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Kero Kero Bonito

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Kero Kero Bonito (KKB) are a British indie pop band formed in London in 2013. The band consists of vocalist Sarah Midori Perry and producers and multi-instrumentalists Gus Lobban and Jamie Bulled.

Kero Kero Bonito
Kero Kero Bonito performing at Indietracks in 2019
Kero Kero Bonito performing at Indietracks in 2019
Background information
OriginSouth London, England
Genres
Years active2013–present
Labels
Members
  • Gus Lobban
  • Jamie Bulled
  • Sarah Midori Perry
Websitekerokerobonito.com

Their musical style consists of indie pop,[1] electropop,[2] dance-rock,[3] hyperpop,[4] and bubblegum pop.[5] The band's earlier work was influenced by J-pop such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as well as dancehall, and video game music;[6] however, following their 2018 EP TOTEP their sound and influences diversified, with their second studio album, Time 'n' Place, being influenced by indie rock contemporaries such as Mount Eerie and My Bloody Valentine.[7][8] Perry, who is of mixed Japanese and British ancestry, sings and raps in both Japanese and English.

History

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Jamie Bulled (left) and Gus Lobban (right)
 
Sarah Midori Perry performing the song "Break" from the album Bonito Generation, live in Dublin (2018)

Lobban and Bulled grew up in Bromley in the suburbs south of London and met in their teens.[9] In search for a new band member, they posted advertisements, including on MixB, an online bulletin board for Japanese expatriates, largely due to their interest in "Japanese rap".[9][10] Perry was one of the first respondents. They selected her based on her background in art, and their interest in her bilingual ability.[10] Although she had collaborated with a Japanese girl group previously,[10] Perry did not have a background in professional singing; instead, she was interested in collaborating with Lobban and Bulled simply because she "wanted to try it".[11]

The trio called themselves Kero Kero Bonito; its meaning is intentionally ambiguous, with one derivation from the Japanese onomatopoeic words for frog croaks and a type of fish.[12] Other meanings include the Brazilian quero-quero bird while "bonito" means "pretty" in both Portuguese and Spanish, thus "Pretty Quero-quero" – or even "I want, I want pretty" in a rough translation.[13]

The group released their debut mixtape Intro Bonito through Double Denim Records in August 2014.[14][15] They wrote many of their songs featured on the mixtape using a Casio SA-46 mini-keyboard.[16][17] The band contributed "Flamingo" to Ryan Hemsworth's compilation EP shh#ffb6c1.[18]

In September 2014, Kero Kero Bonito released Bonito Recycling, a compilation of Intro Bonito remixes by artists including Danny L Harle and Spazzkid.[19] The band released the single "Build It Up", on which Perry sings in a call and response pattern, in November 2014.[20]

On 10 August 2015, Kero Kero Bonito announced their first North American tour, which took place during October 2015.[21][22]

On 21 October 2016, the group released their first album Bonito Generation through Double Denim.[23]

On 2 February 2017, the YouTuber Berd published a parody animation of the band's single "Flamingo".[24] The video went viral, and became an internet meme, surpassing 25 million views as of April 2023.

On 12 February 2018, the band released the single "Only Acting". It departs from the band's previous electronic sound with a darker, rock-influenced style.[25] Later, on 20 February 2018, the band released the EP TOTEP. The EP included "Only Acting", and other songs following the rock-influenced style.

 
Sarah Midori Perry and Jennifer Walton performing in Hoboken, NJ in 2018

On 13 April 2018, the band performed their first 'full band' show. This involved two extra members, James Rowland on electric guitar and Jennifer Walton on drums and sampler, as well as Lobban on drums and keyboards and Bulled on bass guitar. Rowland previously played guitar on TOTEP. This change in live line-up reflected their change in sound following the EP.[citation needed]

On 8 May 2018, the band released the single, "Time Today", and announced their second studio album, Time 'n' Place, which was released on 1 October 2018. The album was sonically a significant departure from their previous studio album, and was inspired by radical changes in the band's personal lives following their tour cycle for their debut album.[citation needed]

