Music Corner Week 95: Kiki Vivi Lily

Kiki Vivi Lily is a singer-songwriter who often crosses the boundaries between pop and R&B style music. She is a remarkable vocalist with her sweet pop vocal style and ear for unique melodies that can easily translate into other genres depending on the composition. Kiki Vivi Lily got her start in the industry in 2016 with the EP Lovin’ You, however, it wasn’t until 2019 that she released her first studio album Vivid in June 2019. From then on, Kiki Vivi Lily teamed up with composer and beat maker (also a Music Corner alumni) SUKISHA for the album, Over The Rainbow. She is known for her wonderful collaborations which include Sweet William, nobodyknows+, Shin Sakiura, as well as SUKISHA. As Kiki Vivi Lily’s vocals are sweet and smooth, she tends to switch between the R&B and pop genres making for nice fusion tracks with memorable compositions.

Kiki Vivi Lily first caught my ear on the collaboration album, Over The Rainbow, she did with SUKISHA. The track “Gray Spring” immediately had my heart with its soft composition and Kiki Vivi Lily’s vocals stood out as they not only showed her range, but showed her ability to match her voice to the melody - making this a perfect track to relax too. Kiki Vivi Lily’s “80Denier” has a nice beat that flows with her vocals and pulls you into the song. The chorus is so nice with the piano playing and Kiki Vivi Lily matching every bit of it making it magical. “Lazy” is a more upbeat track and from the opening of it, you are immediately pulled it. Kiki Vivi Lily’s vocals are sweet, serene, and have a more Pop-R&B fusion feel that fits perfectly with the fun melody.

Currently, Kiki Vivi Lily has three studio albums, Vivid (2019), Over The Rainbow (2019), and her latest Tasty released in October 2021; two EPs, Lovin’ You (2016) and Good Luck Charm (2020); four digital singles and has been featured with many collaborating artists. Check out her official website, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube channel, and also her latest music video for “Lazy” below!

Music Corner Week 94: SPiCYSOL

SPiCYSOL is a four-member band that blends various genres such as rock, funk, and r&b with the goal of blending the sounds of City and Surf. The lead singer for the group is Kenny, who also plays guitar. The lead guitarist is Akun, while Kazuma plays the drums. Lastly, Pete plays the keyboard, trumpet, and does backup vocals, depending on the song. SPiCYSOL excels in their ability to create fun and unique compositions that pull the listener in. I like the trumpet when it is used; it jazzes up the tracks and adds something different to their compositions. Lead vocalist Kenny’s vocals are performed well and suit the compositions, also guitarist Akun’s guitar work is very nuanced, and it complements the music without being overbearing. One of my favorite songs of the year is their track “So What”, which shows off each member of the band and is a fun track to play on repeat. 

In 2015 they dropped their first album, To the C. The band made their major debut with Warner Music Japan on April 7 of 2021 with their release “ONE-EP”. On October 6 of 2021, the band dropped their first major album titled From The C.

SPiCYSOL stays active on its Twitter and official website with all their latest news. Be sure to check out their song “So What” in the video posted below.

Music Corner Week 93: the natsuyasumi band

the natsuyasumi band are a four-piece pop rock band that got their start back in 2008 and, harkening to their name, they hope to bring the energy of summer vacation everyday as well as becoming a band that listeners can escape from reality with their music. They bring that by having a warm and soft style of vocals that is mixed with sentimental and emotional lyrics and melodies that can bring nostalgic feelings to listeners.

Vocalist Risa Nakagawa’s calming vocals combined with the band’s usage of piano, bass, drums, steel pan and trumpet, while might be weird on paper, in practice they are able to produce a sound that can’t be replicated. True to their theme, I find myself just engulfed in their music and trying to soak up every little bit of it. None can be truer to that effect than songs like “echo” and “Kuroiinu” and I do believe it’s because of their steel pan and trumpet player MC.sirafu. “Kuroiinu” in particular just takes you on a ride that lets you forget everyone around you. While many of their tunes are of a slow-tempo and might be difficult to initial get into, songs like “Trinos” which tries to shake up the formula to a mid-tempo style track help show their range. However, tempo criticisms, aside I do not think that you will find a band with this flair and style like the natsuyasumi band does. 

