lyrical school "SPOT"
lyrical school has a new album out now! This is the follow-up to "date course" released 1½ year ago. The album includes tracks by tofubeats ("FRESH !!!" and "yume de aitai ne"), Illreme (of (((sssurrounddd)))) ("gekka bijin" and "waratte.net"), as...
Posted on March 10, 2015 at 23:13. | Released on March 10, 2015
Hanae "jōkyō shōko"
Singer Hanae's 2nd album was released this week! Like her first, the brilliant "jikkai Quiz", it is produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron). On a few songs she experiences with some rap for the first time, such as in "S-T-A-R-S" (see...
Posted on March 8, 2015 at 12:06. | Released on March 4, 2015
Original Love "Lover Man" (Download)
Original Love has a brand new single out now on iTunes worldwide! The groovy title track "Lover Man" is wonderful, and Tajima Takao said it's a song he's very proud of. The single also includes 2 B-sides, one of...
Posted on March 7, 2015 at 12:21. | Released on March 4, 2015
Various Artists "sube no ana Presents 'HELLO!!! vol.8'"
This is an 8th edition of the genreless compilation series "HELLO!!!" from rapper DOTAMA's label "sube no ana". Included is a brand new song by blue marble, along with many more up-and-coming indies artists. Available on iTunes worldwide at a...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:46. | Released on February 25, 2015
Especia "Primera"
Osaka-based 80's style idol group Especia have made a move to a major label, and their first major release comes as a mini-album (still clocking over 38 minutes). This includes songs written by Meserati Nagisa (LUVRAW (Image Cluv) & PellyColo),...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 23:25. | Released on February 18, 2015
Cupitron "Battery"
3-girl techno-pop idol group Cupitron has a 2nd single out this week, follow-up to "Unicorn Parade" and again produced by Tobeta Bajune. The group's latest costumes were designed by Shinohara Tomoe, in a style that reminds of her early days....
Posted on February 10, 2015 at 23:42. | Released on February 11, 2015
Reina & The Blue Valentines "Lady or Girl?"
After the release of two 7" singles, here's a first album by Reina & The Blue Valentines, girl band fronted by Nosa Reina (whose latest solo album "don't kiss, but yes" was produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five)) and formed...
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 21:56. | Released on February 11, 2015
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nameless God's Blue"
Yasuda Toshiyuki has a new solo album coming this week! 5 years after his previous, "Children's Songs 2050" (2009), this time he creates music using acoustic piano and clean vocals (mainly his own). Recorded in Tokyo, Okinawa and Milano, this...
Posted on February 2, 2015 at 21:59. | Released on February 4, 2015
Scha Dara Parr "1212"
It's been about 6 years since Scha Dara Parr's previous album, "11" (2009), and here comes a brand new one! This 12th album features 12 new songs including collaborations with girl rock band Chatmonchy, talent Shimizu Michiko and also longtime...
Posted on January 26, 2015 at 21:23. | Released on January 28, 2015
dip in the pool "Highwire Walker"
dip in the pool (official Facebook page), a band that has now been around for 30 years, has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to "brown eyes" released in 2011. Included is a cover of "Bali...
Posted on January 25, 2015 at 12:37. | Released on January 21, 2015
Negicco "Rice&Snow"
Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 2015
Various Artists "Women's Liberation"
This is an album of covers of Japanese songs from the 60's to the early 70's, here sung with translated English lyrics! Both the originals and the covers were performed by Japanese women, completing the theme of this compilation. Vocalists...
Posted on January 19, 2015 at 21:32. | Released on January 7, 2015
Sugar's Campaign "Friends"
Sugar's Campaign, the unit of producers Avec Avec (aka Takuma Hosokawa) and Seiho (aka Seiho Hayakawa), finally has a full-length album coming! This includes latest single "Holiday" as well as an album version of previous hit track "Netokano". A must!...
Posted on January 5, 2015 at 23:07. | Released on January 21, 2015
clammbon "Why not clammbon!? ~ clammbon Tribute"
This recently released clammbon tribute album features a great amount of like-minded artists, including Buffalo Daughter, salyu x salyu, Nona Reeves, Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, GREAT3, Hanaregumi, Rekishi and more. Check out the trailer clip below, and hear samples of...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:53. | Released on December 3, 2014
Sheena Ringo "hi izuru dokoro"
In November, Sheena Ringo released a brand new original album. It had been 5 years and a half since the previous, "sanmon Gossip" (2009) (Amazon, CDJapan). The limited edition comes with a bonus Blu-ray or DVD of 6 music videos....
