VOICE COACH REACTS | BAND-MAID... Wonderland. Call me Alice cause BAND-MAID's a rabbit hole. 

Miku doesn't get near the credit she deserves for her brilliant and diverse backup vocal support, as well as her rhythm guitar work while singing.

It is amazing that 5 musicians should come together, each having such an extraordinary level of talent and ability. Kanami is a genius composer and guitar player. Miku a very clever writer of lyrics and Misa and Akane the finest rhythm section the world. Then Saiki joins the team - a brilliant singer who is able to interpret Kanami's compositions backed by Miku. Perfection. Absolute perfection.

This song was much later in the concert than Freedom. But they planned it carefully, Saiki took a break just before this song and Miku sang one of her lead vocal tracks (Time) which allowed Saiki to be ready to sing this one where she uses a lot of her range.

Bandmaid are one of those bands that just make me smile every time I hear them. Seeing a great band actually enjoying themselves is infectious.

Saiki has a vocal coach, wich is a good idea, quite required. She had to sing 22 or 23 songs during 2 hours concert. There is a lot of lyrics, so i guess it is exhausting. And Miku helps a lot Saiki, they are "connected". Tony Visconti who produced the dragon cries explained "... how Saiki and Miku sang for almost 8 hours, which he revealed is longer than any other artist he has known". Then you are right, there are always difference between the first and the second verse, even if you do not noticed it the first time. A+

I really appreciate how many diverse genres you cover.

I've listened to 5-6 different reaction video's before yours to Band-Maid and you, Julia Nilon, have given them the most honest and therefore best heartfelt, praise. You know your craft and you critique realistically without being syrupy in your reactions. I feel they are an excellent, excellent band. I'm 65 and have enjoyed a variety of music styles throughout my life. I'm currently into smooth jazz but I was a rocker in the 70's. I also absolutely love anime themes and each one of these ladies songs reminds of those style of tunes. Goosebumps. It's been awhile since a group has given me goosebumps. And you young lady are a treat. Your knowledge is stunning and your passion is contagious. Thank you.

Another sweet reaction _(So much fun falling into BAND-MAID)_ Below is the setlist from the concert so *Wonderland* was the 17th song and *Freedom* was the 6th. *Date:* February 14, 2020 *Tour:* WORLD DOMINATION TOUR [SHINKA] *Venue:* LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, Tokyo, Japan 1 Rinne 2 Blooming 3 Screaming 4 Dilemma 5 glory *6 FREEDOM* 7 Choose me 8 PAGE 9 Mirage 10 YOLO 11 Puzzle 12 Catharsis 13 Bubble 14 The Dragon Cries 15 I can't live without you. 16 TIME *17 Wonderland* 18 alone 19 DICE 20 Don't you tell ME 21 Play 22 DOMINATION 23 endless Story _(Please react to more BAND-MAID)_ Puzzle or Anemone Acoustic from 2018 Concert

I agree with you that their music is alive, moving along with us and driving us on a journey. Band-Maid and Nightwish are 2 fantastic story tellers, in 2 different ways.

As a musician for going on 50 years, I really appreciate your take and analysis of the vocals relating to the musical arrangements swirling around them and how you recognize what the various instruments are doing as well. Band-Maid rocks and so do you! Thanks...👍💖

Miku's voice lurking in the shadow and blending well with Saiki is the best thing ever from Band-Maid's vocal department.

To quote the almighty Chase Carneson : If there is one thing i was gonna say about this band...its that there are very, very important. Not just to the fans,...not just to the music industry. But for the evolution of this kind of music! And Julia...thanks for breaking down this song from your perspective as a voice coach! Hope you will coming back to Band Maid, cause you have barely seen what these 5 young ladies are capable of😀

Daydreaming MV is a great one for listening to the singer- or more melodic slower song that focuses on the singing more than most songs.

Loved your analysis on how the vocalist and instrumentalists work together to bring out that extra level of expression. Misa and Akane are just an absolute force of a rhythm section.

Great reaction! Very nice to have a trained professional Validating what this band is doing, both musically and vocally. I learned a lot! Thank you!

