navigation]], [[wiki/#searchInput|search]]</div><div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 252px">[[Image:Two-mix52.jpg|[[Image:250px-Two-mix52.jpg|250px|TWO-MIX]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Two-mix52.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>TWO-MIX</div></div></div> | ||
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==<span class="mw-headline"> Members </span>== | ==<span class="mw-headline"> Members </span>== | ||
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''For previous history, see [[RE-X|RE-X]] and [[ES CONNEXION|ES CONNEXION]].'' | ''For previous history, see [[RE-X|RE-X]] and [[ES CONNEXION|ES CONNEXION]].'' | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">The Birth of TWO-MIX</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">The Birth of TWO-MIX</span>=== | ||
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Together once again, Nagano and Takayama were unstoppable. They released song after song, hindered at first only by Takayama's other job as a seiyuu. Unfortunately, when [[Meitantei Conan]] became an anime in 1996 and Takayama was slated as the protagonist, her free time began to lessen as the years went on. In time, this would greatly influence the amount of time TWO-MIX could devote to releasing songs. | Together once again, Nagano and Takayama were unstoppable. They released song after song, hindered at first only by Takayama's other job as a seiyuu. Unfortunately, when [[Meitantei Conan]] became an anime in 1996 and Takayama was slated as the protagonist, her free time began to lessen as the years went on. In time, this would greatly influence the amount of time TWO-MIX could devote to releasing songs. | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">The Switch to Warner</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">The Switch to Warner</span>=== | ||
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In 1999, TWO-MIX began to employ the talent of a totally unknown woman, [[Takayama Miru]]. Though she shared a surname with [[Takayama Minami]], it is merely a stage name, and no one is sure if the two bear any sort of relation. Three singles were released under the name '''Takayama Miru with TWO-MIX''' before the decision came to change the name of this group to '''M★TWO -MinaMiru-''', signifiying that [[Takayama Miru]] was a new addition to the group. However, her participation was short-lived, having released only an additional single and an album before she left the group. Where she is today is unknown. | In 1999, TWO-MIX began to employ the talent of a totally unknown woman, [[Takayama Miru]]. Though she shared a surname with [[Takayama Minami]], it is merely a stage name, and no one is sure if the two bear any sort of relation. Three singles were released under the name '''Takayama Miru with TWO-MIX''' before the decision came to change the name of this group to '''M★TWO -MinaMiru-''', signifiying that [[Takayama Miru]] was a new addition to the group. However, her participation was short-lived, having released only an additional single and an album before she left the group. Where she is today is unknown. | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">TWO∞MIX</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">TWO∞MIX</span>=== | ||
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Their TWO∞MIX work went well, but [[Meitantei Conan]] severely required [[Takayama Minami]]'s attention, so the time she was able to devote to TWO-MIX declined steadily. | Their TWO∞MIX work went well, but [[Meitantei Conan]] severely required [[Takayama Minami]]'s attention, so the time she was able to devote to TWO-MIX declined steadily. | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">Contract's End</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">Contract's End</span>=== | ||
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In 2002, when TWO-MIX's contract with [[Warner Music Japan]] ended, they became independent once again, creating both their own recording label, [[LITTLE STATION|LITTLE STATION]] and their own distributor, [[BPM NEXT|BPM NEXT]]. However, this too was short-lived since they were only able to produce one single during this period. | In 2002, when TWO-MIX's contract with [[Warner Music Japan]] ended, they became independent once again, creating both their own recording label, [[LITTLE STATION|LITTLE STATION]] and their own distributor, [[BPM NEXT|BPM NEXT]]. However, this too was short-lived since they were only able to produce one single during this period. | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">A New Beginning</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">A New Beginning</span>=== | ||
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Though most of their music sounds fairly similar, they often have different sub-styles. For example, some of their songs are techno dance songs, some are slow ballads, then there's the fully orchestrated [[Baroque Best|Baroque Best]] album, and still other songs are wholly different altogether (for example, "Mission: Cinderella" and "Do That Dance" have a distinctly Spanish feel). It seems that they often enjoy experimenting with different styles to achieve something unique. Though the casual listener might not realize it, TWO-MIX's true afficionados can certainly tell that each song has it's own particular feel, style, and rhythm. | Though most of their music sounds fairly similar, they often have different sub-styles. For example, some of their songs are techno dance songs, some are slow ballads, then there's the fully orchestrated [[Baroque Best|Baroque Best]] album, and still other songs are wholly different altogether (for example, "Mission: Cinderella" and "Do That Dance" have a distinctly Spanish feel). It seems that they often enjoy experimenting with different styles to achieve something unique. Though the casual listener might not realize it, TWO-MIX's true afficionados can certainly tell that each song has it's own particular feel, style, and rhythm. | ||
