5 Japanese artists you need in your life.

1. Pertorika

Pertorika's new music video just may be the loveliest water coloured story ever told. There is something so graceful about this bands style; every guitar lick, vocal harmony and piano flourish is delicately placed in the song with care and thought. Beautiful melodies, a gentle, unique singing voice and emotive sound make for a beautiful, soothing experience. 

​http://www.pertorika.com/

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2. Sou and Max

Sou Max is singer/songwriter Sou, and drummer Max. The pair perform indie/folk/pop music and boy, is it mesmerising. It's always impressive when an act can create such an emotive performance with minimal instrumentation, and the combination of Sou's haunting, powerful voice alongside goosebump-inducing softer moments is perfection. 

Get the latest release here: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/wake-up-single/1383619677

​http://soumusic21.com/    

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3. Futsutsuka

A possible scenario upon clicking on this video:

First thoughts: 'KAWAII!!!' 'SO CUTE!!!'

Second thoughts: Wow, they're a really tight band! 

This band contains: a whole lot of pop/rock goodness, uber amounts of girl power, straight up coolness and a bad ass guitar solo.  

Oh, and their hair looks perfect after so much head banging. I need to uncover their secret. 

http://futsutsuka.com/profile.html

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4. Jerry Mera

The heart and soul of the music community in Tokyo - Jerry Mera is a LEGEND.    

​It's virtually impossible not to feel inspired after seeing Jerry perform on stage. Whether he's jamming out with a rock band, singing and playing an acoustic guitar or sharing the stage with many a musician from all over the world, his groove and enthusiasm is infectious!

Here's a sneaky video of me and Jerry jamming together!! 

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5. Aimer

Aimer is a pop singer and lyricist. She collaborated with a whole bunch of different producers on her last album 'Daydream' and along with her distinctive, husky voice, the result was magic. Her music really fits in many different pockets, with the opening track 'Daydream' being heavier (in a "Michelle Branch 'girl with a guitar' era" kind of way), morphing into softer, more etherial moments as well as slick, acoustic tracks like the one below. 

​www.aimer-web.jp/