Semi-On

Semi-On is a funk, folk-rock band, formed in August 2007 in Nagoya, Japan. Its members hail from England, Australia, Canada, and Japan, and at present, they continue to call Nagoya home.

Semi-On
Semi-On (June 2008) live at the Rainbow Benten Festival in Hamanako, Shizuoka, Japan
Background information
OriginNagoya, Aichi, Japan
GenresFunk, folk, rock
Years active2007–present
LabelsUnsigned
Websitewww.semion.org

Their style is difficult to categorize into one genre,[1] which is unsurprising, considering their varied backgrounds in music. The drummer brings jazz, swing, and bossa; the lead singer, a European chanteuse feel; the guitarist blends rock rhythm and licks with blues overtones; the bassist is solidly grounded in funk; and the violinist combines old-time fiddle with Eastern European melodies. The result is an eclectic milieu of tunes - disco, rock, country, and folk – all with a lilting gypsy-esque feel.

Live performances

Semi-On has become a resident band of the Nagoya club Plastic Factory, where they host Harmonium Parlour, an open mic and art exhibition, once a month. They have played extensively throughout central Japan, most notably in Nagano,[2] Gifu, Shizuoka, Osaka, Kyoto, and Aichi.

In the summer of 2010, the band toured the United Kingdom, playing in London, Cheshire, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Harmonium Parlour[3]

In addition to their time spent on stage, Semi-On have created an Open Mic and Art Space event in Nagoya called Harmonium Parlour, which has been running since June 2008. This event, held at the Plastic Factory in Imaike, Nagoya, is held on the last Sunday of every month (except December). Musicians, artists, and performers of any ilk are invited to share the first floor stage, and spectators are encouraged to participate. And DJ Toru of Nagoya spins old-school vinyl between acts.

On the second floor of the club is a newly renovated gallery, where a featured artist displays for free, for this night only. Previous artists include Masaaki Hagino, Mami Ito, Kenichi Tanaka, and Saddle Kobayashi.

Members
Bryony, John, Kazuya, Coleen, and Lesley. September 2010. Photo by Mami Ito.

Bryony Ollier - vocals, clarinet, pianica

Hometown - Goostrey, Cheshire, England

John Pickering - vocals, electric guitar

Hometown - Belleville, Ontario, Canada

Kazuya Kato - drums

Hometown - Tajimi, Gifu, Japan

Coleen Wickdahl - vocals, fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, banjo

Hometown - Erickson, Manitoba, Canada

Lesley Bartlett - bass

Hometown - Elong Elong, New South Wales, Australia

Discography
  • December 2008 The Perils of Having Too Much Fun

Upcoming shows

Nagoya band Semi-On's upcoming gigs are listed on their website.

Press

Review - The Constitution in Camden, London - August 2010
Gaijin Sounds 2010 Champion Sounds: Semi-On - June 2010
Nag Gets It On - August 2009
Gaijin Sounds LIVE Profile: Semi-On - June 2009
Get Your Semi-On - May 2009
Harmonium Parlour - August 2008

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References
  1. Millar, Emily. "get your semi-on" Japanzine May 2009: 24
  2. Staff writer. "tracks holiday fun!" Japanzine December 2009: 41
  3. Millar, Emily. "Harmonium Parlour" Japanzine August 2008: 30-31.
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