Posted on November 13, 2021 at 22:33. | Event held on Sunday December 19, 2021 at 17:00 (JST)
The Aprils "Hyper Girl" (Download)
The Aprils always have a trick ready for April Fool's Day! This year is a surprise release of "Hyper Girl", now available on digital platforms. The song is a self-cover of one written for electro-pop idol my♪Rabbits. Find that...
Posted on April 2, 2021 at 13:48. | Released on April 1, 2021
Posted on October 31, 2020 at 11:59. | Event held on Saturday October 31, 2020 at 21:00 (JST)
The Aprils "Aprilster" (Download)
The Aprils, who tend to get active somehow in the month of April, have just released a brand new track digitally! This one was announced on April Fool's Day, on which they have a tradition to hijack their own...
Posted on April 15, 2020 at 21:33. | Released on April 15, 2020
The Aprils "Astro +Early Works"
The Aprils' debut album "Astro" was released on Usagi-chang Records in 2003 and had long been discontinued. Now it's back all newly remastered and reworked using the latest technology, sounding better than ever before. In addition, rare bonus tracks such...
Posted on November 22, 2017 at 23:00. | Released on November 15, 2017
The Aprils "Horror Survivor"
The Aprils has a new single coming this week! Title song "Horror Survivor" is a brand new collaboration with The Lady Spade, who was previously featured on "Magical Girls". The B-side is a self-cover of "KIRA×KIRA×KIRA×KIRA", a song that...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 00:42. | Released on July 19, 2017
Various Artists "Techpri Tribute ~Techpri Happy Ever After~"
Sendai-based techno-pop idol group Techpri (English name "t.c.princess") was active from 2009 to 2013, produced by electro artist Tobeta Bajune, with their last show held part of TIF2013 (the annual Tokyo Idol Festival). This tribute album features mainly girl-fronted units...
Posted on May 24, 2014 at 12:44. | Released on May 21, 2014
The Aprils "High-Flying Girl"
This is a brand new EP from The Aprils! "High-Flying Girl" is a song that first appeared on NHK show "dai! tensai TV-kun" (official soundtrack info), but here it is presented in a self-cover version. Also included is short introduction...
Posted on July 7, 2013 at 20:17. | Released on July 3, 2013
Various Artists "NHK CD dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 17th"
This latest soundtrack for NHK kids program "dai! tensai terebi-kun" (aka "TV-kun") has tracks produced by Takanami Keitarō ("sora to umi no hikari"), Kamomiya Ryō ("bokuntoko koi Blues") (both ex-Pizzicato Five), The Aprils ("High Flying Girl"), Omodaka, Okii Reiji (Scott...
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 23:35. | Released on March 6, 2013
Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
Mizuka "Marshmallow Glitter"
Nagoya indies idol Mizuka has a new single that's written and produced by The Aprils' Imai Kentarō! Look out for his signature spacy electro-pop! Included are remixes by PandaBoY, and Nakashima Takekiyo (of split-up Nagoya unit Tikatika). Yume to Cosme's...
Posted on September 23, 2012 at 13:40. | Released on September 26, 2012
Gig report: Tokyo eleport 006: The Aprils, Candles, Cutie Pai, ExceNtRip
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On April 12 was the 6th event of the "Tokyo eleport" series organized by indies techno-pop unit Candles. It was held at Shibuya Star lounge, a quite nice venue I...
Posted on April 14, 2012 at 17:05.
"Bell to issho." (DVD)
This is the image DVD of Kobe pro baseball team Orix Buffaloes's official female mascot, Bell. The Aprils and friends have contributed all over this, and claim it can even be enjoyed by non-baseball fans. The Aprils contributed the mascot's...
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 12:17. | Released on March 21, 2012
Lo-Fi-Pnk "Tune Up!" (Download)
Lo-Fi-Pnk (read "Lo-Fi Punk") is a unit from Sendai, formed of DJs from regular electro-pop party Poptune. This first release is a single called "Tune Up!" that features vocals by Candles' Pepe. Also included are remixes by The Aprils' Imai...
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:14. | Released on February 29, 2012
Gig report: (M)otocompo vs The Aprils, with BiS, Ezypt
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On February 4 was an event organized by (M)otocompo, together with The Aprils, BiS and Ezypt. It was held at Shibuya Milkyway, and it was my first time at this...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 00:30.
