Raise A Suilen

File:THE THIRD (仮) logo.svg

Raise A Suilen started as a backup band that performed music for the in-universe bands whose members are unable to play their own instruments. In a 2018 interview with Real Sound, franchise creator and Bushiroad head Takaaki Kidani explained he was reluctant to hire a male backup band for an all-female franchise, prompting the group's formation. Kidani envisioned the band as a female version of One Ok Rock and provided them with more freedom in playing music for non-Bushiroad properties than fellow BanG Dream! groups Poppin'Party and Roselia.{{cite interview|last=Kidani|first=Takaaki|subject-link=Takaaki Kidani|interviewer-last=Sunaga|interviewer-first=Kenji|url=https://realsound.jp/2018/11/post-268336.html|title=ブシロード 木谷高明が語る、『バンドリ！』プロジェクトの軌跡と未来 「何十年も続く作品にしたい」|publisher=Real Sound|date=November 6, 2018|access-date=March 14, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Bushiroad's Takaaki Kitani talks about BanG Dream!'s project trajectory and future: "I want to make a work that will last for decades"}}

The group debuted with Raychell, Natsume, Kurachi, and Poppin'Party guitarist Sae Ōtsuka in the Garupa Live and Garupa Party! at Tokyo Big Sight on January 13–14, 2018, where they filled the instrumentals for Afterglow, Hello, Happy World!, and Pastel Palettes.{{cite web|url=https://en.bang-dream.com/artists/raise-a-suilen/|title=RAISE A SUILEN|work=BanG Dream!|access-date=June 27, 2020}} The band was formally announced as a standalone unit during the event's second day;{{cite web|last=Kurachi|first=Reo|url=https://lineblog.me/kurachi_reo/archives/2007868.html|title=「ガルパライブ&ガルパーティ！in東京」2日目|publisher=Line Blog|date=January 14, 2018|access-date=June 27, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="Garupa Live & Garupa Party! in Tokyo" Day 2}}{{cite news|url=https://bushiroad.com/news/2018/695|title=『ガルパライブ&ガルパーティ！in東京』へのご来場、ありがとうございました！2日間での総来場者数はなんと18,452名！アフターレポートを掲載！|work=Bushiroad|date=January 15, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="Garupa Live & Garupa Party! Thank you for visiting us in Tokyo! The total number of visitors in two days was 18,452! Post after-sales report!}} they were initially named The Third (Beta) as the third live-action music group in the franchise after Poppin'Party and Roselia.

Their first live concert, known as The Third (Beta) 1st Live, took place on March 25 at Shimokitazawa Garden with Raychell, Natsume, and Kurachi; Ōtsuka was a guest performer and played with the group for the first nine songs, which were pre-existing pieces from the BanG Dream! franchise. Kohara was introduced as the band's permanent guitarist for their original track "R・I・O・T".{{cite press release|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000960.000014827.html|title=『THE THIRD(仮)1st ライブ』にて新情報解禁！|work=Bushiroad|publisher=PR Times|date=March 26, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=New information has been released at "THE THIRD (Tentative) 1st Live"!}} It would be released as the band's debut single on December 12 as part of a triple-release day for the franchise along with Poppin'Party and Roselia's respective singles; "R・I・O・T" peaked at sixth on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.{{cite news|url=https://realsound.jp/2018/12/post-295679.html|title=『バンドリ!』、イベント『BanG Dream! 2nd Season 制作発表会』のアーカイブ動画を公開|work=Real Sound|date=December 20, 2018|access-date=June 27, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Archived videos of "Bandori!" and the event "BanG Dream! 2nd Season Production Presentation"}} "R・I・O・T"'s B-side "Unstoppable" was later used as ending theme music for the 2018 anime Cardfight!! Vanguard.{{cite magazine|last=MacMaster|first=John|url=https://www.blackgate.com/vanguard-dream-a-sampling-of-bushiroad-media-part-ii/|title=Vanguard Dream! A Sampling of Bushiroad Media, Part II|magazine=Black Gate|date=May 27, 2020|access-date=March 8, 2021}} The music from the live was compiled into an album and released on September 26.{{cite news|url=https://gekirock.com/news/2018/07/bang_dream_the_third_raise_a_suilen.php|title=BanG Dream! "第三のリアルライブバンド"、THE THIRD（仮）の正式名称が"RAISE A SUILEN"に決定！ライヴ・アルバム9/26リリース＆12/7-8開催"BanG Dream! 6th☆LIVE"出演も！|work=Geki Rock|date=July 18, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=BanG Dream! The third real live band, THE THIRD (tentative), has been officially named "RAISE A SUILEN"! Live album 9/26 release & 12/7-8 "BanG Dream! 6th ☆ LIVE" appearance!}}

