Sunday, February 21, 2016

Updated "Songs" tab!

Hey everyone!

As I was pondering my upcoming posts about the SERA00 Star City episodes, I realized that I'm probably going to be including a lot of SERA00 song names, since all participants are performing SERA00 songs. I know that it's hard for even the most avid fan to keep track of our 200+ songs. Even I don't know them all!

So I've been working on updating the discography, which can be found under the "Songs" tab. You can now click on links under each single that will show you the tracklist, and expanded the Stages to include the dates of each Stage's debut performance, as well as a link to the full setlist. Granted, I set it up but a lot of the content is still missing. It takes time to find this stuff out! I'll keep adding to it as I dig up more information.

I'm also working on a timeline of SERA00's history! But that's turning out to be a lot more work than I anticipated, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to have that up for you guys.

By the way, this post was written by me, Evie, but it's going to be uploaded by my manager since I should currently be performing in the 2016 SERA00 Winter Concert "If It's Forever" ... thanks!

Please support SERA00!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

SERA00 Star City [2/2]

Hey everyone!

I split up the post because the first one was getting too long. Tonight will be the first of our two-night 2016 SERA00 Winter Concert!

I was talking about Star City in the previous post as if it was all going to happen in the future, which understandably made some of you confused, as there have been a lot of ads and commercials for the show recently. Yes, you're right - the first episode has already premiered yesterday night. The results from the first challenge will be revealed at the beginning of the next episode, but the surprise I mentioned earlier is that we will actually be revealing the results on the second day of the concert! Both to the members and the audience, both of which have never seen the results before the reveal.

For those who haven't seen the first episode yet, I gotta say right off the bat that you won't be seeing me on the show. I'm sorry. I was not one of the souls brave enough to risk my rank for a stab at a solo concert and musical role T.T At least now I'll be able to provide a (hopefully) unbiased commentary of the show.

PARTICIPANTS
STAR POWER
STAR TALENT
B rank
Samantha Willis “Sammi”
Hollis Stern “Holly”

C rank
Tang Tang Tsang
Fawn Cobbleton
Eclair Holland "Echo"
Felicia Russel “Felicity”
Ginelle Gerald “Ginger”
Piper Weston
Yura Chung
Oakley Canterbury
Cindy Howe
Ariande Wong “Ariel”
Braelyn Rowe
Liesl Surrey
Kaya Courtland
April Heffron


00 rank
Katarina Ren “Katalie”
Xue Ling Kuo
Emily Wattana
Cora Hyland “Coral”
Erica Cortez
Seren Ellery
Judy Kim “Juhyun”
Linda Hoang “Liha”
Yuzuki Ito

CASUT00
Arron
Isabelle
Nikki
Holiday
B rank
Raine Colbert
Macey Fent

C rank
Sora Takashi “Soracchi”
Mikayla Iverson
Jessica Caves
Kai Lee “Kailee”
Shannon Hunton
Kerria Santivejkul
Isla Hedley
Emma Jung
Poppy Ganeson
Briar Ross “Briar Rose”
Eliza Moir
Celestia Charrete
Aspen Wilkenson
Haley Wickham

00 rank
Henley Rey
Izumi Kimura “Ice”
Dana Jennings  
Romy Stokes
Jenna Moore
Sayoung Yoon
Leanne Chen “Lychee”

CASUT00
JY
Rachel
Madison
Ava

As I was compiling this list, I realized something that may be confusing which I will clarify now. If you read my election results post, you will see some girls, like Sayoung - who is listed high up under B rank, but is listed under 00 ranks on this list - whose rank seems inconsistent. Well, even though in the election she landed within the bracket required to move up to B rank, you cannot become an official member just by ranking high at an election. You remain a 00 rank despite your ranking until you are promoted by Management. The only difference is that when other 00 ranks get promoted, the automatically become C ranks - she will become a B rank.

Anyways, my thoughts on the participants: unsurprisingly, none of the A ranks elected to join. Likely, it was because the higher ranked A ranks felt no need to join the show (honestly, if Sassan wanted a solo concert, all she would have to do is ask), and the lower A ranks weren't positive that they could snag first place to retain their A rank. Same with the B ranks, although there were a couple who took the chance - 4, to be exact, which means that unless the winning three are dominated by B ranks, at least a couple of them are bound to drop a rank. As expected, all the C rank and 00 ranks joined, as there was really no threat to their position, and same with the CASUT00 girls.

Alright, I was finishing up this post during a break - we're running a dress rehearsal at the concert venue. We're just wrapping up now and we can already hear you guys lining up outside the stadium :o I'm glad it's not too cold tonight! I'm going to go prepare with the rest of the members now. See you on stage!

Please support SERA00!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

SERA00 Star City [1/2]

Hey everyone!

Remember that thing I told you I tell you about? Well, here it is. Introducing...*drumroll*...SERA00 Star City! No, I'm not talking about the SERA00 City. This is SERA00's first survival show! 

