Summer Sonic on Thursday unveiled nine new domestic acts and a solo artist from China for its upcoming 2016 edition, including indie trio Cero and singer-songwriter Kazumi Nikaido, who is performing with the Gentle Forest Jazz Band.
Chinese solo artist Leah Dou has also been added to the lineup, while other domestic acts include a collaboration between Chitose Hajime and UQiYO, guitarist Michael Kaneko, punk outfit SpecialThanks, indie crew Lili Limit, all-female metal band Aldious and underground unit Mio Yamazaki.
The collaborative Sunday performances of Kazumi Nikaido and Chitose Hajime are scheduled to be held at the festival's Garden Stage, which offers audiences a relaxed atmosphere that is very different from the boisterous vibe typically found at the main stages. Coming from a folk background, Chitose Hajime is renowned for her distinctive falsetto vocal ranges. UQiYO, meanwhile, comprises Yuqi (vocals, guitar, piano and mixing), Phantao (piano and keyboards) and Sima (drums).
Nikaido began her career in 1995 as a vocalist with Higenashi, although she now predominantly sings accompanied by only a guitar. In contrast, the Gentle Forest Jazz Band is a 21-member outfit fronted by a conductor that creates energetic swing-jazz.
Leading artists on the bill this year include Radiohead and Weezer, while the festival also sees the reunion of glam rockers The Yellow Monkey as well as popular domestic acts such as Sakanaction and Gesu no Kiwami Otome.
For further information about Summer Sonic, visit www.summersonic.com/2016.