Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Morfonica
View on Wikipedia
Morfonica is a Japanese all-female rock band that is part of Bushiroad's media franchise BanG Dream!. Formed in 2020, the group's members portray fictional characters in the project's anime series and mobile game BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! in addition to performing their characters' respective instruments in live concerts.
Key Information
The band consists of Amane Shindō (vocals), Hina Suguta (guitar), Yūka Nishio (bass), Mika (drums), and Ayasa (violin). In the game, Morfonica is represented by five first-year students at the prestigious Tsukinomori Girls' Academy: Mashiro Kurata (Shindō), Tōko Kirigaya (Suguta), Nanami Hiromachi (Nishio), Tsukushi Futaba (Mika), and Rui Yashio (Ayasa).
Of the ten bands in BanG Dream!, Morfonica is one of seven whose members perform their own music during live shows.
History
[edit]Morfonica's formation was announced on 1 March 2020 during the franchise's live stream BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! @HHW CiRCLE Live Broadcasting Pre-3rd Anniversary Special. The band is the seventh in the franchise and the fourth that performs in live concerts after Poppin'Party, Roselia, and Raise A Suilen.[1] Morfonica is the only group in the project with a violinist, which was conceived by BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! developer Craft Egg to differentiate them from the others.[2]
During the stream, a music video for their song "Daylight" was broadcast; the video was animated by the BanG Dream! anime's studio Sanzigen.[3] A live-action music video and an introduction clip starring the voice actresses were released four days later.[4] The Morfonica-centric weekly YouTube show Morfonical, hosted by the band's members, began airing on 24 March.[5]
On 13 May, Morfonica was named Tower Records' recommended artist of May 2020. "Daylight" was released as their debut single two weeks later on 27 May.[6] The single sold over 15,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at second on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.[7] In June, the BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol. 4, a series of cover songs by Morfonica and other bands in the franchise, topped Oricon's Weekly Albums Chart with 2,231 sales in the opening week.[8]
The band's first concert, Special Live: Summerly Tone at the BanG Dream! 8th Live Summer Outdoors 3 Days alongside Poppin'Party and Pastel Palettes' Ami Maeshima with Raise A Suilen, took place on 23 August at Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest. Morfonica was the first of the three acts to perform, playing five songs.[9] Cantabile, Morfonica's maiden standalone performance, came on 7 October at Tokyo Garden Theater.[10] The live featured 12 songs, including the two from the "Daylight" single and four cover versions of popular anime theme music.[11]
Morfonica's second single "Bloom Bloom", which was revealed during Cantabile, was released on 13 January 2021.[11] The group held a "Friendship Live" concert with Poppin'Party, known as Astral Harmony, on 23 February at Yokohama Arena.[12] The band's second standalone show, titled Andante, took place on 21 May at Zepp Haneda. Morfonica also performed alongside Raise A Suilen at the BanG Dream! 9th Live, subtitled Mythology, on 4–5 September at Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest.[13] A sequel to Mythology was held 18 June 2022.[14]
"Harmony Day", the band's third single, came out on 6 October 2021.[15] One of the single's tracks, "Fateful..." was used as the second ending theme music for the anime Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress.[16] Later in the month, Morfonica began a two-stop concert tour, titled Amabile, at Zepp Osaka Bayside on 28 October and Zepp Haneda on 5 November.[17]
In 2022, Morfonica partnered with Jun'ichi Satō of the band Fhána for a song composed by Satō titled "The Circle of Butterflies". The collaboration also included Morfonica covers of Fhána's songs "Rhapsody of Blue Sky" and "Divine Intervention".[18][19] The band's fourth single "fly with the night" was released on 30 March.[20] They held the Resonance show at Tokyo Dome City Hall on 24 April; Nishio did not take part after testing positive for COVID-19, and backing tracks of her bass and vocals were used in her place.[21]
Members
