TeddyLoid
TeddyLoid (born Teddy Sakakibara, August 23, 1989) is a Japanese DJ, music producer, and composer specializing in electronic dance music (EDM), electropop, and soundtracks for anime and video games.[1][2] Known for his high-energy tracks blending rock, hip-hop, and futuristic synths, he has collaborated with prominent artists and contributed to major projects in the Japanese entertainment industry.[3][4] Sakakibara began his professional career at age 18 in 2008 as the main DJ and sound producer for Japanese rock guitarist MIYAVI, joining him on a world tour across 13 countries, which marked his entry into commercial music production.[3][5] Influenced by French touch house music and early rockabilly, he quickly gained recognition for his versatile style, including remixes and original compositions.[4] By 2016, TeddyLoid was ranked among the top five most-played Japanese artists on Spotify outside Japan.[3][4] His breakthrough in anime came with the soundtrack for Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (2010), where he co-produced tracks with ☆Taku Takahashi of m-flo, featuring bold electronic and hip-hop elements that defined the series' energetic vibe.[5][4] Other notable works include the viral animated short ME!ME!ME! (2014) with vocals by DAOKO, his debut album BLACK MOON RISING (2014), and SILENT PLANET (2015), alongside contributions to Vocaloid projects and collaborations with artists like Ado, Kizuna AI, Yasutaka Nakata, and DECO*27.[3][5] In recent years, he has produced music for video games such as D4DJ Groovy Mix, Project SEKAI, and Sonic X Shadow Generations (2024), the ending theme "Let Me Battle" for Pokémon Horizons: The Series (2023), and the soundtrack for New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT (2025), solidifying his influence in multimedia entertainment.[4][2]Career
2008–2010: Beginnings as DJ and producer
Teddy Sakakibara was born on August 23, 1989, in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and later adopted the professional name TeddyLoid, drawing inspiration from the rockabilly band Kentucky Boys. From an early age, he was immersed in rockabilly music through his parents' work in the genre, which sparked his interest in performance. He began learning the electronic organ at age two but struggled with structured lessons, eventually turning to self-directed exploration. By age nine, he discovered beatboxing via online videos and taught himself the technique, making his professional debut as a beatboxer at 15; these experiences cultivated his independent approach to music production, emphasizing electronic experimentation and rhythmic innovation.[4][6][7] TeddyLoid first built an online following in the mid-2000s by sharing remixes on MySpace, where his electronic reworkings propelled him to the top of the platform's indie electronic charts and attracted industry notice. In 2008, at age 18, this momentum led to his recruitment by Japanese rock guitarist Miyavi as the primary DJ and sound producer for the "This Iz The Japanese Kabuki Rock Tour 2008," a global outing comprising 33 shows across 13 countries in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The tour provided TeddyLoid with his initial high-profile DJ experience, blending live mixing with production to support Miyavi's performances and exposing him to diverse international audiences.[8][9][10] Post-tour, TeddyLoid entered the commercial sphere with his debut release, the 2008 remix album Room No. 382, which reimagined 10 Miyavi tracks in an electropop style, highlighting his knack for infusing rock with electronic beats and glitch effects. In 2009, he signed with TCY Recordings, the label run by m-flo producer Taku Takahashi, and contributed to projects like a remix of SOUL'd OUT's "La La FUN" for the compilation LaLaPiPo and an original track, "Another Day," on the TCY Recordings Sampler Vol. 0. These early DJ sets and releases laid the groundwork for his electropop signature, characterized by high-energy synths, vocal manipulations, and dancefloor-ready rhythms that would define his evolving sound.[9][11]2011–2014: Formation of Galaxias! and anime soundtracks
