supercell built its breakthrough single, “Melt,” around digital singer Hatsune Miku nearly seven years before the synthetic pop star “opened” Lady Gaga’s ARTPOP tour. ∙ “Melt” and other early supercell videos earned millions of views online without the support of a record label. ∙ While supercell frontman Ryo is responsible for most of the band’s music and lyrics, 10 different illustrators, animators, and designers are behind its anime-inspired artwork. ∙ Ryo started out as a pianist and drummer, but decided to pursue electronic pop music after hearing such crossover artists as Massive Attack, UNKLE, and Portishead. ∙ Their self-titled debut album sold more than 100,000 copies and was certified Gold in Japan. ∙ Approximately 2,000 fans auditioned to be guest vocalist on supercell's third album, Zigaexperientia. ∙ Their songs have served as theme music for such anime movies and TV series as Naruto: Shippuden, Cencoroll, and Bakemonogatari.