On May 12, 2018, The Third served as the opening act for the BanG Dream! 5th Live at Makuhari Messe.{{cite news|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1526271925|title=「BanG Dream! 5th☆LIVE」2days開催！ 新アニメシリーズ制作決定！ 6人目のRoseliaとして中島由貴さんの新加入も発表！|work=Animate|date=May 14, 2018|access-date=May 19, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! 5th ☆ LIVE" 2days held! New anime series production decision! Yuki Nakashima is announced as the sixth Roselia member!}} Tsumugi joined the band at their second live at Akasaka Blitz on July 17, where they were formally renamed Raise A Suilen.{{cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/07/18/bangg-dream-franchises-3rd-girls-band-reveals-their-official-name-raise-a-suilen|title=BanG Dream! Franchise's 3rd Girls Band Reveals Their Official Name "RAISE A SUILEN"|publisher=Crunchyroll|date=July 18, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2020}} A "suilen" (垂簾) is a bamboo screen, and the name alludes to "raising the screen" for performances. In November, the band participated in its first overseas performance at CharaExpo USA in Anaheim, California, with Poppin'Party and Roselia.{{cite web|url=https://bushiroad.com/charaexpousa2018_after_report|title=アフターレポート|work=Bushiroad|access-date=May 13, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=CharaExpo 2018 After Report}} Raise A Suilen's first official concert with the new name and full lineup, titled Brave New World, took place on December 7 in the BanG Dream! 6th Live at Ryōgoku Kokugikan.{{cite news|url=https://realsound.jp/2018/12/post-299898.html|title=Poppin'Party＆RAISE A SUILENら放つ"彼女たちだけの輝き" ライブに見るバンドリ！の多様性|work=Real Sound|date=December 30, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Poppin’Party & RAISE A SUILEN “Brightness only for them” released from the band!}}

The band's second single "A Declaration of ×××" came out on February 20, 2019, as part of a six-single release by the franchise (each band released a song).{{cite web|url=https://bushiroad-music.com/news/114|title=2019年2月20日（水）発売 BanG Dream!シングル6タイトル連動同時購入特典実施決定！|work=Bushiroad Music|date=December 20, 2018|access-date=March 21, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Wednesday, February 20, 2019: BanG Dream! 6-single simultaneous release}} Every single appeared on the Oricon Daily Chart for February 19, with Raise A Suilen's ranking eighth.{{cite news|last=Dennison|first=Kara|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/02/21/bang-dream-holds-6-spots-in-the-oricon-top-10|title=BanG Dream! Holds 6 Spots in the Oricon Top 10|publisher=Crunchyroll|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=May 2, 2020}} Two days later, the band played in the BanG Dream! 7th Live at the Nippon Budokan, where their Genesis show was supported by Hello, Happy World!'s Miku Itō, Pastel Palettes' Ami Maeshima, Afterglow's Sachika Misawa, Glitter Green's Suzuko Mimori, and the franchise's male-centric group Argonavis.{{cite news|url=https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/201902240003/|title=日本武道館をRASの色で染め上げた「BanG Dream! 7th☆LIVE」DAY2をレポート|work=Gamer|date=February 24, 2019|access-date=May 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Report on DAY2 of "BanG Dream! 7th ☆ LIVE", which dyed Nippon Budokan with RAS color}} On June 19, RAS released their third single "Invincible Fighter"; the single's self-titled track and B-side "Takin' My Heart" were used as theme music for the anime Cardfight!! Vanguard: High School Arc Cont..{{cite news|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-04-18/cardfight-vanguard-high-school-arc-cont-anime-promo-video-reveals-may-11-premiere/.145864|title=Cardfight!! Vanguard: High School Arc Cont. Anime's Promo Video Reveals May 11 Premiere|publisher=Anime News Network|date=April 18, 2019|access-date=March 21, 2020}}

