Musical snack: Ichion’s 5 Minute Living Room Lives

This is a very strange moment in time, due to the pandemic and the varying reactions of countries to it. For many people, the advice is to stay at home and for some a lockdown is even in order, in their country, where a walk a day is still possible or they can only go out in the morning for groceries. The days have become longer for some people because it is no longer filled by the daily routine.

It causes people to look for distraction. In the past few weeks, we’ve seen how several Japanese bands deal with cancellations of concerts and (European) tours, they go online for performances and even specific informative and fun videos to stay in touch with their fans in Japan and beyond. In addition, the various activities of these musicians, major and indie, provide entertainment. Something a lot of people are looking for at the moment in this difficult period.

The two members of the Japanese band Ichion (イチオン) came up with a new project in which they regularly share a short 5 minute video of a live performance in a living room. The first video of the series came online on 14 April.

Last year, the duo performed live at REALive’s Summer festival in Liège, making their European debut. Their music will soon be heard on a special compilation to be released by Japanese/Belgian record label HIGHFeeL, of which REALive is a subdivision.

Ichion (イチオン) started with activities in 2008 and consists of vocalist Kyra and Akira who plays the electronic instruments. The music of Ichion is based on Ainu music in combination with electronic experimental music that incorporates home-made instruments and environmental sounds. They describe themselves as NEO spiritual and include LED lights in their performances, which contributes to a multidimensional cyberspace, according to Ichion.

More of these 5 minutes Living Room Sessions can be seen at the YouTube channel of Ichion. Follow them also on Facebook for more information about the new project.