This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.
"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.48) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on April 18 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: April 19, 2024 from 9:30 a.m.
This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks.
Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (some replaced according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.
Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts which you can listen to.
1. Tetsuko "Holy girl Tetsuko" (2024)
(Japanese title: Tetsuko 「聖少女☆テツコ」)
Sweet punk trio Tetsuko (Instagram, 𝕏), a band formed in 1999, released in March a brand new album titled "Curl", on which appears the song "Holy girl Tetsuko" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album takes some inspiration from their favorite bands such as The Beatles and The Hi-Lows, with touches of 70s music, 80s new wave, 90s Brit Pop and recent mild psychedelic bands from the UK, US and Australia, all turned into their signature Tetsuko sound. Check out the music video below!
Tetsuko has an upcoming show on May 5 at Akihabara Club Goodman. Find details here.
🎙 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Tetsuko, Cocopuff Club
2. Cocopuff Club "My First Tattoo" (2024)
Cocopuff Club (Bandcamp) is the new solo project of COCO (𝕏, Instagram), guitarist and lead singer of THE LET'S GO's, has released a song under the name Cocopuff Club, her new solo project! The first song, released last month, is "My First Tattoo" (Bandcamp). COCO sings in English about her thoughts of getting a tattoo. The lyrics mention Nicky Corvette with who she toured Japan last year as a member of Nicky and the Tokyo Corvettes. There's word that Cocopuff Club aims at releasing a new song every month.
THE LET'S GO's can next be seen in Tokyo on May 3 at Nishi-Eifuku Jam, part of "Jam Fes 2024", and then on May 6 at Shibasaki Rathole. Find details and their full schedule on the official site.
3. Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods "Living Dead of Akatsuki" (2024)
(Japanese title: 中村ジョー&イーストウッズ 「暁のリビングデッド」 "Akatsuki no Living Dead")
Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods is a band that was formed in 2014, and has a concept of "garage soul meets city pop". They have just released their first album titled "Hello City Lights" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check out the music video of the song "Living Dead of Akatsuki" below, a zombie feature directed and illustrated by Joe Nakamura himself.
The album is available as a limited LP, as well as digitally. It was mixed and mastered by Keiichi Sokabe (Sunny Day Service).
Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods can be seen live on May 17 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Find details here.
4. CHiLi GiRL "Secret Secret" (2024)
This is the latest song by CHiLi GiRL, the project of singer-songwriter and shamisen player Shinobu Kawashima mixing traditional sounds and city music. Titled "Secret Secret" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), the music production was done in collaboration with drummer & video director Shin Watanabe, who also shot and directed the song's music video. Watch it below!
This song was acclaimed by Reiji Okii (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals).
🎙 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods, CHiLi GiRL, HALLCA & kukatachii
5. HALLCA & kukatachii "Romantic" (2024)
The new song of HALLCA is a collaboration with pop dance band kukatachii, titled "Romantic" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform. A music video should also be coming. This follows the release of three songs by HALLCA last summer: "Night Driver", "Sugar" and "Mind's Eye".
HALLCA, who has been broadcasting live on YouTube most Sundays since 2019, reached in March her 200th episode(!) and held a special event for it. The music & talk event can be watched on YouTube.
6. Maika Loubté "Shinsho Volcano" (2024)
(Japanese title: Maika Loubté 「心象volcano」)
Maika Loubté released this month a new song digitally, titled "Shinshō Volcano" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music). It is inspired by a visit she made to Nagashima Aiseien (National Sanatorium for Hansen's Disease Patients). You can read about her experience and the thoughts she put into the song, in a text in the song's description on Bandcamp.
Last month, Maika also released a 7-minute piano EP inspired by a novel from 1962, written by a 9-year-old girl named Megumi Takaku's "Sotetsu's Flute". The EP is titled "Sotetsu's Flute, Pebble of 2024 (Prototype)", and it's available for free on Bandcamp.
On May 25, Maika will be part of event "Deep Dive in sync with Ghost In The Shell" at Zepp Shinjuku. Find details here, and Maika's full schedule on her official site.