RAS held their first standalone show, called Heaven and Earth, on July 13–14, 2019 at World Memorial Hall. Itō, Maeshima, and Ōtsuka made guest appearances at the live.{{cite news|url=https://cho-animedia.jp/event/104881/|title=「RAISE A SUILEN」神戸の単独ライブでアニメとリアルがリンク、前島亜美と大塚紗英がライブの熱を加速させる【速報レポート】|work=Animedia.jp|date=July 13, 2019|access-date=May 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=RAISE A SUILEN anime and real life linked in Kobe's independent live, Ami Maeshima and Sae Otsuka accelerate live heat [breaking report]}} The band would also have guest performances of their own during the year, appearing at the debut live for fellow Bushiroad franchise D4DJ on July 21,{{cite press release|url=https://cho-animedia.jp/event/86030/|title=「D4DJ 1st LIVE」Argonavis・RAISE A SUILENとの合同開催が決定|publisher=Animedia|date=April 8, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="D4DJ 1st LIVE" will be held jointly with Argonavis and RAISE A SUILEN}} Animelo Summer Live on August 31,{{cite news|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1561088209|title=「Animelo Summer Live 2019 -STORY-」鈴木雅之さん、RAISE A SUILEN、今井麻美さん出演決定！|work=Animate|date=June 21, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="Animelo Summer Live 2019 -STORY-" Masayuki Suzuki, RAISE A SUILEN and Asami Imai will be appearing!}} Aso Rock Festival on September 29,{{cite news|url=https://gekirock.com/news/2019/07/raise_a_suilen_asorockfes.php|title=RAISE A SUILEN、9/29ミクニワールドスタジアム北九州にて開催の"阿蘇ロックフェスティバル2019 in 北九州"出演決定！オフィシャル動画"～泉谷しげる×RAISE A SUILEN編～"公開！|work=Geki Rock|date=July 24, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=RAISE A SUILEN, 9/29 Mikuni World Stadium "Aso Rock Festival 2019 in Kitakyushu" will be held at Kitakyushu! Official video "-Shigeru Izumiya x RAISE A SUILEN-" released!}} and Mag Rock Festival and Animax Musix 2019 Kobe on October 5 and 26.{{cite news|url=http://magurockfujisonic.com/2019/archives/433|title=静岡・清水のロックフェス『マグロック2019』 今年のヘッドライナーはヤバTとキュウソに決定！ そして最終ライブアクトがついに明らかに！|work=Mag Rock Festival|date=September 13, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Shizuoka Shimizu Rock Festival "Magrock 2019" Yaba T and Kyuso will be the headlines this year! And finally the final live act is revealed!}}{{cite interview|subject=Raise A Suilen|url=https://cho-animedia.jp/music/153023/|title=数々のフェスやライブを経て進化したRAISE A SUILEN、それぞれが抱く「ANIMAX MUSIX」への想いーーコラボしたいアーティストは憧れの存在【インタビュー】|work=Animedia|date=January 28, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=RAISE A SUILEN, who has evolved through numerous festivals and live performances, has a passion for "ANIMAX MUSIX" that each holds.}} On November 30–December 1, Raise A Suilen partnered with Roselia for the joint concert Rausch und/and Craziness at Makuhari Messe;{{cite news|url=https://realsound.jp/2019/12/post-464644.html|title=Roselia×RAISE A SUILENによる『バンドリ！』技巧派バンド頂上決戦 合同ライブから感じた双方のリスペクト|work=Real Sound|date=December 21, 2019|access-date=May 13, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="Bandori!" by Roselia x RAISE A SUILEN. Respect of both sides felt from the joint live of the technical bands' top decisive battle}} a second Craziness live by RAS took place at Ecopa Arena on February 9, 2020.{{cite press release|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/356/G035692/20200210105/|title=「バンドリ！」，RAISE A SUILEN主演の舞台が上演決定。静岡ライブのセットリストもSpotifyで公開|work=Bushiroad|publisher=4Gamer.net|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=May 29, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="Bandori!", The stage of RAISE A SUILEN starring will be staged. Shizuoka live set list also released on Spotify}} The Creation: We are Raise A Suilen, the band's second solo live, was conducted at Line Cube Shibuya on December 29, 2019.{{cite news|url=https://cho-animedia.jp/event/148558/|title=RAISE A SUILEN単独ライブ「THE CREATION～We are RAISE A SUILEN～」が開催！ 初披露曲2曲を含む全14曲で観客を魅了【セットリストも公開】|work=Animedia.jp|date=December 31, 2019|access-date=May 29, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=RAISE A SUILEN's solo live "THE CREATION-We are RAISE A SUILEN-" was held! Attracted the audience with all 14 songs including 2 songs that were unveiled}}

