With a star-studded lineup, LEADER revealed the first music video, “Madman?”, on September 26. Following came the single’s digital release on October 1.
LEADER is the solo project of Uesugi Kenta (上杉研太), bassist of SUPER BEAVER. For LEADER, Uesugi takes on both vocal and bass duties. In the track Madman?, Kenta Uesugi is joined by a star-studded lineup consisting of musicians with careers spanning over a decade.
Bringing multiple decades of experience is guitarist Hoshino Hidehiko (星野英彦) from BUCK-TICK. Holding down the rhythm section is drummer Amano Tatsuya of Crossfaith. Finally, providing electronic soundscapes and acting as a co-producer is Kikuchi Takuma, whose experience comes from MOP of HEAD and GANZ HASE.
Teased alongside Uesugi’s apparel brand “PERFECT LIVES“, Madman? embraces the same rebellious energy. The music video introduces us to the cute but fiery character called “Hallelujah“, who throughout the music video can be seen expressing his emotions to the fullest. Likewise, the band are doing the same, expressing pure, unfiltered passion as they play through the adrenaline-fueled track, Madman?.
Madman? allows all members to play to their strengths. Uesugi’s lyrics throughout Madman? are simple but powerful, expressed with a thirst for life. Expanding this further is his intense bass solo, which later overflows with power as Hidehiko’s guitar joins in. Although simple, Hidehiko parts create an electric atmosphere with a forceful and fierce guitar tone. Tatsuya keeps the momentum going with his drums, pushing the blood-pumping track to its limits. Filling out the world is Takuma’s bold synthesizer parts. With each listen, the intricacies of the synthesizers reveal themselves to you, building further the electrifying soundscape.
In addition to new music, Uesugi’s apparel brand PERFECT LIVES offers new fashion choices to embrace who you are, live freely, and redefine perfect. Embracing liberating and rebellious designs, PERFECT LIVES provides you another medium of self-expression.
Finally, to any bass players, Uesugi’s original bass, “LB4”, seen in the Madman? music video is available for purchase. LB4, or “LEADER BASS 4 string”, aims to provide a high-quality but simple bass perfect for creating big sounds. Specs and purchase details can be found at the LEADER STORE.
All the announcements have the same message of rejecting society’s accepted version of perfect and embracing your own version of perfect. To remind yourself of that message again, the blood-pumping track, Madman? is available to stream on repeat on all major streaming services.
- Madman?Madman?