Otonana Trio
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Otonana Trio

Nerima, Tōkyō, Japan | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE

Nerima, Tōkyō, Japan | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2012
Band Rock Funk

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Music

Press


"For the Community IX Houston's Fastest Growing Free Festival"

Otonana Trio was absolutely a trip. While nearly everyone was absorbed by their theatrics, there were just a few of us looking around the sureal scene wondering what was going on. People were waving what appeared to be a Japanese flag, with a heart in the place of the rising sun, and the word 'Ramen' in the center. Not one of the FTC9 festival goers could resist during the song "Ramen Wars." Everyone was chanting and waving those flags, it was just sureal, there really are no words. The other song we loved was "Life is Awesome" because it hit a chord with every person, maybe because it was spring break, maybe because FTC is great, maybe because life really is awesome. It was a party. - Red Publication


"Otonana Trio reminds you 'Life is Awesome!!'"

Getting bored with formulaic pop songs? Check out Otonana Trio. This international sensation is listed under J-pop, but this Japanese group is not typical to that genre. Otonana Trio is a mixed bag of musical style. They use funky bass lines, heavily rock-inspired guitar solos, and some electronic influence. Watch their newest music video, “Japanese Festival Theme.”

Their newest album came out today, Oct. 28, 2014. You can preview the music here. It is called Say a Little Prayer for the Ramen King. The vocalist, Kentaro Saito, explains the name “The Ramen was born as a result of Japanese people liking too much of the Chinese food…The point is that the ramen is Chinese born Japanese food according to history.” The name of the band translates to “Three Growns-ups.” Otonana Trio can also mean “Trio de Adults” in rough Japanese.

Say a Little Prayer for the Ramen King is a really fun album and there are unexpected nods to American music legends. For example, there's a line from Sly & The Family Stone's “Dance To The Music” in Otonana Trio's “Japanese Festival Theme.” We are pretty sure we heard elements influenced by Primus, the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix in other songs.

Otonana Trio is currently on tour in the United States. You can view upcoming dates here. What is their live music like? They are infamous for Kung Fu fighting while on stage. That's awesome (as long as they don't do that in the pit!). You may also see an occasional bunny hop move. Warning: they might even shed some clothing. For proof of their antics, watch this music video. Otonana Trio love to use humor in their music and it is great to see it visually. Check out their Youtube videos, such as this one.

Otonana Trio is on Facebook, so keep up with their posts. Be sure to share with your friends that you found Japanese pop music that will blow them away. This band has a fusion of inspiration. They will hear rock, blues, pop, funk, jazz and electronic dance music in one place. - AXS


"‘Stories at the Homerun Office’ Album Review"

If you’re in the mood for some punk rock
with a Far East flavor, look no further than
Otanana Trio. This Japanese three-piece was
started by ex-Dynamite Club member Kentaro Saito and their “Stories at the Homerun
Office” debut is a blast. After a so-so start
with “Baroque Hoedown” and “Knobini,”
the Trio find their groove. Standouts include
“Don’t Call Me in a Morning,” “Sunrise,”
the stomping “Homerun Blues” and Red Hot
Chili Peppers-inspired “Prostitution.” Domo
arigato. - Daily News McKeesport 11/27/2012


Discography


  • Stories at the Homerun Office: 2012
  • The Ramen War: 2013
  • Say a little prayer for the Ramen King: 2014


Photos

Bio

Self-described as the Japanese version
of P-funk with a touch of Hendrix, Les
Claypool, and Sheila E, Otonana Trio has
become a staple in the Tokyo music
scene. The trio is known for their hyped-
up live performance sets and ability to get
the crowd moving and shaking.


One of their most popular singles,
"Ramen War III" (from the last album) is a
fun anthem like that has garnered much
attention and has quickly become a fan
favorite. You can check out the official
music video to "Ramen War III" on 

Youtube at https://youtu.be/C3syhMHzR0I 

The band is also planning to release
several new music videos for "The Lost
Ramen Generation."


Internationally, Otonana Trio has played


over 300 shows at which more than
eighty percent were dive bars; It was during these events that they learned the crowds want to


dance. This influenced the band’s evolution from modern jazz to a lively, high-energy funk sound.
The music will keep the crowd on their feet from beginning to end, as you may find in the live
footage on youtube,


Ramen War III (Live) https://youtu.be/4JlzYOMwbm0

Life is Awesome (Live) http://youtu.be/qU_-MPtKyXc


About Otonana Trio


Kentaro Saito, lead guitarist/singer, is not new to the American music scene in fact he graduated
from one of the most prestigious schools in Hollywood with awards and has a degree in jazz
performance. He had a jazz band but soon decided that jazz wasn’t going to reach the masses.
Kentaro moved back to Japan but after the Earthquake he decided to give America another chance
and formed the Otonana Trio, with the help of an old band mate. Once he found Hikari Kuroda and
Kazuhisa Maekawa he took a different approach by playing the Japanese version of P-funk. Now
they are going on tour and ready to make everyone dance. 

Band Members