OSTER project (Vocaloid producer)
OSTER project is the name of a Japanese musical unit, though it only consists of a single member, OSTER (born November 24, 1986). She likes extremely spicy curry and cinnamon rolls. Her favorite artists include famed French composer Michel Legrand, plus-tech squeeze box, and jazz composer Hiromi Uehara. She is currently signed with beatnation records.
About the Artist
OSTER became popular from the music she uploaded to the Internet. Prior to being introduced to Hatsune Miku, OSTER primarily produced instrumental works which have since been made private. In 2000, she began producing music and attracted many listeners with her composition style and high-quality lyrics. Before Nico Nico Douga had existed, she was active on muzie (pronounced like "myoo-Z", Avex Digital's music service) and had provided music for rhythm game simulators such as StepMania, DTXMania, and Flash videos.
An avid fan of April Fool's Day, every time the day comes, she will play a friendly joke on her fans and change the titles of all of her videos to something else, usually very quirky and forming a short story. The practice has been so well-received that there are articles dedicated to what "OSTER will do for the next April Fool's?"
OSTER and Hatsune Miku
On September 13, 2007, her first Vocaloid song using Hatsune Miku Koi suru VOC@LOID (English: VOC@LOID in Love) was uploaded to Nico Nico Douga and was instantly popular. The song, which was announced two weeks after the release of the Vocaloid 2 Hatsune Miku software, is a love song from Hatsune Miku to her listeners. It is believed that this song had a great influence on Hatsune Miku's image and sparked a culture of producers making music using Hatsune Miku. Accordingly, OSTER is one of the leading figures of the Hatsune Miku boom. Koi suru VOC@LOID reached over 1 million views by the end of 2008. Thereafter, more songs using Hatsune Miku and the other Vocaloids were uploaded to Nico Nico Douga.
In December 2008, OSTER project released a complete best album "Miku no Kanzume" that contained previously released songs. In July 2009, many more songs were provided for the "Hatsune Miku -Project DIVA- rhythm game series as well as Konami Digital Entertainment's "beatmania" series. In 2012, she produced music singles for the three-person voice actor unit "Sweety" for the Sanrio character "Cinnamoroll's" character song album.
Career
Besides Vocaloid production, OSTER was a member of the 8-person Vocaloid producer label BALOOM. She released her album "OSTER 'BIG BANG' Project" through the label before it disbanded.
She often collaborates with other producers and when partnering with fellow Vocaloid producer baker she will often be referred to as "baker's bride-P" (where the "P" stands for "producer") by fans which she has confirmed that she doesn't mind that nickname. However, since prior to becoming a musician, OSTER has always referred to herself as a "fiendish hermaphrodite".
Since 2014, she has also arranged many of popular Japanese singer aiko's songs.
Musical Style
OSTER has worked on a wide range of music from ballads to jazz. In regards to Vocaloid music production, she states that she tries to challenge herself in respecting the individuality of each Vocaloid character. The album "Miku no Kanzume" also features bonus tracks where Vocaloid members talk to the listener. Her work has been applauded for showing incredible instrumental work as well as lyrics that are written from a female perspective.
Popular Songs Featuring Hatsune Miku
The following is a list of OSTER project's most prolific songs.
| Song Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| VOC@LOID in Love | Sep 13, 2007 |
| Miracle Paint | Nov 22, 2007 |
| @ | Jul 28, 2009 |
| Alice in Musicland | Apr 17, 2012 |
| PIANO*GIRL | Jan 30, 2010 |
| Colorful×Melody | Jul 2, 2010 |
OSTER project's music features prominently at Hatsune Miku concerts. Her songs are among the most played in the Vocaloid-based rhythm games Hatsune Miku -Project DIVA- (series), Hatsune Miku -Project DIVA- Arcade, project mirai (series), and Miku Flick.
Additionally, OSTER project is a composer for the BEMANI Series for such games as beatmania, REFLECT BEAT, jubeat (pronounced "you beat") and Guitar Freaks and drummania (referred to as GITADORA).