Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2011

The Gallic electro diva is ready to share the love
Firing up crowds from Coachella to Katy Perry, for whom she recently opened, Yelle (real name Julie Budet) found her calling as a dirty-talking electro diva when she met producer GrandMarnier (Jean-François Perrier) in 2000. With the addition of Tepr (Tanguy Destable), they gained instant notoriety on MySpace in 2005 when they posted the song “Short Dick Cuizi,” which later became “Je Veux Te Voir.”

The band debuted with Pop Up the following year and was soon teasing audiences worldwide with Yelle’s sexy lamé tights and disarmingly exotic French accent backed by technicolor, booty-shaking tunes. Five years on, the singer describes their brand-new Safari Disco Club (Pachinko Records) as “a big recreation center with a lot of things to do in it.”

It will be amusing to see how Yelle’s dance floor music goes down in the mid-afternoon at Makuhari Messe. But time and venue notwithstanding, they will be prepared. “There is nothing better than swapping love!” Yelle promises. “We’ll have so much love to give to Summer Sonic—get ready!”

Yelle plays Summer Sonic’s Mountain Stage on Aug 14. Domestic clothier Graniph will release a Yelle-designed T-shirt on July 13.

1. Nano-Mugen Fes.

Headliners: Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Weezer, Manic Street Preachers

After a year off, the stadium festival pioneered by Japanese melocore veterans Asian Kung-Fu Generation (or Ajikan as they are known) is back. Along with Yellow Magic Orchestra’s World Happiness, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra’s Tokyo Ska Jamboree and Kodo’s Earth Celebration, the bash is one of several created by bands to showcase themselves alongside their favorite acts. Nano-Mugen ’11 targets mainstream Japanese “loud rock” fans in their 20s and 30s, with a no-nonsense bill that relies on the demonstrated pulling power of America’s Weezer and Wales’ Manic Street Preachers, with bands like Ash and Boom Boom Satellites filling in the holes.

Yokohama Arena, July 16-17, ¥9,800 (one-day pass). www.nano-mugenfes.com

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2. Fuji Rock Festival

Headliners: Coldplay, Faces, The Chemical Brothers

The granddaddy of domestic rock festivals is the brainchild of one of Japanese rock’s most colorful characters, promoter Masa Hidaka. The head of Smash Corp—immediately recognizable in his cowboy hat—sought to create something like England’s Glastonbury, and some Glastonbury staff are actually involved in Fuji Rock.

This year marks its 15th incarnation, and follows FRF ’10’s celebrity supergroups (Them Crooked Vultures and Atoms For Peace) with multiple repeaters Coldplay and The Chemical Brothers, joined by Faces as headliners.

Faces—the ’60s UK supergroup fronted by Ron Wood and Rod Stewart—are back on the reunion warpath, with Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall replacing Stewart on vocals and the Sex Pistol’s Glen Matlock taking the role of the deceased Ronnie Lane on bass.

Supporting the headliners on the main Green, White and Red Marquee stages will be bands like Arctic Monkeys, Cake, YMO, Battles and another vintage post-punk act on the comeback trail, Big Audio Dynamite.
But Fuji veterans know the best fun is often at the smaller stages that dot the sprawling river valley setting of the festival. At stages like the Orange Court and Palace of Wonder, punters can take in a slew of fascinating acts, like the highly recommended Big Willie’s Burlesque, singer-songwriter auteurs like Todd Rundgren, neo-folk sensation Noah And The Whale, blues legend Buddy Guy, and leftfield New York guitarist Marc Ribot.

Fuji also stands out with its diverse roster of world music acts. Not to be missed are Africa’s Tinariwen, a group of former Tuareg independence fighters whose Saharan desert tribal blues has inspired a reverent following worldwide. Also from Africa are Amadou & Mariam and Congotronics, while Spanish hothead Manu Chao knows a thing or two about revving up a festival crowd himself.

Beat fetishists can also work themselves into a lather with midnight sessions featuring the likes of onetime Underworld member Darren Emerson and critically acclaimed experimentalists Four Tet.

Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture, July 29-31, ¥39,800 (three-day pass)/¥16,800 (one-day pass). www.fujirockfestival.com

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3. Tokyo Ska Jamboree

Headliners: Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Fishbone

Tokyo Sukapara, as fans like to call the unflagging warhorse, have led the Japanese ska scene for two decades. Two years ago they finally realized their dream of hosting an all-ska festival at a superb outdoor stage at the base of Mt. Fuji, inviting New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble and a cast of domestic ska outfits to join them. This year sees Sukapara joined by Fishbone, the seminal LA collective that pioneered a mash-up of ska, punk and funk, and influenced followers like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Fishbone performed in Japan for the first time in over a decade at last summer’s Fuji Rock and demonstrated in the form of live-wire frontman Angelo that they still have more than enough fire in the belly.

