Indie Corner Week 12: stella

stella is a four-member city-pop girl band established in 2014. Utilizing a theme of “songs that grab a hold of people’s feelings”, stella creates a rhythm that entices the listener to dance and continue listening to the beat. With certain tracks their sound could be viewed as somewhat reminiscent of that of the early 90s idol scene--even though the girls of stella are not idols. A couple of prime examples of this nostalgia are their songs “シンデレラティック” (“Cinderella Tick”) and “tonight”.

Currently, stella’s two singles “Cinderella Tick” and “E.O Trick” are available on Apple Music, the former having appeared on TV TOKYO’s program EntaX this January.

Check out their official site here and their official Twitter 

stella stars Nozaki Nao(Bass)

Mizusawa Megumi (Drums)

 Rena Kuwayama (Vocals/ Keyboard)

Yuka Tanizaki (Guitar) 

Check out their song “Cinderella Tick” below!

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!

FOMARE Announces New Mini Album!

After the success of their mini album If I Stay back in December, three-man band FOMARE announced today their brand new mini album 0.02. With a release of August 8th it will include six song.

You can check out the music video for their song "HOME" off their album If I Stay below!