Like the election, participation is voluntary, and all SERA00 and CASUT00 members are eligible to join as a participant. I wouldn't say that the show is targeted towards the 00 ranks, but rather that it's likely all or most of them will join, compared to official members who have already debuted. Later on, I'll discuss reasons why official members may or may not want to participate.

So how does the show work? There will be two competition streams that members can choose from - Star Talent and Star Power. Star Talent participants will be judged solely on their dance and singing skills, whereas Star Power participants will be judged on idol aura, stage presence, performance. To those who are not in or are new to the idol scene, the Star Power stream may seem rather abstract to you. How can it possible match up with the Star Talent stream?

It's the same way that Sassan is ranked above Luraland, despite Luraland being the better singer. The way that Yumichan and Sayoung are miles ahead of the other girls in their generation, despite joining SERA00 at the same time. Of course, it's not to say that talent doesn't get you anywhere, or that girls who gain popularity through means other than singing or dancing talent don't deserve it. I'm not making such a generalization, rather, I'm trying to explain why the concept of Star Power should not be taken lightly.

The judges will all be celebrity guests and trainers who have no affiliation with SERA00. That's right - even Miss Avery is taking the break on the judging in this show. 

After each challenge, participants will be evaluated and ranked.

Phase 1: Solo performance
Phase 2: Self-cam
Phase 3: Same stream team performance (elimination round)
Phase 4: Musical performance
Phase 5: Cross stream team performance (elimination round)
Phase 6: Solo performance (final elimination round)

You might be thinking that Phase 4 is rather random. After all, musicals aren't for everyone, and despite SERA00's recent run of "Dreamweavers," being an idol doesn't require any experience in musical theatre. Well, at the end of the program, there will be a first, second, and third place winner for each stream, six winners total. These six girls will make up the main cast of SERA00's next musical! 

Members who are eyeing a role in the musical might consider joining the program. Viewers might argue that it's unfair to pit rookie idols against seasoned idols, but it's not an easy road for official members either.

The final ranking from the program will OVERWRITE your current ranking. First place winners get A rank, second and third get B rank, and everyone else gets either C rank if you're an official member, or if you're a 00 rank then you stay as a 00 rank. In other words, current B and A rank members have a lot more to risk losing if they decide to join compared to 00 and C ranks.

But nothing bolsters improvement like a little friendly competition. So Management is offering some pretty big prizes for the winners of each stream. Mimicking the old SERA00 Complex, the SERA00 City is able to host three sizes of concerts (from smallest to largest) - SERA00 Stage, SERA00 Encore, and outdoor concert. First place winners get a solo outdoor concert, second places get solo Encore, and third places get a solo Stage.

Granted, it's not a full-blown concert like the ones we do as a group, but it's still a super attractive opportunity, even for the top members. Can you imagine that in the 9 years SERA00 has been active, not a single member has put on a solo concert? Ever?

More to come. Here's a thumbnail selfie for your time.


Please support SERA00!



Monday, February 8, 2016

Lunar New Year & macarons <3

Hey everyone!

I decided that my posts have gone too long without a photo, so I shall provide you with one now!


Yes, it's my photo and my macarons! Today is Lunar New Year, so Management gave us half a day off (the show goes on!). What better way to de-stress than eat sugar... I know, totally not called for in an idol's diet but they were fun to make! I baked 72 of them. One batch of strawberry, one matcha, one chocolate, and one tiramisu. Seventy-two...but they all mysteriously disappeared >.< next time I'll have to make even more!

Happy Lunar New Year!!!
Please support SERA00!

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Date set for winter concert!

Hey everyone!

Our winter concert has finally been confirmed!! The 2016 SERA00 Winter Concert "If It's Forever" will be taking place February 20-21! This is exciting as it's the first time we've held a two-day long winter concert. All our past winter concerts have only been a single day.

Although you may see our 34th single "Counting Minutes" live on broadcast before the concert, you will get to hear some of the songs from the album live for the first time!

As well, we will be unveiling a special surprise - well, maybe not so much of a surprise by then as I'm going to write a post on it soon.

Please support SERA00!

Friday, February 5, 2016

Upcoming 34th single!

Hey everyone!

I was meaning to post something earlier. I had written a 750 word blog post, but it was on a more serious topic and I debated with myself for a couple of days on whether or not to publish it. Ultimately, I decided not to and I'm okay with that decision.

Well, our upcoming single is love-themed, since it's going to be Valentine's Day soon ;) The single is called "Counting Minutes" and will be release on February 13, 2016! Each type contains 4 songs - the title, b-side, and c-side, as well as the team song.

TRACKLIST
Counting Minutes (title)
When Roses Are (b-side)
Letters to my Love (c-side)
Ribbon (type Aurora)
This Year With You (type Angel)
By Starlight (type Night)

More on the album when it releases. Pre-orders are only available until Feb 5th - that's the end of tomorrow! Pre-orders come with an extra photocard like always. Limited edition theatre type will be sold at the SERA00 Theatre starting February 14. Oh, the Valentine's Day show will be a SERA00 Encore so be sure to come! :)

Please support SERA00!