Music Corner Week 1: SIRUP

SIRUP is an R&B/soul/hip-hop artist who started back in 2017 (as stated back in our Indie Corner for sankara). While R&B/hip-hop is somewhat small in the music scene for Japan, the artists that are dedicated to making this their genre of choice go full force with it, bringing out the next step in a constantly evolving genre. This is no different with SIRUP, as his understanding of compositions for all the track he brings out is of the highest caliber which, while feeling fresh, also feels familiar to hits in the genre. Along with superb compositions, SIRUP’s work is coupled with his amazing vocals which just seep int listeners’ ears, smooth as syrup. Both “Rain” and “LOOP”  show off his mastery of vocal skill and range perfectly.

While still in his career’s infancy, SIRUP started with a bang by having two amazing EPs released in the last two years, with his first album freshly titled FEEL GOOD being released May of this year. SIRUP was also the first artist featured in Spincoaster’s (TOKYO SOUNDS) Music Bar Sessions video with his song “SWIM” back in summer of last year. He has also collaborated with several others such as Korean artist YonYon and electonica artists YOSA & TAAR with songs “Mirror” and “Fever”, respectively.

Check out his official site (JP) (EN) and his official Twitter here.

Purchase both of SIRUP’s amazing EPs along with FEEL GOOD at the links below.

SIRUP EP

SIRUP EP2

FEEL GOOD

Also, while you’re here, check out the music video for “LOOP” .

Indie Corner Week 32: sankara

sankara is a two-member hip-hop group formed back in 2013. While the Japanese hip-hop community is a small but vocal one within the music industry, sankara stands out with their minimalist background music and the way they let their lyrics do the talking. sankara takes an interesting twist on the genre by dabbling both in English and Japanese. While this twist isn’t new, per se, within the genre with groups such as m-flo and SIRUP leading the charge, sankara does it in such in a minimalist style that the listener might not even the notice when the switch happens. This is evident in their song “Off”, which shows off rapper Toss’s skill to spit out rhymes all while being supported by Ryo’s smooth vocals—which comes off as an interesting balance. 

While they only have one “street” album interestingly coined Wash The scar Off My life, they are definitely a group to look out for in the future.

Check out their official Twitter here and the music video for “Wash” below!

Indie Corner Week 31: nolala

nolala is a uniquely three-member, twin-vocal, all-girl rock band formed in 2016 with the promising statement that although they have twin vocals, all three members’ voices shall be heard with high tension. Their song “Goodbye liar” is a potent example of this claim; there is beautiful harmony that bassist Miyasumi and guitarist Chiharu bring and, while still new to the band, drummer Hina brings that emotional breakthrough hasn’t been seen since the debuting Scandal.

Currently nolala has released only mini-album harmony and one single, ”Goodbye liar”; both were released in 2018.

Check out their official site and Twitter. View the music video for “Goodbye liar” below!

Indie Corner Week 30: Bright Lucy Television

Bright Lucy Television is a five-member pop rock band that serves listeners a fresh take on jazz for the next generation. While older fans of the genre might not agree with their interesting spin on it, one has to admit that it’s an exciting evolution with the capability of reeling in newer listeners. An example of such an enticing song would be “Naked”; with Fumika’s uplifting and calming vocals coupled with keyboardist Cammy’s amazing melody, listeners are slowly ensnared by the track’s charm to hit repeat over and over again.

Currently Bright Lucy Television has one single, “Naked”, released September 2018, with a digital single “Sculpture”, released December 2018. 

Watch Bright Lucy Television’s music video for “Naked” below and check out their Twitter here. 

Indie Corner Week 29: Lapintet

Lapintet is a four-member pop rock band formed in 2016. While for some bands having a lot going on in their songs could be seen as a weakness, Lapintet uses this as their strength to stand out from the rest. Believe it or not, vocalist Shihono’s powerful and melodic voice brings a calming, understanding tone to what’s happening throughout all of the chaos in their songs. This is very evident in their songs "0.03秒の盲信"(“0. 03-Byo no moshin”) and “Dramatic”

Currently Lapintet released two mini albums 111 (2017) and Movement (2018), with one single “おちゃらか” (“Ocharaka”) released in 2017.

Check out the Lapintet official site and Twitter, and be sure to check out their song “0. 03-Byo no moshin” below!