Presented by She Shreds x NYLON
CHAI
Think of all things PINK, an undeniable love for dumplings, a sound that fuses the likings of Basement Jaxx, CSS, JUSTICE, and Tom Tom Club, with lyrics focused on “self-empowerment” and redefining the definition of “kawaii”, you’ll think of CHAI.
Formed in 2015, CHAI consists of identical twins MANA (voc/keys) and KANA (gt/cho), along with high school classmate YUNA (dr/cho), and college acquaintance YUUKI (ba/cho).
US indie label, Burger Records, took a liking to the band after stumbling upon their irresistibly unique music video, “Boyz Seco Men”, signing them to a US distribution deal and including CHAI in their SXSW showcases in March of 2018.
CHAI later signed a UK distribution deal after the head of Heavenly Recordings spotted the band at their SXSW performances.
CHAI has been recognized by media such as Pitchfork, i-D, DIY, Loud & Quiet, and their music has been included in Apple Music’s UNTITLED Playlist, BBC-1 Radio, Radio-X, and more!
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.