June 17, 2009

Vocalist MELL to perform at Otakon

Recorded Theme Songs for Several Anime Series

Baltimore, MD (June 17, 2009) – Japanese singer MELL, whose music is described alternately as J-pop, trance and techno and who has recorded several anime theme songs, will be a guest at Otakon 2009.

MELL shot to fame as one of the main vocalists of the group I'VE Sound, a Japanese techno/trance music production group known for distorted grooves. With her debut single release of "Red Fraction," from her 2008 album Mellscope, MELL's fascinating voice brought her renown in Japan's music industry. Her superb stage performances and deep passion for the music drew enthusiastic audiences, making her accompanying tour of Japan an instant success.

With her second smash hit, "Proof," she expanded the dark image associated with her first single, demonstrating motherly kindness in her voice, and appealing to a wide range of ages.

MELL was the first singer to work with Kazuya Takase and Yasutaka Ipposhi, the founders of I'VE Sound, even before they created their label. The production group eventually featured the talents of fellow vocalists KOTOKO, Mami Kawada, Eiko Shimamiya, and Kaoru Utatsuki and created the theme songs for many anime series. MELL's characteristic vocals, combined with Kazuya's arrangements, formed a fresh sound that fans would love in MELL's theme songs for Black Lagoon, Hayate the Combat Butler, Sky Girls, Kiru: Kill and Rideback.

For more information, visit the official I'VE Sound site: http://iveusa.net/

The official MELL site: http://www.myspace.com/mellusa

Otakon 2009 will be held July 17-19 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its sixteenth year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Since 1999, Otakon has been held in Baltimore, Maryland; currently, Otakon is one of Baltimore's few large, city-wide events, drawing over 22,000 individual members for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 60,000 "turnstile" attendees). Otakon is a membership-based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)3 educational non-profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all-volunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans.

For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see http://www.otakon.com/otakorp/index.asp
For more information and the latest news on Otakon 2009, see http://www.otakon.com/

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