On 8 July 2019, the band uploaded "KKB Life" to YouTube, a vlog video recorded during the Time `n` Place era, announcing that a new era is starting. They announced a North America and Europe tour shortly after and released the single "When the Fires Come" in September 2019. Later on in the month, before the tour started, they also released their fourth EP Civilisation I.[26]

In 2020, the band wrote and performed "It's Bugsnax!", the theme song for the video game Bugsnax, which was featured in its announcement trailer.[27]

In April 2021, Kero Kero Bonito released their fifth EP, Civilisation II.[28]

In September 2021, Kero Kero Bonito released "Rom Com 2021", a remix of Soccer Mommy's single "Rom Com 2004". The song was released under the 23rd instalment of Adult Swim's Singles Series.[29]

In August 2023, the band released "Legendary", the official theme song for the Pokémon World Championships.[30]

Band members and solo work

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Sarah Midori Perry

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Sarah Midori Perry, also known as Sarah Bonito and Cryalot, is the lead singer of the band. On 30 June 2022, Perry released "Hell Is Here", her debut single under her solo project Cryalot and the lead single to her debut solo EP Icarus, which was released on 2 September 2022.[31][32]

In addition to her solo work she has featured on many other projects. Electronic musician Spazzkid was a fan of Kero Kero Bonito and enlisted Perry to rap on "Truly" from his 2014 Promise EP.[33] In 2014 she was also featured on the track "Horsey" by Macross 82-99. In 2015 she was featured on "Everyday", the debut single by producer Chroma-kei.[34] In 2021 she featured on A. G. Cook's remix album Apple vs. 7G, performing vocals on the remix version of "The Darkness" alongside Hannah Diamond. In 2022 she was featured on the track "STARSTUD" by Matt Watson from his first full-length album, SEE YOU THERE.

Extended plays

  • Icarus (as Cryalot) (2022)
  • Icarus Remixes (as Cryalot) (2023)

Singles

Gus Lobban

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"Kane West" redirects here. Not to be confused with Kanye West.

Gus Lobban, also known as Kane West[35] and Augustus, provides drums, keyboards, sampler, background vocals, and production for the band. He won a remix contest for Tiga's "Let's Go Dancing" with Audion. He contributed to PC Music's mix for DISown. He later released his Western Beats EP through the label.[36] Tiny Mix Tapes ranked the EP 31st on their list of "Favorite 50 Music Releases of 2014",[37] and Fact placed Western Beats 33rd on its year-end list.[38] The following year, his song "T.R.U.E.L.O.V.E." appeared on Folie Douce's second Confessions compilation.[39] In August 2015, Kane West released the EP Expenses Paid on Turbo Recordings.[40] Since 2016, Lobban has used this alias mainly to release remixes, with the exception of "Definitely Come Together", a collaboration with Cecile Believe[41][non-primary source needed][42] released through PC Music during their Month of Mayhem.

As well as Kane West, Lobban also releases solo work as Augustus, a project influenced heavily by Japanese city pop music. Under this name he has released an original song entitled "Vs." (as part of a promotional compilation for Zoom Lens), as well as cover versions of songs by GFOTY and Perfume. He also provides vocals on the song "Money Won't Pay" by fellow London musician bo en. In addition to these two projects, Lobban co-wrote and produced two tracks on Saint Etienne's 2017 album Home Counties.

Extended plays

  • Western Beats (as Kane West) (2014)
  • Expenses Paid (as Kane West) (2015)
  • DJ Move Your Body (as Kane West with Thomas von Party) (2020)
  • Gus Bonito vs. Kane West (As Gus Bonito vs. Kane West) (2024)[43][44]

Singles

  • "Vs." (as Augustus) (2013)
  • "I Guess It Really Didn't Matter" (as Augustus) (2013)
  • "Wonder2" (as Augustus) (2014)
  • "Thank You Stephanie" (as Augustus) (2014)
  • "T.R.U.E.L.O.V.E." (as Kane West) (2015)
  • "Definitely Come Together" (as Kane West) (2017)

Jamie Bulled

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Jamie Bulled, also known as Wharfwhit, performs keyboards, electric guitar, bass guitar, sampler, and production for the band. Prior to Kero Kero Bonito, Bulled was a member of the band Kabogaeries. Since forming Kero Kero Bonito, Bulled now records music under the name Wharfwhit,[45] with the 2016 single 'Elbows' and 2017 albums 'Evidently' and 'WHARFWHAT!?'[46] released under this name. In December 2021, Bulled released the double A-side single 'Strictly Dumb Dancing / Live Laugh Love London', under the moniker The JLB. The two tracks are in a UK garage style.