[edit]- Amane Shindō (Mashiro Kurata, vocals): The youngest voice actress in BanG Dream!, Shindō was 15 when she joined the franchise. Like Mashiro, Shindō was a first-year high school student at the time of Morfonica's creation, which franchise creator Takaaki Kidani felt emphasized the connection between Shindō and her fictional persona.[2] She was a fan of Girls Band Party! prior to Morfonica, while her voice acting roles included the anime Bermuda Triangle: Colorful Pastrale.[22][4] In a 2020 interview with Famitsu, she noted that since she has a low voice in contrast to Mashiro's intended pitch, she performs Morfonica songs in a higher tone.[22]
- Hina Suguta (Tōko Kirigaya, guitar): Before joining BanG Dream!, Suguta was a voice actress in Afterlost.[4] She is a host of the Morfonica-based YouTube series Monica Radio.[5]
- Yūka Nishio (Nanami Hiromachi, bass): Nishio's previous voice acting experience included portraying Yuu Higashiyama in ReBirth for You.[4] Along with Suguta, Nishio co-hosts Monica Radio.[5]
- Mika (Tsukushi Futaba, drums): Mika was the instructor for Poppin'Party and Roselia's drummers Ayaka Ōhashi and Megu Sakuragawa prior to Morfonica, and she also provided support drums for Poppin'Party at the BanG Dream! 7th Live.[2] Tsukushi is her debut role as a voice actress.[23]
- Ayasa (Rui Yashio, violin): Rui is Ayasa's first voice acting role.[24] Outside of the franchise, she is a YouTube personality who performs violin covers of popular anime songs.[25] She has also worked as a session musician for various artists.[6]
In-universe band
[edit]In the anime and game, Morfonica is a band of first-year high school students at the prestigious Tsukinomori Girls' Academy.[3] The group is formed by Mashiro Kurata, a new student who struggles to fit in with her more accomplished peers, after attending a concert by Poppin'Party and the other major bands.[26] Morfonica is a portmanteau of "morpho", in reference to their goals of changing themselves for the better (a metamorphosis), and "symphonic", alluding to their use of a violin.[27]
Morfonica's characters first appeared in Girls Band Party! in the main story's second season in 2019,[28] and were formally added as a group during the third-year anniversary on 15 March 2020 and later worldwide in 2021.[29] The band makes its anime debut in the 2020 spin-off series BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Pico: Ohmori.[30] A two-episode original anime focusing on the band titled Morfonication premiered in July 2022.[31][32]
Discography
[edit]As of 28 September 2022[update], Morfonica has 13 original songs.[33]
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Coupling track | Release date | Peak Oricon chart position | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "Daylight" (Daylight -デイライト- 」) | "Prelude to Gold" (金色へのプレリュード, Konjiki e no Prelude) | 27 May | 2 | [34] | |
| 2021 | "Bloom Bloom (ブルームブルーム) | "flame of hope" | 13 January | 6 | [35] | |
| "Harmony Day" (ハーモニー・デイ) | "Sonorous", "Fateful..." | 6 October | 8 | [15] | ||
| 2022 | "fly with the Night" | "Secret Dawn" | 30 March | 7 | [20] | |
| "Yorube no Sunny, Sunny" (寄る辺のSunny, Sunny) | "One Step at a Time" | 14 September | 23 | Limited edition release includes Morfonication soundtrack | [36][37] | |
| 2024 | "Brilliance of Wings" (両翼のBrilliance, Ryouyoku no Brilliance) | "Serenade of Gratitude Sound" (音がえしのセレナーデ, Ongaeshi no Serenade), "Trail to the Blue Sky" (蒼穹へのトレイル, Soukyuu e no Trail) | 1 May | 14 | [38] | |
| "Tempest" | "Wreath of Brave" | 9 October | 16 | [39] | ||
| 2025 | "Feathered Dreams" | "Color of Us", "Portray Empathy" | 27 August | 12 | Opening theme for Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Final Deluxe Arc | [40] |
| 2026 | "Resonant Strings" | TBA | 22 April | TBA |
Albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Release date | Peak Oricon chart position | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol. 4 (バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクション Vol.4) | 27 May | 1 | Joined by Poppin'Party, Afterglow, Pastel Palettes, Roselia, Hello, Happy World!, and Raise A Suilen | [41] |
| Garupa Vocaloid Cover Collection (ガルパ ボカロカバーコレクション) | 16 December | 4 | [42] | ||
| 2021 | BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol. 5 (バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.5) | 24 February | 6 | [43] | |
| "BanG Dream! FILM LIVE 2nd Stage" Special Songs | 25 August | 13 | [44] | ||
| BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol. 6 (バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.6) | 10 November | 4 | [45] | ||
| 2022 | BanG Dream! Dreamer's Best | 16 March | 6 | Fan vote-determined compilation album with Morfonica's "Daylight", "flame of hope", and "Bloom Bloom" included | [46] |
| BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol. 7 (バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.7) | 14 December | 13 | Joined by Poppin'Party, Afterglow, Pastel Palettes, Roselia, Hello, Happy World!, and Raise A Suilen | [47] | |
| 2023 | Quintet | 15 March | 9 | [48] | |
| 2025 | Polyphony | 12 March | 21 | [49] |
References
[edit]- ^ Morrissy, Kim (7 March 2020). "BanG Dream! Announces New Violin Rock Band Morfonica". Anime News Network. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
- ^ a b c Kidani, Takaaki (17 August 2020). "今、リアルライブを再開する決断──「BanG Dream! 8th Live 夏の野外3 Days」直前!ブシロード木谷高明会長インタビュー" [Right now, the decision to resume real lives, just before "BanG Dream! 8th Live Summer Outdoors 3 Days"! Interview with Takaaki Kitani, Chairman of Bushiroad]. Akiba Souken (Interview) (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ a b Komatsu, Mikikazu (1 March 2020). "Watch Anime MV by BanG Dream!'s New Violin Rock Band Morfonica". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ^ a b c d Komatsu, Mikikazu (5 March 2020). "BanG Dream!'s 4th Real Band Morfonica Members Introduce Themselves in Video". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ^ a b c "「バンドリ!」,Morfonicaの冠番組「MORFONICAL」の放送が決定" ["Bandori!", Morfonica's crown program "MORFONICAL" will be broadcast]. Craft Egg (Press release) (in Japanese). 4Gamer.net. 23 March 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ a b Komatsu, Mikikazu (13 May 2020). "BanG Dream! Violin Rock Band Morfonica Chosen as Tower Records Japan's Recommended Artist of May 2020". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ^ "Walkure, BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!, YOASOBI, and Lady Gaga Top the Oricon Charts for the Week of 5/25 – 5/31". Arama! Japan. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ^ "【ビルボード】バンドリ!カバーアルバム第4弾が総合アルバム首位 3位にはレディー・ガガ" [[Billboard] Bandori! The 4th cover album is Lady Gaga in 3rd place]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). 3 June 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "『バンドリ!』"モニカ"、"パスパレ"、"ポピパ"が次々に登場する8thライブ千秋楽開催レポート" ["BanG Dream! 8th Live" music report where Morfonica, PasuPare, and PoPiPa appear one after another]. Famitsu (in Japanese). 23 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ "『ガルパ』新情報まとめ。初音ミクコラボ第3弾が開催決定" ["Garupa" new information summary. The third Hatsune Miku collaboration will be held]. Dengeki (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ a b "『バンドリ!』ファン待望の"Morfonica"単独ライブ『Cantabile』の模様をレポート" ["BanG Dream! Report on the long-awaited "Morfonica" solo live "Cantabile"]. Famitsu (in Japanese). 7 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ "『バンドリ!』8thライブ千秋楽となる"ポピパ"単独ライブ2日目の模様をレポート" ["BanG Dream!" 8th Live Breakthrough PoPiPa single live 2nd day report]. Famitsu (in Japanese). 9 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
- ^ "『バンドリ!』ポピパとサイサイの対バンライブが開催決定" ["BanG Dream!" PoPiPa and SaiSai's band live will be held]. Dengeki (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. 23 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
- ^ "RAISE A SUILEN x Morfonica "Mythology Chapter 2"". BanG Dream! (in Japanese). Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- ^ a b "ハーモニー・デイ" [Harmony Day]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 20 October 2021.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (14 September 2021). "Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress Anime Gets 3rd, 4th Seasons". Anime News Network. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ "Morfonica ZEPP TOUR 2021「Amabile」". BanG Dream! (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "「バンドリ!」佐藤純一さん提供楽曲"The Circle Of Butterflies"を追加" ["BanG Dream!" Added "The Circle Of Butterflies" provided by Junichi Sato]. Craft Egg (Press release) (in Japanese). 4Gamer.net. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "ガルパステーション発表内容まとめ。バンドリーマーが投票で選んだアルバム収録曲が決定" ["Girls Band Party!" fhána and Hyadain participating! New extra songs & artist tie-ups announced]. Dengeki (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. 20 March 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ a b "fly with the night". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 April 2022.
