(Group) Ebisu Muscats

[L4verra]

i am not quite sure what you mean with "never thought that Akiho Yoshizawa, Rio, Rina Rukawa or Aino Kishi were AV idols until I did research"
how were you "introduced" to akiho yoshizawa, rio,etc..  beyond av ?

Simple. The Muscats as a group introduced me to these many women, such as Akiho Yoshizawa, Rio, Rina Rukawa and Aino Kishi.
For example, have you ever played Super Smash Bros.? Are there ever characters you are not familiar of, but after some research and interest you start to play the games of that said character (ex. Marth, Samus, Mr. Game & Watch, etc.)?
This is the perfect analogy of the Ebisu Muscats. I have never heard of some of the other AV idols as my interest for the Ebisu Muscats grew, such as Yuria Satomi, Hana Haruna, and Yui as examples.
Hell it was because of the Ebisu Muscats that I found out about the lovely Saemi Shinohara. I can't ignore that.
The AV was just the other spectrum. The gravure was just the other spectrum.
But I did not look at that spctrum first.

God forbid they put the two together and make an EbiMasu AV (the AV market is pretty much saturated with "idol group AV" anyways).

Hmm...I wonder if a Tsubaki-esque video featuring 9 of the Ebisu Muscats be a good idea.
Not that I would 100% approve of an "idol group AV", but it seems like a very realistic idea, especially with the Ebisu Muscats.

But if I picked the 9, it would be Aino, Yuma, Rio, Acky, Rina, Shou, Kaho, Yuria and Minori.
You have fans of the 'Cats who appreciate a good AV as much as the next person.
Just imagine 9 of them at once.
 

From my viewpoint this wasnt the case-and the opposite...btw the ebisu muscats i see more as a "side project"

You do realize that, while this might seem like a side project for some, it's not for some of of the Ebisu Muscats.
Take Akiho Yoshizawa for example.
The entire point of the upcoming single was to show just how important this idol group is for her. Being a musical idol was one of Acky's biggest dreams. She proved that as the centerpiece of the upcoming single.
No really go watch the video before the popo gets to it.
I posted it already but...seriously go watch it before it gets pulled.

[babaroga]

Simple. The Muscats as a group introduced me to these many women, such as Akiho Yoshizawa, Rio, Rina Rukawa and Aino Kishi.
For example, have you ever played Super Smash Bros.? Are there ever characters you are not familiar of, but after some research and interest you start to play the games of that said character (ex. Marth, Samus, Mr. Game & Watch, etc.)?
This is the perfect analogy of the Ebisu Muscats.



You do realize that, while this might seem like a side project for some, it's not for some of of the Ebisu Muscats.
Take Akiho Yoshizawa for example.
The entire point of the upcoming single was to show just how important this idol group is for her. Being a musical idol was one of Acky's biggest dreams. She proved that as the centerpiece of the upcoming single.
No really go watch the video before the popo gets to it.
I posted it already but...seriously go watch it before it gets pulled.

in my case actually some movies (as i am more of a movie fan ..) introduced me to other av-idols i wasnt aware of, this was the case with "Rape Zombie-Lust of the Dead" which directed my
attention(!..)to Alice Ozawa..but there are are also other samples

frankly, i dont know what acky´s "plans" are...she surely didnt skip the many opportunities to make quite "a bunch" of avs (i didnt count them )
perhaps when she finally decides to leave the av behind her she wants to be a full time singer or something

the ideja with the "muscats av" wouldn´t make me to sad, but i think its unlikely as they want to do it "straight"..

[john_hung]

it's not so much that the group is comprised of gravure and av idols - it's moreso the fact that it's comprised of top-tier jav idols (aren't sora and yuma in the jav hall of fame?) and you simply can't just dismiss this- look at the studios they work for - s1, idea pocket, premium, etc - all top tier studios...and i'm curious if the group would be as popular if it wasn't made up of all the top-tier av idols? because some of the gravure girls are kinda/sorta popular in the gravure industry, but nowhere near the same level as sora, acky, yuma, etc. are in the jav industry...some of you said you like to separate the av and muscats thing, and that's fine if that works for you, but you can't deny that they both are connected (i mean wasn't risa graduated when she switched over to SOD?).  the fact of the matter is that all the main muscats members are av idols (and were doing av before they joined muscats) and i'm willing to bet that this fact contributes A LOT to the group's popularity. in other words, i'm curious if they'd be as popular as they are if the group was made up of a bunch of 'nobodies' ?

