La Carmina blog is always full of surprises and sharp turns… and here’s one that will knock your socks off. I’m tickled to announce that Sebastiano Serafini is the fifth member of DNR (Dreams Not Reality), the Italian Visual rock band! He will be performing as vocalist and keyboardist in DNR’s upcoming concerts, in Eastern Europe and the 10,000+ audience festival Notte Rosa.

DNR was formed on May 2, 2008 — ten years after the death of HIDE, legendary guitarist of X Japan. The band describes its sound as “Euro-Visual KEI,” a genre that mixes Visual Kei / Jrock influences with American 80s metal and Gothic; electronics and melodies meet powerful riffs. (You can hear tracks on DNR’s MySpace.)

☆ DNR has toured around Europe and been featured in many magazines, including All Star and Bravo in Russia.
☆ The band is recognized by Mr. Seiichi Hoshiko, called the “father of Visual-kei”. DNR is currently ranked fourth on Visualog.
☆ Guitarist Kira uses Hide’s signature guitar in the Beyond The World music video (see above). The song is available in English and Japanese on iTunes.
☆ DNR collaborates with Luminor from Cinema Bizarre, who will be touring with the band and Seba next month.

And… there’s a collaboration between DNR and La Carmina in the works! Seba and I will be in Italy soon, working on this secret musical project. (Can you guess what it might be?)

We’re currently tearing up Hong Kong and Macau. Tons of coverage and photos coming right up.

PS: Thank you to Sandi of Wearable Art Blog for interviewing me about Harajuku DIY fashion and crafts.

PPS: Agepoyo gyaru blog wrote a funny post about me and Sebastiano. How random!

Have you heard of the Italian Visual Kei band DNR? What’s your reaction to Seba joining them? Surprised? Excited?

Song of the Day: DNR – Beyond This World