I remember when I listened to the song “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 for the first time. Digging deeper into the album Songs About Jane, 15 year old me was completely smitten by the funky sounds. It was a defining moment in my personal music history.
A few years later, I was NOT happy to see singer Adam Levine’s psychopathic DMs, where he suggested naming his wife’s new baby after the “”model”” he’d had an affair with… It unfortunately doesn’t get much worse than that, and all hopes for a slick comeback album like Songs About Jane died then and there.
While I hope to scrub my mind from Levine’s DMs, I still haven’t forgotten the first time I listened to the album.
In recent times, I’ve seen others call for more Songs About Jane type sounds – funk rock with great instrumentals and high hitting vocals.
I found some local funk artists where I live in Japan making some great tracks that really hit that funky spot. I wanted to share them with you today!
Why Japan?
Japan has a rich history for loving jazz, funk, and soul music. In fact, the chords that make up modern day Japanese mainstream pop have their roots in Soul progressions.
The Recs
Here are three artists I listen to almost every day who have a great modern funk sound.
Brkfstblend
Vocalist Michael Kaneko was raised between SoCal and Japan. SoCal also happens to be the origin place of Maroon 5, and like Songs About Jane, there is plenty of California soul and blues influence on the album. There’s also a chill Shonan surf twist on the sound, the beach region where Kaneko grew up in Japan. All songs are in English.
The band is very new – they released their first album this year. Kaneko hosts beach listening parties to promote the band and meet fans, and for some reason, they currently have a strong following in China.
Recommended Album: brkfstblend
Songs to Listen to First: 2am, Fine Love
Kroi
This is the star pick that inspired this whole post. Kroi is a five piece band that makes mostly funk rock (but also any kind of soul, r&b, and hip-hop – it’s in their name). Kroi has funk rock songs reminiscent of “This Love”, to soulful pop like “Sunday Morning”.
Vocalist Leo Uchida hits a wide range of high and perfectly sweet to low and gritty. The rhythm section is insanely tight. Each member commands their instrument.
Kroi songs are catchy and always innovative – they probably won’t switch over to mass radio production anytime soon (I’m looking at you, Payphone…)
I hope you enjoy Kroi as much as I do!
Recommended Album: Lens
Songs to Listen to First: HORN, Balmy Life
The Engy
The Engy is a small funk band based out of Kyoto and has the biggest pop influence out of these picks. The group stands out for their high level of production and mixing, which is masterfully done by the band members themselves.
Their vocalist is fluent in English and uses a mix of Japanese and English for the lyrics. This song in particular is a super catchy soul song and great for those who like bright tunes.
Recommended Album: Hold You Again
Songs to Listen to First: N, Crying Dancer
There is no lack of funky innovative fusion in Japan, and I’m thankful to live in a place where my favorite music style is thriving.
Glad to share it with you, too! I hope you found a song you like!
Until next time. ❤
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