Indie Corner Week 7: CHI-NA

CHI-NA is a five-member pop band created in 2007. What makes them stand out from other bands are the types of instruments they use. The lead vocalist, Kyoko Shiina, also doubles as a pianist, and two other members play violin and upright bass. With these three instruments along with a guitarist and drummer, you may be thinking that it’s a very abnormal clash of styles. However, Kyoko Shiina’s soothing vocals bring it all together, making it work out quite nicely; such an intriguing composition is very apparent in the song "おへその目指す方へ ("Ohe Sono Mezasu Katahe")" and "シラバス ("Syllabus")".

Currently, CHI-NA has two albums released: the first from 2012, GANVILLE, and the second from 2017, PULL. In 2015 they debuted a side project, CHI-NA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. Along with CHI-NA themselves and ten other members, the orchestra plays various types of instruments including a harp sax and trumpet tambourine.

You can check them out their official site, and also their Twitter.

CHI-NA stars Kyoko Shiina(Vocals & Pianist)

Yukako Shiba (Violin)

Leader (Guitar)

Eri Hayashi (Bass)

HAPPY (Drum)

You can check out their song "Ohe Sono Mezasu Katahe" below!