Continuing our last listicle about the staff’s favourite VTuber original songs (which somehow showed that our staff actually has similar tastes when it comes to Vtubers), we decided to make a new listicle about our favourite VTuber cover songs.
As a type of derivative work, discussing about cover song could be fascinating. By comparing the cover with the original work, we could get some insights into the creator’s interpretation of the original work. Many songs in this list are created with different goals in mind. Some are created because the creator is a fan of the original artist, while some songs are created simply as a meme. But some songs here can also feel a little bit personal, especially when we consider the creator’s real-life circumstances during the creative process. Anyway, here are some of the staff’s favourites:
Honeycomb Summer – Hoshimachi Suisei & Inui Toko (Original artist: Crazy:B)
Actually, there are a whole lot of good song covers from VTubers. But if I were to choose one, I’ll pick the cover of Honeycomb Summer from Hoshimachi Suisei & Inui Toko. I love the new music arrangement that was adjusted to fit their voices but didn’t lose the song’s identity. How about Suisei’s and Toko’s voices? No need to ask, already champion from the first line of the song. Their voices suit each other. (Ferdian Tiraska – KAORI Newsline)
GETCHA! – Hoshimachi Suisei & Mori Calliope (Original artist: Giga & KIRA)
A song with a combination between English and Japanese lyrics added with rap, is just a perfect song for Hoshimachi Suisei & Mori Calliope duo who come from English and Japanese hololive branches respectively. For me, this cover marked the compatibility of Calli and Mori thus always wishing for both of them to collab in more songs. (Keinda D. Adilia / Tante Kei – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Indonesian Traditional Music Medley – Hololive Indonesia
As an Indonesian myself, I found this cover as one of the best Hololive Indonesia offers as it introduces our culture to an audience not just from Indonesia but from overseas as well through a beautifully arranged song medley. This cover always makes me proud that I am Indonesian and want to scream “ADA INDONESIA COY!” to the rest of the world. (Keinda D. Adilia / Tante Kei – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Berak Tak Cebok – Xia Ekavira ft. Taka Radjiman (Original artist: Kufaku Band)
Out of all the songs in the universe that they could have sung together, Xia Ekavira and (dearly graduated) Taka Radjiman chose to cover the Indonesian internet viral meme Berak Tak Cebok (lit. “pooping without wiping”). This cover is a testament to the incredibly entertaining and creative spirit of the members of NIJISANJI (Ex) ID. The lyrics said it all, and they sang it oh so well. Sometimes you’re put into a situation that stinks and you just have to make do with what you have. Yet the members of NIJISANJI (Ex) ID manage to still put out things that are anything but crappy. (Caesar E. S. – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Fukkatsu no Ideon – Inugami Korone (Oroginal artist: Isao Taira)
I was amused & surprised to see Korone sing the opening theme song to Space Runaway Ideon (1980), one of Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino’s seminal works, in her 3rd Anniversary Live. Even more so when original singer Isao Taira acknowledged her in a tweet after, and just absolutely *lost it* when he himself showed up as a special guest at Korone’s 4th Anniversary Live to perform the song with Korone as a duet.
