Japan Nite & SXSW

It’s currently April, Spring is here, and we are weeks removed from the crazyness that is South By South West and the amazing bands from the Land of the Rising Sun. From the 80’s anime explosion that is Satellite Young to the amazing rock from The Walkings, SXSW had a great variety of Japanese Bands. Maybe you couldn’t make it. Maybe you were there, but just didn’t have the cash on hand to buy merch. Maybe there was no merch to be had. These things happen. Though it has been hard in the past to obtain Japanese music here in States, it’s now easier than ever to support the bands you love. With that in mind, here are my quick thoughts on the artists of this year’s Japan Nite tour and some of the other Japanese artists that performed here at SXSW. If there are any I miss or I didn’t mention your favorite, I’ll do my best to post a follow-up. The first link will be to the best digital source, favoring sites that give the artist a better cut, such as Bandcamp. I’ll also include Amazon Japan links to physical CDs where appropriate as it is possible now to ship media to the US if you prefer your music in that format. So on with the music.

Satellite Young

You know that 80s anime dream you had? The one where you created the best anime ever? Never had that dream? Funny, I thought everyone had that one. Oh well. Even if that dream never happened to you, the memebers of Satellite Young had that dream and where most like me went back to sleep, they created music. If you need some more synth in your life or just simply want something a bit more throwback, pick up some Satellite Young.
Bandcamp, Amazon Jp

RiRi

Good R&B is about vocal power. Lyrics are important, but if the singer just doesn’t have the pipes, no song will translate. RiRi is the kind of artists that has the possibilty of being that “break out” artist. The kind of artist you could show to your friends who still think of Japanese music as simply the song in front of those strange cartoons you go on and on about. If R&B is your jam or a friends, buy some RiRi.
iTunes, http://www.riririririri.com, Amazon Jp

Analogix

When it comes to live shows and especially those of Japan Nite, stage presecence is key. While everyone typically has it at the event, it’s hard to deny the performance of Analogix. Part stage performance, part musical concert, Analogix is the kind of act that has to be experienced live. While the album doesn’t capture the live show, it’s still worth a listen and was one of my top favorites this year.
iTunes, https://ryman-records.wixsite.com/analogix-official

Walkings

Sometimes you just need pure rock n’ role. Something that will get the blood flowing, the foot tapping, and the head bopping. With a blues and rock sound, if you’re in the need of some solid rock, look no further than Walkings.
iTunes, SoundCloud, Amazon Jp

Chai

While the lineup at Japan Nite changes every year, there is one thing that is always constant: all girl rock bands. Hailing from Nagoya, Japan, Chai is pretty much a force of music. In terms of genre, I don’t know where to place them. At times pop, at times punk, and times funk, they cover the gamut. Whatever they are, it’s amazing music. If you want one of my favorite acts of the tour, go on ahead and buy some CHAI. You’re sure to find something you like.
iTunes, http://chai-band.com, Amazon Jp

Tokyo Chaotic

We seem to be having a theme here of bands breaking or gapping multiple genres don’t we? Such is the trouble with Japanese bands. Like me, they just can’t seem to stick to one genre. With that in mind, Tokyo Chaotic pretty much has it all: Rock, HipHop, and Electro. To give western audiences a bit of a music similarity, think Incubus circa S.C.I.E.N.C.E. Okay, maybe not quite that, but it should be close enough for those not aware. In any case, if any of this hits you in the right place, here is the music for you.
iTunes, Amazon Jp

Hanato Chiruran

The are few acts performing with as much range as Hanato Chiruran. The come out swinging and rocking like few acts can. If I have to put a label on them, they’re the kind of act that should be playing in a town like Austin. They’re just solid, amazing rock. One of my favorite of the night and one hell of an act if you missed them.
iTunes, http://www.hanatochiruran.com, Tunecore Jp

The Fin

Sometimes, you just need to chill out a bit and trip the music fantastic. Returning back to SXSW, it was really good to see The Fin. The band holds a bit of a special part in my heart as they came the year I got to MC Japan Nite in Austin. With their melodic sounds and great use of synths, if you need some chillwave in your life as much as I do, buy their music now.
Bandcamp, Amazon Jp:

If anything here interestest you, go buy the music and help the artists. Stream to get an idea, but buy because you love it. Feel free to leave your response either here or let me know on twitter (@vincent404) and let me know what you thought. Thank you and keep rocking.