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:27. | Released on November 5, 2014
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre Theatre"
Charan-Po-Rantan, the brilliant duo of sisters Momo (vocals) and Koharu (accordion), have a first major full-length album out now. A cover of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" is included. The limited edition comes with a DVD of 9 songs, two...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 00:28. | Released on December 3, 2014
Nona Reeves "Choice III"
The latest in Nona Reeves' "Choice" series is a cover album of Wham!, or an album of only Wham! covers, if you prefer. The artwork refers to the fact that Wham! songs "Bad Boys" and "Freedom" were used in TV...
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 20:16. | Released on November 5, 2014
CAPSULE "Wave Runner"
(Updates have been slow lately, but it's now the end of the year and it's catch-up time!) CAPSULE have a new album coming early 2015! Follow-up to "CAPS LOCK" (2013), this is their second album as the uppercase CAPSULE. The...
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 13:47. | Released on February 18, 2015
Okada Tohru presents Ukulenica "Phases of the moon ~ Ukulenica meets Moonriders"
Ukulenica is a new project of Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), and consists of 4 ukulele players including himself, Natsuaki Fumihisa (Jack-tati), Yoshida Takashi (Rose-Unlimited, 5th Garden) and Kuroda Hideaki (plusico). This first album is of covers of the Moonriders....
Posted on December 10, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on December 10, 2014
hitomitoi "Pacific High / Aleutian Low"
hitomitoi has a new mini-album out this week! With a title that refers to summer and winter, it contains three summer songs previously released digitally, then three new winter-themed songs, plus a cover of Yuming's "A Happy New Year". Producers...
Posted on December 9, 2014 at 20:32. | Released on December 10, 2014
Kojima Mayumi "On the Road"
Kojima Mayumi has a 9th album out now! Her back-band features Kaji Hideki on bass, with guest appearances by Asa-chang and others. All songs are originals. Her "last show of the year" is to be held on December 18 at...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 14:47. | Released on December 3, 2014
Negicco "hikari no Spur"
Negicco have a new single out now, featuring two new songs. While both were produced by Negicco's main producer connie, the winter-themed title track is arranged by Tajima Takao (Original Love) who also produced previous single "Sunshine Nihonkai". Two limited...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on December 2, 2014
P.O.P "fuyuzora to utagoe wa kirei na hou ga ii" (Download)
Spend groovy holidays with rappers P.O.P's new winter-themed EP. This contains brand new collaborations with Nakatsuka Takeshi and others. And leave it to YMCK to take a good rap tune into retro game world with their remix of hit song...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 20:56. | Released on December 3, 2014
Maika Leboutet "100 (momo)"
Half-French half-Japanese singer-songwriter Maika Leboutet (of band EA) has a first solo album out now, the result of a crowd-funding project started last June. The album features several guest musicians such as Matsue Jun (daredemo Esper, Spoozys), Araki Yūko (mi-gu,...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 00:19. | Released on December 3, 2014
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
Sugar's Campaign "Holiday" (Download)
Sugar's Campaign, the unit of Avec Avec and Seiho, has a great new song out now on iTunes Japan! The song has been previously heard in their live shows and is finally available. This is also their first release...
Posted on November 29, 2014 at 18:42. | Released on November 26, 2014
enami Taisuke "f e r m e n t"
6 years after "Hill", here's a new album from pianist and field recording artist enami Taisuke. This new album features violin, drums, percussion and harmonium on some songs, with also recorded ambiance of dancers. The Osaka-based artist can be seen...
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 11:07. | Released on November 18, 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
Ishikawa Shunosuke "Yuuchin" (Download)
Saxophonist Ishikawa Shunosuke has a new piece out now, written at the piano on a cold rainy day. Featured musicians are Takana Mitsuru on trumpet, Jacob Koller on piano, Pat Glynn on bass, Dennis Frehse on drums, and Shu on...
Posted on November 19, 2014 at 23:27. | Released on November 19, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "A/W Collection ~anata to watashi no Collection~"
Singer-songwriter idol Hoshino Michiru has a new mini-album out now! This includes both songs from the recently released "Planetarium de mattete ne" 7", one of which features Wack Wack Rhythm Band, and also non-album track "mo ichido déjà vu" (from...