"Drive Us Crazy", their fourth single, was released on January 22, 2020; it reached fifth on the Oricon Weekly Chart and ended the year as Billboard Japan{{'s}} 97th-best-selling single of 2020.{{cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/01/29/bang-dream-three-new-singles-have-shipped-150000-units-in-total|title=BanG Dream! Three New Singles Have Shipped 150,000 Units in Total|publisher=Crunchyroll|date=January 29, 2020|access-date=January 28, 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=sales_year&year=2020|title=Top Singles Sales|work=Billboard Japan|access-date=December 4, 2020|language=Japanese}} In April, Tsumugi and Kurachi began hosting the franchise-centric variety show Radio R･I･O･T.{{cite web|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002796.000014827.html|title=ニッポン放送にて「BanG Dream! Presents RAISE A SUILENのRADIO R・I・O・T」4月6日(月)20:30からスタート！|work=PR Times|date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Nippon Broadcasting, "BanG Dream! Presents RAISE A SUILEN's RADIO R・I・O・T" Starts April 6 (Mon) at 20:30!}} A stage play by the band's members called We are Raise A Suilen -BanG Dream! The Stage- took place from July 15 to 19 at the Tennozu Galaxy Theater with nine shows; due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unused tickets were refunded and performances were streamed online.{{cite news|url=https://bang-dream.com/news/974|title=【7/17更新】舞台「We are RAISE A SUILEN〜BanG Dream! The Stage〜」チケット払戻のお知らせ|work=BanG Dream!|date=July 17, 2020|access-date=July 18, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=[7/17 update] Ticket refund notice for "We are RAISE A SUILEN ~BanG Dream! The Stage~"}}{{cite news|url=https://natalie.mu/stage/news/388057|title=RAISE A SUILENの出会いから結成までを描く、バンドリ！発のステージが開幕|work=Natalie|date=July 17, 2020|access-date=July 18, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=A band who draws formation of RAISE A SUILEN! The Stage opens}} A total of 10,064 watched the nine performances at the theater or via live stream.{{cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/07/20-1/we-are-raise-a-suilen-bang-dream-the-stage-watched-by-10064-people-in-5-days|title="We are RAISE A SUILEN -BanG Dream! The Stage-" Watched by 10,064 People in 5 Days|publisher=Crunchyroll|date=July 20, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020}}

Raise A Suilen's first album Era was released on August 19, 2020;{{cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/06/02/raise-a-suilen-from-bang-dream-rocks-out-in-anime-mv-expose-burn-out|title=RAISE A SUILEN from BanG Dream! Rocks Out in Anime MV "EXPOSE 'Burn out!!!'"|publisher=Crunchyroll|date=June 2, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2020}} after topping the Oricon Daily Chart for August 18 with 15,420 sales,{{cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/08/19-1/raise-a-suilen-from-bang-dreams-1st-album-hits-no1-on-oricon-daily-chart|title=RAISE A SUILEN from BanG Dream!'s 1st Album Hits No.1 on Oricon Daily Chart|publisher=Crunchyroll|date=August 19, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020}} it ranked second on the Weekly Albums Chart. Era also ranked 86th on Billboard Japan{{'s}} best-selling albums of 2020 and 94th on its Hot Albums of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=albums_year&year=2020|title=Top Albums Sales|work=Billboard Japan|access-date=December 4, 2020|language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums_year&year=2020|title=Hot Albums|work=Billboard Japan|access-date=December 4, 2020|language=Japanese}} Later in the week on August 22 and 23, the band performed on the second and third days of the BanG Dream! 8th Live, respectively titled The Depths and Special Live: Summerly Tone, at Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest. The Depths saw the band perform every song from Era and debut the new song "Sacred world".{{cite magazine|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20200822_1687136/|title=『バンドリ！』8thライブ・2日目、"RAISE A SUILEN"のライブ『THE DEPTHS』開催レポート|magazine=Famitsu|date=August 22, 2020|access-date=August 22, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! 8th Live", 2nd Day, "RAISE A SUILEN" live "THE DEPTHS" report}} At Special Live: Summerly Tone, RAS was the backing band for Pastel Palettes' Ami Maeshima, and the show concluded with Raychell and Roselia's Aina Aiba joining Poppin'Party for the encore.{{cite magazine|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20200823_1687203/|title=『バンドリ！』"モニカ"、"パスパレ"、"ポピパ"が次々に登場する8thライブ千秋楽開催レポート|magazine=Famitsu|date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! 8th Live" music report where Morfonica, PasuPare, and PoPiPa appear one after another}} "Sacred world", released as the band's fifth single on October 21, is used as the opening theme song for the show Assault Lily Bouquet; the single's coupling tracks "Reigning" and "R・I・O・T" are renditions from The Stage.{{cite news|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-03-06/assault-lily-bouquet-anime-2nd-teaser-video-previews-theme-song/.157193|title=Assault Lily Bouquet Anime's 2nd Teaser Video Previews Theme Song|publisher=Anime News Network|date=March 6, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020}}{{cite news|author=NBT|url=https://jrocknews.com/2020/09/raise-a-suilen-single-sacred-world.html|title=A better look at RAISE A SUILEN's single "Sacred world"|publisher=JRock News|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=January 26, 2021}}

