World-renowned VOCALOID artist Hatsune Miku has launched EMERGE M♡DE MIKU, a collaborative EP that bridges the gap between Japan’s VOCALOID world and contemporary Western music. The virtual singer is one of the most popular VOCALOID artists, selling out concerts worldwide as a live 3D hologram, including at this year’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles, which was the first to unveil Miku’s new project.
“As a virtual singer representing VOCALOID, Hatsune Miku attracted roughly 100,000 fans during her 15-city North American concert tour this spring, and has collaborated with a diverse range of artists and cultural icons, from Lady Gaga to Pokémon,” says Hiroyuki Itoh, CEO of Crypton Future Media, Inc., the company behind Hatsune Miku. “Hatsune Miku’s activities are supported by creators around the world who share their work online.”
In her new EP, Miku teams up with a lineup of artists, including Grimes, Odetari, MOLIY, George Clanton, Frost Children, slayr, and XAMIYA, to expand her international appeal. The EP features original songs created with Miku alongside Japan’s influential and acclaimed VOCALOID producers jon-YAKITORY, SatapanP, and picco.
“Working in the studio with world-class musicians allowed us to create something entirely new by bringing together the best of each person’s fresh ideas,” SatapanP says. “Through the exciting “BEYOND BORDERs” project and VOCALOID music—a genre still relatively young in historical terms—I hope we can help make music as an art form even more meaningful to people around the world.”
The EP follows her singles “Miku-Maxxing” with Grimes and SatapanP, “Light” with slayr, XAMIYA, and picco, and “Party Monster” with Odetari and SatapanP, all of which helped build her global fame. It also introduced the world to one of the original virtual artists that helped break VOCALOID to the mainstream. Miku debuted in 2007 and became a cultural phenomenon. Throughout the years, she has maintained that fame, building a huge fanbase and several partnerships, including Fortnite, Pokémon, Just Dance, Toyota, and more.
Through Dwango’s initiatives, BEYOND BORDERs has introduced VOCALOID culture to new audiences by “connecting pioneering Japanese creators with artists, producers, and songwriters around the world. The most surprising thing about this EP is that Japan’s Ministry of Culture supports it. Grimes was has received from not only her fans, but also from her government.
“I am truly delighted to see creators from different backgrounds meet across regional boundaries and language barriers through “BEYOND BORDERs,” and create new music together,” Itoh adds.
The EP’s focus track, “All Mine,” features Ghanaian singer-songwriter MOLIY, blending the two distinct vocals for a new sound. She also teams up with American electronic musician and singer George Clanton (produced by picco) on “All Across The World,” and with American pop duo Frost Children (produced by jon-YAKITORY) on “Choosy.”
SatapanP, jon-YAKITORY, and picco flew into Los Angeles to meet with Nebula17, the creative agency helping Dwango build U.S. relationships. Producer jon-YAKITORY recalls this co-writing experience, calling it “an [incredibly] valuable opportunity.”
“As a VOCALOID producer, I focused on creating music that would allow Miku to fit naturally within a global musical context,” says jon-YAKITORY. “Everyone in the studio respected one another while approaching the creative process with genuine dedication. Although we spoke different languages, I felt that we were all working toward the same goal, which made the entire process truly enjoyable. I would be honored if this project helps introduce the unique culture of VOCALOID to more people around the world and encourages them to embrace and enjoy it.”
Picco hopes for more creative opportunities like this, especially with BEYOND BORDERs. He says, “I had the opportunity to create music in a Los Angeles studio alongside leading international producers. It was a truly invaluable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
While some people may not understand what VOCALOID is, many assume it’s generative AI that trains on unauthorized third-party data. It is not. Instead, VOCALOID is one of the most widely accepted digital instruments and music production tools, using legal, licensed (authorized) vocal libraries with real voice actors and used like a synthesizer. Miku and the company behind her are well-respected in the music industry. She’s collaborated with several music artists, including Pharrell Williams, Big Boi of Outkast, American rock band Set It Off, DJ Slushii, K-pop star YENA, and Lady Gaga.
It’s another reason BEYOND BORDERs is building these bridges: to help people understand Japanese VOCALOID culture and work with Western music to push the boundaries of what artists and music can be.
That has always been one of Gorokiyotake Orimoto’s goals as General Manager of the Business Development Division at Dwango and one of BEYOND BORDERs’ producers. He notes, “Born in Japan, VOCALOID culture is now crossing oceans and taking flight on the global stage. The passion and creativity of VOCALOID producers—which began in individual bedrooms and on personal computers—are evolving into new forms of expression through encounters with world-renowned artists, opening the door to an even greater future. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported this invaluable endeavor.”
Hatsune Miku’s new EP, EMERGE M♡DE MIKU, is available today on.