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 13:37. | Released on November 12, 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
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Disney piano jazz 'Happiness' Deluxe Edition"
Nakatsuka Takeshi produces and performs Disney favorites on this piano-centered jazz album. Some tracks also feature a big band! This contains what's said to be the world's first jazz cover of "Let It Go" (Frozen). Hear samples in the clip...
Posted on November 11, 2014 at 22:11. | Released on November 12, 2014
Akakage "Peace Maker"
In need for some happy club tracks? Akakage is back, 4 years after album "I'm your clown" (2010). This new album features guest vocalists such as dahlia, Sokabe Keiichi, Meg (ex-Super Butter Dog), and musicians include Horie Hirohisa on trombone,...
Posted on November 9, 2014 at 11:42. | Released on November 12, 2014
Vanilla Beans "uchōten Girl"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new powerful single! The song "uchōten Girl" has music that was originally written in the 80's for idol group Wink (by hit songwriter Inoue Daisuke), though it ended up unused until Vanilla Beans' staff...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 22:20. | Released on November 11, 2014
Nomiya Maki "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards"
A waterfall of events led Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) and producer Sakaguchi Osamu (a soundtrack producer who first got in touch with Maki in the Portable Rock days) to start a project that re-introduces Shibuya-kei hit songs and important influences...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 14:26. | Released on November 12, 2014
lyrical school "Pride"
lyrical school's new single has a title track which was written and produced by ones who had been involved since the group's beginning. The B-side was produced by mysterious Taiwan trackmaker Ebbie East, which is said to be his first...
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 22:08. | Released on October 28, 2014
Ryoma Maeda "Rhapsody In My Life" (Download)
Following album "Fantastic Suicide", Ryoma Maeda (aka milch of source, producer for EeL) is back with a new album in a completely different direction. Consisting mainly of solo piano with lots of editing, the result is beautiful and refreshing. The...
Posted on November 2, 2014 at 21:25. | Released on October 25, 2014
Yun*chi "Wonderful Wonder World*"
Here's a new single by Yun*chi, follow-up to mini-album "Starlight*" released earlier this year. This includes tracks produced by Missile Chewbacca ("Fairy*") and London artist bo en ("Dancing*"). The title track is being used as the ending theme of TV...
Posted on October 27, 2014 at 22:12. | Released on October 22, 2014
Josei "I See You While Playing The Piano"
Jōsei, pianist of jazz band Soil & "Pimp" Sessions has a 1st solo album out now, on which he plays a Fazioli concert grand piano. Included are covers such as jazz standard "Blue in Green" and Japanese traditional children's song...
Posted on October 26, 2014 at 22:14. | Released on October 8, 2014
Noppal "Summer EP 2015"
Noppal is a female rapper whose 1st mini-album was just released on LUVRAW's label Image Cluv. Producers include Dorian, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Mr.Melody (PPP) and more. Hear more sound samples at Jet Set. NOPPAL 「SUMMER EP 2015」 1. I Luv MaryJane (Pro....
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 23:11. | Released on October 8, 2014
U-zhaan "Tabla Rock Mountain"
Tabla musician U-zhaan (formerly of Asa-chang & Junray) has a first solo album out now. Featured are guest artists Sakamoto Ryūichi (on a cover of YMO's "Technopolis"), Cornelius, Hanaregumi, De De Mouse, Hifana, Kakato (Tamaki Roy & Chinza Dopeness), Ametsub...
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on October 8, 2014
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#3"
Cherryboy Function has released a 3rd mini-album of his "suggested function" series. It had been almost 4 years since the 2nd one. This new release includes 5 original songs and a remix by Dorian! Cherryboy Function can be seen live...
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 21:20. | Released on October 8, 2014
tofubeats "First Album"
tofubeats has a first major album out now. Titled "First Album", it actually follows indies album "Lost Decade" (2013). Included are collaborations with 9 guest artists, including previously released songs with Fujii Takashi ("Disco no kamisama", Moritaka Chisato ("Don't Stop...
Posted on October 22, 2014 at 22:57. | Released on October 2, 2014
DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan "OPQ EP"
Food-themed unit DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan have a new 3-song EP out now. The song "kyūri no Kyū-chan" is a collaboration with the cucumber character of the same name, who happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary. A special...