- ^ "Morfonica Concept LIVE「Resonance」". BanG Dream! (in Japanese). Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ a b "『バンドリ ガルパ』Morfonica倉田ましろ役進藤あまねが語る"ましろと新バンドの魅力"【3周年記念ボーカルキャストインタビュー第6弾】" [Morfonica Mashiro Kurata, Amane Shindo talks about "The charm of Mashiro and the new band" [6th anniversary vocalist cast interview]]. Famitsu (in Japanese). 31 March 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ Mika (28 April 2020). "『ガルパ』新バンド・Morfonica、Dr.二葉つくし役のmikaさんにインタビュー【拡大版】" [Interview with mika, who plays the role of "Garupa" new band Morfonica, Dr. Tsukushi Futaba [enlarged version]]. Dengeki G's Magazine (Interview) (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ^ "Ayasa、『バンドリ!』新バンド・Morfonicaのバイオリン担当・八潮瑠唯役に決定" [Ayasa, "Bandori!" New band Morfonica plays violin, Rui Yashio] (in Japanese). Yahoo! Japan. 6 March 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ Dennison, Kara (27 June 2020). "Watch BanG Dream!'s Ayasa Perform the Latest KAGUYA-SAMA Theme in Cosplay". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ^ Craft Egg. BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! (iOS/Android). Bushiroad. Scene: Morfonica, To the Sparkling World. Level/area: I Want to Try Being in a Band!.
Mashiro: Th-they... w-were a lot of fun!! Just amazing!! So cool!! [...] I-I thought maybe I'd start a band of my own! (After that, I went home and made a poster to recruit bandamtes right away... Kasumi-san and the other bands were all shining just as brightly as the students at Tsukinomori. If I start a band, maybe even someone like me... can shine just as bright as them...)
- ^ Craft Egg. BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! (iOS/Android). Bushiroad. Scene: Morfonica, To the Sparkling World. Level/area: Morfonica.
Tsukushi: I'd like our name to have something to do with change... Kurata-san, didn't you say you thought starting a band would be a good chance to change yourself? Then that idea should be a part of our name. [...] I'd like to add something that represents us... Ah, the violin! / [...] Nanami: Ah... Symphony... What about 'symphonic'?
- ^ Yuda, Masaru; Sawamura, Eisuke; Tsuji, Kōta (11 June 2020). "『ガルパ』開発陣インタビュー。MorfonicaとRAISE A SUILEN実装の裏側に迫る!" [Interview with the development team of "Garpa". Get behind the scenes of Morfonica and Raise a Sullen! implementations!]. Dengeki (Interview) (in Japanese). Interviewed by Tsukasa, Kōyō. ASCII Media Works. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ "「バンドリ!ガルパ」,3周年キャンペーンやアップデートの情報が公開" ["Bandori! Garupa" 3rd anniversary campaign and update information released]. 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). 2 March 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- ^ Hacaga, Shawn (19 June 2020). "BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!☆PICO~OHMORI~ Episode #07 Anime Review". Fandom Post. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (19 March 2022). "BanG Dream!'s Morfonica Group Gets Original Anime This Summer". Anime News Network. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (3 June 2022). "BanG Dream! Morfonica Anime Reveals Title, Teaser Video, July 28–29 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ "Music". BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! (in Japanese). Bushiroad. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Daylight-デイライト-". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 29 May 2020.