In 2011, TeddyLoid co-formed the pop unit Galaxias! alongside vocalist Ko Shibasaki and producer Deco27, creating a collaborative project blending electronic and pop elements drawn from their respective backgrounds in video-sharing platforms and club scenes.[12] The group released their self-titled debut album on November 23, 2011, through EMI Records, featuring tracks that showcased Shibasaki's vocals over TeddyLoid and Deco27's production.[13] Galaxias! promoted the album with a nationwide tour in Japan, culminating in a performance at Nippon Budokan as part of Shibasaki's "CIRCLE & CYCLE" tour finale on November 28, 2011, where the unit delivered a set including remixed versions of their singles.[14] This live showcase highlighted TeddyLoid's role in transitioning from solo DJ sets to high-profile group stages, emphasizing dynamic electronic arrangements live. Parallel to Galaxias!, TeddyLoid contributed significantly to anime soundtracks, notably producing tracks for the 2010 series Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi at Gainax. The original soundtrack, released on December 29, 2010, by FlyingDog, featured TeddyLoid's compositions such as "Fly Away" and "D City Rock," blending hip-hop, electronic, and rock influences to match the show's irreverent tone.[15] The album peaked at number 10 on Japan's Oricon weekly albums chart and charted for nine weeks, marking TeddyLoid's breakthrough in media tie-ins.[8] During this period, TeddyLoid expanded his work with Vocaloid software, producing electronic tracks like "Over Drive" and "Shooting Star" using IA as the virtual vocalist, which incorporated electropop beats and synth-heavy arrangements typical of his style.[16] He also released standalone electropop singles, including contributions to compilations and remixes that built on his club roots, such as upbeat tracks emphasizing pulsating basslines and vocal effects. A pivotal collaboration came in 2014 with rapper Daoko on "ME!ME!ME!," an electropop track produced by TeddyLoid for the Japan Animator Expo, animated by Hiroyuki Imaishi to explore themes of otaku culture through surreal visuals.[17] Released as part of the project's showcase, the music video gained viral traction online, amassing millions of views across platforms and solidifying TeddyLoid's reputation for multimedia electronic works.[18] TeddyLoid capped this era with his debut solo studio album, Black Moon Rising, released on September 17, 2014, via Ki/oon Music, compiling electropop and electronic tracks that reflected his evolving production amid anime and group projects.[19] The album entered the Oricon weekly chart at number 223, representing his first full-length solo effort.2015–2020: Major albums and virtual collaborations
In 2015, TeddyLoid released Re:MOMOIRO CLOVER Z, a two-disc remix album collaborating with the idol group Momoiro Clover Z, reinterpreting 17 of their tracks with electronic and EDM elements.[20] The album, issued on September 16 by King Records, peaked at No. 12 on the Oricon Albums Chart and stayed on the ranking for four weeks, marking a significant crossover between TeddyLoid's production style and J-pop idol music.[20] Later that year, on December 2, he dropped his second studio album Silent Planet, featuring high-profile collaborations with artists like Yasutaka Nakata on "Game Changers" and Tetsuya Komuro on "Above The Cloud," blending EDM, synthpop, and experimental sounds.[21] The album entered the Oricon Albums Chart, showcasing TeddyLoid's growing emphasis on ensemble projects with diverse vocalists and producers.[21] The Silent Planet project expanded into a series of EPs and remix albums through 2018, including Silent Planet 2 EP Vol. 1 to Vol. 5 (2016–2017) and culminating in Silent Planet: Reloaded and Silent Planet: Infinity (both 2018), which remixed tracks with contributions from artists like Reol, bokuriri, and Aina The End from BiSH.[22] These releases highlighted TeddyLoid's EDM and J-pop fusion, with singles such as "Shooting Star" feat. IA (2015) and "Invisible Lovers" feat. IA (2017) gaining traction in electronic music circles. Building on the international cult legacy of his 2014 track "ME!ME!ME!," these works further solidified his reputation for high-energy, visually driven productions.[23] A pivotal virtual collaboration came in 2018 with virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI, for whom TeddyLoid produced the song "melty world," an upbeat EDM track that debuted on November 30 and was later featured in the rhythm game Cytus II.[24] This partnership exemplified TeddyLoid's entry into the virtual idol space, merging his production expertise with AI-driven entertainment. During this era, he also expanded into game soundtracks, contributing original tracks to Dance Dance Revolution A20 (2019) and its 2020 expansion, enhancing arcade rhythm experiences with his signature electronic beats.