Posted on October 22, 2014 at 22:02. | Released on October 1, 2014
80kidz "Face"
80kidz have a 4th album out this week, on their own Park label. This is the follow-up to "Turbo Town" (2012), though "80:XX-01020304" (a compilation of tracks from 4 EPs) was also released since. Featured are several international vocalists such...
Posted on September 23, 2014 at 12:28. | Released on September 24, 2014
Takano Hiroshi to subarashiki Rallye no nakamatachi "We are Here"
Takano Hiroshi (pupa, etc.) has released this month a collaboration album featuring various artists from the Rallye label. Included are songs with Miyauchi Yuri, little moa, YeYe, Concert, sugar me and milk. Audio samples of all songs can be heard...
Posted on September 14, 2014 at 20:43. | Released on September 10, 2014
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Two Years Something" (Download)
Ishikawa Shūnosuke, long-time saxophonist for Nakatsuka Takeshi and who has a variety of his own projects, has a new single out now on iTunes worldwide! For those in Germany, "Shu" can be seen playing at jazz club Badenscher Hof in...
Posted on September 11, 2014 at 22:03. | Released on September 10, 2014
Frontier Backyard "Gladness"
Frontier Backyard is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and they have a new remix album out now featuring remixes by Cubismo Grafico, Halfby, Dorian, Avec Avec, YOSUKEKOTANI (Harvard), TA-1 (Furuta Taichi of Koncos), Yasei Collective, and more. The band will be...
Posted on September 7, 2014 at 20:53. | Released on September 3, 2014
Nakano Aya "warui kuse"
Singer Nakano Aya has a new album out now, again produced by DJ Hase Hajimu. This includes a duet with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) ("wakarete mo suki na hito"), and collaborations with Kawakami Tsuyoshi & His Moodmakers ("Whiskey ga,...
Posted on September 4, 2014 at 22:18. | Released on September 3, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Split Spirit" (Download)
After live album "Techno Recital", here comes a brand new song by Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko and Leo Imai). This song is the ending theme for movie "Ghost In The Shell...
Posted on September 3, 2014 at 22:53. | Released on September 3, 2014
hitomitoi "toki o tomete koi ga odoru" (Download)
hitomitoi's 3rd summer single is a track produced by Dorian! Lyrics were written by hitomitoi. This is out now exclusively on iTunes Japan. If you haven't yet, also check out the previous "Glass no Summer Holiday" and "natsu kōsen, kira."....
Posted on August 27, 2014 at 21:41. | Released on August 27, 2014
Towa Tei "94-14", "94-14 Covers"
Towa Tei continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo career. Following remix collection "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix" released in July, here comes greatest hits album "94-14" and best covers album "94-14 Covers". The latter includes 6 brand new...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 13:16. | Released on September 3, 2014
BTB "Back To Basic ~ore to omae hen~"
Yokohama talkbox musician BTB (of the Pan Pacific Playa collective, and previously of Luvraw & BTB which Luvraw quit earlier this year) has a new solo album out now. Featured are summer-oriented mellow covers of various songs originally by artists...
Posted on August 20, 2014 at 21:57. | Released on August 20, 2014
mimmam "yurayura Blue" (Download)
mimmam is a duo formed of twins who are models from magazine Zipper. Their debut single is a song produced by indies group Un Amin, with drumming by Jimanica. This is available now on iTunes Japan and Amazon MP3 Japan....
Posted on August 20, 2014 at 20:40. | Released on August 20, 2014
P.O.P "Summer of P.O.P" (Download)
Out today on iTunes Japan and OTOTOY is a summer-themed EP by identical twin tappers P.O.P. The EP includes a remix of "Watch me" by DJ Jet Baron (aka Takano Mandokoro), known for bringing Indonesian dance music sounds to Japan's...
Posted on August 18, 2014 at 23:49. | Released on August 18, 2014
hitomitoi "natsu kōsen, kira." (Download)
Here's the 2nd of a trilogy of summer singles by hitomitoi, now available on iTunes Japan (not worldwide this time). This new urban track was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei) who produced her album "City Dive" as well as many...
