Suchmos

The music of the Japanese band Suchmos is recognized as J-rock, but their work is influenced by many styles of traditional black music, such as jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop. Suchmos was formed in January 2013 by drummer Kento Ohara and vocalist Yosuke Kasai, who invited their old friends Hayata Kosugi (bass) and Ayustat (guitar) to join.

By the time of their first live performance, the band didn't yet have a name. The idea was hinted by a photo of Louis Armstrong (also known as Satchmo) that the musicians happened to see during a rehearsal.

In April 2015, Suchmos released their first EP, Essence, on Space Shower Music, and in July, their debut studio album, The Bay, was released, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Japan Top Albums chart. The single YMM from this album reached number 44 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. In December, the group won the Best New Artist award at the annual Apple Music Best Awards and held a major concert, Suchmos The Blow Your Mind Vol. 1, featuring the renowned Japanese band Soil & "Pimp" Sessions as one of the first guests.

In early 2016, the next EP, Love & Vice, was released, topping the iTunes General Album Chart. The song Stay Tune reached number one on the J-Wave Tokyo Hot 100 and the top ten on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. A third EP, Mint Condition, was released in July, and Mint again reached the top 100, this time at number 16. Their second studio album, The Kids, was released in January 2017 and again enjoyed great success, reaching number two on the Billboard Japan Top Albums Sales.