Formed in Tokyo in 2020, xiexie has rapidly ascended within the Japanese indie scene by synthesizing global dream pop aesthetics with a distinct local sensibility. The four-piece ensemble, led by vocalist/guitarist Meari, draws significant influence from the '90s shoegaze movement and modern US indie, yet their rhythmic approach often leans into the tighter, more groove-oriented structures of surf rock and neo-psychedelia.
Their inclusion in the Fuji Rock 'Rookie A Go Go' lineup in 2022 marked a critical turning point, establishing them as a leading voice in the 'new city pop' or 'Asian indie' wave. Critically, they are noted for their high production values that maintain an 'analog warmth' despite their contemporary origins. Their sound identity is defined by Meari's breathy vocal delivery and Yamato Koda's shimmering guitar work, which often utilizes heavy modulation to create a liquid, immersive texture. They occupy a cultural space that connects the nostalgic, urban-focused themes of classic J-indie with the more expansive, atmospheric trends of the international dream pop community.
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style)
Shares dream pop, indie pop (subgenres); dreamy, wistful, serene (moods)
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style)
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style)
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style)
Shares reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style); dream pop, indie pop (subgenres)
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style)
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); dreamy, wistful, serene (moods)
Shares dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic rock (subgenres); reverb_heavy, analog_warmth, studio_polished (production style)
Shares hazy vocal double-tracking, dream pop, shimmering, golden_hour (detail)
Shares dream pop, shimmering, psychedelic rock, serene (signature)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →