Chai by Chai Cassette Tape

The Japanese band CHAI cast a spell on the world in 2017 with their debut album, 'Pink', a collection of songs that introduced their singular brand of playful pop. The enthusiastically feminist follow-up, 'Punk', raked in accolades from the music press and fellow artists. That led ...The Japanese band CHAI cast a spell on the world in 2017 with their debut album, 'Pink', a collection of songs that introduced their singular brand of playful pop.

The enthusiastically feminist follow-up, 'Punk', raked in accolades from the music press and fellow artists. That led to 'Wink', which CHAI made via remote Zoom sessions, a limitation that became a strength by allowing MANA (lead vocals and keys), KANA (guitar), YUNA (drums), and YUUKI (bassist-lyricist) to collaborate with artists abroad to create a work that found catharsis in their international community. Unlike 'Wink', the band's new self-titled album finds CHAI returning to their roots, drawing inspiration from their Japanese heritage and the music that raised them.

'Everything reflected in the lyrics expresses our experience as Japanese women,' MANA says.