The Aprils "Magical Girls"
Here's a brand new release from The Aprils coming early January! 2 years have went by since "Back To The Future Music", and this time the band adds a touch of magic to its future-pop post-Shibuya-kei sound. With 4 new...
Posted on December 26, 2011 at 22:35. | Released on January 11, 2012
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
Various Artists "Ghibli Jazz Remix"
This latest Ghibli remix compilation features a lot of the best artists from the pico-pico scene. Check out what The Aprils, YMCK, The Lady Spade, Dr.Usui (Motocompo), milch of source (EeL's producer), Candles, Ram Rider, Boot Beat et al. have...
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:36. | Released on November 16, 2011
Applecider "Star Black"
Osaka indies electro-punk girl-boy double-vocal unit Applecider has a 2nd album coming, and The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has done mixing and arrangement for all tracks! Check out video below for song "wear dischord", and then go hear more samples over...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 20:21. | Released on September 7, 2011
La Casa Azul "Cerca de Shibuya"
Shibuya-kei-friendly Spanish band La Casa Azul has what I believe is a first Japanese release out just last week. The title translating to "Somewhere near Shibuya", this comes as a greatest hits album of songs from their previous Spanish releases...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 15:39. | Released on August 31, 2011
Gig report: Future Pop Lounge 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On August 28, I went to Future Pop Lounge (official site), a festival style event at Shibuya O-Nest. It was the 3rd time the yearly summer event was held though...
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 22:37.
CTO LAB. "Okie Dokie!"
There's a new techno-pop unit called CTO LAB., formed of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils). "CTO" standing for "Compact Techno Organization", the concept is to use small synthesizers and electronic instruments for making their music....
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 00:11. | Released on July 28, 2010
RUBY "RUBY"
New-comer unit RUBY, featuring whisper-voiced singer Lily, presents a first mini-album with sounds of dreamy electro-pop with hints of post-rock and shoegazing, some of which remind me of MissWonda. Included is a cover of Kahimi Karie's "Mike Alway's Diary", and...
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 22:52. | Released on March 31, 2010
Various Artists "Tokyo Auto-Reverse ~ Neo-Shibuya-kei x 80's ~" (Download)
Here's an interesting compilation of 80's Japanese hit song covers by young bands of the post-Shibuya-kei scene! Featured are The Aprils, Yume to Cosme (previously known as solange et delphine), Mr.COCKROBIN, roly poly ragbear, Sucrette, the Caraway and more. This...
Posted on May 27, 2010 at 23:58. | Released on May 26, 2010
Gig report: The Aprils "Back To The Future Music" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny (chipple.net) This week was the release party for The Aprils' 4th album, "Back To The Future Music", out last month. Buying the album gave you right to go to a free show, and even...
Posted on February 7, 2010 at 00:23.
The Aprils "Back To The Future Music", "Space Dream Bathroom"
First thing to look forward to in 2010 is The Aprils' new 4th album, titled "Back To The Future Music"! We can expect again more of that great band-style future-pop sound. The album's first pressing comes with a bonus CD...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 15:15. | Released on January 6, 2010
Aprils feat. Hatsune Miku "Miku-Ro Adventure!"
The Aprils are back after a long wait, over 4 years since album "Space Dream Bathroom". First we are treated to this self-cover album featuring virtual idol Hatsune Miku. It seems that the whole is programmed by artists Penguins Project,...
Posted on December 20, 2009 at 01:25. | Released on December 23, 2009
Sucrette "Bon Voyage"
Kyoto-based post-Shibuya-kei boy-girl unit Sucrette (MySpace) has a 2nd album coming soon, and it will include remixes by Aprils and Melting Holidays. The album is available a bit early at iTunes Japan. Sucrette "Bon Voyage" 1. bon voyage 2. lovely...
Posted on May 4, 2009 at 23:26. | Released on May 20, 2009
Various Artists "14 Girls' Life"
This compilation titled "14 Girls' Life" has a concept of featuring female vocalists from different genres, from electronica to post-rock, jazz and future-pop. I'm delighted to see favorite future-pop artists such as Iguchi Miho (Aprils), Yuppa (Hazel Nuts Chocolate) and...
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 22:20. | Released on April 1, 2009
marino "lollipop+"
Indies techno-pop singer marino's first mini-album "lollipop" (2006) is being re-issued because it sold out and has gone rare since. The new release includes all 5 original songs produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and Hayashibe Tomonori (Plus-Tech Squeeze Box), plus...
