Music Corner Week 66: ALI

ALI is a seven-member, multinational, hip hop/funk band that formed back in 2016 in Tokyo. Originally starting as a nine-member group, they use the name of the band as an acronym for Alien Liberty International, and they look to shake up the norm by having all the members diverse, with roots in Japan, Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. However, one of the first impressions that new listeners might have of the band is how could they be in the genre that they say they are, as they do not have the typical look.

Taking the unique blend of hip-hop and funk is no easy task, but all seven members are expert in their craft. From saxophone player YU to percussion player ALEX, each give a 110% to any song they perform, which adds to the overall enjoyment for the listeners. Vocalist LEO’s out of this world vocals are the cherry on top of this multi-layer sundae that perfectly balance any guest rapper they might have featured on the track. “Better Days feat. Dos Monos” and “LOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO” are great examples of that genre mix, with the guest vocalist providing that hard side of rap, expertly blended with the group’s highly emerging tone of funk leading to unique compositions.

Currently the band has four singles, all of which were released in 2019, along with two digital singles that released in 2020. ALI has also dropped two Eps, Wild Side (2019) and LOST IN PARADISE (2020) with a mini-album, LOVE, MUSIC AND DANCE set to drop on January 27. Be sure to check out their official site, and Twitter, along with the music video for “LOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO” below!

ALI stars:

KAHADIO/ Drums

LEO/ Vocals

CÉSAR/ Gutair 

ALEX/ Percussion

YU/ Sax

LUTHFI/ Bass

JIN/ Keyboards

Music Corner Week 65: FUKI

FUKI is a pop vocalist currently signed under Victor Entertainment. She got her big break in 2012 when she was found by music producer EGO, who works with Che’Nelle and Dai Hirai, and began to work together to make music. She officially made her debut in 2015 with the single “Kimi ja Nakya”. From there she released a concept album キミへ ~LOVE SONG COLLECTION~ on iTunes in 2016 where it ranked number 2 on the charts. In the same year, she released her first full length album LOVE DIARY. FUKI recently worked on her #12sweetlovestories project where she released 12 love songs within a year. FUKI’s music is vocal heavy with the composition that accompanies her talents perfectly. She holds a powerful voice that resonates with you in her tracks and leaves an impact despite most being mid-tempo and ballad tracks.

FUKI’s track “Kimi e” is a powerful love ballad that shows off her vocal capabilities with beautiful lyrics and a wonderful composition to match. Both the original and strings versions are a joy to listen too. “Taisetsu na Hito” is another great track that shows FUKI’s vocal talent and is a beautiful love song about that “important or special person” in your life. FUKI has several versions of this track and all of them are gorgeous as her expressive vocals bring out the emotional feel of this track. “Hyakuman kai no I Love You” is more of a mid-tempo track and the composition is fanastic. The piano at the beginning and playing through out this song sticks out and FUKI’s vocals flow perfectly with this track. FUKI"‘s “365” has the most wonderful opening and this is the song that made me fall in love with her. the vocals and composition in this track fit so well and FUKI’s emotions speak to me.

Currently, FUKI has three studio albums: LOVE DIARY, LIFE DIARY, and IN LOVE; one concept album: キミへ ~LOVE SONG COLLECTION~, four mini albums, twenty-one singles (physical and digital), and a double compilation album LOVE and CRYthat released in April of this year. You can follow FUKI on her official website, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube accounts. You can also listen to FUKI on all digital streaming platforms as well. Check out the music video for “Kimi e” below along with two teaser’s from FUKI’s best albums to give you a taste of her music!

Music Corner Week 64: Awesome City Club

Awesome City Club is a three-piece band consisting of two men and a woman. Awesome City Club first started out in 2013 by Matsuza Katakumi who had the concept of the group. He started by inviting Hiroshi Ataka, also known as atagi, who worked in the same music studio as Katakumi. Afterward, Katakumi scouted Yukie Oshiro, who goes by Yukie, to be the drummer for the group. At the same time, Yukie joined the group, Koji Morishima, also known as Morishi, wanted to join the band and was accepted. Originally Katakumi wanted a foreigner to be the lead singer but ultimately atagi took up the position as lead vocalist. In April of 2014, Katakumi invited Miho Toshida, also known as PORIN, who was working as a part-timer at the studio, to be in the music video for their song “Children.” Later, PORIN was invited to formally join the band, bringing the number to five but shortly after, Katakumi left the group. Awesome City Club dropped their first single, titled “Lesson,” on January 16 of 2015. Awesome City Club has gone on to release two albums and four collections of their early works. In August of this year, Yukie decided to step away from the group bringing the total to three members. Since Yukie stepped down, the group has put out their song “ceremony” showing they have no intentions of slowing down.