[25] TeddyLoid's live performances intensified, including DJ sets at major Japanese events like Momoiro Clover Z's Momoshiro Festival (2015) and international appearances at Anime Expo (2016) and Crunchyroll Expo (2018), where he performed full sets blending album tracks with remixes.[26] His growing global appeal was underscored in 2016 when Spotify ranked him as the fifth most-streamed Japanese artist outside Japan, driven by platforms' accessibility to his high-octane EDM output.[5]2021–present: Giga collaborations and recent soundtracks
In 2021, TeddyLoid began a prolific collaboration with fellow producer and DJ Giga, marking a shift toward high-energy duo productions that blended electronic and vocaloid elements. Their debut joint effort was the track "Odo," featuring vocals by Ado, released on April 27, 2021, which achieved platinum certification in Japan and charted on Billboard Japan, iTunes Japan, and YouTube Japan trends.[6][27] This partnership continued to yield dynamic results, exemplified by their contributions to virtual idol projects and anime tie-ins. Throughout 2024, TeddyLoid expanded his soundtrack work while deepening ties with Giga. He co-composed tracks for the original soundtrack of the animated film Fureru., released on October 4, 2024, in collaboration with Masaru Yokoyama, including pieces like "Unknown Expectations" and "Vibrant Location" that underscored the film's emotional narrative. In November 2024, Giga and TeddyLoid produced "AWAKE," the theme song for Hoshimachi Suisei's Live Tour 2024 "Spectra of Nova", an Asia tour event, with lyrics by Kayoko Kusano; the single debuted on November 15, 2024, capturing themes of awakening and cosmic exploration.[28] Their collaboration extended to the rhythm game Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE!, where they composed "ULTRA C" with lyrics by Reol, released on July 8, 2024, as a focus track for the Vivid BAD SQUAD unit during the "OVER RAD SQUAD!!" event.[29][30] Entering 2025, TeddyLoid's output diversified across singles, remixes, and media soundtracks, often featuring guest artists and tying into anime revivals. On December 27, 2024—spilling into early-year momentum—he co-composed "flowers" with YUZU, serving as the theme for the mobile game Monster Strike's "El: The Awakening of Fallen Heaven" event.[31] In March, he and Giga delivered "Upboomboom," featuring MYERA, on March 26, 2025, a high-tempo electronic track with lyrics by MOMONADY and cono.[32] This was followed by "Cupid" (きゅーぴっど。), featuring Hololive VTuber Amane Kanata, released April 23, 2025, as part of her album Trigger.[33] Later singles included the double A-side "Wanna be / One More Time" on October 12, 2025, for the anime Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, with "Wanna be" featuring Shigeru Matsuzaki and TOPHAMHAT-KYO, and "One More Time" featuring Ryoji Tokito. He also provided the full original soundtrack for Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, including insert themes like "Let's Go!! Rider Kick (TeddyLoid Edit)," released starting October 2025.[34] TeddyLoid contributed significantly to anime revivals in 2025, co-producing tracks for New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT The Soundtrack, released September 24, 2025, under Taku Takahashi's oversight; notable inclusions were his compositions "Reach Up" and "New Fly Away," blending hip-hop and electronic styles.[35] For the Netflix series Glass Heart, he composed the music for "Turbulence" by OVER CHROME (performed by Masaki Suda and Reini), part of the soundtrack released in July 2025.[36] His remix work included "End of Days (TeddyLoid Remix)" for ReoNa, released August 1, 2025, reimagining the original with intensified electronic drops.[37] These efforts highlighted TeddyLoid's versatility in fusing production with multimedia storytelling.Musical style and influences
Genres and production techniques
