Staff Roll

It’s tough enough assembling a group of people who are dedicated enough to anime music to write about that subject, and needless to say, we’re damn proud of the people we’ve got. Take a look below to learn more about the people who have regularly put their thoughts forward about the various anime albums that have crossed their path.

zzeroparticle

Position: Executive Editor
Bio: My interest in music stretches back to the days of yore when I was really interested in video game music, going as far as to try recording Final Fantasy VI on a cassette tape so that I could listen to it on the go. The obsession grew to the point that it encompassed all forms of visual entertainment, which means yes, video games, movies, and, of course, anime.

My music tastes tend towards the classical style and I heavily favor orchestral or piano music. Pop isn’t out of the question though I have a dislike for generic pop where the singers show little in the way of emotion or effort and jazz is also something I want to explore deeper because I can appreciate the creativity involved in improvisation. The composers I tend to gravitate to include Hitoshi Sakimoto, Masashi Hamauzu, Yoko Shimomura, Yoko Kanno, Yuki Kajiura, Akira Senju, and Joe Hisaishi.

Obviously, I’m a huge anime nut. Beyond that, I’m also a big soccer fan and can never resist an opportunity to be able to play pick-up games with random people.

Writing also takes up a huge chunk of my time. I’m an occasional contributor to the Nihon Review, which reviews anime titles although I have increasingly been serving as more of an editor than a contributor. Also, I’ve added some posts here and there to Original Sound Version, which mostly focuses on game music, though it does have a small side section on anime and J-pop singles, and I contribute to that.

To get in touch with me, you can try the following:
E-mail: webmaster@animeinstrumentality.net
AOL Instant Messenger: zzeroparticle
Twitter: zzeroparticle
MyAnimeList: zzeroparticle

Jen

Position: Senior Associate Writer
Bio: My experiences with music began later than most, mostly because compulsory recorder lessons in primary school singled me out as someone who was hopeless in music. However, after starting out on the area of soundtracks and picking up a few instruments, I have slowly learned to appreciate and analyze the music I listen to.

While I do listen to soundtracks, my contributions will largely come in the form of OP/ED singles, as soundtracks tend to run a little too long for me to filter through every track to pick out the winning qualities. Also, a little knowledge in the Japanese language helps me understand the lyrics better and gives more areas to explore. Finally, I enjoy nit-picking on minute qualities, something which is easier done with singles.

Like I have said, I really enjoy soundtracks, and so some of my favorite composers would include Yasuharu Takanashi, Joe Hisashi, Sahashi Toshihiko, Michiru Ooshima, Hitoshi Sakimoto and Yoshihisa Hirano. In terms of genres, I listen to almost anything, but tend to gravitate towards orchestral, neo-classical and fusion.

Feel free to contact me at:

MyAnimeList: kota-chi

Aftershok

Position: Editor-at-Large
Bio: A native of New York and a resident of Georgia, I’m an east coast fella with a predilection for jazz, alternative rock, and neo-classical. Growing up on the crunchy, wild sounds of old-school 50’s jazz, my passion for music started at an early age and has never dwindled since. Having become quite accomplished on jazz saxophone, my education in improvisation, harmony, and general music theory has left an indelible mark on the way I listen to and critique music.

Favoring sophistication, intricacy, artistry, and ingenuity over catchiness and popularity, I consider myself a huge music nerd that cannot be satisfied with a song I really like until I’ve analyzed it harmonically and memorized the chords and melody on piano (thankfully, not too many songs tickle my fancy to that extent). I prefer songs that take chances and always have an ear out for artists with an innovative and pioneering spirit towards melody, harmony, and rhythm. That being said, Japanese composers I’ve developed an affinity for include Kou Otani, Shiro Sagisu, Yoko Kanno, and Yuji Yoshino.

I’m obviously a fan of anime and have been for several years now. I’ve seen quite a few shows in the span of my relatively short fandom. Some of my favorites are FLCL, Princess Mononoke, Evangelion, and Toradora, although my list is always changing.

Unsurprisingly, I quickly grew to love the songs underscoring the series I watch and joined the site in 2010.

Here’s some contact info you can use to stalk me or send me angry messages:
E-mail: aftershok128@gmail.com
AOL Instant Messenger: Aftershok128
Twitter: Aftersh0k
MyAnimeList: Aftershok

Yu

Position: Writer
Bio: My involvement with music began with the piano. Since then, I’ve also picked up the cello and played in several ensembles. You would think that I’d have taken a music theory class, but no. I’ve never had the opportunity. Nevertheless, my time as a musician has imparted me with some technical background knowledge and experience concerning the emotional side of things.

My tastes lean towards orchestral and classically influenced works with composers such as Toshihiko Sahashi and Joe Hisaishi topping my list of favorite composers. Regardless, genre rarely determines whether I like something or not (As of writing this, I’ve been going through a phase of trance music). While I also like vocal music, you won’t find me writing about it too often.

I started exploring anime a couple of years ago out of casual interest sparked by the Miyazaki films I grew up with. Needless to say, that interest has definitely grown as I’ve watched more titles and explored more genres. I’m not very picky about what I watch and I can usually find something to enjoy in any show.

I can be contacted at:
E-mail: jyang@animeinstrumentality.net

kevo

Position: Contributor
Bio: When I was in High School, I developed an intrest in movie soundtracks. I was inspired by the works of James Horner, Hans Zimmer, and John Williams and how magically they could turn regular scenes into incredibly powerful and emotional sequences that just stick in your head. Eventually, this expanded as I gradually got into anime over the years.

Besides soundtracks, I enjoy electronica, classical, and pop music. I discovered Anime Instrumentality sometime in 2010, and I started guest writing shortly thereafter. I pop in occasionally to drop a review or some other music-related post. My own anime blog can be found at http://kevo.dasaku.net .

Please feel free to contact me with any comments or concerns.
E-mail: alizxiphyr@gmail.com
MSN: aokh_kevo_@hotmail.com
Twitter: kevo31415
AIM: kevo31415

The staff of the Nihon Review also makes some occasional contributions, as do other guest writers, so do look out for those!