Live Report: Electronic & Hip Hop Night at the JANM

8/19/2016

On Thursday, August 18th, the Japanese-American National Museum (JANM) held an Asian-American concert for electronic and hip-hop music, as part of their ongoing Summer Night Concerts series. A-To-J was on-site to provide coverage of the event, which was all-ages and free to the public.

Oh My Muu

At 7 PM sharp, Oh My Muu took the stage to play a short set of his ambient-inspired electronic music. He performed some beautiful sample-based songs, shouting out his thanks to the audience as he was the only performer who didn't use a mic. He was gone as abruptly as he appeared, immediately relinquishing the stage to Meishi Smile.

Meishi Smile

Meishi Smile was easily the highlight of the night. A personal favorite of mine, Meishi Smile plays a range of electronic pop, ambient, and noise music. From the industrial beats and gorgeous synth leads to the deep guttural screams which accompany them, Meishi Smile's live performances are unlike any other. Accompanying Meishi Smile that night was a collaborator who played both violin and guitar, adding a level to the music which I never knew I wanted so badly until I heard it live. If you ever get the chance to witness Meishi Smile live, I highly recommend you don't pass it up. This was only my second time seeing them, and easily one of the best live sets I've seen in years.

YEAR of the OX

YEAR of the OX, a duo from New York, opened up the hip-hop half of the night. They were talented rappers, full of charm and charisma, but unfortunately I have to admit that I wasn't too into it. Don't let that turn you away, though; the audience loved them, and they were definitely good. Just not my thing. I'd still say to check them out for sure!

Dumbfoundead

THIS was more like it. Korean-American rapped Dumbfoundead closed out the night for a crowd who was all too eager to get up-close and personal. A massively talented rapper with great hooks and production to boot, Dumbfoundead got the crowd pumped like nobody else. The audience screamed for his latest single "Harambe", and he delivered. He was the artist the majority of the crowd was there to see, and he put a great cap on an incredible night.

The JANM puts on a ton of free events throughout the summer, though this was the first I had the fortune to see. It was a great chance to discover some new music, and see one of my favorite local performers as well. Meishi Smile was definitely the highlight of the night, and I'll be sure to keep an eye on future JANM events. I recommend that you do the same!

-Justin

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