Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (August 2023)

After a break of a few months, Bandcamp Friday is back for the month of August. But what does it mean? The first Friday of the month, when a Bandcamp Friday takes place, is the day when Bandcamp waives their revenue share. This means more money is left for artists and labels after music fans buy music and merchandise through Bandcamp. That’s Bandcamp Friday in a nutshell.

With Bandcamp Friday taking place on the fourth of August, it is time to highlight some Japanese artists and labels in an article. Do you want to know who we have highlighted in the past? Be sure to check to read our articles listed here.

HELIX

HELIX can be best described as a digital heavy rock band that is not averse to combining metal-like riffs and distorted vocals with breakbeats, drum N bass and electronic sounds. It is reminiscent of digital hardcore. The three-member band began operations in February 2017 and is led by vocalist and bassist Makoto (who is also active as a supporting bassist in EACH OF THE DAYS). In the same year, they released an EP titled Matrix. The band seems to have gone through a reboot phase and the release of the single RIGHT NOW seems to be the result of that.

e;in

This four-piece instrumental band from Kyoto features a blend of post-rock elements with delicate, technical drumming and melodic string instruments. While not often seen on stage at all, they have collaborated with both international and local bands. Having gained attention from overseas, e;in released an album through the US label MeatCubeLabel and joined a compilation that was released through the Chinese label Sango Records. Their latest release by e;in was the second album that they released through their own label, titled Walls of Frequency.

Sailing Before The Wind

Earlier this year, the Tokyo-based metalcore band Sailing Before The Wind presented a new line-up after adding vocalist Ryoichi, and guitarists Kosuke and Liku. This got followed up by a digital single by the five-piece, Vanishing Figure, featuring guest vocals from Hester, who is active in US metalcore band Life Itself. Formed in 2011, the band has been fully independent. It remains to be seen what else the band has in store in the near future, but for now, there is a fair amount of releases to buy via their Bandcamp page.

Tyrkouaz

Listen to the first album by this twin neo-mix rock band, titled turquoise engine, and you know you are in for a rollercoaster ride. In an earlier post, I wrote about the diversity of musical styles that the twin brothers, vocalist and guitarist S o ü t a and drummer r e n t, hit you with drum N bass, surf rock, breakcore, game music, shoegaze, hyper pop and gabber. Crush Core is definitely a favourite. The album and more can be found on the Bandcamp page.

DISCIPLINE PRODUCTION

It first started as a monthly party at Bushbash, a cosy venue located in the Koiwa district in Tokyo’s metropolis, under the name Discipline. These parties featured a variety of music genres, from hardcore punk to noise, hip-hop, club music and more. This grew into the release of a compilation album in the spring of 2020, which eventually led to the serious start of the music label. Its most recent release is the debut EP by goth synth-punk unit XIAN, which we have previously reviewed.

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 Bandcamp Friday?