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==<span class="mw-headline"> Discography </span>== | ==<span class="mw-headline"> Discography </span>== | ||
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* [2001.01.01] [[20010101|20010101]] | * [2001.01.01] [[20010101|20010101]] | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">[[Warner Music Japan]] (1998-2003)</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">[[Warner Music Japan]] (1998-2003)</span>=== | ||
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* [2002.04.24] [[7th Anniversary BEST|7th Anniversary BEST]] | * [2002.04.24] [[7th Anniversary BEST|7th Anniversary BEST]] | ||
* [2002.11.20] [[TWO-MIX Collection Box ~Categorhythm~|TWO-MIX Collection Box ~Categorhythm~]] | * [2002.11.20] [[TWO-MIX Collection Box ~Categorhythm~|TWO-MIX Collection Box ~Categorhythm~]] | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">[[BPM NEXT|BPM NEXT]]</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">[[BPM NEXT|BPM NEXT]]</span>=== | ||
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* [2003.05.03] [[Before The Ignition|Before The Ignition]] | * [2003.05.03] [[Before The Ignition|Before The Ignition]] | ||
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===<span class="mw-headline">[[JAWS Records|JAWS Records]]</span>=== | ===<span class="mw-headline">[[JAWS Records|JAWS Records]]</span>=== | ||
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* "37°C ~Binetsu Senki~" (as '''M★TWO -MinaMiru-''', released on [[37°C ~binetsu senki~|37°C ~binetsu senki~]] single) | * "37°C ~Binetsu Senki~" (as '''M★TWO -MinaMiru-''', released on [[37°C ~binetsu senki~|37°C ~binetsu senki~]] single) | ||
* "Kibou no Shizuku" (as '''II MIX⊿DELTA''', released on [[DELTA ONE]] mini-album) | * "Kibou no Shizuku" (as '''II MIX⊿DELTA''', released on [[DELTA ONE]] mini-album) | ||
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==<span class="mw-headline">External Links</span>== | ==<span class="mw-headline">External Links</span>== | ||
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* [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MusicStar-Guitar/8394/data.html TWO-MIX Release Data] | * [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MusicStar-Guitar/8394/data.html TWO-MIX Release Data] | ||
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Revision as of 18:31, 3 May 2009
TWO-MIX is a J-Pop band that is widely known for their popular songs that feature on countless television shows and anime. It was formed in 1995 by Takayama Minami and Nagano Shiina after the breakup of their last band, ES CONNEXION the year before.
It's almost impossible to have lived in Japan since 1995 and not know about TWO-MIX, especially because they have produced songs for a wide variety of anime and television shows in Japan.
Members
- Nagano Shiina: lyrics, music arrangement
- Takayama Minami: vocals, music composition
History
For previous history, see RE-X and ES CONNEXION.
The Birth of TWO-MIX
When Abukawa Osamu left ES CONNEXION in 1994, Nagano Shiina and Takayama Minami both wanted to continue their music careers. Without Osamu, however, they could not keep ES CONNEXION from disbanding forever. Instead, they created a new band for the two of them. On April 25th, 1995, they released their first single, Just Communication, under the name TWO-MIX and under KING RECORDS' prestigious distribution label.
Together once again, Nagano and Takayama were unstoppable. They released song after song, hindered at first only by Takayama's other job as a seiyuu. Unfortunately, when Meitantei Conan became an anime in 1996 and Takayama was slated as the protagonist, her free time began to lessen as the years went on. In time, this would greatly influence the amount of time TWO-MIX could devote to releasing songs.
The Switch to Warner
In 1998, another catastrophe befell them. Not satisfied with KING RECORDS' treatment of them, TWO-MIX endeavored to terminate their contract and sign a five-year contract with Warner Music Japan. This prooved somewhat difficult since KING RECORDS possessed publication rights for TWO-MIX's earlier songs until at least 2001. Even though TWO-MIX was no longer part of KING RECORDS, that didn't stop their previous destributor from producing two TWO-MIX compilations (one in 1998 and one in 2001). Since early TWO-MIX songs appeared in their final compilation under Warner Music Japan in 2002, it is safe to assume that KING RECORDS' publishing rights have since expired.
Takayama Miru and M★TWO -MinaMiru-
In 1999, TWO-MIX began to employ the talent of a totally unknown woman, Takayama Miru. Though she shared a surname with Takayama Minami, it is merely a stage name, and no one is sure if the two bear any sort of relation. Three singles were released under the name Takayama Miru with TWO-MIX before the decision came to change the name of this group to M★TWO -MinaMiru-, signifiying that Takayama Miru was a new addition to the group. However, her participation was short-lived, having released only an additional single and an album before she left the group. Where she is today is unknown.
TWO∞MIX
In 2000, TWO-MIX turned their eye towards dance music, the kind that played in clubs throughout all Japan. Wanting to push into this industry, they released more techno-based dance titles under the name TWO∞MIX. This included not only normal singles and albums but also dance compilation omnibus CDs from Warner Music Japan, produced by TWO∞MIX.
Their TWO∞MIX work went well, but Meitantei Conan severely required Takayama Minami's attention, so the time she was able to devote to TWO-MIX declined steadily.
Contract's End
In 2002, when TWO-MIX's contract with Warner Music Japan ended, they became independent once again, creating both their own recording label, LITTLE STATION and their own distributor, BPM NEXT. However, this too was short-lived since they were only able to produce one single during this period.
