Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders are Taking On the World

/ DAEMON

Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders have dropped the news that they will be kicking off 2021 with an international debut courtesy of a newly inked agreement with the US-based 88rising. Our favorite four-member piano funk meets post-punk and acid jazz unit will be be taking on the world under the name, ATARASHII GAKKO!   

If you are unfamiliar with 88rising, they are a media, management and marketing company specializing in helping Asian artists cross over into American music markets “in an efficient but meaningful way”. The majority of artists on their roster fall under the genres of hip-hop and R&B, which makes it as good a fit as any for the eclectic energy of ATARASHII GAKKO! who, by and large, defy categorization.

In preparation for taking on the world, ATARASHII GAKKO! will be joining an international lineup on December 2nd (US EST; December 3rd JST) for the DOUBLE HAPINESS Winter Wonder Festival featuring CHAI, RIRI and about 30 other artists from around the world.

https://twitter.com/japanleaders/status/1331062530249113601?s=20

The whole thing will be streamed for free on the new media platform EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

Overall, this is an incredibly positive and exciting development. ATARASHII GAKKO!, with their impeccably precise dance routines, frenetically quirky energy and hook-laden tunes powered by SUZUKA (the most under-rated voice in alternative idol), have all the elements necessary to grab Western attention in an oversaturated, TikTok world.  We can only hope 88rising is also looking into potential partnerships with other chika units that lean towards the R&B/Hip Hop end of the spectrum like lyrical school, FAREWELL, MY L.u.v and O’CHAWANZ. 

2021 is looking better already.

One thought on “Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders are Taking On the World”

  1. This is actually pretty cool. I definitely think people over here, at least at the indie/alt music level, will take well to their jazz-punk style and if you’ve ever seen any of the videos of them just goofing around they’re really entertaining personalities, especially Suzuka, which will also help endear them to people.

    I definitely hope they do well enough to make 88rising (or other labels) look into signing more acts. Idol stuff is always going to have stigma as a hurdle to get over in the west but if the music’s there I think there are people who will come around.

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