Posted on February 26, 2009 at 21:48. | Released on April 22, 2009
my charm #11 (Book+CD)
Girl-oriented small book series my charm (you might think of it as a small irregular magazine) has an 11th issue coming which will include a CD full of songs by great indie artists such as Aprils, Hazel Nuts Chocolate, melting...
Posted on February 2, 2007 at 17:04. | Released on March 14, 2007
Aprils "Space Dream Bathroom"
A brand new album by the Aprils is coming out as soon as next month on Softly! The album features many guests including YMCK and tetrapletrap-F, and is mixed and mastered by Plus-tech Squeeze Box' Hayashibe Tomonori. The first, limited...
Posted on April 15, 2005 at 10:23. | Released on May 18, 2005
Aprils "Pan·da" (CD/VD)
The Aprils, who are currently finishing their US/Canada tour with Par Avion, have just announced the release of their first full album "Pan·da", which they describe as a "happy, catchy, kirakira, spacy and picopico summer party album". The limited edition...
Posted on July 6, 2004 at 10:52. | Released on August 4, 2004
Full-text search results for The Aprils
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.38
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on April 21, 2023 at 12:33.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.37
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on March 16, 2023 at 23:56.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.24
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on February 11, 2022 at 00:14.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.23
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on January 13, 2022 at 23:08.
DISCOMPO with Izumi Mari "Merry go ahead" (Download)
DISCOMPO, the latest project of Dr.Usui (ex-Motocompo, (M)otocompo), has just released a new song titled "Merry go ahead". Like the previous ones, it features singer Izumi Mari. This follows single "Shadow Venus" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), and "Rinkaku" (Music...
Posted on November 5, 2021 at 00:04. | Released on October 29, 2021
DISCOMPO with Izumi Mari "Rinkaku" (Download)
DISCOMPO is the latest project of Dr.Usui (ex-Motocompo, (M)otocompo). Featuring singer Izumi Mari, they became active in May 2020 and released a few songs on YouTube ("Boys, Boys, Boys....." and "Another Century") as well as the short movie "DISCOMPO"...
Posted on April 26, 2021 at 23:19. | Released on April 21, 2021
Starry Planet☆ "Sweet Daytime - Aikatsu Planet! Featured Songs vol.2"
This is a soundtrack mini-album from the live action TV series "Aikatsu Planet!" that's based on the arcade game of the same name. Included is the song "Lady Lady Lady" that was written and arranged by Imai Kentarō (of...
Posted on April 24, 2021 at 00:05. | Released on April 21, 2021
my♪Rabbits "Hyper Girl / SHINExSHINExSHINExSHINE"
Electro-pop idol my♪Rabbits has just released a new single which is written by Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and arranged by The Aprils! The A-side "Hyper Girl" (or in Japanese "High Tension Girl") is a newly written song, for...
Posted on November 28, 2020 at 00:07. | Released on November 25, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.9
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on September 24, 2020 at 00:19.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.6
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on June 25, 2020 at 01:32.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.5
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on May 28, 2020 at 01:10.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.4
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on April 23, 2020 at 00:50.
Virtualboys x Breezesquad "Chico Ficticio" (Download)
Virtualboys (Soundcloud), the 8-bit chiptune duo of Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and Asahi Taichi (Genius), collaborates with Fukuoka bitpop artist Breezesquad for this new delightful EP of two songs and two remixes! It's available digitally on iTunes,...
Posted on April 20, 2020 at 23:58. | Released on April 15, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.2
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on January 22, 2020 at 23:55.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.1
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some...
Posted on December 26, 2019 at 01:31.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon"
Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in...
Posted on December 14, 2019 at 01:04.
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
CTO LAB. "The Theme of Ma.K." (Download)
CTO LAB. released this song last year as a limited cassette tape edition, but it's now finally available for download on iTunes, etc.! This is a theme song for Ma.K., aka Maschinen Krieger, a science fiction universe created by...
Posted on October 4, 2017 at 21:53. | Released on October 4, 2017
The Lady Spade "Phenomenon"
The Lady Spade has released just recently a brand new mini-album, the follow-up to "Reverse Shaped Black Heart" (2014). Their sound is more sophisticated and danceable than ever, cuter but also perhaps a bit scarier!? That the album is available...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 17:35. | Released on September 6, 2017
Fujin Club "Fujin Color"
Fujin Club is a mysterious unit said to have been formed in Sadogashima (an island off the west coast of Niigata pref.), and produced by Satō Nozomu of caméra-stylo (Camera=mannenhitsu) aka M. Lemon. Their first album "Fujin Color" is out...
