Music Corner Week 113: Foi

Foi is a half Japanese-Chinese vocalist that got her start back in 2019. A graduate of the “Sony Music the LESSON” system when she was just 16, Foi blends styles from both of her ethnicities. C-POP and Mandopop greatly influenced her in her childhood, and her music brings out the best of modern J-pop and traditional Chinese music. Being a Japanese-Chinese half-singer-songwriter , which is a rarity in the industry, attracts the attention of fans. Her vocals are emotion-filled and have a smooth style, which makes Foi an artist that you can’t miss.

Whether it’s the more urban, mellow compositions of “Countman” and “Swim in our eyes” with sound producer Shin Sakiura, or “Don’t play the love song” that was produced by TiMT of Mime, she brings that nostalgic feeling of late 90’s early 00’s R&B. However, she isn’t all one trick, as she also brings a more folk style of composition with her song “Pink Boy.” While I do think she is a very strong singer-songwriter by herself, she is honestly phenomenal when she collaborates with someone.

Currently, Foi has eight singles, all of which are available across all digital music and streaming platforms along with one album, HER, that released in May of 2022. Be sure to check out her official website along with her Twitter and Instagram with her the music video for the track “Countman” below!

Ken's Ongaku Go For January 2021

The new year is upon us which means a slew a new artist for us to enjoy. We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

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“Warera Houshou Kaizoku-Dan” Jacket Cover

“Ahoy!! 我ら宝鐘海賊団” (Warera Houshou Kaizoku-dan) by Houshou Marine

It was a matter of time before Hololive V-Tubers would appear on my list. I’ve been a fan since our introduction to AZKi a couple years back and being sucked down the rabbit hole with roboco and Marine has been a great start to my year. The high energy that “Ahoy!! Warera Houshou Kazoku-dan” brings is just execrating and brings me to listen to it again and again. While other songs that Hololive Productions have done were just as great, it doesn’t have the one two punch that Ahoy!! has. 

Be sure to check out a video preview of “Ahoy!! Warera Houshou Kazoku-dan” below, along with the track here!

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“Swim In Yours Eyes” Jacket Cover

“Swim in Yours Eyes” by Foi

Just by listening to one verse of this track I was hooked. Foi's vocal strength is just out of this world and couldn’t believe that I never found out about her sooner. The R&B inspire intro just attracts me into its composition and brings me along for the ride. Her vocals was just buttery smooth and is the perfect tone to carry into her melody that I’m happy to have found. To find such an interesting track this early in the year makes me want to explore Foi’s work even more. 

Check out the music video below, along with the song here!

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“That Never Goes Out” Jacket Cover

“That Never Goes Out” by Kimi no Orphee

Continuing the onslaught of female vocalists we have been looking at this past month, “That Never Goes Out” brings out that energy that I wanted from Foi but brings it a step further. While vocally not as strong as Foi, Kimi no Orphee isn’t someone that you should sleep on. Holding a more calming style to her range, Orphee brings the missing piece that I fell in love with. Along with Foi, I can’t wait to see what the future of the industry has in store for the both of them. 

Be sure to check out the music video for “That Never Goes Out” below, along with track here!

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Multiply E.P Jacket Cover

“With You” by AWSM. feat. HarukiD & TŒM

Continuing with the easy going vocalist that “Swim in Yours Eyes” and “That Never Goes Out” did, “With You” is the first duet of the year for me. Its intro piano brings this image of soft but broken feel that is somehow tiring to continue, personally it’s how I felt this past year. The guest vocalist of HarukiD and TŒM really brings out the track on a whole, and while the composition by itself is absolutely amazing, it became a must listen by the duo.  I’m looking forward to the upcoming year of diving into all three of these artist. 

Check out “With You” below, along with the song here!

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IN ANY WAY Jacket Cover

“RESCUE” by Mizuki Ohira

Taking that pacific land flair with its composition, “RESCUE” rounds out the female lead Ongaku Go that I had this month. While not I had originally liked when I first heard her work, her vocal charm had won me over with this track. Manami Nezu of Showmore fame had also helped by bringing a different tone to what she’s used to. Featured in her latest album IN ANY WAY, I look forward to what Ohira has for her fans in the future. 

Check out the music video for “RESCUE” below, along with the song here!