Orange Range

For Japanese music lovers probably already familiar with Orange Range. Especially for the anime. Yup! Two of them used as single well-known anime soundtracks, namely the 3rd Viva Rock Naruto ending theme, and * ~ Asterisk which is his 1st Bleach opening theme. 

ORANGE RANGE is a band from Okinawa, Japan, which was formed in March 2001.The band consists of five creative guys and talented young (23-25 ​​years), namely Ryo (low vox), Hiroki (mid vox), Yamato (high vox), John (bassist), and Naoto (guitar, leader).

Orange Range started from a childhood friendship between Naoto with Katchan (former drummer OR). They formed the band after graduating high school and entered in the same school, the idea Katchan. Then Katchan invite John, an old friend of Naoto, joined bassist. Interested in their practice, Hiroki, Naoto classmates, eventually joined a vocalist. 

The name 'orange range' is a gift from mother Naoto, who is a teacher Shodo (Japanese calligraphy). The Japanese call it by Orenji Renji. 

Initially they could say "cover band" because it often carries the songs of other artists who are well known, like Glay and YamaArashi. However, after trying a variety of music, the four decided to change their band into groove band, and asked Ryo, brother John, who is good rapping to join a vocalist with Hiroki. Yamato, basketball Naoto friends who frequent karaoke together with him, joined by Naoto because he was impressed with the vocal ability possessed Yamato. However, his offer was not immediately accepted Yamato. But after seeing the stage show Orange Range, he was impressed and immediately decided to join as a high vocalists. 

Their musical style is quite unique. They integrate different cultures and musical genres varying from around the world, such as rock, ballads, techno, reggae, pop, hip hop, and others. All were united in a harmonious form of rap music with an aggressive accompaniment. It can we hear from the vocal and instrumental music. Like for example the element of Latin music in the song Onegai! Senorita and Nettai Night, also elements of reggae in the song O-MO-I and Harushion, and is one of their songs nge-jazz, Ame.But that characterized their music is pop, rock and R & B. 

The diversity of their music really relates to their homelands, Okinawa. As we know, there is a United States military bases in Japan. That's where different cultures and styles of mixed-mixed. A variety of music that blend together traditional music. And it was then inspire them to explore the various types of Western music without compromising his own country music. They have a motto "play music to the satisfaction of the listeners." Therefore, their music sounds simple but invicible, powerful yet naturally along with the talent they have. 

About their appearance, both large and small stage, they always seem cool with casual style. But precisely this is what makes them even more loved his fans. 

Orange Range had released an album titled indie Indies Orange Ball in February 2002 and single Michishirube in August 2002. The single was created while staying together kouhai (younger grade / junior) they are in a mountainous area north of Okinawa. They began ogled Japanese music fans after they signed with record label Sony Music Japan in 2003, and released their debut single, Kirikirimai. And their name became famous through a single, Shanghai Honey, which sold 350 thousand copies. In two and a half years they have broken the record with sales exceeding 10 million copies. 

Their first studio album released in late 2003, titled 1st Contact. This album contains 16 tracks, which is a singles ever released before, including Viva Rock and Rakuyou in it.Since its launch, this album managed to occupy the position 2 on the Oricon Charts, although it only lasted for one week. 

In mid-2005, Orange Range was little changed. Katchan, their drummer, resigned. It is not known exactly what causes it. But lately the sound, the reason is because Katchan do not like this band more and move the flow to the hip hop, and away from the rock. To date, Orange Range have not found a replacement drummer. They are still sticking with the formation of five people, and only rely on additional players as drummer. 

Until today, many single people who are used as a soundtrack anime, J-drama, film, and advertising. As we know, Viva Rock Naruto used as the ending theme, and * ~ Asterisk Bleach is used for the opening theme. Hana and Kizuna theme song used for the movie Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu. Hana is a special song written by their respective personnel. Single Kirikirimai be released after diremix Kirikirimai (Fantastic Four Remix) made a superhero movie Fantastic Four soundtrack. Michishirube which also re-released with the title Michishirube ~ A Road Home ~ used as the ending theme for the popular J-drama, Fire Boys ~ Megumi no Daigo ~. Rakuyou used as an advertising song Daiichi Kosho Mero Dam. 

Their first single in mid-2006, Champione, became the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2006 Germany. Sayonara is used as the theme song for TBS drama Teppan Shojo Akane!. The single became a controversy with gossip that this song was their last song.Though this is only a single bye for the first stage of their lives. Therefore, the single became a marker of the second stage of their lives, with another term to adulthood. 

In addition, they created two songs to the needs of commercial, one titled Dance Dance Pocky used for advertising, and another one titled Hello, used by the Disney Channel.Single their 17th, Ikenai Taiyo, was used as the opening theme for the J-drama adaptation of the popular manga Hana-Kimi. Two more singles released in 2008, O2 and Shiawase Neiro, the opening and ending theme Sunrise anime, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2.