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New Video Clip "Fleeting Love" Released !! >>

October Babies Blog and the tag of “News” was put up.

New album is on its way!

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The drum roll started! Our new album "High Hai Hi!" is on its way!!!!! (The order was completed and we're now waiting for it!!!) This album is the first album as a band. (Officially, this is second album) First album is more like... Erik and Toko's collaboration before as a band (Of course, many people also supported us for the first one). Both records are equally important to me. But totally they have different meanings behind whole processes and songs.

I have been amazed by whole things that we are doing now. At very first, I had no confidence to sing these Japanese songs in front of audience in the US because I thought it was hard to be accepted. I thought that I could not take my great friends (the important band members) to such a dangerous journey. However, they really supported me to do so. And how wonderful... I have met so many open-minded people who love music and also open their hearts to our music! I have been amazed by those people...

I personally have listened to any language songs  since I was child. I was in Japan and all adults around me listened to foreign songs. So, even if I didn't know the meaning but I had no difficulty to enjoy them. Music itself is its own language to me (and I still believe so) But, I still have had a fear that I do sing Japanese songs on a stage here in the US. Before the any show, to be honest, I always still have it. But, I believe my band members and once I go on a stage, I just follow to the power of music and be free. How could it be? ...Because many of audience also share their positive energies with us. Last summer, just before a show, Ben (our drummer) told me, "Even if no one cares what you are singing, just do your best. Believe other Babies members believe you. We are with you. Don't worry and just enjoy playing music. So, someone will start enjoying..."  something like that. When I feel the fear, I always recall this. Maybe someone will like what we are doing... So, just do what I can do.

I really feel lucky to meet my bands people. First started singing just for myself and now I could play music with (musically and personally) wonderful people. AND now can enjoy music with more people who like our music... How can I show my tremendous appreciation? I have no idea... Anyway, I think I just continue to do something I can do with other Babies members and share our music with people... and I hope it shows the appreciation eventually...

Now, new album is really close to be released. As I mentioned, finally this is the album as the band, October Babies. Once again, I'd like to say, thank you all of you who have paid attention to and encouraged October Babies. Without you, it would never be completed.  (Sorry about my bad English writing... I hope you can at least understand what I try to tell...)  with love, Toko

 

One more great thing to tell! Here is the interview article by FORMzine!

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(Our 2nd Album is on its way!!!! It will be released in July!!!!!!!)

So, this is the schedule of the TV show, "October Babies Live @ CTN"

Comcast 17

6/13/10 at 10:30pm
6/14 at 6:00pm
6/16 at 12:30pm & 9:00pm

6/17 at 10:00am & 7:10pm
6/18 at 1:00pm
6/19 at 9:50am

6/20 at Noon & 10:30pm


Additionally...

Thu, 6/24 11:05am & 7:20pm

Sat, 6/26 Midnight & 2:50 pm

Sun, 6/27 1:20pm

Mon, 6/28 10:50pm

Wed, 6/30 1:15pm & 10:20pm

Thu, 7/1 7:20pm

Fri, 7/2 1:50pm

Sun. 7/4 10:35pm

Mon, 7/5 3:05pm

Tue, 7/6 8:05pm

Wed, 7/7 6:35pm


Thank you!!!!!!!!

Toko-baby


Tonight 4/25 Sunday, if you are in your car, or in front of a computer, or have an i-Pod nano 5,

listen for October Babies on the 107.1 FM Homegrown Show from 6-7pm! ^o^

Call the station, let them know if you like it! 734-998-1071


http://www.annarbors107one.com/index.php?fuseaction=home.display&id=1483

October Babies have been selected to participate in a contest sponsored by VitaminWater, in conjunction with the Detroit Music Awards.

The band with the highest number of downloads by Wednesday, April 14th will be the winner, 
and will receive the vitaminwater dwnld People's Choice trophy along with a custom vitaminwater prize package at the Friday, April 16th Detroit Music Awards. 

So if you enjoy what we do, please help us to spread the buzz!


It's simple:  
1. Go to  www.detroitmusicawards.com where you'll see the Vitaminwater download award media player. (at the bottom of the center column)

(I waited to see the player around 5 min! I just leave the page open. Then I saw the player! Ah! ^o^)

2. Select "Fleeting Love," then click the button in the top-right corner to download/vote for October Babies!


lotsa lüv,
erik and toko from October Babies


p.s. See you this Saturday at the Village Idiot in Maumee, OH!  
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The link to the article on Detroit Free Press




MetroTimes Blowout was such a great experience!! And I'm very happy to receive wonderful reviews!!!

From the article•••

• When I wandered into Whiskey in the Jar on Friday I had no idea what to expect from October Babies. I'm usually a toe-tapper and/or a head-bobber, but that night I couldn't help but dance.

The femme-fronted, Ypsilanti-based rock and soul band had a really cool groove, and it didn't seem to matter that I couldn't understand the lyrics sung in Japanese. It was the infectious enthusiasm of lead singer Toko Shiiki that turned my toe-tapping into dancing -- and I wasn't the only one. The entire place seemed to erupt into an all-out dance party. This kind of moment was what makes the Blowout so cool and unique.

(Rachel May)

Thank you Rachel!!!!! Thank you, Blowout!!!!!!!! Great event!!!!!!!!

And the info about our show in March!!!