Posted on August 14, 2014 at 19:19. | Released on August 13, 2014
Kemio & Amigachu "Kerokero"
Konishi Yasuharu produces another debut single, this time for teen male model Kemio. The title track is an original song written by Okuda Tamio, while the B-side is a cover of rocker Imawano Kiyoshirō's "boku no me wa neko no...
Posted on August 8, 2014 at 23:48. | Released on August 13, 2014
nananon "Nana Nana Non Non"
Some new sounds from Konishi Yasuharu coming this August! First is duo nananon formed of idol/actress/model Nana (aka Naabōdōfu@Nana) and model Maeda Nozomi, who are 20 and 21 respectively (with birthdays on June 17 and 16). They're often told they...
Posted on August 8, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on August 12, 2014
NeoBallad "03 ~enishi~"
Here's a 3rd album by NeoBallad, unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley), who together perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with a techno twist. A one-man event will be held at Koenji High on August...
Posted on August 7, 2014 at 23:44. | Released on August 8, 2014
Kirinji "11"
After the Horigome brothers split-up Kirinji last year after the release of "Ten", the younger brother (Yasuyuki) went to start a solo career, but the older one (Takaki) recruited new members to continue Kirinji. Here's their first album of the...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 18:14. | Released on August 6, 2014
Kaji Hideki "Ice Cream Man"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album coming this week! "Ice Cream Man" takes inspiration of Jonathan Richman's song of the same name. All songs are originals, and feature guest vocalists such as Nomiya Maki, Kojima Mayumi, Sakamoto Miu, Shoko,...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 14:22. | Released on August 6, 2014
Teen Runnings "Now"
Having debuted with "Let's Get Together Again" in 2012 (on Kyoto label Second Royal), here's the 2nd album from Tokyo-based 3-piece band Teen Runnings. This one is being released on Sauna Cool, label that popped up at the end of...
Posted on July 31, 2014 at 23:40. | Released on July 23, 2014
KANADe "TARIKi" (Download)
KANADe is the unit of Honda Michiyo (ex-Overrocket) and T-AK (Okazaki Takashi). Following the release of single "Happy & Sad" last month, here's a mini-album that includes the song as well as 5 new others, and two remixes. KANADe "TARIKi"...
Posted on July 30, 2014 at 21:49. | Released on July 30, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
Buffalo Daughter "Konjac-tion"
Here comes a brand new original album by Buffalo Daughter, follow-up to "The Weapons of Math Destruction" (2010). The new album has a theme of "block party" and comes as a set of 2 CDs, one of the original new...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on July 23, 2014
Negicco "Sunshine Nihonkai"
Negicco's new single is written and produced by Tajima Takao (Original Love)! Its B-side is also a Shibuya-kei-sounding track by Negicco's regular producer connie. The single comes in 3 different limited editions, two of which each include a DVD of...
Posted on July 16, 2014 at 23:52. | Released on July 22, 2014
COR!S "Across Time & Space"
COR!S is a young electro singer-songwriter from Osaka who has the skills to entirely self-produce her music down to mastering (formula that reminds of Nakata Yasutaka). She has previously produced tracks for Yun*chi (among others) and remixes for mishmash*Julie Watai...
Posted on July 13, 2014 at 23:00. | Released on June 15, 2014
Emerson Kitamura "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)"
Emerson Kitamura is an organ/keyboard player who can often be seen on stage playing in support of other artists. Lately he's also a regular member of The Scooters since their comeback in 2012. Not sticking to a particular genre, this...
Posted on July 12, 2014 at 16:33. | Released on July 16, 2014
hitomitoi "Glass no Summer Holiday" (Download)
hitomitoi has a new song out now on iTunes worldwide! This summer track is produced by grooveman Spot (SoundCloud), with guitar by Kashif (Jintana & Emeralds, PPP) and saxophone by Yamakami Hitomi. hitomitoi "Glass no Summer Holiday" (Download) 一十三十一...
Posted on July 9, 2014 at 19:51. | Released on July 9, 2014
fox capture plan "Wall"
fox capture plan, the instrumental jazz-rock trio of Kishimoto Ryo (Jabberloop), Kawai Hidehiro (Immigrant's Bossa Band) and Inoue Tsukasa (direction of the chord, nhhmbase), have a 3rd album coming this month. While mostly consisting of originals, covers of Radiohead's "Paranoid...