Currently the natsuyasumi band has five albums; one from their Indies days in 2012 and four with major label SPEEDSTAR RECORDS starting from 2015 with Parade, with the latest, Neo Park, that dropped in August of 2021. They also have serval singles under their belt, two of which are available digitally, along with several collaboration works with NHK and other projects.

Be sure to check out their official website as well as their Twitter and watch their latest music video, “Trinos,” below!

the natsuyasumi band stars:

Jun Takaki: Bass

Mizuki Murano: Drums

MC.sirafu: Steel pan and Trumpet

Risa Nakagawa: Vocals and Piano

Music Corner Week 92: Baby Kiy

Baby Kiy is a singer-songwriter that made her debut in July 2017 with the mini album RAINBOW. She is known for her lyrics as she bases them off experiences she has while traveling as it helps her write lyrics that are influenced by different cultures. She has gained a big following among women in a similar generation as her due to the consideration of girls’ feelings described in her lyrics make them easily relatable. Baby Kiy’s husky voice combined with her thoughtful lyrics led her to making her major debut with avex in 2019 with the digital single “Stay Together”. From there on, Baby Kiy has garnished much success with fans, 90% of those being mainly women. Many of Baby Kiy’s songs have a clam beach like vibe that grabs your attention.

Baby Kiy has a unique voice and style that captured my ear immediately when I hear her track “Silent moon”. “Silent moon” starts off with the ocean as the background then leads right into her playing the guitar with her husky vocals then turns into more of an upbeat pop style track. “Hey Darling” is a beautiful pop-rock track that has an easy listening feeling as Baby Kiy shows off her vocals skills along with her composing and lyrical talent. While many of Baby Kiy’s tracks are more pop-rock, there are several like “Hummingbird”, “Before the sunshine”, and her newest track “Seventeen Calls (#Just Sound Good 2020 Version) feat. Michael Kaneko gives off the beach vibe feel. “Seventeen Calls (#Just Sounds Good 2020 Version) is such a nice and peaceful track, plus Baby Kiy and Michael Kaneko make for a wonderful collaboration.

Baby Kiy currently has two studio albums, Never get enough (2018) and All About You (2019); three EPs, RAINBOW (2017), Don’t Let Me Go (2019), and Silent moon (2021); and seven digital singles including her latest “Seventeen Calls (#Just Sounds 2020 Version) feat Michael Kaneko. Check out Baby Kiy’s official website, Twitter, and Instagram, along with the music video for “Silent moon” below!

Music Corner Week 91: Three1989

Three1989, more commonly known as THREE, is an ’80s soul-pop trio band that consists of Shimo (keyboardist), Shohey (Vocalist), and Datch (DJ). The name of the band comes from the fact that all three members were born in 1989. The group got its start in 2015 but released their first single “High Times” in October 2016. Three1989 released their first album in August of 2017, which was titled Time Line. Since then, they have released three albums with their latest album THE BEST THREE1989 -Don’t Forget Dancing- in January of this year. This album not only served as their major-label debut with Avex Entertainment but also as a sort of compilation album with it being a re-recording of their most popular songs. 

Three1989 has a really cool sound that brings you right back to the ‘80s and also adds a funky freshness to it. Shohey doesn’t have the widest vocal range but he knows how to play to their style, which accentuates the composition. In their latest single “Natsu Bouke” you hear their unique sound, which has that 80’s flair. “Ajisai”, which also dropped earlier this year, is a mid-tempo track while, ”She Is Moonlight” is slower tempo track that resembles a ballad in some segments. For example, the BPM is perfect and the keyboard in the background adds a nice unique feel to this track. When I’m listening to Three1989 I feel like I am taken back to the 80s, despite not growing up during that era, their music captures the essence of that time period perfectly.

Three1989 is currently signed under Avex Entertainment and they keep all their latest news on their official website. You can also follow their official Twitter account as it stays up to date on all their latest activities. Lastly, be sure to check out their song, “She Is Moonlight” posted in the video below.