A sequel show to Rausch und/and Craziness was held at Yokohama Arena on February 22, 2021, with an online show known as Rausch und/and Craziness -interlude- taking place on December 12, 2020.{{cite news|author=NBT|url=https://jrocknews.com/2020/11/roselia-raise-a-suilen-stream-rausch-und-and-craziness-interlude.html|title=Roselia and RAISE A SUILEN stream joint concert "Rausch und/and Craziness -interlude-"|publisher=JRock News|date=November 25, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020}} The band's sixth single "mind of Prominence" was released on January 27, 2021. The two songs on RAS' April 21-bound seventh single "Exist"—the titular track and "Embrace of light"—were featured as theme music for Bushiroad's Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood.{{cite news|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-02-09/joran-the-princess-of-snow-and-blood-anime-video-reveals-cast-staff-story-april-6-debut/.169299|title=Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood Anime's Video Reveals Cast, Staff, Story, April 6 Debut|publisher=Anime News Network|date=February 9, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2021}} In May and June, the band held its first concert tour, known as Raise A Suilen Zepp Tour 2021 "Be Light", with three shows at Zepp Haneda (May 22), Zepp Nagoya (June 2), and Zepp Namba (June 30);{{cite magazine|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/68971/|title=『バンドリ！』RASのライブツアーが開催決定|magazine=Dengeki|publisher=ASCII Media Works|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=March 5, 2021|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream!" RAS live tour will be held}} an encore tour took place at Zepp Sapporo (November 12), Zepp Fukuoka (November 26), and KT Zepp Yokohama (December 4).{{cite web|url=https://bang-dream.com/events/ras-tour2021-encore|title=RAISE A SUILEN ZEPP TOUR 2021「BE LIGHT」追加公演|work=BanG Dream!|access-date=December 4, 2021|language=Japanese}} RAS and Morfonica performed at the BanG Dream! 9th Live, subtitled Mythology, at Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest on September 4–5.{{cite magazine|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/69034/|title=『バンドリ！』ポピパとサイサイの対バンライブが開催決定|magazine=Dengeki|publisher=ASCII Media Works|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=February 26, 2021|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream!" PoPiPa and SaiSai's band live will be held}} The band's eighth single "Domination to world" came out later that month.

RAS' Repaint show was held on February 7, 2022 at Zepp DiverCity.{{cite web|url=https://bang-dream.com/events/ras_repaint|title=RAISE A SUILEN SPECIAL LIVE「Repaint」|work=BanG Dream!|access-date=November 4, 2021|language=Japanese}} Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas was a guest act, and the two groups also collaborated for a song of the same name that was composed by FALILV and performed by RAS. "Repaint" was released digitally on February 26 and was included on the band's ninth single "Coruscate -DNA-", which was released on April 27.{{cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/02/14/raise-a-suilen-from-bang-dream-releases-their-new-anime-mv-repaint|title=RAISE A SUILEN from BanG Dream! Releases Their New Anime MV "Repaint"|publisher=Anime News Network|date=February 14, 2022|access-date=March 15, 2022}} A sequel to Mythology came on June 18 followed by a solo performance Overkill the next day, both at Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest.{{cite web|url=https://bang-dream.com/events/mythology2|title=RAISE A SUILEN x Morfonica "Mythology Chapter 2"|work=BanG Dream!|access-date=November 4, 2021|language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=https://bang-dream.com/events/ras_2022|title=RAISE A SUILEN LIVE 2022「OVERKILL」|work=BanG Dream!|access-date=January 9, 2021|language=Japanese}} The band will also perform at Rock in Japan Festival 2022 at Soga Sports Park on August 13,{{cite news|url=https://gekirock.com/news/2022/05/rock_in_japan_festival_lineup_0518.php|title="ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2022"、新たにマキシマム ザ ホルモン、RAISE A SUILEN、MY FIRST STORY、-真天地開闢集団-ジグザグら18組決定！|work=Gekirock|date=May 18, 2022|access-date=May 18, 2022|language=Japanese|trans-title="ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2022", New Maximum The Hormone, RAISE A SUILEN, MY FIRST STORY, -Shintenchi Kaiho Group-18 Zigzag and others decided!}} followed by the Summer Sonic Festival at Zozo Marine Stadium a week later.{{cite news|url=https://gekirock.com/news/2022/05/summer_sonic_2022_0519.php|title="SUMMER SONIC 2022"、東京公演PACIFIC STAGE出演者発表！HYDE、Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas、BAND-MAID、RAISE A SUILENら登場！|work=Gekirock|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=May 24, 2022|language=Japanese|trans-title="SUMMER SONIC 2022", Tokyo performance PACIFIC STAGE performers announced! HYDE, Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, BAND-MAID, RAISE A SUILEN and more!}}