[Tuffty]

Here's my take on it. Ebisu Muscats seems to scratch a certain itch that other idol groups don't really provide, there's a niche in the market that they fill. They're the idol group you can have a realistic chance of getting some action with. Of course, a large, huge even, part of that is becase of the AV girls who practically sell that idea in their films, playing the office lady or girl next door image. Know how sex sells? See Ebisu Muscats for a literal interpretation. Of course, the reality is that many, many fans won't ever do this, but the illusion is just enough that other idol groups don't satisfy.

But that in itself isn't enough. I agree with what john said, I don't think the group would be as successful without some big name heavy hitters in there (even from the early days you had Sola Aoi, Yua Aida, Mihiro etc...). Some of the girls have even tried solo careers before this and were definately not as successful, Sola Aoi in particular. But you put them all together in one group? Making music that Japan thrives on right now? Well, it's genius really.

And I hate to bring this up again, but there is a shadier reason for the formation of the group, and that's to get these girls bigger promotion so the porn studios can sell more DVD's. In an age where you can get free porn, there has to be a reason to persuade fans to splash the cash and this was the way to do it. I think an element of that still exists for these studios today (really the more popular they get, the more DVD's they could sell so they're loving where they're at right now) but I also think that with the success they've had recently, the group has evolved into being it's own legitimate thing now. So much so that people look on them as an idol group first, AV/gravure idols second, when in the early days at least you just couldn't get past that association when you saw them. They've become a lot better at being an idol group and I guess that is also another reason why I enjoy following them.

[initial]

such a cute pair...


 

[Tao Priest]

Screenshots
[PV] Ebisu Muscats - Gyakusou Idol [1440x1080 h264 M-ON! HD]

[babaroga]

all the main muscats members are av idols (and were doing av before they joined muscats) and i'm willing to bet that this fact contributes A LOT to the group's popularity. in other words, i'm curious if they'd be as popular as they are if the group was made up of a bunch of 'nobodies' ?

the thing with the "before" (years before!)i wrote i think to i highly doubt that it is a "coincidence" that the group (as stated allready) by chance consists of those well known av-idols, and while perhaps they gain meanwhile attention from "music-fans only" (beyond av realm) i still wouldnt bet this is prime reason for their popularity, aside of that you can choose from countless groups which do NOT participate in av..on a side note: on http://milky-pop.com/ you can find other av idols (mana izumi, Momoka Nishina, Ayaka Tomoda,etc...)who release also music stuff ,well i guess this is also a "coincidence"...

[L4verra]

But that in itself isn't enough. I agree with what john said, I don't think the group would be as successful without some big name heavy hitters in there (even from the early days you had Sola Aoi, Yua Aida, Mihiro etc...). Some of the girls have even tried solo careers before this and were definately not as successful, Sola Aoi in particular. But you put them all together in one group? Making music that Japan thrives on right now? Well, it's genius really.

The big name heavy hitters out there do give the Ebisu Muscats stopping power and recognition. And in most cases you need more than one. See how successful OFA21 is as a comparison.

the fact of the matter is that all the main muscats members are av idols (and were doing av before they joined muscats) and i'm willing to bet that this fact contributes A LOT to the group's popularity. in other words, i'm curious if they'd be as popular as they are if the group was made up of a bunch of 'nobodies' ?

Well they might not, but we've discussed on this board regarding whenever Akiho Yoshizawa or Sora Aoi retiring from AV, thus retiring from the Ebisu Muscats (see Mihiro as an example).
If we lose marquee names like Acky or Sora, does that mean the Muscats will lose a large chunk of fans?

[TeriyakiBoi]

the fact of the matter is that all the main muscats members are av idols (and were doing av before they joined muscats) and i'm willing to bet that this fact contributes A LOT to the group's popularity. in other words, i'm curious if they'd be as popular as they are if the group was made up of a bunch of 'nobodies' ?

Well they might not, but we've discussed on this board regarding whenever Akiho Yoshizawa or Sora Aoi retiring from AV, thus retiring from the Ebisu Muscats (see Mihiro as an example).
If we lose marquee names like Acky or Sora, does that mean the Muscats will lose a large chunk of fans?

If Acky and Sola do leave the Muscats, it would most likely result in a huge decrease in fan base.  However, with some of the newer members, new fans might come in and take a bit of the sting away.