Posted on July 12, 2016 at 22:20. | Released on July 13, 2016
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
EmiLy "colorful ribbon"
Singer-songwriter EmiLy has a 3rd album out now, with songs arranged by Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), Okuda Hidetaka (sucrette), etc. All music and words are written by EmiLy, except for a cover of Ozawa Kenji's "sore wa chotto". The lead...
Posted on December 4, 2014 at 20:52. | Released on November 26, 2014
The Lady Spade "Reverse Shaped Black Heart"
The Lady Spade (sono na wa Spade) have a 2nd album coming! This is their first with current singer ATG (aka AliceToGizelle). Also their sound is now electro and danceable with an amount of rap. Songs range from happy sweets...
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 10:18. | Released on November 26, 2014
Ruby* "sweet music float"
Ruby*, the solo-project of whisper-voice singer Lily, is back with a new album with songs produced by CTO LAB., Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.), Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), Nishiura Kensuke (daredemo Esper, ex-sōtaiseiriron), POCO (ku-tyu-bunkai) and more. Included...
Posted on November 13, 2014 at 22:52. | Released on November 5, 2014
xxx of Wonder "Wonder of Wonder"
xxx of Wonder (reads just "of Wonder") is a new all-star collaboration unit formed of Nanba Shiho, Dr.Usui ((M)otocompo), Frenesi, Julie Watai, and illustrator Kishida Mel. Each of the creators seem to have a defined role, with Dr.Usui writing the...
Posted on June 11, 2014 at 23:43. | Released on June 18, 2014
Mizuka "Marshmallow Closet"
Follow-up to EP "Marshmallow Glitter" (2012), here's a new full-length album by Nagoya-based idol Mizuka. This album is produced by Okuda Hidetaka (sucrette). The song "KIRAxKIRAxKIRAxKIRA", written and produced by The Aprils' Imai Kentarō, is included in a re-arranged album...
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on February 5, 2014
Chiroline ver.2 "Forever Chiroline-zaka"
Here's a new mini-album by gadget-loving girl unit Chiroline ver.2, follow-up to album "Chit Chat Chiroline" (2012). Again produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), this also contains a new song writted by Suzuki Keiichi (also Moonriders), as well as ones by...
Posted on November 5, 2013 at 21:07. | Released on November 6, 2013
"TV Anime 'Photo Kano' Character Song Album 'Through The Camera'"
The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has contributed a song to this character song album for anime "Photo Kano". The song in question, "Tinkle My Bell", is the one for character Maeda Kanon. All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on July 3, 2013
CTO LAB. "sekai wa BON HI-BON! ~ dai! tensai TV-kun no Theme 2013"
CTO LAB., the "compact" electro-pop unit of unit of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), has a new single out now! This is the first single by the band, and the first release in their name...
Posted on July 7, 2013 at 19:58. | Released on July 3, 2013
michirurondo "I Love Baby"
Electro-pop singer-songwriter michirurondo has a 1st mini-album out now! The songs "BABY" and "hoshi ni negai o" were co-arranged and mixed by The Aprils' Imai Kentarō. In Tokyo, a free in-store live will be held on May 9 from 18:30...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 09:45. | Released on April 24, 2013
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Okada Tohru "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~"
Moonriders' Okada Tohru, lately active with CTO LAB., has a 4th album out this week. It has been no less than 19 years since his previous solo album! Included are several self-covers of Moonriders favorites, and the album is full...
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 22:39. | Released on August 8, 2012
Chiroline ver.2 "Chit Chat Chiroline"
Chiroline (reads -lyn) was a girl techno-pop unit that was produced by Okada Tohru (CTO LAB., ex-Moonriders) in the mid-to-late-80's. This year sees the formation of a group of 4 new girls borrowing the same name, again produced by the...
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47. | Released on August 8, 2012
Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
Gig report: CTO LAB. Presents Tokyo Outbound #01, with (M)otocompo, Shampoo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday June 27 was an event organized by CTO LAB. at Koenji High, a good venue for which I've heard many praises for its good sound and tall stage....
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 00:18.
EmiLy "tear drop"
Singer-songwriter EmiLy (Hashimoto Emiri) has a 2nd album out now, with songs arranged by the likes of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils) and Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme). Also the wonderful video clip for title song was directed by Nakama Norihisa...