A New Beginning
Without any releases at all in 2004, TWO-MIX fans were in hysterics. No one seemed to know what exactly was going on. However, TWO-MIX refused to perish completely. In the middle of 2005, it was announced that both Nagano Shiina and Takayama Minami were putting "TWO-MIX" on an indefinite hiatus so that they could join with ROmantic Mode's producer, Rinoie Joe to create a new band, II MIX⊿DELTA under Rinoie's label, JAWS RECORDS.
Since Meitantei Conan still requires a lot of Takayama's attention, II MIX⊿DELTA is only able to make one release per year, in the early summer. They have released two six-track mini-albums so far, one in 2005, and one in 2006.
Style
TWO-MIX has a very interesting and unique style. It is definitely a sort of "electronic pop", or pop-type music in which many of the instruments are either synthesized or electronic-sounding. Many times, they enlist the aid of other instrumentalists to add real violins, cellos, flutes, and other instruments to their songs.
Though most of their music sounds fairly similar, they often have different sub-styles. For example, some of their songs are techno dance songs, some are slow ballads, then there's the fully orchestrated Baroque Best album, and still other songs are wholly different altogether (for example, "Mission: Cinderella" and "Do That Dance" have a distinctly Spanish feel). It seems that they often enjoy experimenting with different styles to achieve something unique. Though the casual listener might not realize it, TWO-MIX's true afficionados can certainly tell that each song has it's own particular feel, style, and rhythm.
Discography
KING RECORDS (1995-1998)
Singles
- [1995.04.29] Just Communication
- [1995.11.22] Rhythm Emotion
- [1996.03.23] T*R*Y ~Return to Yourself~
- [1996.07.24] Love Revolution
- [1996.10.02] Rhythm Generation
- [1997.01.15] White Reflection
- [1997.06.04] True Navigation
- [1997.09.03] Summer Planet No.1
- [1997.11.21] Living Daylights
- [1998.01.21] Time Distortion
- [1998.05.08] Beat of Destiny
- [1998.07.23] Last Impression
Albums
- [1995.08.23] BPM 132
- [1996.01.24] BPM 143
- [1996.11.21] BPM 150MAX
- [1997.12.22] Fantastix
Mini-Albums
- [1998.03.04] Fantastix II (Next)
Remix Albums
- [1996.03.23] TWO→(RE)MIX
- [1997.03.26] BPM "Dance ∞"
Compilation Albums
- [1997.03.13] BPM "Best Files"
- [1998.12.21] Super Best Files 1995-1998
- [2001.01.01] 20010101
Warner Music Japan (1998-2003)
Singles
- [1998.11.26] Truth ~A Great Detective of Love~
- [1999.05.12] Body Makes Stream
- [1999.05.12] Justice ~Future Mystery~ (as Takayama Miru with TWO-MIX)
- [1999.08.25] Maximum Wave
- [1999.08.25] Kiss (as Takayama Miru with TWO-MIX)
- [1999.10.27] Side Formula
- [1999.11.10] Rhythmic Youth (as Takayama Miru with TWO-MIX)
- [2000.02.23] 37°C ~binetsu senki~ (as M★TWO -MinaMiru-)
- [2000.03.08] Naked Dance (as TWO∞MIX)
- [2001.08.29] Gravity Zero
Albums
- [1998.09.23] Dream Tactix
- [1999.11.25] Rhythm Formula
- [2000.03.23] Single & Single (as M★TWO -MinaMiru-)
- [2001.10.11] 0G
Remix Albums
- [1998.11.26] Baroque Best
- [2000.08.09] BPM Cube (as TWO∞MIX)
- [2001.11.21] BPM "Dance ∞" II (as TWO∞MIX)
Compilation Albums
- [2002.04.24] 7th Anniversary BEST
- [2002.11.20] TWO-MIX Collection Box ~Categorhythm~
BPM NEXT
Singles
- [2003.05.03] Before The Ignition
JAWS Records
Singles
- [2007.06.06] Jikuu wo Koete (as II MIX⊿DELTA)
Mini-Albums
- [2005.07.27] - DELTA ONE (as II MIX⊿DELTA)
- [2006.06.21] - DELTA TWO -UNIVERSE- (as II MIX⊿DELTA)
Trivia
Throughout their history (even as far back as RE-X), they have tended to stay away from using Japanese song titles. Up until their DELTA TWO -UNIVERSE- release, any albums that contained Japanese song titles contained only one:
- "Itsumade mo" (as RE-X, released on Gin no Yuki Furu Furu Drama CD)
- "Soshite Futari wa Kayoubi ni..." (as Minami Takayama, released on Endless Communication album)
- "Koukyou Kumikyoku 'TWO-MIX'" (as TWO-MIX, released on Baroque Best remix album)
- "37°C ~Binetsu Senki~" (as M★TWO -MinaMiru-, released on 37°C ~binetsu senki~ single)
- "Kibou no Shizuku" (as II MIX⊿DELTA, released on DELTA ONE mini-album)