Yamanakako Ska Field, Yamanashi Prefecture, Aug 6, ¥6,800. www.tokyoskaj.com

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4. Rock In Japan Fes.

Headliners: Perfume, Yuki, Orange Range, Capsule, Kishidan, Kreva, Brahman, Rip Slyme

Along with its Countdown Japan winter fest, Rock In Japan is another product of Rockin’ On, the leading rock ‘zine in Japan. Launched in 2000, the three-day event at a pleasant patch of greenery in Ibaraki is by some measures Japan’s largest rock festival. RIJ generates a certain amount of cynicism due to repetition of acts, but if you’re into J-rock, it doesn’t get any bigger.

Star power comes in the form of chart-topping acts like electro idoru group Perfume, rapper Kreva and the chameleon-like Chara. Of more interest are former Judy and Mary singer Yuki, the indefatigably leftfield Zazen Boys, and the pairing of eccentric jazz singer Akiko Yano with electronica wunderkind Rei Harakami under the name Yanokami.

For headbangers there are bands like the dead-heavy 9 mm Parabellum Bullet, old-school punkers Brahman and nu metalists Fact. And for old-timers there is the reunion of ’80s supergroup Unicorn, who have a brand-new album in the form of Z.

National Hitachi Kaihin Park, Ibaraki Prefecture, Aug 5-7, ¥11,500 (one day)/¥22,000 (two days)/¥30,000 (three days). http://rijfes.co.jp

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5. World Happiness Festival

Headliners: Yellow Magic Orchestra, Yuki, Shinsei Kamattechan

World Happiness Festival was launched by three aging hippies, aka the members of Yellow Magic Orchestra: keyboardist Ryuichi Sakamoto, bassist Haruomi Hosono and drummer Yukihiro Takahashi (with guitarist Cornelius now virtually a fourth member of the band).

Held on “dream island,” one of the liquefaction-prone slabs of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, the location is bleak by day but takes on a certain glamour when the sun goes down, revealing the glittering nighttime cityscape.

In addition to YMO, the bill adds up to a mini Rock In Japan, with Yuki firmly back on the touring roster after giving birth to her third child in 2009. Also from the RIJ lineup are young garage rockers Okamoto’s and Zazen Boys’ Shutoku Mukai, this time with his more downtempo duo Kimonos. The versatile Sakamoto will also be doing his abstract electronica thang with fellow laptop-twiddler, Austrian Christian Fennesz, whose partnership began with 2007’s stately album Cendre.

Yumenoshima Koen Rikujokyogijo, Aug 7, ¥8,500. www.world-happiness.com

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6. Rising Sun Rock Festival

Headliners: Quruli, Kishidan, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Highly rated for its scenic Hokkaido location, the Rising Sun Rock Festival takes place at a breezy seaside field about an hour’s drive from downtown Sapporo. With thematic stages like the Crystal Palace and a bill that mines the more creative side of J-rock, the event blends aspects of Fuji Rock with Rock in Japan.

Star power comes in the form of arty alt-rockers Quruli, and comedic rock act Kishidan, with groovier sounds provided by Funkist, Cro-Magnon and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. Singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito will be on hand, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he performs “Zutto Uso Datta” (“It Was Always a Lie”), the anti-nuclear anthem that recently went viral on the internet, getting Saito in trouble with his record company Victor.

Tarukawa Wharf, Ishikari Bay New Port, Otaru, Hokkaido, Aug 12-13, ¥18,000 (two days). http://rsr.wess.co.jp

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7. Summer Sonic & Sonicmania

Headliners: The Strokes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Underworld, Primal Scream

With The Strokes and Red Hot Chili Peppers on the bill, Creativeman boss Naoki Shimizu promised to drink tequila from an ashtray if this year’s Summer Sonic didn’t sell out. But first there is Creativeman’s Friday all-night Sonicmania beatfest to deal with. A menu of UK retro rave will be served up by Underworld and Primal Scream, enlivened by A-Trak’s athletic turntablism and the electro-rock of Boom Boom Satellites.

Saturday sees The Strokes purveying their new album Angles. Local songstress Kaela Kimura has the unlucky task of preceding Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye, while R&B heartthrob Ne-Yo fronts the Mountain Stage. At the Sonic Stage choose The Mars Volta’s or the screams of Death From Above 1979.

If one all-nighter wasn’t enough, Creativeman has also scheduled a Saturday Sonic dusk-till-dawn program, with the no-longer-new nu metal of Korn to the retro electro-funk of Breakbot. Sunday sees warhorses headline the stadium Marine Stage, with X Japan and Red Hot Chili Peppers, teasing with their anticipated new album, I’m With You—out at the end of August. Outdoors, the Beach Stage hosts reggae scion Ziggy Marley, rap veterans Arrested Development, and a both-day appearance by gay disco legends the Village People.

