For anyone who follows J-pop music, the name MELL rings an automatic bell. MELL is one of the most prolific and well known female Japanese artist around, and has been for the past ten plus years. Whether it be because of her association with Japanese music production group of I’ve Sound, her collaborations with Miki and Kotoko, or her own solo performances, MELL has made it known that she is one of the best Japanese musicians today. And lucky for fans of hers at Anime Expo, she gave a live performance for them at the Nokia Theater on July 2nd.

Making her third US appearance, MELL was a Guest of Honor at this year’s AX show. Her influence and popularity with fans all around the US certainly justified that distinction. Providing the theme songs for anime titles like Black Lagoon, Hayate the Combat Butler, and Sky Girls, her music has become well known to anime fans as well. So I can say with great certainty I can say that her being at Anime Expo was a treat for her fans.

And walking into the Nokia Theater certainly proves my point. While at first the venue was less than half full by the time her concert started, five songs into it the place was packed all the way to the back rows. Fans were cheering, applauding, and singing along to her breed of highly energetic music led by heavy guitars and fast drumbeats. And MELL looked beautiful onstage as she went through one costume after another during her performance. At one point early as the show began, she tore away the top of a beautiful black gown to reveal a very sexy black long skirt ensemble.

Performing a number of her well known hits like Proof, Red Fraction, Virgin’s High, and Dear Memories, she entertained the crowd with hit after hit for nearly two hours. Everyone on their feet and moving and dancing to the music with glow sticks in hand. The Nokia Theater was definitely jumping that night as even when I needed to take a call on my cell in the lobby of the venue where the music and cheers still powerfully sounding through. Something that the AX staff on hand should have realized as they went from person to person holding a camera telling them that no pictures were allowed (the only downside of the whole concert but certainly not MELL’s fault).

MELL certainly gave her fans their monies worth of entertainment and thanked the crowd for making the experience a memorable one for her as well. Leaving the Nokia Theater, I couldn’t help but feel energized by her music as I made my way to the next panel I would by working on. The concert did a good job of proving me with a second with on a very long night and had me humming more than one song as I walked away. I truly hope that the people at AX get a chance to bring MELL back again soon. I know I would definitely like to see her in concert one more time. Check out a few of her music videos below for a sample of her music style.