Awesome City Club’s music is a fusion of city pop, funk, and R&B. This gives them an interesting and unique song composition that really pulls the listener in. The blend of synthesizers and guitar really makes their music pop with a fun sound. While not originally intended to be the singer, atagi has awesome vocals and he delivers in every song with an outstanding performance. PORIN and Morishi also provide vocals, which all of them do a fantastic job with, especially PORIN who frequently has a solo part in songs. In their song, “ceremony,” you really hear how each member works together, the harmonization in this song is done really well and has one heck of a catchy tune to boot. 

Awesome City Club stays active on their Twitter for everyone who wants to stay up to date on all their latest news, along with their official website. Be sure to check out their song “ceremony” posted in the video below. 

Members

atagi ( vocals, guitar )

PORIN (Vocal Synthesizer )

Morishi (Guitar Synthesizer Vocal)

Music Corner Week 63: kolme

kolme is a three-member idol group that formed back in 2014 and is a rare group in the idol world. Drawing on their wide range of talents, the three members produce their own songs and choreography.  RUUNA is the group’s leader, while KOUMI specializes in dance and MIMORI is the songwriter, resulting in a unique style that is bursting with creativity. While not falling into that hyperactive pop style that idols are usually classed in, the girls try to shake up what it means to be in the genre by having all-around great compositions that run throughout different styles. 

Songs such as the hip-hop and R&B inspired ballad “Hello No Buddy” and “Remind me…” showcase MIMORI’s knack for creating a fresh and never-before heard composition with a stunning mixture of heartwarming lyrics. The fact that they produce their own songs benefits them when they try to experiment. You can see this in the high tempo “Tie me down” and the more emotionally charged “See you” as they both benefit from having the knowledge of what the members vocal range is and maximize it on all fronts to, in the long run,  make the songs more memorable. 

Currently, kolme has seven singles, two EPs, three albums, and several digital releases. Check out their official website, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, be sure to watch their latest music video “See you” featuring fox capture plan below!

Music Corner Week 62: FAITH

FAITH is a five-member pop fusion band from Nagano. FAITH was formed in 2015 when the members from all different high schools met at Ina GRAM HOUSE in Nagano. The unique aspect that FAITH brings to the table is three of the five members are half Japanese and American. The five members include: Akari Dritschler (Vocalist), Yajima Rei (Guitarist/Vocalist), Ray Cassner (Guitarist/Vocalist), Fujiko Arai (Bassist), and Luca Melanson (Drummer). FAITH is a global pop band that fuses together mainstream melodies with sounds that have the feel of 90s western music. Akari’s vocals combine with all the members to make for a fun, fresh taste in pop music. All of FAITH’s songs are sang in English and are written by Akari herself. You can hear the pop-fusion in Akari’s vocals, and with the 90’s style composition each member contributes, it makes for the perfect match. FAITH recently participated in the Tokyo International Music Market’s Livestream.

FAITH’s track “Lonely” is a pop-rock track that not only has a great composition, but Akari’s vocals shine as she delivers powerful lyrics that reach into your soul. Their latest digital single, “Irony,” is an upbeat pop tune that has a catchy beat, a chorus that sticks with you, and fantastic guitar work. “By My Side” is one of FAITH’s more mid-tempo tracks and it shows Akari’s sweet vocals that blend perfectly with the composition. The opening to “Kian,” with the extensive guitar work, makes this track shine as it sets the mood for the rest of the song. For me, it’s all about the composition and the chorus as it makes this song. “DON’T FALL” starts off with Fujiko Arai on the bass before Yajima Rei and Ray Cassner join in and it is amazing. The use of bass in this track is fantastic.

FAITH has one major debut album, Capture it (2020), one mini album, 2x3 Border, two EPs: Un and Yellow Road, and five digital singles. Be sure to check out FAITH’s official website, Twitter, and Instagram accounts along with their latest music video for “Irony” below!