“Shakushain”, “Hoshi Ittetsu”, “Senritai”… At first glace, these might seem like random words. But they are actually song names of a certain artist. That artist’s name is Suiyoubi no Campanella/WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA, a music unit that formed in 2012. They continue to deliver strong and impacting work that you cannot forget, whether you see or hear them. But just who are they and how much do you know?
Hush, and listen to their songs!
People tend to make the mistake of thinking WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA consists of just 1 female, but it’s actually a 3-person unit.
The members are KOMI, who sings and performs in the music videos and at live concerts, Kenmochi Hidefumi, who is responsible for the songwriting and composition, and Dir.F, who serves as the manager and director. Together, they make for a very different kind of group combination.
But their formation isn’t strangest thing when it comes to this unit.
What’s most crucial are their songs. Their music has the greatest charm, which is what’s so unique about them when compared to other units. The official video for their song “Momotaro” on YouTube has a huge number of views, and I highly recommend you give it a watch. It’s safe to say that it’ll catch you off guard while you to get lost when listening to the words.
Rather than the lyrics referring to the famous fairy-tale story “Momotaro”, it talks of a young boy who spends all his time playing games during his summer vacation. The lyrics progress as we come to see an original unfolding of events. We get to see a number of pets including a dog, monkey and pheasant, as well as a variety of other characters from Japanese folklore. And we also hear the main phrase of the song “Kibidan Kibikibidan” (millet dumplings).
Some people might say that this isn’t a song, others might say that it screams hip-hop. The lyrics which at first glance seem meaningless, and the carefully calculated backing track which doesn’t seem to fit. KOMI’s singing ability drives this rap, and it’s this which grabs the hearts of listeners as they hear this confusing and mysterious track.
The Mysterious World of WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA’s Music Videos
The group’s value lies not only in their songs, but their music videos too. For example, the entirety of the music video for the aforementioned “Momotaro” is made with surreal animation. But the uniqueness doesn’t stop there.
Take the song “Ono Imoko” for example, which is from their 2015 album “Zipangu”. As the title suggests, the music video sees famous voice actor Takayuki Yamada disguised as Japanese politician Ono no Imoko, who dances together with KOMI on the grass. A 360° camera is also used and we see the scene change from the ground to the sky over and over again, while giving off the feeling of China’s history in the year 400.
Another music video worth mentioning is for the song “Ra” from the same album. The video sees KOMI dressed as a queen in Ancient Egypt. It’s abundant with CG and has the kind of moving ending of a great literary piece. But what might be surprising is that the song is a tie-up together with Nissin Foods’ famous cup noodle “Curry Meshi”.
The mysterious world of the song is certainly supported by and emphasised through music video. And that’s tied together with the creator’s popularity.
Their Widening World: From Music Station to Overseas
Up to now, I have listed what makes the group so charming. Their creative work is topical everywhere; it’s their nonconformist style which has enabled them to grow at a surprisingly fast rate since their inception.
The unit were used for a Yahoo Net Auction commercial in April 2015. In the summer of that year, they played and continue to play at Japan’s biggest music festivals “ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL” and “SUMMER SONIC”. Moreover, they made their first appearance on Music Station in February 2016.
The group held their first ever American tour this year and played at the world’s biggest music and film festival SXSW 2016 in Texas on March 15th, 2016. At the start of the concert, KOMI appeared from the back of the stage on a Mikoshi (portable shrine). She also went inside of a giant balloon inside which she sang and roamed around on top of the audience as they carried her around. This performance really got the audience excited and they all really enjoyed it. KOMI also announced the big news that they would be going major with a new album from Warner Music in June. WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA really left a big impression with this show.
The craziness doesn’t stop there for WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA, as they will be heading to San Francisco this summer to play at “J-POP SUMMIT” from Friday July 22nd~Sunday July 24th. The festival is packed out every year, showing off Japanese music, fashion and Japan’s latest trends. There is no doubt that the unit’s performance will be even more well received here. Further details are to be announced, so keep an eye out for more information.
WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA was originally supposed to be a 3-female unit. But before they knew it, KOMI was the only one left. KOMI said that “I was thinking of becoming a normal member of society”, but when she became the sole front member of the unit, she said, intimidated, “I won’t do that”, and that talk died away. Because of that, Dir.F has been able to achieve so much thanks to the 3 of them working together.
Don’t take your eyes off WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA at all this year as they continue to advance forward with vigor and strength to release even more works.
WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA http://www.wed-camp.com/
Writer: Kakoi (SHUTTER)
RELATED ENTRIES
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WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA to appear on children’s show “Nihongo de Asobo” to perform “Edokko Doko Doko” song
WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA just completed their first ever performance at the "CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL 2017" music festival in LA. Now, KOM_I is set to collaborate with NHK Educational TV's "Nihongo de Asobo."
"Nihongo de Asobo" is a children's TV show that talks about the fun, beautiful and interesting aspects of Japan. It airs Monday to Friday every week from 6:35am-6:45am.The song "Edokko Doko Doko" has been written for the show. Kenmochi Hidefumi is responsible for the lyrics and composition of this track which touches on the rough sounding Edo dialect and its many frank expressions. The feeling of how the words sound is unique and it's easy to sing along to.
The song will debut on "Nihongo de Asobo" next week on November 13th. Joining KOM_I to sing and dance on stage will familiar characters from the show including Miwa-san (Akihiro Miwa), Koni-chan, Miyaji Katsura, choreographer Lucky Ikeda, Eri Ayaki, and all the children.
Costume designer Hibino Kozue created the colourful kimono outfits and Edo street set for the show.
In other news, WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA are set to appear at Clockenflap Festival 2017 in Hong Kong on November 18th. The group's international presence grows stronger every day. What next exciting thing can we expect from them next?■Information
NHK Educational TV - "Nihongo de Asobo"
Monday November 13, 2017
Educational TV: Mon-Fri at 6:30am-6:45am
Repeat Broadcast: Mon-Fri at 5pm-5:10pm
【Tour Information】
・Clockenflap Festival 2017
Dates: November 17th-19th (WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA to perform on November 18th)
Location: Central Harbourfront Hong Kong
Official Event Homepage: http://www.clockenflap.com/
Ticket Information: https://www.ticketflap.com/clockenflap2017 -
Wednesday campanella who recently finished her one-man live in Taiwan performed at the music festival, “CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL2017” in LA which was held on the 28th of October (Sat.). She was the first Japanese artist to perform at this festival.
Wednesday campanella performed as the second act of the FLOG stage.
Kom_I appeared on the stage in bare feet, wearing a pink-colored super long sleeve shirt, black enamel pants and a red see-through dress. Many of the teenagers who gathered at the venue were wearing colorful clothes.
As soon as the intro of “Chupacabra” was played, Kom_I appeared on a stepladder installed in the middle of the audience seats and the audience gathered around the stepladder. The audience gathered around Kom_I who was dancing with “Twiggy” and “Uran-chan” and they ran around on the lawn.
Kom_I appeared on the stage when the song “Yuta” started, draped in a pink cloth. She shouted, “We are Wednesday Campanella from Tokyo!” and danced on stage. A water ball appeared when “Momotaro” started and the audience howled with joy. She left the stage saying “Thank you for coming! Enjoy Camp Flog Gnaw!”Kom_I chatted with her fans saying, “Wednesday! Wednesday!”
Let’s check out her activities in the U.S.
■InformationCAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL2017 @ Exposition Park, Los Angeles
M1-Chupacabra
M2-Twiggy
M3-Uran Chan
M4-Yuta
M5-Shakushine
M6-Momotaro(REMIX)【live information】
・Clockenflap Festival 2017Date: 2017,11,17/18/19 (Suyobi no Campanella will perform on the 18th)
Venue:Central Harbourfront Hong Kong
Official website:http://www.clockenflap.com/
Ticket information:https://www.ticketflap.com/clockenflap2017 -
In this article, I will introduce to you some Japanese artists who are popular the world over. The popular songs of each artist and live information are noted. Wednesday CampanellaWednesday Campanella is a unique hip hop unit. The video of “Momotaro” was played more than ten million times and is a song which is popular throughout the world. The unit is going to perform in Los Angeles on the 28th and 29th of Ocotber and in Hongkong on the 18th of November. Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/71443■Information 【Live information】 ・CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL 2017 Date: 2017,10,28/29 Venue: Exposition Park, Los Angeles Official website: http://www.campfloggnaw.com/ Clockenflap Festival 2017 Date: 2017,11,17/18/19 (Suiyobi no Campanella will perform on the 18th) Venue: Central Harbourfront Hong Kong Official website: http://www.clockenflap.com/ Ticket information: https://www.ticketflap.com/clockenflap2017 Official website: http://www.wed-camp.comSKY-HISKY-HI is a unique, one-and-only artist and his hip hop music is gaining high reputation. The all-Japan LIVE HOUSE tour “SKY-HI Round A Ground 2017” will be held in 24 cities (25 lives) including in cities like Shanghai, Taiwan, Hongkong, LA, NY, PARIS and LONDON. The digital album “Marble” released on the 6th of October on the Internet won the first place in the charts of iTunes. Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/70803■Information 『SKY-HI Round A Ground 2017』 2017,10,18 (Wed.) Venue: Shanghai E-Max Music Zone 2017,10,20 (Fri.) Venue: Taiwan ATT SHOW BOX 2017,10,22 (Sun.) Venue: Hongkong E-Max Music Zone 2017,11,12 (Sun.) Venue: Los Angeles Troubadour 2017,11,15 (Wed.) Venue: New York SOB’s 2017,11,18 (Sat.) Venue: Paris Glazart 2017,11,19 (Sun.) Venue: London Bush Hall Live information (lives which will be held in Japan): http://avex.jp/skyhi/BAND-MAIDBAND-MAID is a rock band consisting of five female members. Their most popular song is “REAL EXISTENCE.” They call their lives “serving” and the fans “masters” or “mistresses” to choreograph the world of a “maid.” However, their music is hard rock which has a gap between their visual. They are now holding a world tour called “BAND—MAID WORLD TOUR 2017.” Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/67157■Information BAND—MAID WORLD TOUR 2017 “Burn! Burn!BAND-MAID Moe Moe Cune” 10,22 (Sun.) Taiwan / Jack Studio 10,29 (Sun.) Hongkong / HMV kafe 11,03 (Fri.) England / London / O₂ Academy Islington 11,04 (Sat.) Frans Paris / La Boule Noire 11,05 (Sun.) Germany / Bochum / Zeche 11,08 (Wed.) Germany / Berlin / Bi Nuu 11,09 (Thurs.) Germany / Munich / Backstage 11,12 (Sun.) Spain / Barcelona / Salamandra ・BAND-MAID Okyuji TOUR Autumn-Winter 2017 “Moetano? Moetano? Docchidattano? ~燃 vs 萌~” ※additional tour 12,9 (Sat.) Zepp DiverCity TOKYO BAND-MAID Official website:http://bandmaid.tokyoNiji no ConquistadorThe theme of Niji no Conquistador is “every day is a cultural festival!” The name of the group was decided with the aim of being a group which will conquest the hearts of the fans with various characters like a rainbow. More than 200 audience gathered to their one-man live held in Taiwan in August and the venue was filled with excitement. You should check out their music video featuring cute bathing suits “Kimiha Mujaki na Natsu no Joo.”■Information Official website:http://pixiv-pro.com/2zicon/May’nMay’n is an artist who offers many opening/ending themes to animations, games and movies. She participated in J-POP SUMIT held in San Francisco and released her 5th album “PEACE of SMILE” on the 18th of October and it can be said that she is a very popular artist gaining popularity throughout the world. Her popular song “Yamaidare darlin’” gathered much attention as an opening theme of “AQUARION LOGOS.” Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/63027■Information May’n 5th ALBUM「PEACE of SMILE」 Release date: 2017,10,18 13 songs will be included ・First limited edition A (CD+maxi single) VTZL-134/¥3,700+tax ・First limited edition B (CD+maxi single) VTZL-135/¥3,700+tax ・First limited edition C (CD+maxi single) VTZL-136/¥3,700+tax ・Normal edition (CD) VTCL-60458/¥3,000+tax Official website:http://mayn.jp/TEMPURA KIDZ“TEMPURA KIDZ” is a dance & vocal performance unit from Harajuku. Although all the members are teenagers, they are full-fledge performers who have rich experience in performing on many stages. There must a lot of people who will be glued to their performance and colorful costumes. The music video of “CIDER CIDER” is gaining popularity among foreign fans. They have performed in many countries including Tai, Philippine and Myanmar. Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/20850■Information Official website:http://tempurakidz.asobisystem.comHow did you like our introduction of 5 popular Japanese artists? Why not check out these artists who are working hard in foreign countries.
