Tell us about some noteworthy new artists coming to Japan in 2019 [Okuhama Leila's Music Recommendations Vol. 5]

PROMOTION
Oct 3, 2019
In this music column series, we ask Leila Okuhama, a music and film personality active as an MC at festivals and music shows around the world, about artists to watch this month.

With the proliferation of streaming services, we now live in an age where we can keep up with music trends both domestically and internationally in real time. Who are the hottest artists currently dominating Spotify's top charts (most played songs) and viral charts (songs currently trending on social media)? This time, we'll ask her about up-and-coming artists who are scheduled to visit Japan in 2019!


Leila Okuhama's Music Recommendations Vol. 5
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With just three months left in 2019, there are only three months left in 2019. Many music festivals are held from summer to autumn, and many people have enjoyed the pleasant sensation of being immersed in music outdoors. However, from now on, many solo artists will be coming to Japan, making it a fun season to immerse yourself in music indoors.

In addition to the arrival of big international artists, there are also plenty of performances by young, talented artists. In fact, even artists who are already rapidly growing overseas often play small-capacity venues when they perform in Japan, so it's a good idea to check them out while you can. In this article, we will introduce some noteworthy new artists who are set to lead the music scene in the future, along with information about their Japan performances.


Gus Dapperton


First up is Gus Dapperton, who will be performing in Japan for the first time at Daikanyama Unit on November 28th. He's a fascinating new male pop icon from New York, with a distinctive personality that's particularly striking in the American music scene in recent years. Last year, his song was featured on the soundtrack for Season 2 of the hit Netflix drama "13 Reasons Why," quickly racking up nearly 100 million streams.


His distinctive trademark hairstyle and hair color, as well as his unique fashion, have also attracted attention. You'll want to see his colorful and charismatic presence live at his first performance in Japan.

 
 
 
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This fresh debut album, with its dreamy sound, raw vocals, and catchy melodies, captures the heart and shows us a new direction in pop music.


Starcrawler


Also, Starcrawler, the Los Angeles band whose 2018 Japan tour sold out and whose outrageous performance at Fuji Rock Festival garnered rave reviews, will be returning in December. Above all, the unique presence of female vocalist Arrow de Wilde is captivating.


Their wildness, which completely shatters the notion of how women should behave in the music industry, and their sound that gets rock fans' blood pumping, are incredibly dramatic. When a delicate melody suddenly emerges amidst all that chaos, it's hard not to be captivated. This promising new talent, whose appeal can be fully appreciated not only through their recordings but also their performances, is a perfect match. She's scheduled to perform at Ebisu Liquid Room on December 4th, Osaka on the 5th, and Nagoya on the 6th, but tickets for her previous shows are sold out, so plan your visit early!



Stella Donnelly



 
 
 
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This is crazy, thank you so much @journalstandard.jp I'm very grateful @journalstandard.jp

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But her even greater appeal lies in the world of her lyrics. She sings with a witty and light-hearted delivery about the "toxic" aspects of human relationships and society as a whole, such as questioning the blame that victims of sexual assault face when they speak out, racism, and everyday sexual harassment, making a bold statement in her own unique way. After all, her debut album is titled "Beware of the Dog," so despite the softness of her sound, her spirit could be described as that of a new generation of punk girl. Her upcoming Japan tour includes a show at Shibuya Club Quattro on December 11th, followed by a show in Osaka on the 12th. This may be her last time seeing her at a venue of this size. Don't miss this opportunity!


From the end of the year to early spring next year, there's a plethora of exciting performances by international artists. While it's fun to experience the power of a big artist's performance, there's also a quiet thrill in encountering the brilliance of a gem in the rough as it's being polished. Be sure to experience that sparkle at a solo performance!


The Viral Chart, which lets you find out the hottest songs on social media around the world, is updated daily! Be sure to check it out.



【Profile】
Leila Okuhama
Music and movie personality. Active as a stage greeter for movies and MC for music programs. Currently writing the new releases column for the women's magazine "GINZA." Her hobby is attending music festivals overseas.

【Inquiries】
Spotify
www.spotify.com
奥浜レイラ
  • LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 19: Gus Dapperton performs at Teatro Capitolio on February 19, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal.
  • GEORGE, WA - JULY 13: Punk rock singer Arrow De Wilde of Starcrawler performs on stage during the 'Night Running' tour at the Gorge Amphitheater on July 13, 2019 in George, Washington.
  • LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Stella Donnelly at The Lexington on May 8, 2018 in London, England.
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