Spring is on its way!  October Babies have already begun celebrating with a number of firsts:

Fri - Mar 12 - 10pm - October Babies at Keystone Underground 
           (in Ypsilanti, corner of Michigan and Washington)
           Super cool and classy new little club!!  Great ambience, sound and staff!   

Sat - Mar 13 - 10pm - October Babies at The Savoy (w/ Tokyo Sexwhale and Dragon Wagon)
   (formerly Club Divine, on Washington, 2 doors down from the Underground). 
Wow.  Finally. Ypsilanti's got a new 700-seat live music venue, 
stocked with brand new lights and sound, designed to feature touring acts 
and local groups. This gig is the club's kick-off show.  PLEASE come celebrate - show your colors!!!
  
Sat - Mar 27 - 12mid - October Babies at Goodnight Gracie's, w/ View and 16 More Miles
 (we've been eyeing up this hip little club, and finally have a chance to play there!  
Since Heidelberg closed its doors to live music, Gracies has been inviting more local bands
to perform. Ann Arbor has become such a corporate town, and the local music/art scene is  one of the few remaining ways that one might feel the quirky personality of Ann Arbor. Come support the scene - let Gracies know that you care about the health of Ann Arbor's cultural roots!)

Please come out to these shows, not just to see us, but to show your love for the 
creative community we are all privileged to be a part of.  Support the venues that are 
giving us all a place to play.  If you contribute to the buzz, it will contribute to you too!!

best wishes!
Erik Santos

Here is our 2nd Album AD!! (^x^)/

 



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October Babies MySpace


October Babies Ongaku.fm page


October Babies Facebook


October Babies YouTube


Ao-zora Radio from USA (Toko's Podcast)


October Babies Sonicbids


October Babies Twitter (Twitter 始めました)
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So, we had wonderful time during the all three Xmas performances!!!! Special thanks to Erin from The Ragbirds and beautiful girls in the House on the Pontiac Trail! And of course all people who played together AND wonderful audience!!!  Thank you so much!!!!!
Can you guess how much I have been happy surrounding such strong musical energy? It's HUGE gift to me. Even if life is sometimes bitter, I can survive because of the energy!!!




I really can't wait to play with October Babies and share our happy vibes with you all!!!

Our 2nd album recording has been going well!! I think that we can release in early 2010!!!! Hmmm, I can't wait for it too!! Check it out the video I added here!! Brant from ROOTSTAND joned one of our songs, "La La La"! it's amazing!!

Here is the video!!




And I'd like to share this podcast featuring Chip from Ann Arbor Dub Project!!
These recordings were taken at the House Party on the Pontiac Trail. Erik, Mike, and I (Toko) joined Chip.
He has an angel voice. I thought it's good for Xmas gift for you (^3^)

Ao-zora Radio from USA (Toko's Podcast) December 2009. Feat. Chip

See you very soon!!!!

Love!!!!!

Toko-Baby




October Babies MySpace


October Babies Ongaku.fm page


October Babies Facebook


October Babies YouTube


★Ao-zora Radio from USA★



Thank you so much for having such a great time with us!

We are about to concentrate on recording our new album in June! BUT, if we have gigs, we'll let you know!

Loooove!! Toko from October Babies!

October Babies MySpace

October Babies Facebook
 

Jul 3 2009 8:00P
The Loading Dock w/Rootstand Traverse City, Michigan
Jul 4 2009 7:00P
Rocky Top Rhythm & Roots Festival, w/ Rootstand, and more, showtime TBA Torch Lake, Michigan
Aug 21 2009 12:00P
Private Party Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sep 4 2009 8:00P
Ypsitucky Jamboree Ypsilanti, Michigan
Sep 26 2009 8:00P
The 5th annual ROOTENANNY Kingsley, Michigan
Sep 26 2009 8:00P
The 5th annual ROOTENANNY
Kingsley, Michigan
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NEW PLACE TO PLAY FOR US!

NEW PLACE TO SEE US!

NEW PLACE TO BE HAPPY TOGETHER!!!!

LET'S GET PARTY START!!!

SEE YOU THRERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MARCH 13TH FRIDAY (Doors 8PM~)


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MARCH 8TH   THIS COMING SUNDAY

88.3FM  2PM ~ 3PM

RADIO SHOW "RADIOZILLA"

OCTOBER BABIES SPACIAL SHOW!!

CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!



TOKO FROM OCTOBER BABIES

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Check it out!!

88.3FM (WCBN-FM), Sunday, 2 pm to 3 pm, "Radiozilla"!!!

We will play for the show on 3/8/2009!

Even if you don't have a radio or you are not in your car at that moment,
you may be able to listen to it!

If you have iTunes on your computer, go to:
http://www.wcbn.org/listen.html
and click "Listen Live to WCBN-FM". Then you can listen to the radio show!




AND, 3/14/2009 Japan Culture Festival, East Hall Math Atrium
(530 Church St, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Start from 3:30~ 4:30! If you are around Ann Arbor, join us!!!

One more gig in March is TBA!!!! (^_^)/ See you soooooooooooon!!!!!

Toko from October Babies!





Show in Jan & Feb!

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October Babies Show 
Date Place and Time
1/10/ Sat 2:30pm~ Japanese New Year Event  UM International Institute 1080 S. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
2/20/Fri 10:00pm~ SPG, TBA! The Loft, 515 Buckham alley, Flint, MI

And more, TBA!! See you!! by October Babies!!