Every once in a while, I go on a major music nostalgia trip and dig through my external HD for the backlog of songs I loved from a long time ago (read: 3 years ago).
This time, I came across artists I loved that never really got much recognition, and thus never released that much material. Unfortunately, I don’t think they will get a chance soon, but if I could control the Japanese music industry, here’s four female artists who should and would get their due…
Ifu Sarasa
Background: This woman came from a musical family – she is the daughter of singers Inoue Yosui and Ishikawa Seri. In 2007, she auditioned for Sony Music without revealing her background- while the company found out later, they had offered her a contract based on her own merit.
Thoughts: Ifu’s brand of upbeat guitar-driven pop with touches of synth really appealed to me back when I discovered her, and now that I’m fangirling over Galileo Galilei, I’ve got this new appreciation for her (a collaboration between the two artists would be absolutely heavenly – I’m imagining it now). Her voice is sunny and agile, with a fluffy undertone that’s definitely easy on the ears. Why’s she stalled at just four singles? Bring out a studio album, please!
Listen to: Curriculum
Inoue Hikari
Background: Inoue was the runner up in the 2008 Animax Anison Grand Prix, losing to HIMEKA in the final round. Sony saw her potential and decided to sign her as well, and she made her debut singing the second ending song of Valkyria Chronicles and voicing a minor character in the series.
Thoughts: Sadly enough, that’s really all she’s done. It’s easy to see why Inoue was tossed to the side; she has that dry, slightly wispy pop-rock voice that can come across as generic, but to me it sounds warm and comforting. And she does have the vocal ability to back it up, belting her heart out and reaching into her softer side when appropriate. Also, she does sound a bit like a certain other Inoue… which could be partially be why I’m so biased.
Listen to: Hitotsu no Negai
cossami
Background: An acoustic singer-songwriter duo consisting of vocalist minami and vocalist & guitarist hiroco. The two, who were former classmates, play music they describe as a “natural and romantic meeting between the classics and pop”. They’re actually a trio now – in 2011, Electone player yoshie joined the group.
Thoughts: To me this duo’s clear, pure vocals and relaxing arrangements evoke a more folksy version of YUI. Their songs are beautifully organic, and are best enjoyed after a long day with a soothing cup of tea. It’s breezy acoustic pop at its finest. Even though there are so many similar acts out there, cossami play to their niche so well I’m baffled that they’re still obscure. It’s also worth noting that when both minami and hiroco sing, their voices are very different but harmonize surprisingly well.
Listen to: After the rain
Seira
Background: Not to be confused with Kagami Seira, who has also released music as ‘Seira’. This singer-songwriter from Tokyo started playing acoustic guitar in 7th grade, and started doing local lives at age 18. She cites chatmonchy as one of her influences. Her music is said to inspire “gentle, tender feelings” in the listeners.
Thoughts: Most of Seira’s songs (from what I could get ahold of) are either mid-tempo pop-rock numbers or acoustic ballads – her music could stand to be more varied. As for her voice, it has hidden versatility – there’s the sharper-edged, thin sound prevalent in singers of her genre, and an undertone that is softer, more fluid and more mature. I feel she is at her best when that undertone is brought out and she’s singing with a fuller arrangement.
Listen to: Love Letter no Kawari ni Kono Uta wo
いいんですよ。 