- ^ "ブルームブルーム【Blu-ray付生産限定盤】" [Bloom Bloom [Limited Edition with Blu-ray]]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "寄る辺のSunny, Sunny" [Yorube no Sunny, Sunny]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "寄る辺のSunny, Sunny(Blu-ray付生産限定盤)" [Yorube no Sunny, Sunny (Limited edition with Blu-ray)]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "両翼のBrilliance | Morfonica". ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Tempest/Wreath of Brave | Morfonica". ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Feathered Dreams | Morfonica". ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.4" [BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol.4]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- ^ "ガルパ ボカロカバーコレクション" [Garupa Vocaloid Cover Collection]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 31 December 2020.
- ^ "バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.5" [BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol.5]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 4 March 2021.
- ^ "劇場版「BanG Dream! FILM LIVE 2nd Stage」Special Songs". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 5 September 2021.
- ^ "バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.6" [BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol.6]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ "BanG Dream! Dreamer's Best". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 1 April 2021.
- ^ "バンドリ! ガールズバンドパーティ! カバーコレクションVol.7" [BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Cover Collection Vol.7]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ "Quintet" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
- ^ "Polyphony" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
Morfonica
View on GrokipediaBackground
Formation
Morfonica was announced on March 1, 2020, during a livestream event celebrating the third anniversary of the mobile game BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!, marking it as the fourth live band in the BanG Dream! multimedia franchise following Poppin'Party (2015), Roselia (2018), and RAISE A SUILEN (2018).[2] The project, produced by Bushiroad, introduced Morfonica as an all-female violin rock unit composed of first-year students at the fictional Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, emphasizing live performances by voice actresses portraying the characters.[6] The voice actresses were selected through auditions conducted by Bushiroad and affiliated agencies, with assignments to characters revealed shortly after the announcement: Amane Shindō as vocalist Mashiro Kurata, Hina Suguta as guitarist Tōko Kirigaya, Yūka Nishio as bassist Nanami Hiromachi, mika as drummer Tsukushi Futaba, and professional violinist Ayasa as violinist Rui Yashio.[2] This selection process prioritized performers capable of handling both voice acting and live instrumentation, aligning with the franchise's emphasis on authentic band simulations. Initial planning focused on integrating violin rock into the franchise's multimedia ecosystem, blending classical string elements with rock instrumentation to expand the project's musical diversity while tying the band directly to BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!, where characters, story events, and songs were added to the Japanese server on March 16, 2020.[7] Bushiroad coordinated production, including early recording sessions for the debut single "Daylight," which featured an animated music video released on March 25, 2020, to showcase the genre's fusion.[8] Promotional efforts began immediately with character profile reveals during the announcement livestream and teaser content in the mobile game, including song previews and event storylines starting in March 2020 for Japan and extending to international servers in April.[6] The voice actresses made their first group appearance at the game's third anniversary livestream on March 16, 2020, building anticipation for the band's full integration across anime, music, and live events.[2] As of 2025, Morfonica remains active, continuing to release singles and participate in live events within the franchise.[9]Concept and style
Morfonica is defined by its violin rock genre, which fuses classical violin elements with rock instrumentation to create emotionally charged, melancholic soundscapes that evoke a sense of introspection and drama.[2] The band's music prominently features the violin as the lead instrument, played by Rui Yashio, allowing for soaring melodies that blend symphonic textures with rock energy, distinguishing it from the guitar-driven styles of other BanG Dream! bands.[10] This approach emphasizes harmonious arrangements and fantastical worldviews, drawing listeners into an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere through intricate string work and dynamic rhythms.[11] Thematically, Morfonica explores motifs of prestige, friendship, and personal growth set against the backdrop of elite academia, portraying the members as schoolgirls navigating the pressures of excellence while forging bonds through music.[1] Unlike the everyday high school camaraderie of bands like Poppin'Party or the intense rivalries in Roselia, Morfonica's narrative highlights the contrast between rigid social expectations and the liberating power of collaboration among privileged yet vulnerable young women.[12] This focus underscores themes of self-discovery, where the act of forming and performing as a band serves as a catalyst for overcoming insecurities in a competitive environment.[10] Visually, the band's aesthetic draws from the elegant, refined uniforms of Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, featuring tailored sailor-style outfits in deep blues and whites with subtle frills and accents that convey sophistication and poise.[1] Stage attire extends this elegance with flowing designs and orchestral-inspired details, reinforcing the band's prestigious identity without overt flamboyance. Morfonica's style is influenced by real-world violin rock performers, such as violinist Ayasa, who brings her expertise in blending classical techniques with rock vigor to the group's live performances and recordings. Additionally, it echoes classical music adaptations commonly featured in anime soundtracks, incorporating violin-driven compositions that heighten emotional depth. By introducing violin as a central element, Morfonica expands the musical diversity within the BanG Dream! universe, offering a fresh symphonic rock perspective that appeals to fans of both classical and contemporary genres.[2] This innovation not only enriches the franchise's ensemble of bands but also highlights the violin's potential to lead rock ensembles, setting Morfonica apart as a bridge between orchestral tradition and modern idol rock.[10]Members
Fictional characters
Morfonica consists of five fictional high school freshmen attending the prestigious Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, each bringing distinct personalities and backgrounds that shape their roles in the violin rock band.[1] Mashiro Kurata serves as the vocalist and lyricist for Morfonica. A meek and mature young girl with an active imagination that often leads her to daydream, Mashiro enrolled at her dream school, Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, but initially felt discouraged by the surrounding talent and lost confidence in her abilities.[13] Her passion for singing persists despite these insecurities, and joining the band helps restore her outlook, allowing her to contribute lyrics inspired by her imaginative nature.[13] Tōko Kirigaya plays guitar and embodies the band's energetic presence. Coming from a well-off family that has run a kimono shop for generations, she is popular both at school and on social media, characterized by a bright and sunny personality that often results in spontaneous antics dragging others along.[14] Her improvisational style adds a lively, unpredictable element to the group's interactions.[14] Nanami Hiromachi handles bass and seeks a sense of normalcy amid her unconventional traits. Described as a strange girl who hides her true self to blend in with peers, she joined Morfonica partly due to the trending popularity of girls' bands, hoping to experience a typical high school life through the activity.[15] Her awareness of her differences creates an internal tension, but the band provides an outlet for integration.[15] Tsukushi Futaba is the drummer and band leader, appointed for her confident demeanor. As class president, she strives to be a reliable role model, working diligently in both school and band duties, though she occasionally falters under pressure.[16] Her aspiration to become someone others can depend on drives her leadership, fostering unity among the members.[16] Rui Yashio performs on violin and composes for Morfonica, bringing technical precision to the ensemble. An intelligent student at the top of her class with a dry personality focused on excellence, she once abandoned violin, deeming music meaningless, but rediscovered her passion after encountering Mashiro and the other members.[17] Her logical approach complements the group's dynamics, providing compositional depth.[17]Voice actresses
Morfonica's voice actresses are real-life performers who not only provide voices for the band's fictional members in the BanG Dream! franchise but also perform live as the group, bringing authenticity to their roles through musical training and stage presence. Selected through auditions in early 2020, the cast was announced by Bushiroad on March 5, 2020, marking the formation of the franchise's fourth live band.[3] Amane Shindō voices Mashiro Kurata, the band's vocalist. Born on April 20, 2004, in Aichi Prefecture, Shindō made her voice acting debut in 2019 as Caro in the anime Bermuda Triangle: Colorful Pastrale, followed by roles such as Megumi Okura in Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress and Haruna Kasuga in D4DJ All Mix before joining BanG Dream!.[18][19] At age 15 upon casting, she was the youngest voice actress in the franchise at the time, and her skills include guitar playing and various dance forms, aiding her stage performances.