Photo_Masanori Naruse
Finally, at the end of this month, the "fuji rock festival '17". This year, the event will be held from Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30.
This year, too, the headliners "Gorillaz," "Aphex Twin," and "Bjork" are lined up to unleash the festival space with excitement, but one of the charms of Fuji Rock is the wide range of music genres that can be experienced at venues of all sizes, from the main Green Stage to the smaller stages, with a variety of atmospheres and colors. One of the attractions of Fuji Rock is the depth and breadth of the musical genres that can be experienced at venues of all sizes, from the main Green Stage to the smaller stages. Of course, this is nothing new.
And, as was the case last year, HOUYHNHNM's editorial staff is also planning to participate. We have picked out the artists we would like to see from HOUYHNHNM's point of view (or rather, from our own personal point of view).
APHEX TWIN
Although they are not coming to Japan with a new album, I am curious anyway, since their album "Syro" released in 2014 was also very well received.
BJÖRK
It is interesting because you can never predict what kind of performance it will be. Don't miss it.
GORILLAZ
Gorillaz" is a virtual band that has released a new album for the first time in seven years and is now attracting attention from all over the world. Their first appearance at Fuji Rock. A must-see.
THE AVALANCHES
Their second album "Wildflower," released 16 years after their first album, is a masterpiece. The band was scheduled to perform at "FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '16," but unfortunately the performance was canceled, and many fans must have been disappointed. Expectations for the band's next release will only get higher.
THUNDERCAT
THUNDERCAT has released its new album "Drunk," its first full-length album in four years since 2013's "Apocalypse," and the cover of the album must have caught many people by surprise. THUNDERCAT is a member of a new generation that has captivated both older music lovers and younger fans of hip-hop and electronic music with its unique style based on jazz and incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic music, soul music, and more.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM regrettably disbanded after their appearance at Fuji Rock in July 2010. After disbanding, they suddenly released a single in December 2015 and reunited. After five years since their reunion, they made a big splash at the Coachella Festival in 2004, where they performed as the headliner. The band will return to Japan for the first time since their reunion at Fuji Rock Festival '17. I want to hear "Someone Great.
SAMPHA
R&B singer/producer from South London with a beautiful voice that has been described as the Next Sam Smith. Her voice has been featured on songs by Kanye West, Drake, SBTRKT, Jessie Ware, and many more. It is still a must hear live.
CORNELIUS (Photo_Sukita)
They just released a new album "Mellow Waves" at the end of June. Without saying too much, it is well worth a look.
Kenji Ozawa
Ozaken comeback! Whatever the case may be, the original "Boogie Back Tonight" at Fuji Rock!
Schadaraparr
Many people are (or should be) secretly hoping for a "Boogie Back Tonight" collaboration with Ozaken.
THE XX
Their third album, "I See You," was released in January 2017, reaching #1 in the UK charts and a record-breaking #2 in the US charts. The album sold phenomenally well in Japan and around the world. For your information, an interview with one of the members, Oliver, can be found atthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)From.
YUKI
YUKI continues to captivate audiences with her unique worldview, distinctive voice, and one-of-a-kind live performances, and we all want to sing along.
The list is endless, so I'll leave it at that.
However, considering the sight of many visitors leaving the venue with smiles on their faces every year, it is easy to imagine that the attractive lineup that satisfies and impresses the more than 100,000 core music fans every year is a result of the festival's efforts. It is easy to imagine that the event is well realized. And judging by the way tickets go on sale early and sell out before the lineup is even announced, it is safe to say that people's trust in Fuji Rock is strong.
FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '17 is making a new start after also completing its memorable 20th anniversary last year. In this age of social networking, where genre barriers have been removed, I feel as if the lineup this time around shows the feeling that the festival must evolve to further broaden its musical scope, while still following the style of Fuji Rock. I can't help but look forward to it.
Above all, I just hope that this year's event will be as sunny as last year's for the three days. To all the participants, I will see you at the venue. Hallelujah!
Text_Jun Nakada
fuji rock festival '17
Dates: Friday, July 28 - Sunday, July 30
Venue: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawamachi, Niigata
Price: 3-day pass ¥43,000, 2-day pass ¥36,000, 1-day pass ¥19,000
Parking ticket: ¥3,000
Campsite ticket: ¥3,000
www.fujirockfestival.com