Posted on July 6, 2014 at 14:05. | Released on July 9, 2014
Charan-Po-Rantan "wasurekaketeta monogatari"
Charan-Po-Rantan is a unit formed of two sisters, singer Momo and accordionist/songwriter Koharu. Together they create a circus-like world from another time and place. They have been around since 2009 and released several albums already, though this mini-album is their...
Posted on July 6, 2014 at 10:13. | Released on July 9, 2014
Kojima Mayumi "On The Beach"
Kojima Mayumi has a new mini-album coming! Included are 6 songs, with covers of Mina Mazzini's "Tintarella di luna", with guest Kaji Hideki on bass (among others), and The Spiders' "yūhi ga naiteiru". Check out the great video clip below,...
Posted on July 5, 2014 at 23:55. | Released on July 9, 2014
Yun*chi "Starlight*"
This is a new mini-album by singer Yun*chi, from the same agency as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Title track "Starlight*" is produced by Jazzin'park, while other producers include TeddyLoid, Aoki Taka (metro trip) and more. Also included is a remix by...
Posted on July 3, 2014 at 21:56. | Released on July 2, 2014
Izumi Ookawara "Polka dot on the paper" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has a debut song as a solo singer-songwriter out now on iTunes worldwide! Her band features guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone), saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke, pianist Ōnishi Mami (Yapani!), drummer Suzuki Kaoru (RF), trumpeter Tanaka Mitsuru, percussionist...
Posted on July 2, 2014 at 22:23. | Released on July 2, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pika Pika Fantajin"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 3rd full-length album coming very soon! "Pika Pika Fantajin" includes singles "Kira Kira Killer", "Family Party" (new album mix), "Yume No Hajima RIng Ring" (new album mix), "Mottai-Nightland" and its B-side "sungoi Aura" (new album...
Posted on June 28, 2014 at 23:45. | Released on July 9, 2014
KANADe "Happy & Sad" (Download)
KANADe is the new unit of Honda Michiyo (ex-Overrocket) and T-AK (Okazaki Takashi). Both born in Kyoto, they met in London and then again in Tokyo where they started this new project. Their first single "Happy & Sad" was...
Posted on June 28, 2014 at 22:28. | Released on June 25, 2014
Children Coup d'État "Fear of Liberty"
Formed in 1982 in Kyoto, Children Coup d'État is an improvisation/rock/jazz band led by bandmaster/bassist Hosoi Hisato. Currently the band still features two other original members, drummer Maebuchi Norihide (who also played in Modern Choki Chokies, etc.) and violinist K-ko,...
Posted on June 22, 2014 at 22:43. | Released on June 20, 2014
Bakubaku Dokin "Bakubaku Dokin"
Bakubaku Dokin, the wacky and mysterious 2-girl unit formed of Yui and Naoko, finally has a debut mini-album out now! Previously they have released a 3-song EP on Towa Tei's digital label Machbeat, and also appeared on his albums "MACH2012"...
Posted on June 21, 2014 at 17:14. | Released on June 20, 2014
P.O.P "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni."
P.O.P (previously known as P.O.P ORCHeSTRA) is a hip-hop band led by two identical twin rappers. They have long been active on stage, and have released several songs on iTunes before, but finally here comes their first album being released...
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 18, 2014
mishmash*Miki Orihara "Ding dawn", "Reach out until you can feel me. Hold tight." (Download)
mishmash*, the unit of Mishima Toyoaki (programmer for Cornelius) with producer masuyama.com, has started a new collaboration with NY-based dancer Miki Orihara who produces the dancing seen in the videos. Two songs are now available on iTunes worldwide, in both...
Posted on June 12, 2014 at 22:47. | Released on June 11, 2014
Le Grand Escroc "Portraits"
Le Grand Escroc is the new jazz project of DJ Miura Makoto (SoundCloud). This new album features members of fox capture plan and TRI4TH (among others), with also akiko, Steve Piccolo (ex-Lounge Lizards), Momus, Necozawa Emi, Gak Sato and more....
Posted on June 12, 2014 at 00:17. | Released on June 18, 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
Old Monk "Posing as Love" (12"+download code)
Brooklyn 3-piece indie rock band Old Monk has a 2nd album out now! Their bassist is Tsugumi Takashi (ex-PINE*am), which is more than enough of a reason to mention them here. Well of course they're truly great too, so check...
