Creepy J-pop rock with a tinge of Cello.  Mix in a vampiric steampunk sense of fashion and a Tim Burton aesthetic, and you've got yourself the Japanese gem Kanon Wakeshima, who's debut album Shinshoku Dolce, was recently released in the U.S. And just in time, as she will be making a couple rare in store performances to lucky J-lovers of California.

You heard right you west coasters.  For San Fran fans, Amoeba Records will be host to Kanon on July 20 (<3 Amoeba- wish they'd open one in DC!) And J-fans of the Culver City area, make sure to save the date of July 21, as she will be making an appearance at the Royal T Cafe.  And exclusive to this event- if you are into Tea and Cosplay (costume roleplay)- be sure to arrive in your best "Vampire Knight" get up, cause the first 10 through the door will get free tea.  Wicked.

Now, Wakeshima's love of the art of drawing, has extended past the showcase of her work (that will be shown at these events), and into the hands and imagination of fans.  What in the world am I talking about?  She's having a Fan Art contest, calling on fans to create art inspired by her single "Still Doll."  For more details, check out her website.
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Today, millions worldwide witnessed the Memorial for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  Whether they were lucky enough to be at the Staples Center in L.A., gathered together in large crowds to watch a jumbo-tron playing the live feed, or huddled up at the office computer, fans from all countries shared the moment together.  Paying homage to MJ at the service were Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Jennifer Hudson, amongst others.  And yet years, (and decades!) before this untimeliness, musicians from around the world have been been paying homage for the songs he created by covering them in their own languages and genres.

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Honestly the first artist I think of is Weird Al Yankovich, who lovingly parodied nearly everything MJ ever did.  And who could forget the falsetto of Alvin & the Chipmunks with "Beat It."  But were you aware of a German rockabilly band that covered the song "Black or White"?  Yup, that would be Dick Brave & the Backbeats.   

And how about the handful of worldwide love for the song "Billie Jean."?  Covering this gem includes a severly awesome Jamaican reggae artist Shinehead, a Canadian acoustic 3 piecer- The Lost Fingers, Swiss rockers MiNa, and German punk band The Bates, who's music video mirrors the film Psycho.
Showing some love from South America, there is the Chilean groovesters Senor Coconut with a latin flavored "Beat It", and Brazil's own Cidia E Dan with a Portuguese rendition of "Rock With You."  Headbanging over in the UK is metal band Ten Masked Men who edged out both "Beat It" and "Thriller." And kickin it old school with "Ben" (historically performed by a young MJ) was a young Danish kid by the name of Silvy Melody.
Of course, there are more artists out there in our world that were somehow inspired by the music, and awesome dance moves, that Michael brought us.  And undoubtedly, there will be many more to come.  Share your fave's with us, and check out some of the artists mentioned here and more, on our Blip playlist.

R.I.P.
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