Japanese Breakfast

Japanese Breakfast is an American indie pop band founded by musician Michelle Zauner in 2013. The band’s unique music style incorporates elements of dream-pop, shoegaze, and lo-fi indie rock that create a distinctive blend of sound. Known for their intricate melodies, lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics, Japanese Breakfast has become one of the leading names in the indie pop genre.

The band was created as a side project by Zauner while she was the lead singer for the emo band Little Big League in Philadelphia. At the time, Zauner sought an outlet to explore more experimental and personal artistic expressions that lay beyond the confines of her primary band. After recording several demo tracks in her bedroom, Zauner found a home for her music on the independent label Yellow K Records.

Since their debut in 2013, Japanese Breakfast has released three studio albums, each acclaimed for their unique sound and imaginative storytelling. Their 2017 album, “Soft Sounds from Another Planet,” was included on numerous best of 2017 album lists, and the single “Machinist” received substantial critical acclaim. In 2021, the band released their third album, “Jubilee,” which received widespread critical and commercial success. The album’s lead single, “Be Sweet,” was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.

In addition to her work in the band, Zauner is an accomplished writer and visual artist. Her critically acclaimed 2018 memoir, “Crying in H Mart,” explores her grief and identity as a Korean-American following the death of her mother. She has also directed several music videos for Japanese Breakfast and other artists.

With a distinct sound and a growing legion of fans, Japanese Breakfast continues to captivate audiences with their lush, introspective soundscapes and compelling storytelling.