7. U-zhaan × Tamaki Roy × Chinza Dopeness "Bunka" (2021)
(Japanese title: U-zhaan × 環ROY × 鎮座DOPENESS 「BUNKA」)
Next is a collaboration by tabla player U-zhaan with rappers Tamaki Roy & Chinza Dopeness. "Bunka" gives respect to their various influences. It was included on album "tanoshimi" (2021) (Spotify, , YouTube Music), and there's also a cool music video that you can watch below.
I went to U-zhaan and violinist Yuji Katsui (ROVO)'s regular event "Four Forty Lunch Live" the other day at Shimokitazawa 440, and that's what prompted me to play this song this time. The next of the series will be on June 1st. U-zhaan's full schedule can be found here.
🎙 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Maika Loubté, U-zhaan × Tamaki Roy × Chinza Dopeness, Haruko Tajima
8. Haruko Tajima "Gal Ninja feat. Hatsune Miku" (2024)
(Japanese title: 田島ハルコ 「GAL NINJA feat. 初音ミク」)
The last song this time is a new one by Haruko Tajima (Instagram, 𝕏). Featuring Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku, it's titled "Gal Ninja" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check out the music video below!
Another new song ttiled "Who? (@Ri@N@ Gr@Nde)" was just released this week (Bandcamp, YouTube Music, , Spotify).
Haruko Tajima will host an event titled "Disco 2001" on May 6 from 12:30 at Shinjuku Rock Cafe Loft, also featuring perfect young lady and DJ Buddha Limit, and of course a live performance by Haruko who will also DJ and do a pop-up of New Wave Gal Shop. Find details here.
Thank you for tuning in! Information about replays can be found at the top of the page.
Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen to some older ones on Mixcloud.
Posted on April 19, 2024 at 13:25
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COCO (𝕏, Instagram), the guitarist and lead singer of THE LET'S GO's, has released a song under the name Cocopuff Club, her new solo project! The first song is "My First Tattoo", in which she sings in English about her thoughts of getting a tattoo. The lyrics mention Nicky Corvette with who she toured Japan last year as a member of Nicky and the Tokyo Corvettes. Watch the teaser video below, then go to Bandcamp for the full song.
There's word that Cocopuff Club aims at releasing a new song every month, and since "My First Tattoo" came in March, one might be coming in April.
THE LET'S GO's can be seen next in Tokyo on May 3 at Nishi-Eifuku Jam, part of "Jam Fes 2024", and then on May 6 at Shibasaki Rathole. Find details and their full schedule here.
Cocopuff Club "My First Tattoo" (2024)
Out now (3/15)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp
ソロプロジェクトCocoPuff Clubは毎月リリース目標!!4月のリリースもお楽しみに🌸
— 🆕🈁COCO(THE LET'S GO's) (@THELETSGOsCOCO) April 9, 2024
ぜひbandcampフォローしてくださいなっ♡
視聴も可能だし、気に入ったり応援してくれる方は、
1曲¥150〜でDLしてもらえます!
これがとっても励みになります。よろしくお願いします💐https://t.co/VtBHJ8nFgx pic.twitter.com/AiVbjPJ8pS
Posted on April 17, 2024 at 13:05
| Released on March 15, 2024
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The two first EPs of Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyōbi no Campanella) with current singer Utaha, "Neon" (2022) and "Rabbit Star ★" (2023), have been released on vinyl! Grab them while you can.
Since these two EPs, 4 new songs have so far been released digitally: "Mermaid" (YouTube), "Prince Shoutoku" (YouTube), "Ghost and Writer" (YouTube) and "Tamamo-no-mae" (YouTube). A new EP titled "Pop Delivery" has been announced to be coming on June 5 and will include these plus 4 more songs. Stay tuned!
Also a tour in July for the release of "Pop Delivery" has been announced, to end at Zepp Haneda in Tokyo on July 31. Find details of this and other shows on the official site.
Wednesday Campanella "Neon" (12")
水曜日のカンパネラ 「ネオン」
A1. Orihime
A2. Himiko
A3. Edison
A4. Issunboushi
B1. Buckingham
B2. Alice
B3. Moyai
B4. Maneki Neko
Warner Music Japan WPJL-10196
Out now (3/13), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records †
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
Wednesday Campanella "Rabbit Sta ★r" (12")
水曜日のカンパネラ 「RABBIT STAR ★」
A1. Little Red Riding Hood
A2. Seven Lucky Gods
A3. Kongo Rikishi Statues
B1. Shadow
B2. Hot Pot Commander
B3. Tinker Bell
Warner Music Japan WPJL-10197
Out now (3/13), ¥3200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records †
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
"Seven Lucky Gods"
"Kongo Rikishi Statues"
"Little Red Riding Hood"
"Tinker Bell"
"Himiko"
"Orihime"
"Maneki Neko"
"Edison"
"Alice"
"Buckingham"
Posted on April 11, 2024 at 21:22
| Released on March 14, 2024
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Haruko Tajima (Instagram, 𝕏) has recently released a new single titled "Gal Ninja", and which also features Hatsune Miku as duet partner. Check out the music video below!
Other of Haruko's recent songs are "Rougai Y2K" (YouTube) and "Max Princess II" (YouTube).
Haruko Tajima will host an event titled "Disco 2001" on May 6 from 12:30 at Shinjuku Rock Cafe Loft, also featuring perfect young lady and DJ Buddha Limit, and of course a live performance by Haruko who will also DJ and do a pop-up of New Wave Gal Shop. Find details here.
Haruko Tajima "Gal Ninja feat. Hatsune Miku" (Download)
田島ハルコ 「GAL NINJA feat. 初音ミク」
Haruko Tajima
Out now (3/6)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Bandcamp
Posted on April 8, 2024 at 20:54
| Released on March 6, 2024
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Maika Loubté has just released a new song digitally, titled "Shinshō Volcano". It is inspired by a visit she made to Nagashima Aiseien (National Sanatorium for Hansen's Disease Patients). You can read about her experience and the thoughts she put into the song, in a text in the song's description on Bandcamp.
"Shinsho Volcano" will first be performed live at event "De-Silo Experiment 2024" to be held on April 13 at Wall&Wall Tokyo in Omotesando. Find details of the 2-day program (April 13 & 14) and tickets on the event's site.
Last month, Maika also released a 7-minute piano EP inspired by a novel from 1962, written by a 9-year-old girl named Megumi Takaku's "Sotetsu's Flute". The EP is titled "Sotetsu's Flute, Pebble of 2024 (Prototype)", and it's available for free on Bandcamp, and also can be listened to on Soundcloud and YouTube.
On April 7, Maika can also be seen DJing at event "Sukoken" presented by lIlI, to be held at Harajuku Space. Find details and tickets here.
Maika Loubté "Shinsho Volcano" (Download)
Maika Loubté 「心象volcano」
Water Records
Out now (4/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, Bandcamp, OTOTOY
Posted on April 4, 2024 at 22:48
| Released on April 3, 2024
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hasirikomis is a cool 3-piece band that was formed in 2019. This March they released their 3rd album, titled "I Love you! next to music". Check out the several music videos below! The album is available on CD and digitally.
A solo show will be held on April 28 at Shibuya WWW, kicking off their tour for the release. Find details here. hasirikomis will also perform on April 14 at style festival "Synchronicity '24", to be held over two days (April 13 & 14) at various venues in Shibuya.
hasirikomis "I Love you! next to music"
ハシリコミーズ 「I Love you! next to music」
1. Tokyo city
2. ichinichi sūbyō no yoi Scene
3. Everything's gonna be alright!
4. hontō no kirei ga wakaranai
5. uranai
6. warui yō na koto bakari
7. yoyū ga moretara
8. kizukanai nante
9. tamani wa shita to kurabemashō
10. I love you! next to music
hasirikomis UXCL-320
Out now (3/13), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records †, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
"tamani wa shita to kurabemashō"
"Tokyo city"
"ichinichi sūbyō no yoi Scene"
"warui yō na koto bakari"
"kizukanai nante"
Posted on April 4, 2024 at 21:23
| Released on March 13, 2024
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the Tiger is a soulful and funky rock band that was formed in 2014, and moved from their hometown of Nagoya to Tokyo in 2019. After having released four mini-albums independently, here comes a first full-length album titled "Get Ready". Check out the music videos of "Kanamachi", "My town" and "Hard worker's song" below! The album is available on CD and digitally.
