cover art for Wednesday Campanella’s “ZIPANGU” album (released Nov. 2015)
It’s ironic that our sporadic music column, Music Monday, is featuring an artist with a conflicting name of the week: Wednesday Campanella. The group, who takes their name from the fact that they often practiced in the middle of the week, are formed around the lead vocal Kom I, known for her eccentricity and slacker vibe. Making up the trio are composer Kenmochi Hidefumi and Dir. F, who plays the role of manager/director.
The trio began releasing songs in 2012 on YouTube and slowly started building a following. The group’s sound, which can be described as a poppy mix of house and techno, works nicely with Kom I’s speedy raps. And their comical lyrics, which cover everything from guided bus tours and vampires to the different regions of Hokkaido, have helped them garner attention. Their music videos too, which credit goes to Dir. F, are enthralling.
The first track I’m going to suggest playing is one that the trio also recently performed at SXSW earlier this month. Titled “Momotaro,” it’s a contemporary interpretation of the age-old fairytale of the same name, put to a mesmerizing beat. The slightly grotesque style of animation is the work of Otamirams, and is currently one of our kids’ favorites. The illustrators were also tasked with creating the cover art for the JIPANGU album (pictured above).
Next, listen to this addictive track called “Saksaynu,” which is basically a chant of places, foods and products of Japan’s northern island Hokkaido. It’s apparently named after ancient ruler of the Ainu people in Hokkaido.
Like what you hear? You can find more of their music on YouTube. They’re also on Twitter and Facebook. And be sure to check out our other Music Monday picks.
April 19, 2016 at 11:10 am
Thanks! This music is amazing! Greetings from Madrid