Mixtapes

  • Wharfwhat? (as Wharfwhit) (2017)

Extended plays

  • Evidently (as Wharfwhit) (2017)
  • @ My Whit's End (as Wharfwhit) (2018)
  • Legit (as Wharfwhit) (2020)
  • Jamie Loves Bangers (as The JLB) (2022)

Singles

  • "Elbows" (as Wharfwhit) (2016)
  • "Little Pebbles in My Sock" (as Wharfwhit) (2017)
  • "Hooha!" (as Wharfwhit) (2017)
  • "I'd Say Croydon" (as Wharfwhit) (2019)
  • "Strictly Dumb Dancing" / "Live Laugh Love London" (as The JLB) (2021)

Live band members

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The band perform live as both a traditional band, and as a trio using a sequencer and samplers. The full live band consists of these members:

  • Sarah Bonito – lead vocals, keyboards
  • Gus Lobban – backing vocals, keyboards, drums
  • Jamie Bulled – bass guitar
  • Jennifer Walton – drums, sampler
  • James Rowland – guitar

Discography

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Main article: Kero Kero Bonito discography
Studio Albums

Mixtapes

Extended Plays

Awards and nominations

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Year Association Category Nominated Work Result Ref
2019 Libera Award Best Outlier Album Time 'n' Place Nominated [47]