[18] Hina Suguta voices Tōko Kirigaya, the guitarist. Born on April 17, 1995, in Hyogo Prefecture, Suguta trained at a voice acting school under Amino Produce starting in 2017 and debuted in 2019 as Haruka in Afterlost: Where I End and You Begin. She has since gained prominence for roles like Marin Kitagawa in My Dress-Up Darling. Affiliated with HAIKYO since 2023, her special skills include guitar playing and singing, which she honed further for Morfonica's live shows. In early summer 2025, she released her debut album.[20][21][22] Yūka Nishio voices Nanami Hiromachi, the bassist. Born on March 31, 1994, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Nishio previously worked as a singer under the stage name HARUCA before transitioning to voice acting in 2019, debuting as Yuu Higashiyama in Rebirth for you. She also portrays Rinku Aimoto in D4DJ First Mix and Hifumi Takayama in BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!. Her skills encompass singing, violin, and DJing, and she prepared extensively on bass for the role, drawing from her musical background to contribute to the band's dynamic sound. In 2025, she was absent from the BanG Dream! 10th anniversary live due to health issues.[23][24][25] mika voices Tsukushi Futaba, the drummer. Born on June 24 in Fukuoka Prefecture, mika began drumming at age 16 and moved to Tokyo at 18 to pursue music, serving as a support artist for various BanG Dream! live bands prior to her casting. Tsukushi Futaba marked her voice acting debut in 2020, and affiliated with Ace Crew Entertainment, she focused on drum performance preparation to embody the character's energetic leadership during live events.[26] Ayasa voices Rui Yashio, the violinist and composer. Born on October 19, 1991, in Tokyo, Ayasa is a professional violinist who rose to fame through YouTube covers of anime and game music, amassing over 500,000 subscribers by 2020. Her entry into voice acting came with Morfonica, leveraging her extensive musical experience—no additional instrument training was needed for her role, as violin has been her primary instrument since childhood. She brings authenticity to Rui's sophisticated style through her classical and pop violin expertise. The voice actresses underwent group instrument lessons and live performance rehearsals starting in 2020 to ensure synchronized performances, aligning with BanG Dream!'s tradition of real-band execution. This preparation culminated in their debut live show, Morfonica 1st LIVE "Cantabile", held in October 2020 at Tokyo Garden Theater, where they performed original songs like "Daylight" with full instrumentation.[27]In-universe portrayal
School and setting
Tsukinomori Girls' Academy is a prestigious all-girls high school in the BanG Dream! universe, catering to students from affluent backgrounds and emphasizing excellence in academics, arts, and music through rigorous programs.[1][6] Situated in a fictional urban environment, the academy boasts grand, traditional architecture that evokes a sense of historical elegance and exclusivity, as depicted in game visuals and promotional materials. The school's culture features strict social hierarchies among its talented student body, alongside specialized music initiatives and annual events like the Tsukinomori Music Festival, which promote artistic development and communal harmony through performances.[28] This elite setting shapes Morfonica's dynamics, highlighting contrasts between the privileged environment and the experiences of students like Mashiro Kurata, who enters as an outsider, thereby underscoring themes of belonging and adaptation within the band.[13] Visually, the academy is represented by its iconic uniforms—a navy blue winter ensemble with gold trimmings and a white summer variant—and vibrant portrayals of campus life during festivals and seasons in BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! and anime adaptations. Within the wider BanG Dream! world, Tsukinomori integrates through crossover scenarios, enabling Morfonica to collaborate with bands from other academies like Haneoka Girls' High School during joint events.[6]Band storyline
Morfonica's in-universe narrative begins with the formation of the band by first-year students at the elite Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, where Mashiro Kurata enrolls as a newcomer feeling overwhelmed by her talented peers.[13] Initially plagued by self-doubt and isolation, Mashiro's perspective shifts after Touko Kirigaya, a charismatic and impulsive student from a longstanding kimono-making family, takes the initiative to assemble the group, drawing in classmates to pursue music amid the rising popularity of girls' bands.[14] Nanami Hiromachi, who yearns for an ordinary high school experience despite her unconventional background, joins to blend in through band activities, while class president Tsukushi Futaba steps up as drummer and leader, striving to embody reliability despite her occasional mishaps.