The free-entry music event ‘exPoP!!!!! Vol.169’ will be held on January 31st (Friday) at Spotify O-nest in Shibuya, Tokyo. Organized by NiEW and sponsored by the artist support platform bazoo, the event will feature four exciting acts: toddle, Suzuki Mikiko Zu, SleepInside, and Veg.
Formed in 2002, toddle is a band founded by Hisako Tabuchi, who conceptualized the group after the disbandment of NUMBER GIRL. Before joining bloodthirsty butchers, Tabuchi began working on the band’s formation, which initially included Ai Kobayashi (ex. swarm’s arm) and Noritoki Ezaki (SiNE / ex. RUMTAG). Since 2022, Seiki Yamazaki (CONFVSE / fam / The Firewood Project / LOW IQ 01 / Fennel, etc.) has joined as a support drummer. Known for their US indie rock-influenced sound, toddle has released four albums and continues to actively perform. In addition to her role in toddle, Tabuchi has participated in solo projects and supported other acts, such as PEDRO, and contributed to the recording of Suzuki Mikiko Zu second major single, “Akatsuki.”
This event is sure to bring a night full of diverse music and exciting performances. Entry is free, so fans can enjoy the sounds of these four great bands in one of Tokyo’s premier live music venues.
Suzuki Mikiko Zu is a two-piece rock band based in Nagoya, consisting of Mikiko Suzuki on vocals and guitar, and Zu (Isami Takahashi) on drums. After releasing three albums and two EPs independently, they made their major debut in October 2024 with the album “Iwakkan to Kyuutsu” (translated as “Discomfort and Constriction”) on the folk/new music label PANAM under Japan Crown. In 2025, the band will embark on a tour for their upcoming album “Abara” and will also make their debut performance at the Guitar Jamboree held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
SleepInside is a downer-punk band that started as a solo project by August No News in August 2018. The band, which became a four-piece around 2022, began performing live. Their track “Tobenai Tenshi no Hane o Kitta” (translated as “Cut the Wings of the Flightless Angel”) from their 2023 album “SleepInside” has garnered over 60,000 views on YouTube. In 2024, the band released their 7th full album “Ctrl + C & Ctrl + V”, which includes 21 tracks. The album was followed by their first-ever solo live performance.
Veg, who will participate in the bazoo pickup slot, is a three-piece rock band based in Tokyo, formed in 2021. The band consists of momoko (vocals/guitar), Nagazawa (bass/cho), and Toshiro (drums). Drawing influences from R&B, funk, and other genres of Black music, Veg is known for their groovy performances, the contrast between female vocals and male choruses, and their high level of musicianship, which supports their improvisational live shows. The band has been actively performing and gained attention, such as being featured in the POPEYE magazine’s band special in October 2024, where they were recommended by Shimokitazawa’s BASEMENTBAR.
Tickets for exPoP!!!!! Vol.169 are now available for reservation on the official website (2-drink order required). The event will also be streamed live on YouTube.