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Audience of over 1000 persons were filled with excitement! Wednesday Campanella’s live was held in Taiwan
KOM_I held her first one-man live in foreign country cities (Taipei and Taichu) on the 13th and the 14th of October.
She was the only Japanese artist participating the popular event “Legacy Presents 2017 Toshinyosei” and more than 1,000 persons gathered at the venues in Taipei and Taichu.
The venue in Taipei was a preppy spot “Kazan 1914 Bunsoenku” which used to be a vacant lot inside an alcohol factory when Japan occupied Taiwan. It is a mysterious, but nice spot where trees grow skyward out of the building stuctures. Whether in Japan or in a foreign country, Suyobi no Capmanella always creates her own stage from scratch based on the inspiration she receives from the venue.
The opening song of the live was “Gogh” and the song started after a light was radiated from the darkness. The light flickered in the darkness and KOM_I’s voice resonated in the venue mysteriously. Then, the curtain opened after the intro of “Chosei” started and the venue was filled with excitement when KOM_I appeared on stage. The audience reacted to the energy from KOM_I who was running around the stage actively.
After that, the stage was covered with a curtain and a mysterious rendition showing the silhouette of KOM_I with colorful clothes was shown.
The audience took in the energy from KOM_I who was running around the venue while performing “Wright Brothers.” She performed “Momotaro” lastly and was put inside a water ball. She dived into the audience seats and the live ended with excitement. She also said goodbye to the audience in the local language.
She performed “Ikkyusan,” “Amenouzume” and “Marco Polo” after receiving an encore. The door at the side of the stage opened slightly and she left from the stage. The audience remained silent for a while but were filled excitement. The live ended while the audience was craving for KOM_I to appear again on stage.
“I want to come here again next year” says KOM_I. Can’t wait to see her next live in Taiwan.
■Information
【Live information】
・CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL 2017
Date: 2017,10,28 / 29
Venue: Exposition Park, Los Angeles
Official HP: http://www.campfloggnaw.com/
・Clockenflap Festival 2017
・Clockenflap Festival 2017
Date: 2017,11,17 / 18 / 19 (Suiyobi no Campanella will perform on the 18th)
Official website: http://www.clockenflap.com/
Ticket information: https://www.ticketflap.com/clockenflap2017
Official site:http://www.wed-camp.com
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It has been announced that WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA will perform at "Clockenflap Festival 2017" in Hong Kong.
Clockenflap is a huge outdoor music & arts festival which began in 2008 and takes place in an area surrounded by high-rise buildings. This year's festival will take place across three days from Friday November 17th to Sunday November 19th. This will be WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA's first live performance in Hong Kong.
Clockenflap is home to performances from some of the biggest names in music, and this year is no exception. As well as WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA, other confirmed artists for Clockenflap 2017 are Massive Attack, The Prodigy, MØ as well as a string of other internationally renowned artists. Acts from Hong Kong, South Korea and other regions in Asia will also be appearing at the festival.
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WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA are also set to perform at several other locations next month too. KOM_I i will be heading to Taiwan to perform her first ever solo concert for the group's "IN THE BOX TOUR" in Taipei and Taichung on October 13th and 14th respectively. This will be followed by a performance at “Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival," an annual music festival created and hosted by Tyler, the Creator which will be held in Los Angeles on October 28th and 29th.
The word of WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA is spreading as KOM_I prepares to take the music of WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA around the world. Don't take your eyes off WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA even for a second.
