INDEX
Celebrating Diversity: Independent Artists Unite Across Genres and Borders
This year’s lineup is diverse. It includes artists deeply connected to ‘HELLO INDIE’ such as the band apart, spike shoes, and LITE, who have been active since the 2000s. There are also young talents like Misami Yoneyama’s solo project ‘Ukari’ and odol, along with the eagerly anticipated Japan debut of Keila Cohen’s solo project Itasca, which gained attention in the US indie scene from Los Angeles. The music genres span rock, hardcore, post-rock, and hip-hop, among others.
In addition, the joint audition slot with the recently announced music distribution service ‘FRIENDSHIP.’ has selected the duo Giallo, who sold over 300 demos within their first year since launching in 2023. Eleven other diverse acts, each pursuing their unique musical styles, will also be performing.
The performances will alternate between two stages, ‘HELLO STAGE’ and ‘INDIE STAGE’, allowing curious music enthusiasts to experience the entire lineup. Below, I’ve compiled recommended tracks for each artist to help you prepare.
While each artist is also introduced on their official social media channels, this article will highlight several artists that particularly caught the author’s attention.
oono yuuki band
Opening the ‘INDIE STAGE’ is oono yuuki band, a musical collective led by guitarist oono yuuki. In 2023, they released their first album in about 11 years titled ‘GREENISH BLUE, BLUISH GREEN’. At their album release live, they performed alongside Yuta Oresaka Band, packing Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO. The music video for ‘Barei’, directed by VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, incorporates capoeira and was filmed in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture. Band members include Yōsei Takahashi (Drums), Yūdai Sasaki (Flute), Kōto Arima (Bass), Taichi Kabayama (Guitar), and Junya Ōkubo (Saxophone), each active in various locations, making opportunities to see them in Tokyo rare. Yūki Ōno previously performed at ‘HELLO INDIE’ in 2016 under his own name.
Yasei Collective
Yasei Collective, an instrumental band comprising Masanao Matsushita (Drums), Michihiko Nakanishi (Bass/Synth), and Takuro Saito (Vocals/Guitar/Synth), known for their global performances. During their 10th anniversary, they gained attention with consecutive single releases featuring artists like KID FRESINO and Shara Yoshida (Mononkul). Their upcoming performance in Sendai marks their first live in five years. For this occasion, they will be joined by Kei Konmaru, known for his work with groups like Nippon Funk and Mysterious Priestess, as part of their inaugural four-member lineup. Renowned for their beautifully structured compositions that evoke catharsis, their unique lineup is not to be missed.
Buoy
Buoy began as a solo project of Misa Yoneyama in 2018, Since its release, it has become a long seller, attracting more and more people as Uki takes the song to different parts of the world.
The fin.
Since their formation in 2010, The fin. has garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally. Relocating their base to London in 2016, they toured North America, Europe, and Asia. Their successful tour across 20 cities in China in 2023 remains fresh in memory. Regarding their upcoming performance, they commented, ‘In recent years, the costs of organizing and participating in music events worldwide have risen significantly. We feel the importance of events that more people can experience, rather than those limited to a few.’ They are regulars at ‘HELLO INDIE,’ having performed in its inaugural edition, as well as in 2015 and 2018.
Itasca
“HELLO INDIE,” which also invites guests from overseas, welcomes Itasca, the solo project of Keila Cohen from Los Angeles, making her debut in Japan this year. With her ninth album ‘Imitation of War’ just released in 2024, it’s exciting to hear her perform live. In a pre-interview, she mentioned her interest in Japanese pottery, architecture, and hot springs, expressing great anticipation for her visit to Japan.
In this way, the event features diverse genres and doesn’t necessarily attract artists with huge fan bases. From a commercial perspective, it might seem challenging to realize at first glance. However, ‘HELLO INDIE’ isn’t aiming for commercial success. Its unique lineup sets it apart from other music events, making it a rare and special gathering.