[15][16] A pivotal turning point occurs when Rui Yashio, an academically gifted student who had abandoned violin playing as futile, reconnects with music upon encountering Mashiro and the budding ensemble, resuming her role as violinist and composer to elevate their sound.[17] This formation arc, detailed in the BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! game events starting in 2020, highlights the members' personal insecurities—Mashiro's lack of confidence, Nanami's desire to conceal her uniqueness, and Rui's disillusionment—gradually overcome through collaborative rehearsals and performances.[29] The band's early growth culminates in their debut at the school festival, marking a triumphant step from tentative unity to shared purpose, with music serving as a conduit to bridge social divides within the academy's stratified environment.[29] Subsequent story arcs in the game emphasize thematic progression toward cohesion, as the group navigates rivalries with other bands like Roselia and engages in crossovers with Poppin'Party, fostering broader connections in the BanG Dream! universe.[29] Key events include ongoing challenges that test their bonds, such as preparing for larger stages and addressing individual doubts, culminating in celebratory milestones like the 2025 "Morfonica on Parade!" storyline, which explores self-expression and anniversary reflections through medley performances. In November 2025, the event "Canon That Follows Your Path" depicts peaceful days returning to Tsukinomori as Morfonica gears up for their next performance, further testing their bonds and growth.[29][30] These narratives underscore Morfonica's evolution from an insular academy outfit to a symbol of inclusive musical expression.[29]Discography
Singles
Morfonica's discography includes eight physical singles released through Bushiroad Music as of November 2025, primarily featuring original songs tied to events in the BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! mobile game and anime adaptations. These singles blend classical violin elements with rock instrumentation, often composed by the production team Elements Garden and featuring lyrics by Oda Asuka, emphasizing themes of hope, growth, and determination. The lead tracks frequently serve as event themes, with B-sides providing additional narrative depth to the band's in-universe storyline.[31] The following table lists Morfonica's singles, including release dates, tracks, and Oricon Weekly Singles Chart peaks where applicable:| No. | Title | Release Date | Tracks | Oricon Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Daylight -デイライト- | May 27, 2020 | 1. Daylight 2. Konjiki e no Prelude | #2[32][33] |
| 2nd | Bloom Bloom | January 13, 2021 | 1. Bloom Bloom 2. flame of hope | #6[32][34] |
| 3rd | Harmony Day | October 6, 2021 | 1. Harmony Day 2. Sonorous 3. Fateful... | #8[32] |
| 4th | fly with the night | March 30, 2022 | 1. fly with the night 2. Secret Dawn | #7[32] |
| 5th | Yorube no Sunny, Sunny | September 14, 2022 | 1. Yorube no Sunny, Sunny 2. One Step at a Time | #23[32][35] |
| 6th | Ryoyoku no Brilliance | May 1, 2024 | 1. Ryoyoku no Brilliance 2. Ongaeshi no Serenade 3. Soukyuu e no Trail | #14[32] |
| 7th | Tempest / Wreath of Brave | October 9, 2024 | 1. Tempest 2. Wreath of Brave | #16[36] |
| 8th | Feathered Dreams | August 27, 2025 | 1. Feathered Dreams 2. Color of Us 3. Portray Empathy | #12[32][37] |
Albums
Morfonica's album releases encompass studio efforts compiling original material with orchestral rock elements, alongside contributions to franchise-wide cover compilations that adapt anime and Vocaloid songs into their melancholic soundscape. The band's debut studio album, QUINTET, was released on March 15, 2023, by Bushiroad Music. It compiles 13 original tracks, blending singles from their early years with new compositions to establish their violin-driven style. Key inclusions feature the debut single "Daylight," the energetic "Bloom Bloom," and fresh entries like "Melancholic Lullaby" and "The Circle Of Butterflies," all arranged by Elements Garden to highlight string harmonies and emotional depth. Produced in Tokyo studios with session musicians supporting the voice actresses' vocals, the album emphasizes conceptual unity around themes of resonance and growth. QUINTET debuted at number 9 on Oricon's weekly album chart.[41][42]| Track No. | Title | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daylight | 5:50 | Lead single |
| 2 | Melancholic Lullaby | 3:36 | New original |
| 3 | flame of hope | 4:13 | Single track |
| 4 | Bloom Bloom | 4:37 | Single title |
| 5 | Colorful Liberty | 3:38 | New original |
| 6 | fly with the night | 4:00 | Single title |
| 7 | Konjiki e no Prelude | 4:30 | Single B-side |
| 8 | The Circle Of Butterflies | 4:18 | New original |
| 9 | Harmony Day | 3:39 | Single title |
| 10 | Sweet Cheers! | 3:44 | New original |
| 11 | Yorube no Sunny, Sunny | 3:35 | Single B-side |
| 12 | Chikai no Wingbeat | 4:15 | New original |
| 13 | Ever Sky Blue | 4:01 | New original |
