Moi Dix Mois
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Moi dix Mois (which is French for Me Ten Months) is the solo project of Mana, formerly the leader and guitarist of the legendary Japanese Visual Kei band Malice Mizer. The lineup is as follows:
- Mana - Guitar
- Juka - Vocals (left 24.4.2005)
- Kazuno - Bass
- Tohru - Drums
- K - Guitar & Voice
On 19 March 2002, three months after the breakup of Malice Mizer, Mana announced the formation of his solo project, Moi dix Mois. Apart from playing guitar, Mana composes all of Moi dix Mois' music, writes the lyrics, arranges, produces, designs the stage costumes and acts as overall artistic director. All of Moi dix Mois' music is released via Mana's own Indie music label, Midi:Nette.
Almost nothing is known about the other "project members" except that Tohru used to be a drummer with JILS and K was a guitarist with Grand Zero (under the name Takeru) prior to joining Moi dix Mois.
Moi dix Mois' sound is similar to that of late stage Malice Mizer: galloping pipe organ and harpsichord, electric guitar, operatic male (and female) vocals and fast, heavy drumming are blended together to create an intricate, fresh and very energetic sound somewhere between Neoclassic, Goth and Metal. In keeping with the concept of a solo project, Mana's lyrics for Moi dix Mois are more personal (and darker) than those he has written for Malice Mizer, veering between melancholy romanticism and deep depression and despair.
By calling himself "The Creator of Moi dix Mois" and thereby placing himself above his project members, Mana has invited a great deal of hostility. Critics should remember, however, that from the very beginning Mana has been at pains to point out that Moi dix Mois is not a new band but his solo project (as is stated on all of Moi dix Mois' releases and all promotional material). That means that while the others contribute their vocal or musical talents, they basically only do what Mana tells them. Would he still be accused of hogging the limelight if he was a singer and not a guitarist? Probably not.
Moi dix Mois played their first concerts outside Japan in March 2005 in Munich (Germany) and Paris (France) as part of their groundbreaking "Invite to Immorality Tour". After the tour final on 24 April 2005, singer Juka left the band but Mana has announced that Moi dix Mois will continue its activities.
Essential Moi dix Mois links:
- Moi dix Mois (Official Homepage - in English and Japanese) (http://midi-nette.com/mdm/)
- Monologue Theater (Mana's official home page) (http://www.mana-sama.com/)
- Mon+amour International (Mana's international fan club) (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/midinette/ma/index.html/)
- monophobia (excellent US fan site with interviews and live reports) (http://monophobia.scape.us/)
- Forbidden (French fan site) (http://moidixmois.fr.st/)