Fade (band)
Fade: A Unique Cross-Cultural Rock Band
Fade (stylized as fade) was a distinctive Japanese-American rock band that emerged in the music scene in 1991. Over the course of their career, they released five mini-albums, two full-length studio albums, and two singles, leaving a significant mark on both the Japanese and American music landscapes. Despite their success and fanbase, the band announced an indefinite hiatus on April 9, 2014, following a tour that concluded in June of the same year. Their final twelve years were spent under the umbrella of Universal Music Japan, a partnership that contributed to their growth and recognition in the industry.
Origins and Formation (1991–2002)
The story of Fade begins with the formation of an instrumental band in 1991 by Rui Watanabe and Kansei Miyagi, who were both students at a Japanese secondary school in New York City. Their early years were characterized by frequent changes in bass players until Noriyuki Hashimoto joined the group in 1994, providing stability to their lineup. In 1999, the band made a pivotal move to Tokyo, Japan, where they aimed to redefine their sound and establish themselves in a new environment.
In Tokyo, the band encountered Shingo Terasawa, who was also known by his alias Godo. He became the second guitarist for Fade, helping to enrich their musical composition with his unique style. The lineup was further solidified when vocalist Jon Underdown joined the group in 2001; he was an exchange student from Seattle at the time. By 2002, the band had officially adopted the name Fade, marking a new chapter in their artistic journey. The members hailed from diverse backgrounds—with Jon being the only one without Japanese ancestry—yet they shared a common passion for music that transcended cultural barriers.
Early Success: Fade and A Moment of Truth (2003–2005)
Fade’s debut mini-album, aptly titled Fade, was released in Japan in 2003 and quickly gained traction. It ranked third on Japan Countdown, a notable chart tracking weekly album sales across the country. This early recognition set the stage for their future endeavors. In 2005, while collaborating with renowned figures such as Markku Lappalainen (formerly of Hoobastank) and Erik Gregory (known for programming Linkin Park’s remix album Reanimation), Fade released their second mini-album A Moment of Truth. One of its standout tracks, “Beautiful,” found its way into Shunji Iwai’s film Rainbow Song, further expanding their reach into different media.
Expanding Their Reach: Under the Sun and To Find A Better Tomorrow (2005–2008)
The band’s creativity continued to flourish post-2005 with the release of Under the Sun, which followed shortly after A Moment of Truth. The fourth mini-album titled To Find A Better Tomorrow, released in 2008, showcased Fade’s evolution as artists and ranked ninth on USEN Japan’s Western Music chart. This album featured “Slitting Regret,” which included guest vocals from Toyo of industrial metal band Newbreed, illustrating Fade’s willingness to collaborate across genres.
The Era of Full-Length Albums: Age of Innocence and Kings of Dawn (2009–2011)
In 2009, Fade marked a significant milestone by releasing their first full-length studio album, Age of Innocence. This album not only solidified their place in the rock genre but also included tracks featured in various marketing campaigns and popular video game series like Drum Mania and Guitar Freaks. In April 2011, they released two singles: “One Reason,” which served as an opening theme for the anime Deadman Wonderland, and “Cosmicalism” (コズミカリズム). Notably, “One Reason” achieved considerable success on independent music charts.
The follow-up album, Kings of Dawn, arrived later in 2011 featuring collaborations with Koie Kenta from Crossfaith. This album was particularly noteworthy as it included songs sung in both English and Japanese by Jon Underdown—an endeavor that highlighted Fade’s bilingual capabilities. An iTunes version featuring a cover of Bon Jovi’s classic “Livin’ on a Prayer” was also released alongside a European edition through Gan-shin Records.
Maturing Sound: Ten and Crossroad: History of Fade (2012–2014)
The band’s seventh album, Ten, released in July 2012, showcased their growth as musicians. Jon Underdown described it as “ROCK with pop sensibility,” reflecting a balance between catchy melodies and heavier sounds. This album again saw collaboration with producer Hajime Okano and included a bonus DVD featuring live concert footage—a treat for fans longing for visual content alongside audio experiences.
The culmination of Fade’s efforts came with the release of Crossroad: History of Fade on February 26, 2014. This compilation featured seventeen tracks with three new additions that exemplified their creative journey over more than a decade. The mixing for this project took place in Los Angeles under Jay Baumgardner’s expertise—an indication of how far they had come since their formation.
The Hiatus: Reflections on Fade’s Legacy (2014-present)
The announcement of an indefinite hiatus on April 9, 2014, marked a bittersweet moment for fans who had followed Fade through thick and thin. The members pursued various individual projects; Jon Underdown co-founded Funtime Productions with Victor Newman while continuing to contribute vocals for games and soundtracks within Japan’s vibrant entertainment industry. Rui Watanabe transitioned into music production for emerging artists like Reona while also engaging with fans through Twitch streaming.
Meanwhile, Shingo Terasawa embraced his artistic side through painting while still occasionally performing as a musician. Each member’s journey post-Fade reflects not only their individual talents but also their enduring legacy within both Japanese and American rock scenes—a testament to what they achieved together as a band.
Conclusion
Fade remains an emblematic figure within rock music history due to its unique cross-cultural identity and innovative sound that bridged gaps between genres and languages. From their inception in New York City to establishing themselves firmly within Japan’s music scene, they created an extensive discography that resonated with fans worldwide. Although on hiatus since 2014, the impact of Fade is still felt today through their music and the ongoing endeavors of its former members. As they reflect on their achievements while pursuing new paths individually, fans continue to celebrate the legacy left behind by this remarkable band.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).