Posted on May 29, 2011 at 01:48. | Released on May 25, 2011
nAo "Strawberry Heart"
This first album by singer-songwriter and model nAo is produced by Moonriders' Okada Tōru, who is recently also active as CTO LAB. Included are two songs involving The Aprils' Imai Kentarō (also of CTO LAB.), "My Sunshine" in which he...
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 20:52. | Released on January 26, 2011
Gig report: CTO LAB., Candles, Hi-5, spoon+
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Monday (December 27) was my first occasion to see CTO LAB., a side-unit of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), polymoog (Elektel) and Okada Tōru (Moonriders), which I had been wanting...
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 17:46.
Gig report: "E*P=10Y" Elektel and Pyokn's 10th anniversary
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last weekend, on Sunday June 13, was held an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of two bands, Elektel and Pyokn, incidentally formed around the same time. The event was...
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 18:21.
DG-10 "Love Synthesizer!"
Out just now is this first mini-album by DG-10, a three-piece idol unit produced by the maker of Nintendo DS synthesizer Korg DS-10. The singers are Imai Asami, Hasegawa Akiko (from game "The Idolm@ster"), and Matayoshi Ai (Xbox 360 game...
Posted on September 20, 2009 at 00:12. | Released on September 18, 2009
frenesi "Cupra"
Cute voiced indies singer-songwriter and pianist frenesi (once active as bluenö) has an album out just now! Several samples can be heard at her MySpace. A short video has been made for one of the songs, with a story of...
Posted on June 7, 2009 at 01:21. | Released on June 3, 2009
Various Artists "P-K-P-K"
This compilation focusing on the "picopico" indies scene will include songs by Aprils ("Cosmo '80s" previously released on "Space Dream Bathroom"), Sweet Vacation, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tongari Kids, tofubeats and more. It will be sold only at Tower Records. Various Artists "P-K-P-K"...
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 13:42. | Released on May 15, 2008
Pure Pop Fes vol.1
A bunch of great indie-pop units will share a stage in Shimokitazawa: future guitar pop band Aprils who recently made the soundtrack for animated film "kaede Newtown", Hazel Nuts Chocolate who is said to have plenty of new songs as...
Posted on March 31, 2008 at 16:44. | Released on April 26, 2008
"kaede New Town" (DVD+CD)
Super-cute animation short film "kaede New Town", directed by Iwakiri Naoto (Codomo Inc.), which was shown in theaters starting in December, is getting a DVD release. The opening and ending themes are by the Aprils and Tomovsky respectively, and can...
Posted on January 22, 2008 at 16:45. | Released on March 6, 2008
Mr. Cockrobin "Drive"
Neo-Shibuya-kei girl unit Mr. Cockrobin has a first full album coming up! Said to sound like Pizzicato Five meets Flipper's Guitar, with vocals that remind of Nomiya Maki, the driving music album features special guests Iguchi Miho (Aprils), Hazel Nuts...
Posted on June 30, 2007 at 16:41. | Released on July 25, 2007
yume to Cosme
solange et delphine offers a great line-up for its upcoming show at Aoi Heya, sharing the stage with Aprils (mini-live), sono na wa Spade and frenesi. Readymade's Yoshida Tetsuto will also be DJing. solange et delphine will be selling a...
Posted on April 2, 2007 at 13:49. | Released on April 22, 2007
Strawberry Machine "zero zero five", "crazy kilt"
Nagoya girl solo unit Strawberry Machine is having its two albums re-released by label abcdefg*record. "zero zero five" was first released in 2000 and then re-released in 2004 to coincide with the release of "crazy kilt". Both albums feature an...
Posted on April 1, 2007 at 18:40. | Released on April 11, 2007
Various Artists "Chip Toy Company"
Though a bit outdated, this recently out nice-priced compilation seems to be a great introduction to a bunch of artists from the indies pico-pico scene, featuring Hazel Nuts Chocolate, Misswonda, Aprils, Plus-Tech Squeezebox, macdonald duck eclair, and more. Aside from...
Posted on March 8, 2007 at 17:40. | Released on February 28, 2007
Usagi-chang Night Fever!! -Chapter01 Final-
The label sure has been on the quiet side lately but... "Final"!?? Let's go find out what will happen to Usagi-chang, at the 4th yearly Night Fever event. This time, the event is held in the evening and should probably...
