Music Corner Week 129: Chilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. is a three-member rock band that formed in 2019 whose members consist of Moto who is the main vocalist, Maika who is the bassist plus she helps contributes vocals and lastly there is Lily who is the guitarist but she also contributes to the vocals for the group. Each member of the group are proficient singers in addition to having a background in Western pop music and the members come together to write the composition, lyrics, and arrangement of each song. In 2021 Chilli Beans. release their very first EP which was their “d a n c i n g a l o n e” EP and in 2022 they released their first album titled Chilli Beans. Their latest release is their “mixtape” EP which feature their song “Rose” which is a collaboration for Music Corner Alumni Vaundy. 

The thing that really attracted me to Chilli Beans. was their compositions for their songs. They have a pretty distinct sound that really pulls the listener in, also the vocal work done in all the songs is always very good. Their song “lemonade” might be my favorite track since it’s a bit more on the up beat side but in their relatively small discography I found every track to be very enjoyable. “rose” with Vaundy is another highlight for me, Vaundy always does great collaboration and this is no exception. 

Chilli Beans. stays very active on their Twitter feed, and their official website stays up to date on all the latest news. Lastly, be sure to check out their song “rose” in the video below.

Music Corner Week 128: Zainichi Funk

Zainichi Funk is a Japanese funk band that has been making waves in the music scene since their formation in 2008. Comprised of five members, the band's unique sound blends elements of funk, soul, and jazz. Originally the members of Zainichi Funk began playing together in various bands and eventually formed Zainichi Funk in 2008.

Zainichi Funk's music is characterized by its catchy rhythms, groovy basslines, and soulful vocals. The band draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, from the funk and soul of James Brown and Stevie Wonder. One of the band's most popular songs, "Zainichi Funk," is a prime example of their unique sound. The song features a driving bassline and funky horns, complemented by lead vocalist Kenta Hamano's soulful vocals. Another standout track from them is "Yume no Naka de," which features a more laid-back groove and a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. The song showcases the band's ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly, with elements of funk, jazz, and soul all coming together in a seamless whole. Whether you're a fan of funk or just looking for something new and exciting to listen to, Zainichi Funk is sure to impress.

Currently Zainichi Funk has four original albums that were released from 2010-2018, one mini-album in 2012, and several physical singles from 2010-2019, with a couple of digital singles from 2019 on. Be sure to check out their official website, Twitter and Instagram along with the music video of the track “Okanmuri” below as well.

Music Corner Week 127: SAISEIGA

SAISEIGA is a four piece ‘loud’ rock band that formed in 2020, creating heavy and dynamic sounds with the intention to help their listeners get rid of negative feelings. SAISEIGA members include Regan on vocals, Wakkun on Guitar, Katsuki on Bass, and Tohko on Drums forming a band so powerful that each member leaves an impact on audiences with their unique sound. Regan’s vocals are smooth yet overpowering, especially when switching to the ‘growls’ in their tracks. The composition falls into place when Regan’s vocal changes perfectly. SAISEIGA brings a heavy sound while also creating lyrics that resonates with its listeners and also delivers outstanding live performances that captivate their audience.

SAISEIGA’s latest digital single as of this writing, “Sports” starts out with a heavy feel, Regan’s strong vocals, each member chiming in throughout the track, giving off a feel of collaboration between each member which flows so well. Tracks such as “Ride On” and “Fever” are energetic yet heavy that showcases the bands’ talent while matching the loudness with Regan’s vocals. Regan eases into switching her vocal pattern from singing to screaming (growling') several times during this track with perfection. “Persona” slows it down by showing off the band’s softer side and a different side of Regan’s voice that makes you appreciate the band’s versatility. SAISEIGA’s latest track, “JUMBLE” shows off how deep Regan’s voice can go, leaving you with a taste of the band’s full extent from its heavy composition with great guitar riffs, and growling vocals that stick with you.

Currently, SAISEIGA has one studio album, The Sun (2022); one EP, Me (2020); and one digital single “Sports” (2022). They will be releasing their second studio album NOSTALGIA on March 15, 2023! Check out their official website, Twitter, Facebook, and music video for “JUMBLE” below!

Music Corner Week 126: B.O.L.T

B.O.L.T is a four-member alternative girl’s idol group whose members consist of Luna Naito , Chiho Takai, Hanoha Aoyama, and Aya Shirahama. They are under STARDUST PLANET management, which also manages Momoiro Clover Z and Shiritsu Ebisu Junior High School and are currently signed with the record label is Evil Line, which is a sub-label of King Records. Naito and Takai were formerly members of another idol group called Rock A Japonica, which was a five-member group. Rock A Japonica's mission statement was to "Rock Japan" (to shake it, impress, get it going). But in April of 2019, two members left the group and the group was disbanded. A little over a week after the group was disbanded, it was announced that the remaining girls would start a new group. That group became B.O.L.T.. In November of 2019, founding member Misato graduated from the group, and the lineup of B.O.L.T has remained the same ever since. B.O.L.T debuted in July of 2015 and has since gone on to release two studio albums, one live album, and four physical singles. 

The spirit of Rock A Japonica really does live on in this group, and it stays true to that original mission statement about rocking Japan. This group does an excellent job of blending traditional idol elements with a solid rock sound. Their most recent release as of this writing “Accent” does a great job of showing this off. The girls sound great in the release. The melody not only complements their vocals well but is easily identifiable as a rock song. A lot of their songs tend to be on the high-energy side, but their song “Hear You” on their Attitude album does show that they know how to slow it down and their vocals are excellent. 

B.O.L.T posts all their latest news on both their official website and their Twitter page. Be sure to check out their music video “Accent” posted in the video below

Music Corner Week 125: Salmon Pinknows

Born from the mind of freelancer music designer MIZ-C, the Salmon Pinknows is his solo-music project that started in March of 2021. They have a wide range of music, being a fusion of 80s city pop, dance music, soul music from around the world, and modern Japanese rock. The refreshing cutting guitar, the technical lead guitar, the moving bass, and the drums that bring them all together are exquisite. Sticking to the theme of wanting listeners to experience the joy of “musical instruments and bands,” with a new birth of sounds, it will have everyone jiving to the compositions throughout.

One of things that I absolutely love about MIZ-C with this project is that he just oozes style throughout all his tracks. Whether it be the more guitar-heavy compositions of “1056194”, the more pop-rock feel of “Meteor is Shining” and “I am a city popper”,  or the bass tones of “Keep Running To The End”, the Salmon Pinknows project shows a wide array of compositions that is for everyone.

Currently, the Salmon Pinknows project has two EPs (both in 2021), 14 singles, and three albums. You can also request work from him on his webpage (Japanese Only). Be sure to check out their official website and Twitter, along with the music video for “I am a city popper” below!