The essential Bradio
This is a write-up I’ve been waiting a long time to put together. Way back when I first started writing about music here at Rice Digital, I simply had to include several mentions of the rock-funk fusion band, Bradio. Their unique look and sound make them stand out in the ever-growing and changing world of Japanese music. I can safely say that no one looks or sounds quite like this band, so if you haven’t picked them up yet then you are massively missing out.
If you need a positive pick-me-up to keep you going until spring finally hits us in full force, then join the Funky Party People – the band’s name for their fans – and groove to a little of Bradio’s catalogue of music.
The essential Bradio
When you set out to become the funkiest band in Japan, you have to go big. Bradio has never been one for subtlety, which is part of what has kept them going for over a decade. They came together in 2010, bringing together members of other bands from the funk and rock scenes to create Bradio, which stands for “Break the Rule And Do Image On.” Their current line-up is Takaaki Shingyoji on lead vocals, with Soichi Ohyama on guitar, and Ryosuke Sakai on bass.
This stripped-back roster doesn’t mean that their sound has gotten pared back over the years. In fact, Bradio is known for quite the opposite; they are an explosion of colour and sound in every song that they release. Shingyoji, who sports the best afro this side of the 70s, has described the band’s philosophy as bringing a new image without being bound by the rules and creating a positive impact on the world as a result.
Bradio was formed from the remnants of other bands that were breaking up at the time, coming together to make great funk at a time when the world could use more of it. If you’ve not had the pleasure of getting acquainted with the band’s work already, then here are a handful of songs to get you signed up for the Funky Party People lifestyle.
Flyers
No collection of Bradio songs is complete without Flyers, which was used as the opening theme song for the anime Death Parade. The anime might have been a serious, morbid affair, but the theme song is a party in your ears. The music video is especially on brand for Bradio at the time, slowly adding every single special effect imaginable to the visuals until it reveals the chaotic explosion that it was always meant to be. The song itself is fun, upbeat, and catchy, a perfect introduction to the band’s sound.
Frisbee
This is another song that is guaranteed to get you moving, no matter your mood. From the first explosive notes from Shingyoji straight into the classic funk that has always driven the band’s sound. It is big and bold and sounds like nothing else you’re likely to hear on the radio. Plus, the video marks Bradio’s first portrayal in animated form and I never knew I needed an anime about a funk band that pulls elaborate heists before, yet here we are. It is fun and playful yet executed to perfection throughout. Frisbee is the first single off of Bradio’s newest EP, The Volcanoes, which is just waiting for you to dive into on Spotify.
Ai wo, Ima
With the band being so big on their big sound and bold presentation, you might not think that they could pull off a stripped-back ballad, but you’d be wrong. Ai wo, Ima is off their 2021 album Joyful Style, and really showcases the improvement to Shingyoji’s vocals over the years. It is a soaring, emotional song that feels rawer than anything else in Bradio’s catalogue. I genuinely hope we get more of this sort of work in the future because it is beautiful to listen to. But you don’t have to take my word for it — Lilia picked it out as a favourite of last year, too.
Are you a Funky Party Person? Then feel free to share your Bradio favourites down in the comments, via the usual social channels or on the Rice Digital Friday Letters Page! We’d love to hear from you!
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