References

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  1. ^ Sauers, Camille (19 July 2018). "Kero Kero Bonito To Bring Weird British Bubblegum To San Antonio". San Antonio Current. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  2. ^ Gaca, Anna (14 October 2016). "New Music: Kero Kero Bonito – Bonito Generation". Spin. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  3. ^ "KERO KERO BONITO – SURPRISE! IT'S AN ALBUM". Flaunt. 1 October 2018. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  4. ^ Raymer, Miles (25 November 2014). Hyperpop geniuses Kero Kero Bonito made us a playlist. Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  5. ^ Conde, Chris (9 May 2019). "UK Bubble Gum Pop Rockers Kero Kero Bonito Gear Up for November Show in San Antonio". San Antonio Current. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  6. ^ Mack, Tommy (28 August 2014). "DiScover: Kero Kero Bonito". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  7. ^ "Kero Kero Bonito are smiling through it all". The Fader. Archived from the original on 1 June 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2018.,
  8. ^ "kero kero bonito finds solace in chaotic sounds". i-D. 23 October 2018. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  9. ^ a b Song, Sandra (16 September 2014). "Going Global with Kero Kero Bonito". Impose. Archived from the original on 10 May 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  10. ^ a b c Bulut, Selim (29 August 2014). "Next: Kero Kero Bonito". Dummy. Archived from the original on 1 September 2014.
  11. ^ Aroseti, Rachel (7 April 2017). "Kero Kero Bonito: 'It's just a bassline, vocals, super clear message and that's it'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  12. ^ Lester, Paul (28 November 2014). "New band of the week: Kero Kero Bonito (No 33)". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  13. ^ Lawrence, Iyas (18 November 2016). "Kero Kero Bonito Tell Us Why Positivity Is Punk AF". Vice. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  14. ^ Raymer, Miles (13 August 2014). "Get hooked on Kero Kero Bonito's 'Sick Beat'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  15. ^ McDermott, Patrick D. (2 September 2014). "Hear London Producer bo en's Cutely Delirious Remix of Kero Kero Bonito". The Fader. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  16. ^ "Songminer with Alaska Reid - Ep. 7 - Gus Lobban | Part 2". RSS.com. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  17. ^ Hunt, El (24 December 2014). "Dear Santa... Love Kero Kero Bonito". DIY. Archived from the original on 30 December 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  18. ^ "Kero Kero Bonito share new free download on Ryan Hemsworth compilation". DIY. 25 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  19. ^ Cliff, Aimee (1 October 2014). "Stream Kero Kero Bonito's 6-track remix 'Recycling' EP". Dazed. Archived from the original on 19 March 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  20. ^ Carrasco, Alexa (17 November 2014). "Listen to Kero Kero Bonito's New Track 'Built it Up'". Paste. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  21. ^ Bonito, Kero Kero (10 August 2015). "We announced a US tour and released a new song (s/o @gorillavsbear)". Twitter.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  22. ^ Brown, Harley (10 August 2015). "Kero Kero Bonito Share Jaunty 'Chicken'". Spin. Archived from the original on 13 August 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  23. ^ Richards, Will (19 October 2016). "Interview: My Generation: Kero Kero Bonito". DIY. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  24. ^ "Flamingo". Archived from the original on 13 February 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2020 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ "Kero Kero Bonito drops new single and video, "Only Acting"". The FADER. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  26. ^ KKB Life, archived from the original on 31 January 2020, retrieved 2 October 2019
  27. ^ "Bugsnax Song Writer Explains How Band Kero Kero Bonito Crafted The PS5 Game's Catchy Theme Song". GameSpot. 28 June 2020. Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  28. ^ "Kero Kero Bonito reveal '21/04/20' video". DIY. 21 April 2021. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  29. ^ "Kero Kero Bonito and Soccer Mommy share "rom com 2021"". The FADER. 27 September 2021. Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  30. ^ DeVille, Chris (11 August 2023). "Kero Kero Bonito Share "Legendary (2023 Pokémon World Championships Theme)"". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  31. ^ Rettig, James (30 June 2022). "Kero Kero Bonito's Sarah Midori Perry Shares Debut Single as Cryalot, "Hell Is Here"". Stereogum. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  32. ^ Cryalot [@_cryalot] (8 August 2022). "Due to circumstances outside of our control the Icarus EP will now be coming out on the 2nd of September ♡" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ "Stream Spazzkid's neon-washed Promise EP, out soon on Daedelus' Magical Properties imprint". Fact. 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  34. ^ Milton, Jamie (16 February 2015). "The Neu Bulletin (16th February 2015)". DIY. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  35. ^ Sherburne, Philip (24 September 2014). "Kero Kero Bonito: "Cat vs. Dog (Kane West Remix)"". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  36. ^ Sherburne, Philip (17 September 2014). "PC Music's Twisted Electronic Pop: A User's Manual". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  37. ^ "2014: Favorite 50 Music Releases of 2014". Tiny Mix Tapes. December 2014. Archived from the original on 1 March 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  38. ^ "The 50 best albums of 2014". Fact. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  39. ^ Mr P (25 February 2015). "Kane West – 'T.R.U.E.L.O.V.E.'". Tiny Mix Tapes. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  40. ^ "PC Music's Kane West preps new EP on Turbo Recordings". FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music. 24 July 2015. Archived from the original on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  41. ^ "Cecile Believe". facebook.com. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  42. ^ "Kane West – Definitely Come Together (Club Mix) on PC Music". Resident Advisor. Archived from the original on 26 May 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  43. ^ Gus Bonito vs. Kane West Live in Atlanta (Full Set) @ Terminal West 01-09-2024, retrieved 3 February 2024
  44. ^ Taylor, Will. "Gus Bonito vs. Kane West - Gus Bonito vs. Kane West (2024, CDr) - Discogs". Discogs. Archived from the original on 3 February 2024. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  45. ^ "WHARFWHIT Makes Awkward, Double-Jointed Bubblegum Electro-Pop and You Need to Listen to Him Now". Thump (Vice). 10 November 2016. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  46. ^ "WHARFWHAT!? by WHARFWHIT". 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 14 November 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
  47. ^ "A2IM Announces 2019 Libera Award Nominees". Broadway World. 28 March 2019. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
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