• Raychell (Rei Wakana/{{Tooltip|Layer|Stylized in all caps as LAYER}}, vocals/bass guitar): Prior to BanG Dream!, Raychell had no voice acting experience but was a radio host and live-action actress.{{cite interview|subject=Raychell|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202010/14207136.html|title=『バンドリ！ ガルパ』 RAISE A SUILENレイヤ役 Raychellさんが語る"RASのボーカルになってレイヤが得たもの"【RAS登場記念キャストインタビュー第1弾】|magazine=Famitsu|date=October 14, 2020|access-date=October 14, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" RAISE A SUILEN Layer – Raychell talks about "What Layer got as the vocalist of RAS" [RAS 1st cast interview]}} From 2010 to 2013, she was a solo singer under the moniker "Lay". In 2017, she performed the ending theme song to Bushiroad's Cardfight!! Vanguard G: NEXT and was approached by Kidani about joining the backup band for BanG Dream!{{'s}} groups. She had been acquainted with Natsume and Ōtsuka before BanG Dream! as colleagues at the Ace Crew Entertainment talent agency,{{cite interview|subject=Raychell|subject2=Natsume|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/special/detail/2917|title=＜Raychell＆夏芽 スペシャル対談＞RAISE A SUILEN ～2人がたどり着いた頂～|interviewer-last=Shindō|interviewer-first=Gorō|publisher=Billboard Japan|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title= RAISE A SUILEN}} and had played Girls Band Party! since its release. Raychell commented in a 2020 interview with Real Sound that she had considered quitting singing before being recruited for Raise A Suilen, adding that she felt she was "really saved" by the franchise.
• Riko Kohara (Rokka Asahi/{{Tooltip|Lock|Stylized in all caps as LOCK}}, guitar): Kohara joined the band at The Third (Beta) 1st Live; she was scouted by Kidani when a supporter sent him a video of her playing guitar on social media, and was a Poppin'Party fan prior to joining the franchise.{{cite interview|last=Kohara|first=Riko|subject-link=Riko Kohara|interviewer-last=Hasegawa|interviewer-first=Yukinobu|title=Interview with Riko Kohara|magazine=Rock and Read Girls|issue=2|date=November 30, 2019|language=Japanese}}{{cite interview|last=Kohara|first=Riko|subject-link=Riko Kohara|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202010/15207139.html|title=『バンドリ！ ガルパ』RAISE A SUILENロック役 小原莉子さんが語る"素のロックとは"【RAS登場記念キャストインタビュー第2弾】|magazine=Famitsu|date=October 15, 2020|access-date=October 17, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" RAISE A SUILEN Lock – Riko Kohara talks about "What is original rock?" [RAS 2nd cast interview]}} She picked up the instrument when she was 18 years old and attended a music school,{{cite interview|last1=Kohara|first1=Riko|last2=Tada|first2=Hiroshi|last3=Watanabe|first3=Yu|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/special/detail/155|title=The Sketchbook 『Message』インタビュー|interviewer-last=Sugiota|interviewer-first=Yuki|publisher=Billboard Japan|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Interview with The Sketchbook "Message"}} while her interest in voice acting began in high school. She was a member of The Sketchbook, a band based on the fictional group from the anime Sket Dance, from 2011 until its disbandment in 2015.{{cite news|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1311040391|title=TVアニメ『SKET DANCE』に登場するバンドメンバー"The Sketchbook"が決定！今週放送回から登場!!|work=Animate|date=July 19, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Band members of "The Sketchbook", appearing in the TV animation "SKET DANCE", is decided!}}{{cite news|last=Valdez|first=Kiara|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-02/sket-dance-inspired-band-the-sketchbook-to-break-up/.83949|title=Sket Dance-Inspired Band The Sketchbook to Break Up|publisher=Anime News Network|date=February 2, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2020}} Rokka's background is modeled after Kohara's as the two moved from Gifu Prefecture to Tokyo to pursue musical careers, while the character's birthday (July 17) is the same day as The Third's second live where it was renamed Raise A Suilen.
