| Sug | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Sug Heavy Positive Rock |
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 2006-present |
| Labels | PS Company, Indie PSC, Pony Canyon, CLJ Records |
| Associated acts | Travel |
| Website | www.pscompany.co.jp/sug |
| Members | |
| Takeru Yuji Chiyu Masato Shinpei |
|
| Past members | |
| Shōta Mitsuru |
|
Sug (typeset as SuG) is a Japanese rock band that formed in 2006. They are also part of the visual kei movement of Japan. The band has released two EPs, two full-length studio albums, and several singles. Until 2009, the band was signed to "Indie PSC", a subdivision of PS Company.[1] As of 2010, they have signed onto a major label, Pony Canyon, and joined the forefront of major bands on PS Company.
The band's tagline in promotional work is Heavy Positive Rock.
Contents |
Vocalist Takeru and guitarists Masato and Yuji had previously performed in a band called Travel. After Travel disbanded, they joined with AmeriA's bassist, Shouta, to form Sug in October 2006. The drummer Mitsuru then joined in November of the same year.[2]
Shouta left the band in February and was replaced by Chiyu on bass. Their first release was "7th Breeze" on the compilation album Cannonball Vol. 03. The band signed to the visual-kei label PS Company, and in August 2007, the band released their first single, "Scheat".[2] Months after the release of their first single, Sug released their first EP entitled Love Scream Party. To promote their music outside of Japan, Sug performed at "J-Rock Invasion" in Germany alongside Kagrra, Kra, Alice Nine, and Screw—all of whom are also signed to CLJ Records, a German label.[3]
Mitsuru left Sug after their live on May 9, 2009. It is supposed that Mitsuru left citing creative differences to the remaining band members. Their support drummer at the time, Shinpei, became a full-time member of the band after Mitsuru's departure.
Following the announcement of their single "Gr8 Story," Sug announced their move onto major label PS Company during the live event called "Sug Fes 2009 Alternative POP Show ~ Vol.6" on November 30, 2009.[4] "Gr8 Story" was released through Pony Canyon, and the title track was used as the ending song for the anime Reborn![5] According to the band, the song is "rather punkish", yet with a catchy tune and an "easy-listening appeal".[6]
Their second studio album and their first album through Pony Canyon, Tokyo Muzical Hotel, was released on March 9, 2010. Their third studio album and their second album through Pony Canyon Thrill Ride Pirates, wad released a year later, also on March 9.
The name "Sug" is derived from the transliteration of the English word "thug", written (and pronounced) in Japanese as Sagu (サグ). The name is then simplified to the slightly more romantic "Sug".[7]