Music Corner Week 115: iScream

iScream is a female dance and vocal unit consisting of members, RUI, YUNA, and HINATA who were chosen from the LDH Presents THE GIRLS AUDITION. iScream made their first appearance as the opening act for the first concert of E-girls’ Final Tour E-girls PERFECT LIVE 2011 - 2020, this was their first introduction as the three vocalists for the new LDH girl group, iScream. In June 2021, they made their official debut with their single “Maybe…YES EP” which the title song was the ending theme for the drama Ochanigosu. Despite iSceam being a newly formed group, they have already started making their mark in the industry with their catchy tracks, powerful vocals, smooth rap, and stylish dance moves. As a trio, they form a powerhouse and have not slowed down since their debut last year as they already have a studio album and several digital singles under their belts.

iScream is a powerhouse of a unit with their vocal and dance skills are absolutely mesmirizing. Upon hearing tracks like “Tsutsumikouyouni…”, “himawari”, and “Jasmine” you hear the power in each of their vocals shine especially both of these being a slower type of track. “Tsutsumikomuyouni…” is a mellow R&B style track with an amazing composition filled with a saxophone giving off a jazzy feel as well. The girls vocals make this track even better matching in tune with each note; giving the perfect tribute track to MISIA. They also bring a fun poppy dance feel with tracks such as “Scream Out”, “Diamond”, and “Maybe…YES”. Each of these tracks has this fun cute dance feel with a catchy chorus and the girls still show off their vocals as well as choreography. Their latest single, “Catwalk” is an upbeat pop dance tune with solid vocals and a composition to match. “Catwalk” has such a nice charm to it as each member gives their all to make a fun fresh track that sticks in your head.

Currently, iScream has one studio album i (2022) and four digital singles: “Maybe…YES EP (2021)”; “himawari (2021)”; “Tsutsumikomuyouni… (2022)”, and their newest “Catwalk (2022)”. Check out their official website, Twitter, Instagram, and their music video for “Tsutsumiyokomuyouni…” below!

Music Corner Week 114: LAGHEADS

LAGHEADS is a four-member self dubbed Super JAMPOP Band that debut back in December of 2021 and brings over a gang of young talented musicians to the current J-Pop and Jazz scene. Breaking the norm of what it means to being a band, LAGHEADS goes their own path by not having a traditional lead singer, but instead has their music composition and melody doing the talking. While each member was formerly supporting members of bands and artist like KIRINJI, millennium Parade, AI, and kiki vivi lily, the sound they bring is just as to be heard. Oozing the feel of overseas sounds of jazz and soul from the past to the present, they bring a sense that is familiar to modern J-Pop.

Songs like “Studio M”, and “Mr. Feeling” brings the modern feel to the for front, and while not having a vocalist, both songs really bring that mood of great music to the forefront that would rope anyone into their world. While being vocal-less is one thing, their collaborations with other artists is what they will be mostly known and be beloved for. Tracks like “Simple Song” “Dakishimetaiyo” with HIMI, and “Try” and “Drivin’” with kiki vivi lily really show off these member’s individual time as a support members aren’t wasted as they understand each artist they collaborate with and makes them the star.

Currently, LAGHEADS have three single and one album that released in 2022. Be sure to check out their official website, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news by them and check out the lyric video of theirs song “Drivin’ featuring kiki vivi lily” below!

Music Corner Week 113: Foi

Foi is a half Japanese-Chinese vocalist that got her start back in 2019. A graduate of the “Sony Music the LESSON” system when she was just 16, Foi blends styles from both of her ethnicities. C-POP and Mandopop greatly influenced her in her childhood, and her music brings out the best of modern J-pop and traditional Chinese music. Being a Japanese-Chinese half-singer-songwriter , which is a rarity in the industry, attracts the attention of fans. Her vocals are emotion-filled and have a smooth style, which makes Foi an artist that you can’t miss.

Whether it’s the more urban, mellow compositions of “Countman” and “Swim in our eyes” with sound producer Shin Sakiura, or “Don’t play the love song” that was produced by TiMT of Mime, she brings that nostalgic feeling of late 90’s early 00’s R&B. However, she isn’t all one trick, as she also brings a more folk style of composition with her song “Pink Boy.” While I do think she is a very strong singer-songwriter by herself, she is honestly phenomenal when she collaborates with someone.

Currently, Foi has eight singles, all of which are available across all digital music and streaming platforms along with one album, HER, that released in May of 2022. Be sure to check out her official website along with her Twitter and Instagram with her the music video for the track “Countman” below!

Music Corner Week 112: Subaru Shibutani

Subaru Shibutani is an amazing singer who first came to notoriety in 1996 when he joined Johnny & Associates as a member of their boy group Kanjani Eight. Originally, Shibutani had auditioned for Kinki Kids alongside Ryuhei Maruyama, who would also go on to be a member of Kanjani Eight. Shibutani was called to a second audition for Kinki Kids. At that audition, he also met You Yokoyama and Shingo Murakami; who would go on to be members of Kanjani Eight as well. 