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 23:41. | Released on June 10, 2014
Sheena Ringo "Nippon"
In time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Sheena Ringo has written a Japan-cheering soccer anthem that is to be used on NHK throughout the series. Sheena Ringo "Nippon" 椎名林檎 「NIPPON」 1. NIPPON 2. sakasa ni kazoete Universal Music...
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 23:02. | Released on June 11, 2014
Budo Grape "Amsterdam"
Nagoya-based new wave band Budo Grape have a 7th album out today! It's also available worldwide on iTunes. On August 31 will be held a show together with Boogie The Machmotors, at Zher the ZOO in Yoyogi, Tokyo. Budo Grape...
Posted on June 4, 2014 at 20:56. | Released on June 7, 2014
Charisma.com "DIStopping"
Charisma.com is a hip-hop group of two girls from Yokohama and Kawasaki (Kanagawa prefecture), one MC (Itsuka) and one DJ (Gonchi). This is their first full-length album, released on the same day as compilation "Women in Music selected by Cibo...
Posted on June 2, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 4, 2014
Nona Reeves "Forever Forever"
Nona Reeves have a brand new album coming June 4. A little bit over a year has passed since previous album "Pop Station". HMV gives away a promo sticker (while supplies last). Two sets will be played at Billboard Live...
Posted on May 28, 2014 at 23:53. | Released on June 4, 2014
Taketatsu Ayana "Wonderful World"
Voice actress Taketatsu Ayana has a new single coming. Title song "Wonderful World" is a band-driven upbeat pop track, while its B-side was written by Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition includes a DVD of the music video. CDJapan and...
Posted on May 28, 2014 at 22:29. | Released on June 4, 2014
Sheena Ringo "gyaku yunyū ~Kowan-kyoku~"
In this special album, Sheena Ringo (self-)covers songs that she wrote for other artists. Not only that, each song has been rearranged by a different other artist. Featured arrangers include Maeyamada Kenichi (aka Hyadain), Ōtomo Yoshihide, Ōsawa Shinichi, Tomita Keiichi...
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 23:58. | Released on May 27, 2014
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
Dark Model "Dark Model"
Dark Model is the latest project of Tatsuya Oe (aka Captain Funk), who now resides in New York. This is a first full-length album, instrumental and with a cinematic feel. This is available on CD through CD Baby, and also...
Posted on May 17, 2014 at 12:33. | Released on May 16, 2014
Sunaga t Experience "Inugami Jazz EP" (12")
Sunaga t Experience has a new 12" EP coming! Two brand new jazzy covers up to the usual standards. Both can be heard in full at SoundCloud. Sunaga Tatsuo goes far with this release, also putting together a premium set...
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 23:16. | Released in May 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kira Kira Killer" (CD+Goods)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single with the theme of "luck", coming as a limited edition of 7777. The package contains not only a CD, but also some goodies: a signed mini-poster, a sticker, and the enclosing vinyl pouch....
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 11:48. | Released on June 11, 2014
Kitagawa Katsutoshi "47 todōfu-ken R 'Wan'derful Songs"
This is the soundtrack of animated TV program "47 todōfu-ken R" about 5 dogs, of which the music is written by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table). Two tracks are arranged by Yoshida Tetsuto ("Mont Blanc Panic" and "Yuquru"), and three others...
Posted on May 8, 2014 at 20:28. | Released on April 23, 2014
Team Syachihoko "ii kurashi"
Team Syachihoko is an idol group of six from Nagoya who debuted in 2011 and went major last year. "ii kurashi" is their 6th single so far, and it is especially of interest because it's produced by Yoshida Tetsuto. Who...
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 21:49. | Released on May 14, 2014
kotringo "birdcore!"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album out now! This contains the title track from latest single "dare ka watashi o", and guest artists include Aoki Takamasa, Murata Shige (Kuchiroro), Tabata Yoshiaki (Beautiful Hummingbird), and toy instrument player Yoshihara Rie....
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on April 30, 2014
tofubeats "Disco no kamisama"
More new from tofubeats! This is a brand new EP that includes 4 new tracks, with ones that feature Fujii Takashi and okadada, plus remixes of the title track by tofubeats and Carpainter. Check out the official release page for...
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 21:29. | Released on April 30, 2014