It’s not just the song itself (it’s a great song), but the fact that retro media-loving Korone chose to perform it to such a wide audience on a grand stage. It’s such a nice thing to hear for fans of the 40-year-old show, let alone its staff. I can imagine that Isao Taira himself must have felt pretty happy hearing that his work is still being kept alive 40 years on, hence his decision to join in as a guest performer. Isn’t it amazing how Vtuber and anime culture can connect fans and performers of different generations together like this? (Caesar E. S. – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Memeshikute – Uzuki Kou, Kenmochi Toya, Shellin Burgundy (Original artist: Golden Bomber)
Nijisanji is known for the creativity and freedom of expression in each and every one of their talents, and this cover song perfectly captured it. While there are many ongoing changes in Nijisanji and, to an extent, Anycolor/Ichikara, this cover song encapsulates the “goofy/crazy/wild Nijisanji vibe” that fans know and love over the past 5 years, which makes it popular even today. (Videtra Reynaldi – The Indonesian Anime Times)
シャンティ(SHANTI) – Joe Rikiichi (Original artist: wotaku feat. KAITO)
When it comes to Joe Rikiichi‘s cover songs, Shinigami comes up most of the time; but personally, his Shanti cover left an even bigger impression, especially the gritty MV that comes with it. This cover really shows why he’s considered one of Nijisanji’s top singers. (Videtra Reynaldi – The Indonesian Anime Times)
YATTA – Axel Syrios, Regis Altare, Magni Dezmond, Noir Vesper, Astel Leda, Kageyama Shien, Minase Rio, Hizaki Gamma (Original artist: Green Leaves / 葉っぱ隊)
A very well-made April Fools’ cover song. As someone who has been into internet culture for a very long time, seeing a bunch of Vtubers covering this song in 2023 brings a huge smile to my face. It’s also fun seeing the reactions of younger Vtuber fans listening to this song for the very first time. The 4:3 aspect ratio is also a very smart touch. PS: set the quality to 144p to fully experience the late 2000s/early 2010s internet culture. (Videtra Reynaldi – The Indonesian Anime Times)
IDOL – Jaret Fajrianto (GHOSTY’s COMIC) feat. Evelyn (Original artist: YOASOBI)
I’m not sure if I should add Jaret Fajrianto A.K.A GHOSTY’s COMIC here, but he can be considered a VTuber right?
Anyway, I really like the Indonesian translation of the lyric. It suits Jaret’s character and makes the meaning more understandable to Indonesian anime fans. Over these few years, there has been a lot of unnecessary drama happening in the Indonesian anime fandom. Usually, the drama is revolved around famous people on social media, like cosplayers, VTuber, or someone that is related to event organizing. Since the lyric consists of words often used by Indonesian anime fans on social media, I think it makes the song’s meaning more relatable. (Dany Muhammad – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Hope in the Dark – Enna Alouette (Original artist: Luxiem)
The very first time I was lured into her content was her acapella video titled I could be…, I felt constant goosebumps throughout the song and was amazed by her husky voice and wide vocal range. I was impressed with her spooky cover of Diamond City Light, but this jazz cover of Hope in the Dark really strikes me. Enna and her team made really distinct and creative arrangements for derivative works. (Vina Nurziani – The Indonesian Anime Times)
I Have Nothing – Whale Taylor (Original artist: Whitney Houston)
I purposely added this one since this is one of his recent covers and it’s also my favourite song. Whale Taylor skillfully utilized his raspy voice to hit all the notes perfectly leaving his viewers impressed. I really hope to discover more indie VTubers with amazing voices and great content. (Vina Nurziani – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Deichuu ni Saku (Blooming in the Mud) – Miyu Ottavia (Original artist: HarryP)
This song feels like a fitting “last” song for Miyu. Its song’s vibe resonates with those who were surprised or even saddened by her “graduation” announcement from NIJISANJI ID (myself included, who occasionally watched her streams). Miyu’s powerful vocals work well with the song’s arrangement and lyrics, resulting in a cover that sounds bittersweet as if Miyu was saying “Yeah, I understand you all sad ‘cus I’m graduating, but keep carry on because our life still goes on.” (Tanto Dhaneswara – KAORI Newsline)
-Star Divine- finale – Pavolia Reine & Omaru Polka (Original artist: Aijo Karen (CV : Koyama Momoyo), Kagura Hikari (CV : Suzuko Mimori), Tendo Maya (CV : Tomita Maho), Saijo Claudine (CV : Aiba Aina)
This cover is the second collab for two Vtubers who are also Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight fans. As another fan of said franchise, I really cannot fight the urge to put this epic cover in. Aside from wanting to recommend this anime to everyone, with this cover, you can really hear how much Reine and Polka love this franchise. (Keinda D. Adilia / Tante Kei – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Those are some of our favourite cover songs. Is your favourite song included too? Tell us your favourite cover from your oshi!
The Indonesian Anime Times