• Natsume (Masuki Satō/{{Tooltip|Masking|Stylized in all caps as MASKING}}, drums): Masuki was Natsume's debut role as a voice actress. She began drumming in high school after being invited to perform with the school band, and later attended the vocational school ESP Gakuen where she formed a band with her classmates. After playing in the backup band for the festival A-Nation,{{cite interview|subject=Raychell|subject2=Natsume|url=https://gekirock.com/interview/2019/02/raise_a_suilen.php|title=RAISE A SUILEN|interviewer-last=Miyazaki|interviewer-first=Daiki|publisher=Billboard Japan|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese}} she performed at Bushiroad's tenth anniversary concert and was recruited by Kidani to join BanG Dream!. When she first portrayed Masuki for the anime's second season, Natsume spoke in a lower tone under the impression that her character suppresses her emotions, but became more expressive in the third season as Masuki's character develops.{{cite interview|subject=Natsume|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202010/16207141.html|title=『バンドリ！ ガルパ』RAISE A SUILENマスキング役 夏芽さんが語る"表情豊かなマスキングの素顔"【RAS登場記念キャストインタビュー第3弾】|magazine=Famitsu|date=October 16, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" RAISE A SUILEN Masking – Natsume talks about "the real face of expressive Masking" [RAS 3rd cast interview]}}
• Reo Kurachi (Reona Nyūbara/{{Tooltip|Pareo|Stylized in all caps as PAREO}}, vocals/keyboards): Kurachi learned to play the piano during her youth, while her interest in voice acting began in junior high school after watching the anime K-On! and Fullmetal Alchemist. She entered the voice acting industry in 2016 with S Inc.,{{cite interview|last=Kurachi|first=Reo|url=https://ddnavi.com/interview/621834/a/|title=倉知玲鳳「RASのキーボードが"私でいい"という存在意義がほしかった」声優図鑑|work=DDNavi|date=May 22, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Reo Kurachi: "I wanted the significance of existing as RAS' keyboard to be 'I am good'."}} while BanG Dream! 2nd Season was her first role in a television series.{{cite interview|last=Kurachi|first=Reo|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202010/17207145.html|title=『バンドリ！ ガルパ』RAISE A SUILENパレオ役 倉知玲鳳さんが語る"パレオの二面性とチュチュへの忠誠心"【RAS登場記念キャストインタビュー第4弾】|magazine=Famitsu|date=October 17, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" RAISE A SUILEN's Reo Kurachi talks about "the duality of Pareos and loyalty to CHU2" [RAS 4th cast interview]}}
• Risa Tsumugi (Chiyu Tamade/{{Tooltip|CHU2|Stylized as CHU²}}, DJ/rap): Tsumugi joined Raise A Suilen at their second live. She began voice acting after hearing Aya Hirano's performance in the Haruhi Suzumiya series,{{cite interview|last=Tsumugi|first=Risa|url=https://cho-animedia.jp/actor/85634/|title=『BanG Dream!』で「RAISE A SUILEN」のDJを担当する紡木吏佐が新人声優直撃企画「お前は誰だ？」に登場【インタビュー】|work=Animedia|date=April 8, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=DJ Risa Tsumugi appeared in the new voice actor direct hit project: "Who are you?" [Interview]}} while she had no disc jockeying or rapping experience prior to Raise A Suilen.{{cite interview|subject=Raise A Suilen|interviewer-last=Sugiyama|interviewer-first=Hiroshi|url=https://realsound.jp/2020/08/post-603678.html|title=RAISE A SUILENに聞く、バラバラな個性がバンドの"強さ"になるまで THE THIRD(仮)からの挑戦の日々を振り返る|publisher=Real Sound|date=August 19, 2020|access-date=August 22, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=Asking RAISE A SUILEN to look back on the days of challenges from THE THIRD (Beta) until the dissimilar personalities become the "strength" of the band}} As Tsumugi is fluent in English due to her overseas education, Kidani described her as a major asset in helping BanG Dream! grow internationally; Chiyu is also bilingual and regularly includes English words in her speech.