Posted on August 3, 2006 at 13:43. | Released on August 26, 2006
Spaghetti Vabune! "Guitar Pop Grand Prix!", "summer vacation, sunset vehicle -plus-"
Guitar pop unit Spaghetti Vabune! have a second album out next week. Tower Records offers a bonus CD-R containing remixes by Aprils and Hazel Nuts Chocolate, and a video directed by Iwakiri Naoto, while supplies last. And if you missed...
Posted on July 7, 2006 at 13:41. | Released on July 12, 2006
Usagi-chang "Mini" Night vol.0004
The end of the month will see Usagi-chang Records's 4th "mini" night, featuring the label's regular DJ roaster and a MissWonda mini live. Let me use this occasion to remind PINE*am U.S. fans that the band will be playing in...
Posted on April 17, 2006 at 14:26. | Released on April 29, 2006
YMCK "Family Racing"
Finally! A second album from YMCK is coming before the end of the year! The album features 8 new songs, one featuring Japan's Famicom hero Takahashi Meijin. There will be two editions, one of the CD only, and a limited...
Posted on October 27, 2005 at 10:09. | Released on December 21, 2005
Usagi-chang Night Fever!! vol.0003
This year again, Usagi-chang Records will have its summer event at Shinjuku Marz. The all night event will feature all active Usagi-chang artists, including MissWonda who has a first album out on 8/17, and also many friends. I won't miss...
Posted on July 15, 2005 at 18:03. | Released on August 27, 2005
Aprils release party
Aprils will have a release party for their recently released album "Space Dream Bathroom". Plenty of live acts for a cheap price! Aprils release party on 7/9 (Saturday) at Shibuya O-nest (map) Live: Aprils Ram Rider YMCK Hazel Nuts Chocolate...
Posted on June 9, 2005 at 11:24. | Released on July 9, 2005
Usagi-chang "Mini" Night vol.0003
Usagi-chang Records's 3rd "mini" night will feature all regular DJs and a macdonald duck eclair mini live. MDDE will perform some new songs from their upcoming album. Aprils' Imai Kentarō won't be present this time because he's off to Taiwan...
Posted on May 16, 2005 at 23:56. | Released on May 28, 2005
Update: Aprils, DG×SDP
Denki Groove × Scha Dara Parr "Twilight" Sunahara Yoshinori in the mix! Aprils "Space Dream Bathroom" Artwork, link to sound samples added...
Posted on April 25, 2005 at 14:05.
Usagi-chang "Mini" Night vol.0002
Usagi-chang Records is having a second "mini" night with a great DJ line-up and a Micro Mach Machine mini live. Usagi-chang "Mini" Night vol.0002 On 1/29 (Saturday) at Sangenjaya Chrome From 23:00 until 5:00 Price: ¥2000 (2 drinks) DJs: macdonald...
Posted on January 6, 2005 at 11:18. | Released on January 29, 2005
orangenoise shortcut / The Aprils "orangenoise shortcut / Aprils"
There will be a split-single featuring two brand new songs by each orangenoise shortcut and the Aprils, out on Softly! mid-January. orangenoise shortcut / The Aprils "orangenoise shortcut / The Aprils" Track list 1. orangenoise shortcut "Melt into the sky"...
Posted on November 26, 2004 at 16:38. | Released on January 12, 2005
YMCK "Family Music" Release Party
There will be a release party for YMCK's new album "Family Music" out now! The event also celebrates Ram Rider's first release, "Music". YMCK "Family Music" Release Party On 11/13 At Shibuya Club Asia P (map) Opens at 18:00, starts...
Posted on November 4, 2004 at 14:56. | Released on November 13, 2004
8-ban Records Nu-Music Sampler Softly! Edition
Now isn't this the coolest stuff ever! Label Softly!, teaming up with other indie labels, is releasing a series of eight 8-ban records and also an original Softly! color 8-ban player! Featured artists include Aprils, EeL, Hazel Nuts Chocolate and...
Posted on September 17, 2004 at 10:31. | Released on October 1, 2004
Usagi-Chang Night Fever!! vol.0002
Usagi-chang Records' first party was a lot of fun (report), and now a second party has been announced! Usagi-chang Night Fever!! vol.0002 8/21 at Shinjuku Marz (map) Opens/starts at 24:00 Price: advance ¥2000 (reservation form), door ¥2500 +drink Live: -...
Posted on June 15, 2004 at 10:22. | Released on August 21, 2004
