With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music fans will be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for a weekly list of new music videos from Japanese music acts that are definitely worth watching and need some extra focus, with an emphasis on the lesser-known names.
We are now looking back on a selection of videos released in week 28 of 2024. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new discoveries!
Head Phones President – Change the Game
For many, Head Phones President will not be an unknown band, active for almost 25 years with frontwoman Anza singing her innermost thoughts full of emotion backed by heavy instrumentals, but the fact that this alternative metal band has released a new album for the first time in five years, titled In the Abyss, is definitely worth mentioning. Why not in this article because of a brand new music video by Head Phones President? And by the looks of it, the physical CDs are selling like hotcakes. — Recommended by Francisca
パーカーズ (Perkers) – 地獄ランデブー (Jigoku Rendezvous)
The four members of Perkers decided as they were performing more and more on stages in Japan and getting a better idea of their goals that the band’s catchphrase should be Japan’s representative of pop music with the hope of making it big. Started in the spring of 2021 and after releasing several mini-albums, singles and EPs, the band just released their first album, POP STAR, with fourteen tracks. — Recommended by Francisca
LiberaMe – 毘盧遮那 (Vairocana)
LiberaMe, a violin rock instrumental band led by the violinist Eisuke Takashima, recently released a music video for their first release as LiberaMe, which was fully composed and produced by the violinist and inspired by the Buddha Vairocana. Since 2022, the band has been active as Eisuke Takashima Band, but since February of this year, they have been active under the name LiberaMe, a Latin phrase that is often used in religious and spiritual contexts. — Recommended by Francisca
月追う彼方 (Tsuki Ou Kanata) – 一寸先は (Issun Sakiwa)
Tsuki Ou Kanata, a rock band originally from Kitakyushu but since 2021 operating from Tokyo, features Shiho on guitar and lead vocals, whose powerful and penetrating voice complements Kaori’s light and melodic bass lines and harmonies. Known for their emotionally charged and high-energy performances, they have released three EPs and several singles, of which the latest, their second digital single, has gained a music video. — Recommended by Francisca
CHIANZ – LOVE GONNA DIE
After releasing their first single in March this year, which seemed to have impressed listeners as an up-and-coming rock band, the four-piece released their first EP in June this year. The musicians have been friends for many years and decided to create a band with the aspiration of starting a cool girls’ band that can be admired and serve as an inspiration for other girls. The band consists of vocalist and keyboardist eill and vocalist and guitarist Foi, both singer-songwriters, alongside lead guitarist Chie and bass player Rei, both part of the band YABI×YABI. — Recommended by Francisca
Maelstrom – shoes
Not to be confused with the French electro-producer of the same name or the short-lived Japanese metal band Maelstrom (disbanded in 1996), to name a few. This four-piece rock band hails from Okayama and has been on the road for several years (on social media, I see posts popping up since spring 2018). This is a track from Maelstrom’s first EP to be released on 10 August, aptly titled Aug. (with a full stop at the end) and this EP follows up a release from 2022, namely the single bathroom. — Recommended by Francisca
HIKAGE – Happy
Formed in Sapporo in November 2018 and active on stage since 2019, they have been working hard to establish themselves. Shortly before performing at the SATANIC CARNIVAL 2024 festival last June, the five-piece released their seventh single, HAPPY, at the same time also the band’s first release in 2024, which once again showcases their diverse musical style that mixes elements beyond the boundaries of metalcore and hardcore. — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