And here's some food for thought ... would groups like the Muscats and OFA21 have the lifespan of groups like AKB48 and the Hello!Project groups?

[initial]

And here's some food for thought ... would groups like the Muscats and OFA21 have the lifespan of groups like AKB48 and the Hello!Project groups?

We won't know until the main faces of EbiMasu graduate.
We can only hope they still produce good songs, that the show remains entertaining/interesting and that new/future members keep the group going, even crossing into the mainstream.  I don't know how Up-Front recruit these girls that keep Morning Musume going.  After graduations and new members I still find myself a bit skeptical of how Morning Musume will do but then I find a new girl that grabs my interests and then it's all good. 
personally, Kijima is a good example of a new 'Cat grabbing my attention.  Keep doing that and the 'Cats might have a chance.     

[L4verra]

And here's some food for thought ... would groups like the Muscats and OFA21 have the lifespan of groups like AKB48 and the Hello!Project groups?

We won't know until the main faces of EbiMasu graduate.
We can only hope they still produce good songs, that the show remains entertaining/interesting and that new/future members keep the group going, even crossing into the mainstream.  I don't know how Up-Front recruit these girls that keep Morning Musume going.  After graduations and new members I still find myself a bit skeptical of how Morning Musume will do but then I find a new girl that grabs my interests and then it's all good. 
personally, Kijima is a good example of a new 'Cat grabbing my attention.  Keep doing that and the 'Cats might have a chance.     

If some of the 'Cats leave we still might follow them. Like, if Airi Kijima left tomorrow I am sure both of you will still follow up what she does right?
It's like me and Uruha Mizuki. I still like this girl despite an overly shortened tenure on the Ebisu Muscats, and hell I know why she left (the move to AV was to a "small market" company, named kawaii). I still follow up what she does even if she's not a Muscat anymore.

She is criminally underrated and under-appreciated guys.
And this is a personal opinion thing, but I'd take her over Airi Kijima.
Truth be told.





 

[Flantastic]

http://www.youtube.com/embed/e2f9fzV2bFw
Never will get sick of Zako in this costume.

[L4verra]

happy halloween peeps

[Tuffty]

An interview on the new single with Aino and Yuma

so this new song is about Yoshizawa-san reaching her dream?

Yuma "when we were shown the video of how Acky was chosen as the main vocal for the song (probably the same video that was shown in SP53), we were all really touched. Acky is someone that works extremely hard behind the scene where no one else sees it, so I am really happy to be involved in this song and be able to help her out"

Aino "during recording of Gyakusou Idol, when I found out the fact that Acky is the main vocal and the reasoning behind it, I had tears in my eyes while recording"

Yuma "yeah, it was tough to keep my emotions in check, when I heard Acky's heart felt narration during recording, I was like "there is no way I can sing right now" (laugh)"

Do you girls know beforehand that Yoshizawa-san is not good at singing?

Yuma "the three of us went to karaoke together before and Acky looked a little embarrassed"

Aino "I don't think Acky is actually a bad singer at all, but I think she just believes that she is herself"

what are your thoughts about being in a supporting role to Yoshizawa-san?

Aino "I will go full out to help her"

Yuma "I will do my best to support her from behind and I will give her a hand when she needs it, I think all members would love to help Acky achieve her dream"

what are your thoughts about future songs that might feature the two of you?

Aino "it is hard to say, to be honest, it doesn't matter who is featured, that being said, I wouldn't mind giving it a try"

Yuma "I would like to try it, but after looking at Rina Rukawa and Acky, I can definately see the pressure that is on the central figure and main vocal, so I am a little scared"

Aino "yeah, I am also a little scared"

please tell us what your dreams are?

Aino "I would like to see Muscats last for as long as possible, the longer we continue, the better we will get and hopefully we will be able to experience new things, for example performing at Budokan (laugh)" (note Budokan is a venue with a capacity of around 15,000, it is a dream for a lot of artists to be able to perform there)

Yuma "I really want to perform at Budokan!! it will be like breaking a major barrier"

Aino "it would definately be something to perform Zundoko at Budokan (laugh)"

there is also a new song Nightingale that features yourself and Kaho Kasumi, tell us more about the song?

