
Japanese Nu-Metal Band HANABIE’s Explosive Rise: Reflecting on Lollapalooza and the Power of International Festivals
It was supposed to be a dream come true for Japanese nu-metal band HANABIE. Their first-ever international festival appearance at Lollapalooza 2022 in Tokyo had them ecstatic, but little did they know that this breakthrough moment would mark the beginning of an unprecedented rise.
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that Lollapalooza served as a catalyst for their success. The 5-piece band from Osaka has been making waves with their aggressive sound, which seamlessly blends elements of metalcore, deathcore, and hardcore punk. Their “Bucchigiri Tokyo” EP, released just a few months ago, has taken the scene by storm.
“It’s surreal to see our music connecting with fans worldwide,” guitarist Takashi Kato shares in an exclusive interview with Billboard. “Lollapalooza was more than just a festival experience; it opened doors for us globally.”
As HANABIE takes their high-energy show on the road, performing at major festivals like Rock am Ring and Download Festival, they’re drawing inspiration from these experiences to fuel their creative process.
“The energy of international crowds has been eye-opening,” vocalist Takahiro Yano adds. “We’ve become more passionate about our music than ever before. This EP is a reflection of that newfound motivation.”
“Bucchigiri Tokyo” is an unapologetic, adrenaline-fueled ride through the darker corners of human emotion. The band’s unique blend of aggressive riffs, pummeling drums, and Takahiro’s intense vocals has captivated fans from Japan to Europe and beyond.
“We’re thrilled by the international response,” bassist Hiroto Kikuchi emphasizes. “We never expected this level of support, but it’s undeniable – we’re a global band now.”
Their newfound momentum has also led them to partner with esteemed management company, The Agency Group. With their sights set on the US market and more international shows in the pipeline, HANABIE is ready to take the world by storm.
“We believe that music knows no borders,” drummer Yuki Matsumoto emphasizes. “Our message of perseverance resonates with fans worldwide, transcending language barriers.”
As the noise around HANABIE grows louder, it’s clear that their Lollapalooza debut marked a turning point in their career trajectory. What was initially seen as an anomaly has become a defining moment – a testament to the transformative power of international festivals.
“We’re grateful for the experience and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next,” concludes HANABIE’s guitarist, still processing the whirlwind events surrounding their explosive growth.
As they close in on 1 million streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music, it’s undeniable that the impact of Lollapalooza has had a lasting effect.
Source: www.billboard.com