Hey.....good catch on the drums and bass guitar on this song....creating a real jazzy vibe with it.....this bands versatility is off the charts!!!! Saki's voice is incredible. Just saw them live on 8/15 and you really have to put them on your bucket list. It was the BEST group live I have ever heard and their show is so much fun!!!!!!!

For the video being titled (Vocal coach reacts) you have a surprising attention to detail in the instrumental aspect of the music too. As far as a band, these ladies are very talented musically and vocally each and every one of them.

Seeing you react to more Band Maid has totally made my day!

I only two days ago watched their blu-ray of 'zepp concert Apr-2018'...and wow! Two songs halfway through...just Kanami on acoustic guitar and Saiki were very VERY nice. Kanami gave a sweet backing vocal...and Saiki gave a LOT. I think she wiped a tear away towards the end of the first track 'Puzzle'..I'll have to watch again to be sure. The other acoustic track was 'Anemone'.

Julia, you're such a sensitive and wonderful woman able to transmit a wide range of emotions through your eyes, smile, voice and movements. Thanks for letting us learn how to enjoy, understand and feel even more musical jewels like the more than amazing Band Maid. Love from Mexico.

Hello Julia, I just have to say that watching you react to my favorite band just got my Sunday off to a perfect start. I loved your reaction and how you explained and broke down the vocal choices in such a way that even a layman like me (with no singing ability) could easily understand. That and your overall reaction to the song just heightened my appreciation for Band Maid even more. Thank you and have a wonderful day! I would ask you to reaction to Puzzle (Accoustic and Live). And yes, Band Maid is quite the rabbit whole.

You've got the most in-depth reactions I've ever seen--great job! I highly recommend, just for your personal enjoyment, to watch the video for Band-Maid's "Blooming." You can't really react to it because it's not live, but there are some beautiful harmonies that I think you'll absolutely adore. Check it out in your free time!

You need to hear Daydreaming, Blooming, and Bubble.

Band Maid fans are well aware of their transitions in the rhythm section and lead.

Somebody needs to send you the puzzle video. Miku's backing vocals are at their very best in it.

I love your reactions because when watching those, instead of just thinking "oh yes, she/he agree with me", I actually learn things! As a musician, you should never stop learning. And I love Band-Maid because even after listening dozen of times, I still discover something I didn't notice before (or something that "Alice" points out to me! 😊). Subscribed.

It's very nice to hear an opinion from someone who understands music and can tell me why this band is so good. There is an acustica version of the song "puzzle" you would really enjoy.

Although I'm not a singer (or a musician of any description for that matter!), I love your in-depth analyses both for their expertise and their infectious enthusiasm. It's also really impressive that you've done background research and already know the band members' names when this is only the second song of theirs that you've analysed. It's wonderful to watch you recognise and highlight the brilliance that all the members of Band-Maid possess. In a way that I can't really put into words, you and the band really complement each other and I very much look forward to you analysing many more of their songs going forward. Well done and thank you! :)

What a great reaction! I’ve been patiently waiting for this since your freedom reaction! I kinda figured it would be awhile though since you hinted in the last one that a lot of editing goes into it. Just wanted to say it is appreciated as both informative and enjoyable!

Excellent reaction and analysis here. Nice edits. Really appreciate the text comments over the music. This is a top notch channel! Keep up the good work!

The vocal control seems impressive considering they're all riding on a rollercoaster of bass guitar!! Great band in all aspects.

My favorite song is Freedom it’s a great video to watch the members of the band enjoy the show and have fun and laughing while they jam

Kanami composes the music, Miku writes the lyrics. at first it was done for them by their label or agency. "Alone" was their first song which was completely theirs. Also "Blooming" was compose by all the members.

Great review Julia. Easily the most intelligent and technical review of Band Maid songs. Heck of a lot of detail for most lay people but your knowledge and appreciation of timing,intricacies,variations in the instruments and vocals is ultra impressive. Many reactors just rave on. That was good,that reminds me of,blabber blabber on but yours is just ace. That’s the great aspect with The Maids. The problem lies maybe at times that it’s just too intricate for many listeners. Many people just want standard fare. Basic rock or metal. Nothing instrumentally or vocally inspiring difficult or challenging. Tunes with no variability. That’s one of Kanami greatest abilities/strengths to compose songs with different themes/genres intertwined in the 1 song. Clever hooks,melodies,solos and catchy choruses which are so uplifting for audiences to join in. The fact that the ladies play with so fun and happiness live can only be infectious. It really shows just how good they are. A true sign of a prodigy like Kanami is her ability to not even look at notes in difficult solos. Same with Akane on drums here on Freedom,it’s so easy. Same with Misa on bass (who just looovvveess her drink!).. Miku shines with her accompanying or solo vocals (listen to Daydreaming,it really is beautiful) and up front entertaining and interaction with the crowds in breaks is priceless. Better with more English but the smaller crowds in the U.S. lapped up the interaction.anyway. The Maids deserve to be as as popular as Baby Metal (nothing like BM). Band Maids compositions have style,uniqueness and Completeness. Just looking at your review,it may just replicate the reviewer. Good work Julia.

I really enjoyed your reaction. It's fun to see when somebody really appreciates all the small details that make this group stand out. Another song of theirs that has a really interesting vocal part is called Secret My Lips. The harmony part in the outro section has always been one I've enjoyed.

This is awesome. Thank you for a great reaction/analysis. Hope you can do more Band Maid in the future.

FROM JAPAN Band-Maid's online full live has been announced. From 16:00 on December 13th (Japan time). The new song "Different" will also be performed. bandmaid.tokyo/contents/376042 Full scale live is probably more than 2 hours.

Freedom was song #6 in the concert. Wonderland #15. So this was later. Might want to consider #22, Domination for a future review, 2nd to last song. Maybe we can find out if she successfully saves her voice for a full ~2hr concert. Saiki removed polyps.

I've just had the joy of this concert tonight after it dropped through the post! Out of interest to the point that you made about its placement in the gig it's actually three quarters of the way through.. track 15/21. The gig was an interesting pace of tracks and as joyful an experience as any of the three concert DVD's from these ladies - every one a gem! The harmonies that you pick out on between Miku and Saiki.. their blend is wonderful and, sadly, rarely commented on! I have to say they're one of those rare bands that haven't written anything I haven't enjoyed.

I love the way you really LISTEN and share, and then insert some of your analytic thoughts as text later. Very natural way of doing it I think.

Thanks again for that explanation about all the layering and different instruments doing different things. The band loves this song a lot (talk about it a lot more than some other songs) but many fans don’t share that enthusiasm because they feel the song is too “soft” compared to their usual high every high octane stuff.

Kanami For Ever, maybe nobody knows that almost 80% or almost all the songs composed by Kanami on the Piano, including the various passages, a genius, is absolutely one of the most versatile guitarists I've heard, well then MIsa stop Akane not words, Miku idem I love the voice and tone of Saiky ... simply fantastic to see and hear

Thank you so much for this reaction / breakdown! There is so much useful information! And even more for the previous one - that was my introduction to BAND-MAID, and now I'm one of their fans who watched all of thier official clips and who considers studying Japanese.

The second verse is almost never the same and yes they're all doing different things with the fills and transitions without getting outside the integrity of the song.

LOL, I'm currently in Thailand and leaning Thai .. there's an 'ng' sound that English (western languages in general ) don't have and your soft-pallet/hard-pallet example is just about exactly how that sound is supposed to be made ... took me almost two months of practicing before I realized how to do it (most people try to make that sound by putting their tongue on the roof of their mouth, but you need to make that sound without moving your tongue to get it right!) As for Band-Maid, IMO they are about the best band I have ever heard ... they consistently pyt out amazing songs like this, so layered and interesting and perfectly performed!

Great video! I love how genuine you sound and seeing you this excited is such a treat. I also really enjoy how you take your time to break down each interesting part of this song, including the instruments layering. I'm looking forward to more Band Maid reactions!

Thank you very much. Was looking forward to this. No other reviewer goes into details on their vocals. As you can tell, it’s completely different from FREEDOM. They have a very wide range of songs. By 20 Jan it would be 105 different songs in their arsenal, and mostly great and diverse. Their first anime OP - Different - will be releasing soon and I guess the MV would be out within the couple of weeks. Would be interesting to review their first ever anime OP

I listened to A LOT of BM reactions and most them focus more on the musicianship of Kanami, Misa and Akane so very interesting to see an analysis of Saiki. Someone else probably mentioned it but before Saiki had polyps surgery she couldn't go into her falsetto voice.

Great reaction! This was song 17 of 23, 2+ hour set. You might want to try Domination (#23 from the same concert) for a more rock style. The acoustic version of Puzzle is worth a look if you can find it. Love the harmonies from Saiki & Miku. This group of ladies make rock great again!

15:52 "I would love to go to a concert with these guys." Julia, please add your charming voice to the growing chorus of calls on all their social media to get Band-Maid to come to Australia. Pre-covid they used to tour everywhere, even Mexico, but they've never been here. Great reaction.

Welcome to the MAIDIACS world!!!! WHY NOT ANY MORE? YES the rabbit hole is DEEP with tunnels. YOU have 40+ songs that ROCK!!!! There is also one of the most beautiful ballads in the WORLD they did called ABOUT US. The song is about living through this nightmare and staying in touch through music knowing that we will live through this. Even if you don't do a reaction, these ladies ROCK. I listen to nothing else currently.

From Japan. I enjoyed your commentary very much. I love bandmaid. Keep up the good work with their music ❣️

The feeling I get when I'm listening to BAND-MAID's songs is like they are telling a story through music. Maybe that explains why there are so many changes in tempos and why it''s so exciting and riveting.

Bandmaid just did a streaming concert with a new song that is a heartfelt ballad and you really get a different experience of Saiki’s voice. There are also a couple acoustic videos of Saiki with Kanami singing acoustic duets of songs that are normally full band, puzzle and anemome.

BAND-MAID is my favorite band right now male or female. And whats crazy is they are able to put out banger after banger and i don't mean just the singles. Their albums are fantastic top to bottom and their live performances elevate songs. So i'd say feel free to explore their catalog on your own and if you do more reactions you can do the live versions. this is a band where ive seen people do reactions to like 20 songs and they are still only just scratching the surface of this amazing band. lol

Both vocalists explore new directions on Unseen World. "Manners" captures some of those new directions very well.

Hello Julia, first of all congratulations for your professionalism and passion in commenting on the various nuances of the various artists on your channel, it shows that you are an excellent voice coach. more something about Band Maid, I like to change their name according to their sound: Heavy Maid in the song "RINNE" Sweet Maid in the song "Daydreaming" Rapper Saiki Maid in the song "Blooming" Rock Maid in the song "Non fiction days" have nice day you have a new Italian fan

Some of Chase has rubbed off on Julia, she's bringing the full breadth of her musical training to bear. I'm loving it!

Please react to another live song of Band Maid: Don't You Tell Me! There's a battle between the guitar and the bass, is just perfect! A master piece 👌 10/10 gold medal 🥇

Wow! You may be a vocal coach but your breakdown of what is going on musically is on point as well, great job! I would love to see you do their song "Daydreaming" next, one of their finest...IMO. 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂

Yes, welcome to the BAND-MAID's world. Choose Me, Thrill, ONSET for a song of the four ladies' instruments, BLOOMING!!!!

So glad you're coming back to Band Maid. They get a lot of attention (rightfully so) for their musicianship but never enough for the vocal work. Puzzle would be a great one, its not as showy in terms of range but its very intense emotionally and easily one of my favourites of theirs!

This song is so complicated and irregular that if an ordinary amateur band like us were to play it, it would be very disastrous.🤣

Happy to see you come back to Band-Maid! Even though vocals are your focus, would love more of your take on the rest of the band. They are incredible at drawing from jazz, funk, soul, rock, metal...that's part of what make their sound unique. And Saiki's versatility fits perfectly.

You should check out their new video "Different"! It's high octane from beginning to end!

Akane is a bad ass drummer. Misa(my favorite member) is an amazing bass player. They are all fantastic and work their asses off. I own all their albums and im never disappointed in their music. New album out soon.

The term I remember being used at the time (in English, a caveat) of Saiki's surgery was that the things removed were "nodes" and from what I could find, if that is the accurate English term, they are typically caused by prolonged vocal strain. She had been aware of them for some time and was working with a coach but was putting off surgery until around July 2017, pain was too excruciating to continue. Afterward, I think her coaching was largely focused on reducing strain, opening the throat and singing naturally even more than she had before. But if you notice performance dates, I'm sure you can judge that way better than I. And the group did MANY things following her surgery to create an environment to give her breaks and minimize stress. More Miku time, more instrumental work, the uncommon but gorgeous acoustic mini-set they did a few times where Saiki got to pour great emotion out without having to complete with the full band in volume. Oh, and I think they got better mix about then with Saiki's amp channel bumped up also.

Wow, thanks again for that in-depth analysis! And not just the vocals, but the whole structure of the song with its interesting lines and layers. Saiki has been very open about her 2017 surgery and the hard road back, but doesn't go into very much detail. I'd actually be interested in what you know about what goes into vocal training and rehab after polyp surgery. One of the things she said in an interview was that she had to really work hard on her core after that, which I never thought about, but it makes sense.

Yes. MISA and Akane are constantly moving the bass and drum lines during their songs.

Band Maid is one of the best hard rock band out there. They give a rare energy. At the same level of energy there is the latest Mamamoo live performance on dingo music. Please do an analysis of it.

You might like the recent release Catharsis from their Christmas acoustic live stream. Out on RU-vid for limited time and concert for purchase until late March 2022

I'd really, really love to hear another reaction from you 😊still band-maid, I think you can explain to us some other things...

I am watching your film again and again. I am Japanese and I listen to their songs in the car. What I like your reaction is you do not often say " omg" "men" "bro". like typical reactors. Im glad that you tell us the worth of this song as a professional singer. Thank you a lot and keep your channel.

Hi, you should look for the song "Puzzle" live, acoustic version, With only Saiki singing and Kanami on acoustic guitar and harmony, Kanami has a good voice too.

I'm only now discovering your Band-Maid reactions. If you deliver more, I will absolutely be here for them! I've watched a lot of reaction videos for Band-Maid in the past year, and the two you've done have packed in more powerful information and analysis than almost all of the others I've seen combined. You set it up as a vocalist response, but damned if you don't also have more to say about the arrangement and instrumentation than most "metal guitarist / drummer / xylophonist reacts" videos! Please, please, please consider diving further down this rabbit hole.

Kanami writes the music, Miku writes most of the lyrics with input from Saiki. On the part where blast out Wonderland is my favorite part. Saiki and Miku have great harmonies. Miku has a larger range than Saiki, but not the power, and they make great team! Saiki had palups removed. The musical quality is so wonderful all the way through! Love your insight!

Great band, great song, great reaction. I learn so much from you Julia. Keep up the great work!

Freedom is my favorite song! It never fails to make me happy! Wonderland has really grown on me and I really love it! Just so beautiful!

Great reaction to Band-Maid! Your reaction to Freedom is one of my favorite YT reaction vids of all out there just from the sheer joy you have in watching. I'd love to see you do a reaction back-to-back of Puzzle by Band-Maid of two live versions, one acoustic with just Saiki on vocals and Kanami on guitar followed by the live version with the whole band rocking out the same song. It would be great to hear your take on the different versions of the same song... to me, even though it's the same song, they're great in their own way and Saiki's vocal treatment on both versions almost make it seem like they're completely different songs. Cheers from California!

Saiki (the primary vocalist) had polyp surgery in 2017 (according to an interview) and has been working with a vocal coach to ensure that she has a more healthy vocal approach. She feels like she can sing at full power versus the 60% that she could use before the operation. I'm really glad of that as she has a great voice to go along with the the rest of the awesome band. I really hope you do another Band Maid reaction. I really enjoy your take and the background on what they are doing. A fun song you might want to try is from the most recent album - Warning! It will certainly get your blood flowing. For something more calm, Anemone is an acoustic song where you get to hear the fairly rare singing Kanami along with Saiki.

Akane is one of the most creative drummers around.

Before this mob ... my favourite Japanese music was Dreamriser by ChouCho (intro to the Girls Und Panzer anime) ... One of her follow ups for the end credits of the Movie called Piece of Youth was pretty good also ...

request： Band-Maid's "I can't live without you" next. very difficult song but fun

the more you delve into band-maid,the more hooked you will become.the music is always well written and intricate in its detail.kanami is a talented composer.please review more

I know you are in the process of doing the acoustic version of Puzzle, but Band-Maid's newest release "About Us" will blow your socks off.....

