Found this on Hiroshi Fujiwara’s blog on Honeyee. Okay, so I don’t know what Star Bape Search is exactly(If only I could read Japanese) but by my guess is it’s an Americal Idol/Star Search type competition but with Nigo and Pharrell possibly judging the talent. I assume the winner would get a record deal with Bape Sounds, get some tracks produced by the Neptunes, have a Teriyaki Boy featured on their first single and have access to all of the Bape gear they want. I can already hear the millions of Hype Beasts rehearsing their dance routines right now.
I wonder what Ed McMahon is doing nowadays?
Update(3/21):
Got this from Pat, who was so kind enough to provide more info on the competition and auditioning process:
“I have the application from the star Bape search podcast. It also says you have to be female of course, between 18-26 and not already signed to a recording deal. Also musical genre and nationality doesn’t matter so basically anyone can apply as long as you’re in Japan. You can apply from overseas.
So basically they’re not just looking for someone to sign to their label. They’re looking for a singer based in Japan who’s going to make it all over the world. Kinda what BoA was supposed to for Korea except she went to Japan and never left.
The first step is to send your application. There are 3 ways to do this:
1) Mail in the application form, 2 pictures and an audition tape to “A bathing ape”, the address is on the application.
2) Hand it in to someone in one of the official “bape” stores.
3) You can apply online.
The application deadline is April 30, 2008. They will choose 10-15 people from all the applications they receive. Those 15 will go on the first “examination” (i’m guessing they go in a sing). From those 15, 5 will be selected and they have to go in and sing a second time. The final 5 will then have to sing for Nigo and Pharrell and they will choose the winner. That person is supposed to debut this year.”
The Star Bape Search site also has an english translation now.