TeddyLoid's music is characterized by primary genres including electropop, EDM, J-pop, and electronic dance elements, often blending high-energy rhythms with pop sensibilities.[38] His productions frequently incorporate electro house and glitch influences, creating a dynamic sound that bridges club-oriented dance music and mainstream Japanese pop.[39] In terms of production techniques, TeddyLoid employs heavy use of synthesizers to craft distorted melodies and layered synth arpeggios, which contribute to a polished electronic aesthetic.[39] He utilizes glitchy effects, fast-paced drum patterns, and heavy basslines to build tension, often applying sidechain compression for rhythmic pumping and dramatic bass drops.[39] Layered vocals are a hallmark, achieved through chopping and manipulating voices with reverb and echo to add emotional depth and rhythmic complexity.[39] Early in his career, TeddyLoid incorporated Vocaloid software, particularly the IA voicebank, to generate synthetic voices in tracks like "Over Drive" and "Invisible Lovers," allowing for innovative vocal experimentation in electronic compositions.[39][23] His style has evolved from remix-style builds featuring abrupt tempo shifts and breaks to more refined, narrative-driven soundtrack compositions that emphasize seamless integration of electronic elements.[39] TeddyLoid's signature sound revolves around high-energy drops and futuristic textures, making his work particularly suited for anime and video game soundtracks, as seen in the chaotic yet hypnotic production of "ME!ME!ME!".[39] For instance, in the collaborative track "Odo," these techniques manifest in hybrid trap and Dutch house beats that drive an infectious, danceable energy.[40]Influences from music and media
TeddyLoid's musical style draws significant inspiration from the French touch and electro genres, particularly the works of Daft Punk and Justice, which shaped his approach to electronic production with energetic, synth-driven sounds.[6][41] In a 2022 interview, he described his style as "heavily influenced by the French touch genre represented by Daft Punk and Justice," highlighting their impact on his rhythmic and melodic structures.[6] His early career provided exposure to Japanese rock through a collaboration with guitarist MIYAVI, serving as DJ and sound producer on the artist's 2008 world tour at age 18, which introduced him to high-energy live rock performances and fusion elements.[5][42] Anime and manga profoundly influence the thematic content of TeddyLoid's music videos and lyrics, often incorporating surreal narratives and emotional depth drawn from these media to explore human connections and expression.[5] For instance, his production of the soundtrack for the anime Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt and the music video ME!ME!ME! with DAOKO reflect anime-inspired visuals and storytelling that convey intense emotions in concise tracks.[5] He has noted that manga, anime, and music together foster global connections by sharing personal expressions.[5] Broader media influences include video games, evident in the pixelated and retro aesthetics of ME!ME!ME!, enhancing its digital, immersive themes.[43] Virtual culture also shapes his production, through collaborations with Vocaloid software like Hatsune Miku and virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI, integrating synthetic voices and online idol concepts into his electropop tracks.[23] Post-2016, the rise of streaming platforms and global tours expanded TeddyLoid's stylistic palette by exposing him to international audiences and trends, leading to innovative EDM fusions informed by overseas performances and feedback.[5] In 2016, he was ranked as the fifth most-streamed Japanese artist outside Japan on Spotify, which shifted his focus toward global innovation in sound design.[5] These experiences apply his influences to genres like electropop, blending them with diverse cultural elements.[41] In 2025, his work on the soundtrack for New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT further demonstrates his ongoing integration of high-energy EDM with anime storytelling.[44]Discography
Studio albums
TeddyLoid's studio albums primarily explore electronic, electropop, and experimental sounds, often incorporating guest vocalists and thematic concepts drawn from space and emotion. His debut full-length release established his signature style, while subsequent works expanded into collaborative remixes and multi-part series compiling EP tracks into cohesive collections. These albums have achieved varying commercial success on the Oricon Albums Chart, reflecting his growing presence in Japan's music scene.| Title | Release date | Label | Peak Oricon position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Moon Rising | September 17, 2014 | King Records | #223 |