Summer Sonic: Chiba Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe, Aug 13-14, ¥15,800 (one day)/¥29,000 (both days). www.summersonic.com. Sonicmania: Makuhari Messe, Aug 12, ¥9,000. www.creativeman.co.jp/sonicmania

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8. Fukushima!

Headliners: Yoshihide Otomo, Ryoichi Wago, Michiro Endo

Created by renowned avant-garde guitarist Yoshihide Otomo, punk singer Michiro Endo of The Stalin and poet Ryoichi Wago from Fukushima itself, Fukushima! will see a diverse spectrum of musicians, performing artists, poets and visual artists converge in a park on the outskirts of Fukushima City for an entry charge- and electricity-free day of performances.

“Fukushima has come to be known around the world with a stigma,” Otomo, Endo and Wago say. “But we will not give up on Fukushima. Even amidst a crisis that may cause our hometowns to be lost, we would like to retain its connection with the outside world and the hope of continuing to live in this land.”

For those unwilling or unable to go, there is a series of related events at Tokyo club Dommune. Featuring live performances and panel discussions, these will be live-streamed on Dommune’s website.

Village of Four Seasons, Fukushima Prefecture, Aug 15, free entry. www.pj-fukushima.jp

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9. Earth Celebration

Headliners: Kodo, Ranaei Family

The most quintessentially Japanese of Japan’s summer music festivals is the Kodo drummers’ Earth Celebration. Created over two decades ago to bring taiko fanatics to Kodo’s far-flung remove on Sado Island in the Sea of Japan, EC combines evening concerts on a lush green hilltop with daytime workshops, performances, flea markets and exhibitions.

This year the special guest is the Kurdish-Iranian Ranaei Family, who for the first time bring their take on classical Persian tanbur music to Japan. But the star is Kodo’s disciplined, muscular performances and the mighty odaiko drum it wheels out for the climactic moments.

Ogi Town, Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, August 19-21. Prices vary for individual events. www.kodo.or.jp

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10. Tokyo Jazz

Headliners: DMS, Incognito, Hiromi Uehara, Sergio Mendes

Befitting Japan’s status as one of the world’s leading jazz markets, Tokyo Jazz is a glitzy affair held over three days at one of the city’s finest concert halls. The festival has recently enlivened its mainstream programming with sideshows at Tokyo International Forum’s outdoor plaza.

This year’s 10th edition doubles as the 70th birthday party for Brazilian jazz legend Sergio Mendes. The pianist and bandleader earned his place in history by bringing bossa nova to North America in the ’60s. The Black Eyed Peas then introduced him to a new generation by re-recording his hit song “Mas que Nada” in 2006.

Also on the bill are outfits like UK jazz-funk collective Incognito and domestic piano wunderkind Hiromi Uehara. A new supergroup making its debut is DMS, consisting of fusion pianist George Duke, bassist Marcus Miller and sax man David Sanborn.

Tokyo International Forum, Sep 2-4, ¥6,500-¥9,500 (individual concerts)/¥18,000 (one-day pass). www.tokyo-jazz.com

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11. Metamorphose

Headliners: The Flaming Lips, Leftfield, Orbital, Derrick May

A look at the headliners reveals Metamorphose’s roots in techno—the event was the brainchild of techno DJ Mayuri, who a decade ago launched it in opposition to the then-dominant trance raves.

But Metamorphose, held at a bicycle racetrack on the Izu Penninsula, has held true to its name, transforming into a sprawling festival with electronica roots that branch out to all manner of psychedelic and dance music lovers. Hence the presence this year of alt-rock pranksters The Flaming Lips, and New Orleans funk collective Galactic on the bill.

Elsewhere the lineup ministers to the faithful, taking in the roots techno of Detroit innovator Derrick May, the millennial UK dance music of Leftfield and Orbital, the Swedish minimal techno of Minilogue and Japan’s own DJ Baku.

Cycle Sports Center, Shizuoka Prefecture, Sep 3. www.metamo.info

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Also of note

Techno lord Takkyu Ishino’s Wire is back at Yokohama Arena on Aug 27 with the likes of Ben Klock, Radio Slave and Ken Ishii… J-pop juggernaut Avex will hold its annual A-nation featuring Ayumi Hamasaki and Kumi Koda et al at Ajinomoto Stadium on July 30… Latin music maniacs should partake in the pizzazz of Fukuoka’s Isla De Salsa festival in Fukuoka on Aug 6-7… Electronica fiends can get a last outdoor dose at Labyrinth at Naeba on Sep 17-19… Looking to October, Smash’s camp fest Asagiri Jam (yes, you really can see Mt. Fuji) is a mellower version of Fuji Rock usually held the second weekend of October, while Loud Park caters to the metal faithful at Saitama Super Arena on Oct 15.