Honestly, you need to react to 'Kalafina' as a Vocal Coach. Those three are angels though it is sad that they disbanded. Another wonderful japanese artist is 'Aimer'. She almost lost her voice but got a unique voice after operation that has now become her staple. I would love to hear your opinion on Kalafina especially due to their amazing singing skills!

Your knowledge astounds, and you get really technical, but manage to stay understandable. Bet you could teach the world to sing, if we all gave you an ear, thank you!

Loved the commentary you did here, very informative. Also, nice to see you giving Miku some props for her singing, which is easily forgotten that she was the main singer for this band starting out. Then she realized that they needed someone else, someone better. She's also come so far with her guitar playing, she's just amazing. Saiki is amazing as well, don't get me wrong. But she just sings, where Miku sings and plays guitar. Sidenote: love your hair, looks amazing with your eyes.

Julia, I would love to go to a Bandmaid concert with you...but alas I am married, old and on the other side of the earth! Honestly you are brilliant, you explain music not just vocals. Excellent reaction as was "Freedom".

I just came across a band that's apparently been around for quite a while called Walk Off the Earth. They're fantastic. Take a listen to their cover of Toxic. They also have some acapella stuff, too.

❤❤❤

A real step fwd for Saiki as a great vocalist , and genius writing and arranging for Kanami and all the girls . Wow! I thought this would go over peoples heads, but fans have connected with wel....and its live . Amazing. This band can do anything.

Your qualified reaction is really awesome!!!! Saiki said in an interview at the end of 2019 that she is still afraid of straining her voice after surgery in 2017, she stated that she intends to stay at 60% effort, and only from 2021 will try to push again. I saw the Band-Maid live in 2019, even 3 times in a few days, during the breaks I saw Saiki retreat into a corner and rub his throat with a metal object that I don't know what it is. The same object is visible in an interview after a concert appears as a metal cylinder, in the same interview there was Misa on one side with the ice pack on her left arm. Maybe they exaggerate a little in concert and try too hard. In any case, as soon as you can run to see a concert they are absolutely spectacular, I tell you that I am not young and I have seen practically all the biggest and most famous bands from the seventies to today, in many musical genres. And I can say that the Band-Maid in concert is second to none, really believe me none. Stay safe with love Alex😘😘😘😘😘

I learned so much Julia, thank you really! Love your reactions and if you want to hear an overly nasally singer I recommend you to check out Scandal - "Life is a Journey (live)". It's another japanese all female band, the bassist sing this song and is reaaally nasally. I think you gonna have fun with that one (:

Love your reactions. Attention to detail is spectacular. And love that you pull from different genres! ❤️

Band-Maid likes to change the plays constantly throughout thr song. Playing the song the same way is fun... But it is more fun to build on top of the existance once. So you hear the suddle changes in the voice, but also instrumentaly. All the songs that they made themself are like that. 😊

From what I've seen Miku puts on that high pitched squeaky vocal, as a kind of entertainment. OR, like Jim Neighbors, her singing voice and her speaking voice are 180 degrees apart? I'm not a vocalist by any means, but I know what I like. When Miku is squeaking, I almost have to plug my ears to assuage potential damage... Saiki, is magnificent, I love her voice, in general.

Saiki has a lower and raspy voice when she spoke normally. She's not like other japanese women who has a higher and cute voice. Even though, with her raspy voice, she's doing great for singing in live. I'd like you to react their acoustic live because you can more experience about Saiki's voice. And if you want to know, BAND-MAID have performed two song for acoustic live, which is "Anemone" and "Puzzle" on their concert from Zepp Tokyo, 2018

I appreciate your knowledge about the craft of singing. Good review. Saiki has a great voice. It’s my understanding that Saiki was a trained singer before she joined Band Maid.“Wonderland” is a recent song, sophisticated, more subtle and not as hard, whereas “Freedom” is one of their early songs. For vocal quality listen to the 2018 performances “Puzzle” and “Awkward” which are beautiful songs.

Spend several minutes breathing out via the nose and mouth trying to figure out how I move this mythical 'soft palate' and if I can do this while speaking. I didn't even realize I could do this... Look at what you made me do! 🤣