With the news that Bandcamp Friday returned in September, we arrived in November for the next edition. After today’s Bandcamp Friday (4 November), it will end on the 2nd of December. Since 2020, Bandcamp Friday has been a way to support artists and labels that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On these days, Bandcamp waived their revenue share meaning that there is more money for the artists and labels.
Since the return of Bandcamp Friday in the rest of 2022, this means that we will be highlighting a couple of Japanese artists and labels in an article. Do you want to know who we have highlighted in the past? There have been quite a few, so be sure to check to read our articles listed here.
Okinawa Electric Girl Saya
Avant-garde musician Okinawa Electric Girl Saya is known for the creation of experimental electronic music based on many music genres, from Okinawan music, noise, ambient, pop, techno among others. Previously active in the idol group Tincy, she decided to go on a different path as a solo artist in 2017. For her most recent release, highlighted below, she has collaborated with a wide range of artists like Tavito Nanao, GENET by AUTO-MOD, Yuki Hata, ESME MORI, doravideo and many others.
OKI
Oki Kano’s identity, as a part of Japan’s northernmost indigenous people, is central to his person and his art – As Oki Kano states: “I might travel on a Japanese passport, but I am Ainu.” He uses his Tonkori to honour Ainu folk music while fusing it with other musical styles like reggae, dub, throat singing, Irish, African, and Central Asian culture. Just before he will kick off his European tour, he released a new EP, Kai Kai As To (Rippling Lake), which is a new version of what can be found on his latest album Tonkori in the moonlight.
oookay!!!
“I am ok, You are ok, We are oookay!!!” Formed in 2016, oookay!!! are a funk’n’roll trio consisting of three brothers. Their music is distinguished by the vast range of influences that can be heard in the yin and yang of the music that the three of them have each contributed as much as they like. The latest release from oookay!!! is a collaboration with Kyoto-based artist Eulalie who creates dreampunk. Hopefully it sparks joy for you!
Bo Ningen
Psych-rockers Bo Ningen, consisting of bassist and vocalist Taigen Kawabe, guitarists Yuki Tsujii and Kohhei Matsuda, and drummer Monchan Monna, recently ended their tour of Western Europe. After releasing their fourth album in 2020, Sudden Fictions, the four-piece decided in spring 2021 to release their very first album on vinyl remixed with a new interpretation and perception. It’s looking forward to what they are planning in the new year, but for now, there is plenty of merchandise to be found on their Bandcamp page from their past tour.
TESTCARD RECORDS
TESTCARD RECORDS is an indie label that took off in 2017, it started with the release of cattle’s Slow Sailor in May of that same year. Now many releases on, we can look back at a variety of releases that fall into the categories of shoegaze, indie pop, and alternative rock with a bit of noise on the side. Featured is sphere’s latest release A Fusion Of Two Hemispheres, the first album in 11 years, which saw Makoto Gomi (guitarist of ZEPPET STORE) collaborate with Shoko, vocalist of COLLAPSE.
It is good to know that on Bandcamp Fridays, an average of 93% of your money reaches the artist or label (after payment processor fees). On other days, an average of 82% reaches the artist or label. Who are you going to support on the upcoming Bandcamp Friday?