{{see also|List of BanG Dream! characters#Raise A Suilen}}

File:Raise A Suilen wordmark.svg

Raise A Suilen's fictional counterparts were revealed at the BanG Dream! 6th Live.{{cite news|url=https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/201812100028/|title=RAISE A SUILENのパワフルなライブが披露された「BanG Dream! 6th☆LIVE」DAY1レポート|work=Gamer|date=December 10, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=RAISE A SUILEN's powerful live show "BanG Dream! 6th☆LIVE" DAY1 report}} The characters' personalities and backgrounds were created from interviews between the voice actresses and the anime's staff.{{cite interview|last=Tsumugi|first=Risa|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202010/18207148.html|title=『バンドリ！ ガルパ』RAISE A SUILENチュチュ役 紡木吏佐さんが語る"チュチュの不器用さ"【RAS登場記念キャストインタビュー第5弾】|magazine=Famitsu|date=October 18, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" RAISE A SUILEN CHU2 – "CHU2's clumsiness" as discussed by Risa Tsumugi [RAS 5th cast interview]}} The band is described by anime streaming service HIDIVE as an "eclectic blend of aesthetics that reflects the mad mix of styles found in their infectious music", which includes the use of electronic rock themes in their songs.{{cite web|url=https://www.hidive.com/news/2020/4/10/the-aesthetics-of-the-bang-dream-bands|title=The Aesthetics of the "BanG Dream!" Bands|work=HIDIVE|publisher=Sentai Filmworks|date=April 10, 2020|access-date=June 17, 2020}}

The group first appears in the anime's second season. After her offer to become Roselia's producer is rejected, Chiyu Tamade forms Raise A Suilen to get her revenge, which includes trying to recruit Tae Hanazono from the lead group Poppin'Party.{{cite episode|title=Sing Girls|series=BanG Dream!|season=2|number=16|date=January 17, 2019|language=Japanese}}{{cite episode|title=Star Tears|series=BanG Dream!|season=2|number=24|date=March 14, 2019|language=Japanese}} RAS becomes a main band in the third season as they enter the BanG Dream! Girls Band Challenge.{{cite interview|last=Kakimoto|first=Kōdai|interviewer-last=Ichibo|interviewer-first=Harada|url=https://times.abema.tv/posts/7042526|title=「BanG Dream!」柿本監督、第3期のポピパは「楽しく嬉しく夢に向かって走っていく」|publisher=AbemaTV|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=April 1, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="BanG Dream!" director Kakimoto, PoPiPa as third years "runs towards a dream happily and happily"}} The group was added to the BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! mobile game on June 10, 2020.{{cite press release|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/356/G035692/20200609022/|title=「バンドリ！ガルパ！」，RAISE A SUILENの登場を記念したイベントが6月10日から開始|work=Craft Egg|publisher=4Gamer.net|date=June 9, 2020|access-date=June 27, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title="Bandori! Garupa!", an event commemorating the appearance of RAISE A SUILEN will start on June 10}}

A manga series focusing on RAS titled RAiSe! The story of my music began serialization in Monthly Bushiroad in January 2019. Kō Nakamura and Ryū Shihara wrote and illustrated the manga, respectively.{{cite news|url=https://bang-dream.com/news/381|title=RAISE A SUILENのコミカライズ「RAiSe!」連載決定！|work=BanG Dream!|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=March 14, 2020|language=Japanese|trans-title=RAISE A SUILEN's comic adaptation "RAiSe!"}}

{{See also|BanG Dream! discography}}

The band's songs are composed and arranged by Elements Garden.{{cite web|url=https://bang-dream.bushimo.jp/music/|title=Music|work=BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!|publisher=Bushimo|access-date=March 30, 2020|language=Japanese}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• {{Official website|https://en.bang-dream.com/artists/raise-a-suilen/|Official English homepage}}

{{BanG Dream}}

Category:2018 establishments in Japan

Category:Japanese all-female bands

Category:Animated musical groups

Category:Bushiroad

Category:BanG Dream!

Category:Musical groups established in 2018

Category:Japanese electronic rock musical groups

Category:Fictional musical groups