Every year thousands of people flock to the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas, to experience what is arguably the best festival in the world, SXSW. This year’s festival had more variety than ever with hundreds of international acts taking the stage at various venues. Japan and Korea were particularly represented with several different showcases, all showing different genres of music.
Japan Nite’s preview show showcase many alternative Japanese artists. First act to perform was The fin., an alternative/indie band from Kobe. The fin. have a very soothing sound, and put on a very entertaining act.
Next up was Chihiro Yamazaki and the Route 14 band. Chihiro is a very talented trumpet player, contributing to the jazzy sounds of the Route 14 band. Chihiro expressed her excitement of being in Austin, getting the growing crowd much more excited as their set progressed. Their performance finished with a song called “Japan”. An interesting feature of this group is that one of the songs performed had any spoken lyrics.
Check out Chihiro Yamazaki and the Route 14 band’s “Japan”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWXMHhJGtTw
After that act, a group called Mothercoat took the stage. This group had a very synth driven sound, accompanied by unique vocals from the male and female vocalists. I have never heard anything quite like this group.
The last group I was able to see was a female duo called Zarigani$. This hard hitting rock group sounded like something you would hear as the intro song to an action filled anime. If you enjoy punk-rock groups with loud vocals, you will enjoy this group. Both of these ladies had a lot of energy on stage, despite the humid weather.
I really enjoyed the part of the Japan Nite preview I was able to attend. The crowds were not huge, but each artist seemed thankful people attended. You could really tell how much these performers enjoyed being on stage playing. Part of the appeal of SXSW is the eclectic mix of genres you can find in one line up and this show was an example of one of those.
Japan Nite is an annual US Tour that kicks off in Austin and tours all across the United States. You can head over to their website, japan-night.com, and see if the tour is coming to a city near you. I definitely suggest you check these groups out; you might just discover your new favorite band.
‘Doctor X’ – Japan’s Longest-Running Medical Drama In the world of Japanese dramas, few series have carved a legacy as bold and enduring as ‘Doctor‑X’. Since its debut in 2012, this medical drama has captivated viewers with its... Read More
Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, released June 20, 2025, is topping streaming charts and music playlists worldwide. Mashing K-pop spectacle with supernatural fantasy, this animated phenomenon claims the #1 spot in over 40 countries and has fans... Read More
Between 2008 and 2012, K-pop saw the rise of powerful girl groups that not only topped domestic charts but also helped fuel the global Hallyu wave. Here are the top 10 K-pop powerhouse girl groups from that golden era who skyrocketed K-pop’s... Read More
By a Whiskey-Loving Explorer with a Passport and a Curious Palate The 2025 Seoul International Wine & Spirits Expo (SIWSE) once again delivered a dazzling showcase of flavors, culture, and craft from across the globe. Held at the ever-bustling... Read More
On June 21, 2025, BTS’s SUGA officially concluded his military service after serving as a social service agent due to a prior shoulder injury. Although his final working day was June 18, his formal discharge occurred on June 21 following accrued... Read More
K-pop’s global titan BTS is officially aiming for a full‑group comeback in March 2026. According to insiders, BTS is rumored to make a group comeback in 2026. The follows the final member, Suga, scheduled to complete his mandatory military... Read More
BTS’s return in 2025 isn’t just about music – it’s a cultural moment set to reshape the global pop scene once again. As the countdown begins for BTS’s long-awaited full group comeback in 2025, ARMYs are buzzing with excitement. After a... Read More
K-pop has swept across the globe – and Latin America is no exception. From SHINee’s 2014 tour to Stray Kids’ upcoming 2025 stadium shows, Korean idols have been building a passionate fanbase in Central and South America. Over the past... Read More
Kdramas have continued to evolve, and the 4th generation – spanning from around 2018 to 2023- brought its fresh storytelling, standout acting, and unforgettable soundtracks. The era introduced bold themes and global stars. Here are 22 of the best... Read More
Dream Con logo, DreamCon.com Dream Con 2025 came to my hometown, Houston, Texas, from May 30th to June 1st. It is the largest and fastest growing Black-owned anime and gaming convention in the United States where Blerds can celebrate and indulge in... Read More
Leave a Reply