Indie Corner Week 21: Chapman

Chapman is a four-member neo soul band originally formed as an acoustic duo in 2013, the rest of its members forming in 2018. They conjure up an interesting crossover of soul and Japanese style pop music. Keyboardist Jyuisha’s hypnotic melody takes the listener for a ride that redefines soul style music.  Their song “I’m just a kind man” flaunts vocalist Yutaka’s soft vocals that mesh well with the band’s overall chemistry.

This August the band released the music video for “I’m just a kind man”—their first music video—along with the announcement of an EP coming out by year’s end.

Chapman stars Yutaka (Vocals)

Jyuisha (Keyboards)

Doi (Guitar)

Kidokuro (Bass)

Check out their official Twitter here and their video “I’m just a kind man” below!

Indie Corner Week 20: JYONGRI

JYONGRI is a urban-pop singer, who debuted in 2006 under EMI Music Japan, a subsidary of Universal Japan. Her debut single Possession/My All For You made #16 on the Oricon charts. She had 9 singles, 2 studio albums, Close to Fantasy and Love Forever, and a best album “JYONGRI BEST TRACKS”, all within 4 years. In 2012, EMI Music Japan ended their contract with her. 

JYONGRI has since released many original songs on her YouTube and has been doing live performances in Japan. Currently, she isn’t signed with anyone.

JYONGRI’s music is mostly piano based, which she plays herself. She is know for her powerful ballads and vocals.

I highly recommend many of her “original” songs on her YouTube, such as “Unhappy”, “Here to Stay”, and “Cheers”. They showcase her style and her voice very well.  If you can find her older songs to purchase, I highly recommend the songs “Lullaby For You” and “Possession” as starters.

JYONGRI’s new digital single “Purple Cloud” was released on May 16, 2018. This is her first digital single since Free My Soul in 2012. “Purple Cloud” is a mellow song with an urban pop feel to it. It has a catchy beat which the Japanese and English lyric combination blends naturally with her powerful vocals. You can currently purchase “Purple Cloud” on iTunes. Please check out the video below!

You can check out her official website here. And follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. She also has a Spotify which you can check here!

Necry Talkie Announces New Album!

Indie corner band Necry Talkie announced a brand new album, ONE!, being released on December 5. ONE! will have a total of twelve tracks total and will include their hit song “オシャレ大作戦”("Oshare Taisakusen").

Also announced Necry Talkie will be doing their first all country tour starting from January 12 till the end of February. Tickets are on sale now till October 15 available on the band's official site. If you are in Japan during that time and have are interested they give a high energy show that you won't forget.

Indie Corner Week 18: Boundary

Boundary is a three-woman rock band established in 2013 while its members were still in high school. With their simple and straightforward lyrics they aim to break the “boundaries” of what it means to be an all-girl band. This is made evident by lead singer Yuki’s powerful vocals, combined with a brilliantly choreographed melody and support from the other members, grab the listeners and intrigues them to keep listening. Their song “Timer” shows just how stage-setting Yuki’s vocals are. 

Boundary has released four singles: “Memory/ANSWER” (2014), “声” (“Koe”) (2015), “BABY” (2016), and “Happy End” (2017). They also released their mini-album, now, in January of this year..

Check out Boundary's official website here, and official Twitter. Also check out the music video for "Timer" below!

Boundary stars  Sakura (Drums/ Chorus)

Yuki (Guitar/ Vocals)

Fuuka (Bass/ Chorus)

FOOL THE PUBLIC Announces New Album!

Indie three-man punk band FOOL THE PUBLIC announced a brand new album, Lightship, being released on October 3 and had released a trailer for the album on their official YouTube page. Lightship will release with 10 tracks total, and comes off the heels of their single “I’m in Love” previously released back in February.

Check out the teaser for the album below!