| Re:Momoiro Clover Z | September 16, 2015 | King Records | #12 |
| Silent Planet | December 2, 2015 | King Records | #124 |
| Silent Planet: Reloaded | November 14, 2018 | King Records | — |
| Silent Planet: Infinity | November 28, 2018 | King Records | — |
Extended plays
TeddyLoid's extended plays mark key experimental phases in his career, starting with a debut release that previewed his solo sound and continuing with a collaborative digital series emphasizing guest vocalists and thematic electronic explorations. His first EP, Under the Black Moon, was released on August 27, 2014, through Evil Line Records as a limited edition CD featuring five tracks, including "Forever Love" and a cover of "2000 Light Years from Home," along with parts of the "Black Moon Rising" series.[45] The EP's production incorporated house and electro elements, setting the stage for his full-length debut album later that year.[46] Beginning in 2016, TeddyLoid issued the Silent Planet 2 EP series, a collection of six digital volumes released between July 2016 and December 2017, each featuring a unique guest artist to explore interstellar and emotional motifs through layered electronic arrangements.[4]- Silent Planet 2 EP, Vol. 1 (feat. Kohh), released July 28, 2016, includes tracks like "Break'em All" and "We Are All Aliens," blending hip-hop influences with electro house.[47]
- Silent Planet 2 EP, Vol. 2 (feat. Bonjour Suzuki), released September 16, 2016, features "Sleeping Forest" and "Pipo Password," noted for its playful, anime-inspired production.[48]
- Silent Planet 2 EP, Vol. 3 (feat. Chanmina and Daoko), released December 16, 2016, contains "Daikirai" and remixes of "Daisuki," emphasizing contrasting emotional dynamics.[49]
- Silent Planet 2 EP, Vol. 4 (feat. Aina the End), released March 2017, highlights "Nemui" and collaborative vocal layers in an experimental vein.[50]
- Silent Planet 2 EP, Vol. 5 (feat. IA), released November 24, 2017, includes "Invisible Lovers (Extended Mix)" and focuses on Vocaloid-infused electronic tracks.[51]
- Silent Planet 2 EP, Vol. 6 (feat. Yoshikazu Mera), released December 2017, features orchestral elements in tracks like those blending classical and electronic styles.[52]
Singles
TeddyLoid's singles often feature collaborations with vocalists and producers, blending electronic pop with anime-inspired visuals and themes. A standout release is "ME!ME!ME!" (2014), co-produced with Daoko, which served as the soundtrack for a short anime film in the Japan Animator Expo series and gained viral popularity for its provocative animation and energetic track.[53][54] The song's audio segments have amassed over 7 million views on YouTube.[17] Another major hit is "Odo" (2021), co-produced with Giga and featuring Ado, which topped iTunes Japan, charted on Oricon, Billboard Japan, and US Billboard, and became a platinum-certified track.[42] Its official music video has exceeded 233 million views on YouTube, establishing it as one of TeddyLoid's most streamed releases.[27] These singles highlight his shift toward high-impact collaborations in the 2020s, some of which later appeared on albums like GigaP (2021).[42] The following table lists TeddyLoid's key standalone singles from 2014 to 2025, drawn from verified discography sources:| Year | Title | Featured Artists/Collaborators | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ME!ME!ME! | feat. Daoko | Anime short film soundtrack; viral hit with over 7M YouTube views across official audio uploads.[53][54][17] |
| 2015 | VORACITY | feat. MYTH & ROID | Anime tie-in single (Overlord ED).[55] |
| 2016 | Sweet Soul Revue | feat. Daoko | Electronic pop collaboration.[55] |
| 2016 | Tokyo Lights | - | Standalone electronic track.[55] |
| 2016 | Black Lair | - | Atmospheric single release.[55] |
| 2016 | Pipo Password | feat. Bonjour Suzuki | Victor Entertainment release.[2] |
| 2017 | Red Doors | feat. Yoshikazu Mera | Nippon Columbia single.[2] |
| 2017 | Break The Doors | feat. AiNA THE END (BiSH) | Rock-electronic crossover.[2] |
| 2017 | Salvation | - | Instrumental-leaning track.[2] |
| 2017 | Hakuchou wa Nemuru | feat. Yoshikazu Mera | Follow-up to Red Doors.[2] |
| 2021 | Odo | with Giga feat. Ado | #1 on iTunes Japan; Oricon/Billboard charting; 233M+ YouTube views.[42][56][27] |
| 2025 | Wanna be / One More Time | Wanna be feat. Shigeru Matsuzaki & TOPHAMHAT-KYO; One More Time feat. Ryoji Tokito | Double A-side single from Aniplex.[2][55] |