Mino Music's Mino-initiated audition "4th Music Deepening Theory ~the battle~" adds Pierre Nakano, Dr. Capital, and Yukipoyo as judges! Details of supplementary prizes also announced.

Regarding the YouTube audition program "4th Music Deepening Theory ~the battle~," organized by the Music Deepening Theory Project (KDDI Corporation, Natasha Inc., SBI LuaaZ Co., Ltd., LivePocket Inc.), the initiator, music critic Mino, has released a video announcing additional judges. Details of the supplementary prizes will also be revealed.

Launched in December 2024, "Music Deepening Theory ~the battle~" is a tournament-style music program held under the concept: "What does music need...? Technique? Theory? Trends? - No, isn't what's needed the 'power to move someone's heart'?" This program serves as a hook-up project to create opportunities for indie artists to be discovered by shining a spotlight on them. Performances by artists will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges, and the winner will receive a prize of 1 million yen and supplementary prizes.

The program's MCs will be the duo Santa Monica, who have participated since the first season.

For the 4th round of judging, as previously announced, music critic Mino (the program's initiator) and music producer Seiji Kameda will be joined by Pierre Nakano, Dr. Capital, and Yukipoyo. This esteemed panel of judges will confront the artists' souls, unfolding a "New Star Birth Documentary" that vividly portrays the moment a new star emerges.

Further information will be released sequentially. Please look forward to the next developments.

Here is the follow-up video by initiator Mino:

https://youtu.be/ka5bI6JbT9E

Application form here:

https://forms.gle/5Wd22bZGZUQhmN7G7

The application period is until April 5, 2026 (Sunday) at 23:59.

■Additional Judge Comments

【Pierre Nakano】

I sincerely respect the expression of all creators. As a drummer, I want to carefully observe the elements that contribute to music's persuasiveness, such as rhythm and groove. I feel that "Music Deepening Theory" is not so much a place to determine the superiority or inferiority of talent, but rather a place to ascertain how far "the sound that only that person can make" can reach. I look forward to encountering expressions that move the heart.

【Dr. Capital】

Hello, this is Dr. Capital! They say music transcends borders, but as an American musician rooted in Osaka, I feel every day that the "way" it transcends is what's truly interesting. As a listener and live audience member, I love hearing new songs, and as a music enthusiast, discussing works with the artists themselves is the ultimate luxury. Furthermore, as an educator, I...