◼︎InformationClockenflap Festival 2017
Dates: November 17th-19th (WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA to perform on the 18th)
場所:Central Harbourfront Hong Kong
オフィシャルHP:http://www.clockenflap.com/
チケットインフォメーション:https://www.ticketflap.com/clockenflap2017
【Tour Information】
・Legacy Presents: Wednesday Campanella “IN THE BOX TOUR” – Taipei
@Legacy TAIPEI
Fri. October 13, 2017 – OPEN 19:30/ START 20:00
・Legacy Presents: Wednesday Campanella “IN THE BOX TOUR” – Taichung
@Legacy TAICHUNG
Sat. October 14, 2017 – OPEN 19:30/ START 20:00
CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL 2017
Date: October 28 2017 & October 29 2017
Location: Exposition Park, Los Angeles
Official Homepage: http://www.campfloggnaw.com/
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WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA put on a performance at Reborn-Art Festival 2017 on August 31st which was streamed live. The festival is currently being held at Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture.
The Reborn-Art Festival has been ongoing since July 22nd and is taking place in the Oshika Peninsula in the Ishinomaki city center. An arts, food and music festival, this year the event will run until September 10th and is a program based around hearing music being played somewhere each day across 51 days. As part of this program, WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA live streamed a show at Oginohama in the heart of the Oshika Peninsula.
The performance opened in a dark and mystical forest located at a local port in Oginohama where we see colourful oyster shells being used as buoys
KOM_I appeared from the smoke wearing red and orange balloons, beginning the artsy performance with the song "Gogh." Basked in rays of light, her orange coloured hair and mollusc-like movements went hand-in-hand, making her look like some kind of fairy emerging from the forest. The fairy came from the woods and singing her song looked as if she was waiting to see how the land lies.
The peculiar outfit designed from life-like balloons was created by Toshio Takeda who has worked with balloon unit Daisy Balloon which is made up of balloon artist Rie Hosokai and graphic designer and art director Takashi Kawada, whose work is also on display at Reborn-Art Festival 2017.
The next song performed was a remix of WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA's most well-known song "Momotaro," a version which has been featured on their set-list at recent festivals.
KOM_I comes into contact with the buoys, rides a small boat that has washed ashore, frolics around a white deer, a piece of art titled "White Deer(Oshika)" by Kōhei Nawa, all while moving towards the centre of the beach.
During the final song, "Marco Polo," KOM_I walks steadily towards the pitch black coast of the waters, parallel with the intro, while crossing with the shining light in the background as she plays with the waves. She is left at the shoreline at the end of the video and looks across the water towards us, presenting to us a slightly melancholic scene
Despite the announcement of this show being on the same day as it was performed, it brought in around 30,000 viewers across KOM_I's Instagram, WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA's official Twitter account, and on Reborn-Art Fes's official Instagram page.。
The whole stream is available to watch on WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA's official YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out below.
【WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA LIVE RECORD (170831 Ishinomaki, Oginohama)】
Continuing their streak from August, WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA are set to perform at festivals around Japan in September. Starting from October, they will also be performing at two cities in Taiwan before heading to Los Angeles to perform at Tyler, the Creator's music festival "CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL 2017."
As WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA continue to experiment with captivating music and visuals, let us all keep on our toes in anticipation of what kind of performances we can expect from them in the coming months.
■Information
【Tour Information】
・Legacy Presents: Wednesday Campanella "IN THE BOX TOUR" - Taipei
@Legacy TAIPEI
Fri. October 13, 2017 - OPEN 19:30/ START 20:00
・Legacy Presents: Wednesday Campanella "IN THE BOX TOUR" - Taichung
@Legacy TAICHUNG
Sat. October 14, 2017 - OPEN 19:30/ START 20:00
・CAMP FLOG GNAW CARNIVAL 2017
Dates: October 28, 2017 & October 29, 2017
Location: Exposition Park, Los Angeles
Official Homepage: http://www.campfloggnaw.com/
【Related Links】
・Reborn-Art Festival: http://www.reborn-art-fes.jp/
・Daisy Balloon: http://daisyballoon.com/
WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA Official Website: