Amy Lee Joins WagakkiBand on New Song, “Sakura Rising”
Evanescence’s Amy Lee has been doing quite a few collaborations this year. Her latest is with the Japanese group, WagakkiBand. Following a live performance of “Bring Me To Life” that she did with them last February, Amy now features on their song, “Sakura Rising.” The song will appear on WagakkiBand’s upcoming album Tokyo Singing, due out on October 14th.
“Sakura Rising” opens with traditional Japanese instrumentation – sounds that we, sadly, rarely hear in western music. It builds into a powerful rock song, with Amy Lee trading lines with WagakkiBand frontwoman Suzuhana Yuko. At first the two women take turns singing, usually with each singing in her own native language. But soon they start harmonizing, Suzuhana singing in Japanese as Amy sings the same message in English. It’s an immersive experience that allows fans of both languages to enjoy the song. Lyrically, “Sakura Rising” describes the pandemic we’re in, but it offers a hopeful message: we’ll be together again soon.
The song comes with an animated lyric video. We see images of people in hospitals – both as doctors and as patients – and watch as everyone must keep their distance. But they’re trying to retain their connections, too, hands reaching out to each other. Throughout the video, petals from cherry blossoms add delicate imagery. The lyrics appear in both Japanese and English.
Watch the animated lyric video for “Sakura Rising” below:
You can stream or download “Sakura Rising” from the major music providers here. The song will also appear on WagakkiBand’s upcoming album, Tokyo Singing, due October 14th. You can learn more and pre-order here.
Tokyo Singing will feature 14 songs:
- Calling
- Ignite
- Reload Dead
- Living Flowers
- Queen Of The Night
- Sakura Rising (feat. Amy Lee of Evanescence)
- Guernica
- Tokyo Sensation
- Origami-ism
- A Letter With No Name
- Sun Wheel
- Eclipse
- Singin’ For…
- ROKI (digital edition bonus track)
WagakkiBand is offering various versions of the album. Depending on what you pre-order, you can get a bonus DVD of their “Premium Symphonic Night Vol.2~Live&Orchestra in Osaka-Jo Hall” (this is when Amy joined them for “Bring Me To Life”), a limited book, a bonus disc with instrumental versions of the first 13 songs, and even a set of the band’s eight members as mini figures. You can see all the options and pre-order here.
Recent Music from Amy Lee & Evanescence
Evanescence’s Amy Lee has done numerous collaborations in the last year or so. One year ago, Amy collaborated with violinist Lindsey Stirling’s on the song “Love Goes On And On,” released September last year. Six months ago, Amy’s song with Body Count, called “When I’m Gone,” was released. At the end of July, Amy’s newly recording duet of “Break In” with Halestorm came out; its music video came in August.
Her band Evanescence is also recording their first album in nearly a decade. They’v released three new singles so far: “Wasted On You,” “The Game Is Over,” and, “Use My Voice.” Their album, The Bitter Truth, is expected out late this year or in 2021.
Enjoy WagakkiBand and Amy Lee’s new single, “Sakura Rising,” and its new lyric video! Be sure to listen to WagakkiBand’s album, Tokyo Singing, once it’s out in October. Keep checking back here for all the latest music news.
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