SYNTHMANIACS Revives Iconic “GROOVE CONTROL” with CMJK
In an exciting development for music creators and enthusiasts, the VTuber project “SYNTHMANIACS” has partnered with SSST, a music label spearheaded by renowned composer and music producer CMJK, to launch a special collaborative program titled “CMJK’s GROOVE CONTROL 2.” This new series, set to air on the official SYNTHMANIACS YouTube channel, marks the much-anticipated return of a legendary music guidance initiative that first captivated aspiring artists three decades ago.
The program is poised to become a vital resource for anyone passionate about music creation, from hobbyist composers to those striving for a professional career. “CMJK’s GROOVE CONTROL 2” will feature CMJK himself sharing his profound knowledge of track-making techniques. A core segment will involve him providing personalized advice on demo tracks submitted by viewers, offering a rare opportunity for direct feedback from an industry veteran.
Joining CMJK are lyricist Hiroaki Kudo as MC and Raiza Namido from SYNTHMANIACS as assistant. Their collective expertise and engaging presence aim to create an approachable yet insightful environment for all viewers.
A Legacy Reborn: “GROOVE CONTROL” Then and Now
The original “GROOVE CONTROL” was a highly popular series serialized in a prominent keyboard specialty magazine in the 1990s. It provided in-depth explanations of music production and offered critiques on demo tapes sent in by readers. This pioneering format garnered significant attention among young creators of the era, laying foundational knowledge for many.
Now, approximately 30 years later, “GROOVE CONTROL” is reborn as “2,” leveraging modern streaming technology to deliver real-time musical insights. The revival promises to bring CMJK’s invaluable mentorship to a new generation, fostering a vibrant community of musicians.
Program Details and How to Submit Your Music
The inaugural episode of “CMJK’s GROOVE CONTROL 2” is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM (JST), with monthly broadcasts planned thereafter. Aspiring musicians are encouraged to submit their demo tracks for consideration to be featured on the show. This is a chance to have your work heard and receive constructive criticism from a master of the craft. “It’s truly exciting to see a platform like this emerge, offering direct mentorship that can shape future music creators,” commented a long-time fan of CMJK’s work.
Demo Track Submission Guidelines:
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Eligibility: Individuals not currently affiliated with a music publisher or record label.
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How to Apply: Send the following information via direct message (DM) to the SSST label’s official X (formerly Twitter) account:
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Your name (artist name) and a description of your song.
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Artist photo (optional).
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Audio data (include a downloadable URL).
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Accepted formats: MP3 (256kbps or higher) / WAV (16bit / 44.1kHz or higher).
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Please use file transfer services or cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, GigaFile便) for audio data.
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Submission Destination: SSST label Official X: https://x.com/SSST_LABEL
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Important Notes:
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Submitted audio and artist photos may be broadcast during the YouTube live stream.
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Only submit tracks for which you hold the copyright and grant permission for use in the broadcast.
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The Vision of SSST and SYNTHMANIACS
SSST (SAW, SINE, SQUARE TUNES), CMJK’s music label, is dedicated to cultivating creative works that blend experimental approaches with broad popularity, drawing inspiration from post-punk, post-rock, new wave, and electronic music. The label aims to globally expand a unique Japanese sensibility and technological prowess, encompassing themes of cyber, future, neuromantic, and singularity.
SYNTHMANIACS, launched in September 2025, is a VTuber project focused on promoting the allure of synthesizers. Its members engage in music production and performances, primarily through their YouTube channel. This collaboration with CMJK and SSST underscores SYNTHMANIACS’ commitment to enriching the music landscape and supporting emerging talent.
This partnership between a cutting-edge VTuber project and a seasoned music producer represents a fascinating convergence of digital entertainment and traditional music mentorship. As “CMJK’s GROOVE CONTROL 2” unfolds, it will likely inspire countless creators and further blur the lines between virtual and real-world artistic development, potentially setting a new standard for music education and talent discovery in the global kawaii culture scene.
For more information on SYNTHMANIACS and its activities, visit their official website: https://synthmaniacs.com/ and YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SYNTHMANIACS_PROJECT.