Aino "it is a pop like song, I think the PV for it is really cool. We did a lot of different moves while wearing two costumes, one was a black mini skirt one piece and the other a white nurse uniform, everybody should definately check it out"

what about "chinsatsu" (laugh)? (chinsatsu is actually a made up word like chintastic before, where chin is a slang for penis and satsu came from the word "shinsatsu" which means medical examination. It fits Kishi-chan and Kaho's character perfectly)

Aino "we do "chinsatsu" as well, it is definately important to check the condition of the penis, do you want to get it checked out?"

no no, it's okay, I'll pass (sweat) finally, please give a message to the readers

Aino "Gyakusou Idol is a song that contains not only Acky's dream but Muscats' dream. Muscats' main theme for this year is "giving thanks and showing appreciation", so the lyrics of Gyakusou Idol contain the appreciation we have for all our fans. We would like to sing the song cutely just like an idol group as well"

Yuma "it is a song that shows our appreciation towards the fans, but at the same time, it also sends the message to people that they should not give up on their dream and instead should try their best to achieve it"



And with the leading lady herself.

you cried when you first heard that you will be the main vocal for the new song, can you tell us how you felt at the time?

Acky "for all our previous songs, I always tell the staff team that I am not good at singing, so I usually only say a few phrase here and there. So when they asked me to be the main vocal for the new song, I really didn't know if I can meet their expectations since I have no confidence in my singing ability and there are so many other members that can sing much better than me.

you don't go to karaoke at all?

Acky "I enjoy going to karaoke with other members because everyone gets really excited, however I don't really sing at karaoke either."

I heard there wasn't much time in between when you found out that you will be the main vocal and the actual recording?

Acky "that's right, but I thought to myself "guess I'll just have to go ahead and do it". First, I went and did some voice training with a music teacher who taught me some singing tips and how to breathe properly. I did a lot of training even when I am on the move, to be honest, it was really tough and a lot of work. The pressure of releasing the new CD is what kept me going."

what were your feelings when you heard the song for the first time after the recording?

Acky "I could really feel all the effort put in by all Muscats members and staff team, so I was really thankful and appreciative of everyone."

what do you think about your own singing?

Acky "I think it can be improved if I sing with more confidence"

I would imagine that you will get a lot of chance to sing the song during concert and event, right?

Acky "it is difficult to improve significantly over a short period of time, but I believe that if you try really hard and put in a lot of effort, then I think the audience will be able to feel it and get the message that you are trying to send. Therefore, I decided that I will try to make eye contact with every fan while I am singing.

how have the fans responded?

Acky "I get a lot of people that say things like "congratulations" and "it is wonderful that your dream came true" to me during event and concert, which I am so happy and grateful for."

not only the song, but you are also featured in the PV and your costume really stands out since it is pink instead of blue like everyone else.

Acky "I actually wear more petticoat under my skirt than any other member, so my skirt actually floats more as compare to other members. To be honest, I kind of feel sorry that my costume is different from everyone else's."

do you know that Yuma Asami and Aino Kishi said they will do everything in their power to support you.

Acky "I know, everyone is so supportive of me. Yuma-chin actually sent me a text message a day before our concert which said "I will do my best to support you", I was so happy."

please tell us what dream do you hope to achieve next?

Acky "we have performed at many different venues, but all members have a dream right now about one day been able to perform at Budokan. In order to reach this dream, we will need to continue to improve ourselves in every aspect."

lastly, please give a message to all the readers.

Acky "I hope this song can reach the heart of people that might be about to give up their dream because they run into different obstacles along the way and give them hope. This song is also filled with our appreciation toward all our fans that have supported us along the way, so I hope more people will listen to it."



The single is out now, here's hoping it meets their expectations and gets higher than #8 than Oya Fukou Baby did.

[TeriyakiBoi]

Their dream to perform at the Budokan reminds me of when the manzai duo Downtown said they wanted to perform one last time at one of the famous theatres (I can't remember where).  I think if Acky puts her mind to it, she could become a better singer and could provide a nice vocal addition to some of their songs.

[L4verra]

http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20121101-00000009-lisn-musi

Congratulations 'Cats.
 

[initial]

http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20121101-00000009-lisn-musi

Congratulations 'Cats.
 

These girls can do it!!!!!  this may be a gimmicky group but they are making progress to hit the mainstream!!!  I love this group

[initial]

 

 

[initial]

number 1:  Yuria, hell yes!
number 2:  Minori, hell yeah!
number 3: Yui, so cute
number 4:  Yuika, even in this pic she gets no camera-time.

[initial]

cool Ando...