A 7" of "Hard worker's song" (Japanese title "hatarakimono no uta"), with for B-side a previously unreleased live cover of Yukadan's "osōji obachan", will be released for Record Store Day 2024 on April 20.
A show will be held on April 20 at Daikanyama Haretara sora ni mame maite. Tickets are on sale via Peatix.
the Tiger "Get Ready"
1. Kanamachi
2. My town
3. While smoking a cigarette
4. Tell me
5. Travelin'
6. Hard worker's song
7. A melody I can't remember
8. Last night
9. I can not stand it
Edoya EDCE-1045
Out now (3/13), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records †, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
"My town"
"Kanamachi"
"Hard worker's song"
Posted on April 3, 2024 at 23:41
| Released on March 13, 2024
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The new song of HALLCA is a collaboration with pop dance band kukatachii, titled "Romantic". Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform. A music video should also be coming.
This follows the release of three songs by HALLCA last summer: "Night Driver", "Sugar" and "Mind's Eye".
HALLCA, who has been broadcasting live on YouTube most Sundays since 2019, reached in March her 200th episode(!) and held a special event for it. The music & talk event can be watched on YouTube. A new song titled "Wave of Love" was performed.
Those who want to hear more live music can find an online release of a show from last November, available for purchase in either video or audio. Find details here.
HALLCA & kukatachii "Romantic" (Download)
Magellan-Blue Records
Out now (3/14)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
Posted on April 2, 2024 at 22:23
| Released on March 14, 2024
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CHiLi GiRL, the project of singer-songwriter and shamisen player Shinobu Kawashima mixing traditional sounds and city music, has just recently released a brand new song titled "Secret Secret". The music production was done in collaboration with drummer & video director Shin Watanabe, who also shot and directed the song's music video. Watch it below!
This song was acclaimed by Reiji Okii (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals).
Other recent songs by CHiLi GiRL include "strawberry chocolate night feat. MPC GIRL USAGI" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) and "Summer Romance Plan" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).
CHiLi GiRL "Secret Secret" (Download)
DOBEATU DBTU2705
Out now (3/20)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
Posted on April 2, 2024 at 21:14
| Released on March 20, 2024
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RYUSENKEI, the city pop group led by Cunimondo Takiguchi, is back with a new song and also some big news. The group was joined by singer Sincere (Instagram, 𝕏) as an official member. Their first song "Super Generation" is out now digitally, and a brand new album titled "Illusion" will be coming on April 24. Check out the short version music video below, and find the song on your favorite download/streaming platform.
To coincide with this, the group which was until now known under its name in kanji (流線形), now stylizes it in all caps: RYUSENKEI.
In related news, two 7" cuts from the "Tokyo Sniper" classic album were released just recently and are still available at this time: "Time Machine Love / ame no Cinderella (radio edit)" (Amazon, HMV, Tower) and "Spring Rain (radio edit) / Tokyo Sniper" (Amazon, HMV, Tower).
For more of new singer Sincere, check out her latest single "Good Girl" released in February, of which the music is produced by Chocoholic: , Spotify, YouTube Music.
RYUSENKEI "Super Generation" (Download)
RYUSENKEI 「スーパー・ジェネレイション」
Alfa Music
Out now (3/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY
Music video (short ver.)
Posted on April 1, 2024 at 23:58
| Released on March 29, 2024
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Continue reading in the April 2024 archive.
Next entry: "sugar me "Super Me" (Download)" (April 1, 2024 at 23:20)
日本の音楽シーン関係のプレスリリースは こちらのメールアドレス までお送りお願いいたします。
Please send your Japan music scene press releases to this email address.