In the song “Boys in the West Side” Shibutani got acknowledged for his singing talent. “Boys in the West Side” was used as the theme song for Kanjani Knight, a Kansai Jr. show that ran in 1998. Shibutani was a regular on the show with Yokoyama and Murakami, which started a close relationship. The three would go on to appear in many Jr shows together. It even went as far as the three dubbing themselves “3baka,” which means three idiots. Then the 3baka together with Ryo Nishikido, who would also go on to be a member of Kanji Eight, were dubbed the four top Kansi Jrs. This meant that the four were able to greatly increase their exposure. 

Shibuatani got his big break when he had an outstanding performance on Musi Station, which allowed him to move to Tokyo. Yokoyama and Murakami followed closely behind. Once in Tokyo, the 3baka received many singing jobs and became a fixture in Tokyo Jr TV programs. The 3baka even went on to star in their own TV series, Ikelkelkemen, and were regulars on Koichi Domoto’s show Pikaichi. This was short-lived, as work offers began to dry up and around 2001. The 3baka moved back to Osaka and found part-time jobs to help supplement their income. In 2002 the head of Johnny & Associates Johnny Kitagawa had the Kansai Jrs put on an old play previously performed by their seniors, SMAP and Kinki Kids, which was called Another. This marked a return to activities for the Kansi Jr, but Kitagawa wanted to keep them as a local group, which would mean they would stay in Kansai. Shibutani not only returned to the stage but also got a gig on a TV program called J3Kansai. 

In 2003 Kitagawa formed Kanjani Eight using the top Kansai Jrs. He decided to have Shibutani sing in enka and debut Kanjani Eight with him as the lead. Kanjani Eight’s songs would go on to encompass a wide range of styles besides enka, including pop, rap, jazz, funk, rock-and-roll, and blues among others. Shibutani also picked up how to play the guitar, harmonica, and shamisen. Shibutani stayed with Kanjani Eight until 2018, when he announced that he would be leaving the group to pursue his own goals by studying music abroad. Shibutani didn’t wait long to release his first solo album Nisai which came out the following year. Since leaving the group, Shibutani has released three albums. His latest album is 2021, which came out in September of 2021.

Shibutani’s vocals are amazing and show off his years of experience. I like that he frequently uses the harmonica in his music, which gives it a distinct feel. His song “Sing” does a great job showing off his vocal range and skill. He does a really good job of shaking it up with a wide variety of song styles. “Ike” on his 2021 is a fun song to listen to and is one of my favorite tracks he does.

Subaru Shibutani keeps all his latest information on his official website and his staff Twitter stays up to date on all his latest news as well. Lastly, be sure to check out his song “Sing” in the video below.

Music Corner Week 111: Tani Yuuki

Tani Yuuki is a singer-songwriter who began his career young when his grandfather had given him an acoustic guitar in junior high school. Tani Yuuki had formed several groups and units during his vocational school days, including the online acapella group called “WHITE BOX”. Tani Yuuki’s achieved success when he posted a clip with one word of the soon to be hit song “Myra” on TikTok followed by releasing the full video on YouTube. “Myra” was Tani Yuuki’s debut single and it immediately soared to the top of the charts. Tani Yuuki’s charming smooth vocals and acute musical abilities make for an up-and-coming artist to watch for.

Tani Yuuki’s debut song “Myra” instantly pulled me in from the first listen. His charming vocals which sound smooth as butter blend perfectly with the composition making for an automatic chart topping hit. The piano combined with the acoustic guitar add to the charm that Tani Yuuki brings in “Myra”. “W/X/Y” was a hit on the app TikTok and its easy to see how this track brings that hype. Tani Yuuki has the vocals that just capture you with his sultry voice, the lyrics to pull you in, and use of the piano stand out in the composition. In Tani Yuuki’s track “Aikotoba”, you hear the capacity of what he can do vocally. “Aikotoba” is a beautiful ballad that starts off with softer vocals then picks up for the chorus bringing a unique flavor to this ballad with how Tani Yuuki uses his vocals on the versus. In his newest single, “Jibun Jishin”, Tani Yuuki utilizes the piano right at the beginning of the track in a slow sense, then the track picks up adding the guitar. As the track progresses, so does his vocals. I love how it feels that you are being led through “Jibun Jishin” like it’s a journey.

Tani Yuuki has one album titled Memories, which was released in 2021 and nine singles with his newest one, “Jibun Jishin” being released on March 9th. Check out Tani Yuuki’s official website, Twitter, Instagram, and his latest music video for “Jibun Jishin” below!