The question of lolita appropriate music or music appropriate for someone following a "lolita lifestyle" pops up every once in a while, and from what I gathered, there's no right or wrong way to go about this, and that the lolita lifestyle is more or less a personal experience tailored to that individual's interests and tastes. Some people are going to prefer classical music (and within that, some prefer specific movements); others are closer to lolita fashion's musical roots by listening to visual-kei; others will shamelessly love the cutesy sounds of electro J-pop and idol-groups, however, there are plenty of others who listen to music that are neither cutesy nor elegant.
I never got into visual-kei (or got into lolita through it) and I save classical music when I studied or did homework (I've graduated), and I never really liked idol groups, but I do enjoy other Japanese indie rock (I really hate the word "indie" - it's overused and arbitrary) and pop music though, especially J-shoegaze, dream pop, mathrock, and Shibuya-kei/city pop/future funk (these genres tend to overlap). Outside of Japanese music, I usually listen to lo-fi, post-rock, post-punk, shoegaze, and trip-hop; for a better idea and suggestions, feel free to peruse my last fm account:
http://www.last.fm/user/Deleciel
I'm a tad obsessed with discovering new and/or underground artists and bands, and I actually enjoy visiting record shops. If I weren't so invested in lolita fashion, I'd be broke fromwasting money investing in LPs and going to shows. I'm not a purist though. I actually like that Napster changed the game in the music industry (but of course, there's always pros and cons to everything) and made music more available (not too different from the change of LPs to cassette tapes to CDs), however, because of how easily accessible music is these days, I find it quite special to hold onto a tangible piece of an art that we take for granted.
If I have music on when I'm getting dolled up, I usually listen to whatever I feel like, rather than finding music to get ready to, however, if you're in the latter party, here are some suggestions worth checking out:
http://www.last.fm/user/Deleciel
I'm a tad obsessed with discovering new and/or underground artists and bands, and I actually enjoy visiting record shops. If I weren't so invested in lolita fashion, I'd be broke from
If I have music on when I'm getting dolled up, I usually listen to whatever I feel like, rather than finding music to get ready to, however, if you're in the latter party, here are some suggestions worth checking out:
Gothic
I'm afraid that I never really had a goth phase and I'd be terrible for giving out suggestions since I don't really listen to Goth music all that much (even though I'm aware of the prominent bands in this movement), however, I think that some gothic lolitas might enjoy the beautifully haunting sounds and imagery from these bands and musicians.
Saltillo - trip-hop
Who knew that somber strings and hip-hop beats went well together?
I Broke My Robot - glitch
i broke my robot is a face-eating, virus-filled computer music explosion. With one foot in punk and one foot in the grave, i broke my robot sends flashes of glitch-infested computertrons into the ears of unknowing victims. Residing in Virginia, this electronic musician drops the southern hospitality and advances with a full-frontal atomic breakcore assault on speakers and headphones everywhere. Don't look under your bed, don't tell your little ones, and don't try to hide, the break-core will find you. Once found, you become contaminated with nose, throat, and eye ingesting bacteria that makes you feel numb and lifeless all over your body. - Martin Yankov
Ferri - ambient, neoclassical
She reminds me of Kanon Wakeshima, except with synthesizers and more experimental, and with a mournful voice.
Graveyard Train - country
Graveyard Train is an Australian based band that blends horror themes with country music.
(Yes. He's playing the chains.)
If you're more of a heavy metal and/or visual-kei music fan, you might appreciate heavy metal's less aggressive relatives, post-black metal. I suggest starting with Deafheaven; I've always found their music fitting perfectly with a mourning aristocrat or a Gothic lolita with a broken heart. If you're more into artists like Kerli, give Grimes a listen if you haven't already. If you like the ero-lolilta side of things, you might like Jenny Hval's recent album "Apocolypse, girl".
I'm afraid that I never really had a goth phase and I'd be terrible for giving out suggestions since I don't really listen to Goth music all that much (even though I'm aware of the prominent bands in this movement), however, I think that some gothic lolitas might enjoy the beautifully haunting sounds and imagery from these bands and musicians.
Saltillo - trip-hop
Who knew that somber strings and hip-hop beats went well together?
I Broke My Robot - glitch
i broke my robot is a face-eating, virus-filled computer music explosion. With one foot in punk and one foot in the grave, i broke my robot sends flashes of glitch-infested computertrons into the ears of unknowing victims. Residing in Virginia, this electronic musician drops the southern hospitality and advances with a full-frontal atomic breakcore assault on speakers and headphones everywhere. Don't look under your bed, don't tell your little ones, and don't try to hide, the break-core will find you. Once found, you become contaminated with nose, throat, and eye ingesting bacteria that makes you feel numb and lifeless all over your body. - Martin Yankov
Ferri - ambient, neoclassical
She reminds me of Kanon Wakeshima, except with synthesizers and more experimental, and with a mournful voice.
Graveyard Train - country
Graveyard Train is an Australian based band that blends horror themes with country music.
If you're more of a heavy metal and/or visual-kei music fan, you might appreciate heavy metal's less aggressive relatives, post-black metal. I suggest starting with Deafheaven; I've always found their music fitting perfectly with a mourning aristocrat or a Gothic lolita with a broken heart. If you're more into artists like Kerli, give Grimes a listen if you haven't already. If you like the ero-lolilta side of things, you might like Jenny Hval's recent album "Apocolypse, girl".
Other fun suggestions: Flying Lotus - You're Dead!; Bjork; iamamiwhoami; Lord Infamous (gangster rap meets horror/satanic themes); Of Montreal (psychedelic rock with spooky lyrics); Neu! (Krautrock)
Classic
I tend to associate classic lolita with the Victorian and Edwardian era, and unfortunately, this list is going to consist of classical music, but I'll try to mix it up with contemporary artists, which I feel is appropriate because to me, lolita is a mix of the old with the new. However, if you want a list of essentials, click here .
Joanna Newsom - Freak-folk, avant-garde
I honestly had a tough time deciding if her music is more suitable for the sweet or the classic lolita (or even the country lolita) because Joanna Newsom is a classically trained harpist and pianist, but her lyrics and singing style is keen to Appalachia ballads (fair warning - if you're unfamiliar with her music, her voice might take some getting used to).
In the end, I figured that it would be up to the individual's discretion and it might depend on what album you're listening to.
Sufjan Stevens & Osso - Run Rabbit Run
I love Sufjan Stevens. His music is typically experimental and often includes Christian spiritual imagery and references, however, the reason why I mentioned him in this post is to share this lesser-known, chamber music album that he collaborated with the string quartet, Osso.
Ólafur Arnalds - neoclassical
Have a box of tissues on hand before you listen to his music.
Rachel's - chamber music, post-rock, instrumental
Their works always reminds me of Joe Hisaishi's music.
Other suggestions: Kenmochi Hidefumi, Teebs, Tycho, Toe, Yann Tiersen, Hayley Westenra (also good for gothic lolitas), The Polar Dream , Dj Okawari
Classic
I tend to associate classic lolita with the Victorian and Edwardian era, and unfortunately, this list is going to consist of classical music, but I'll try to mix it up with contemporary artists, which I feel is appropriate because to me, lolita is a mix of the old with the new. However, if you want a list of essentials, click here .
Joanna Newsom - Freak-folk, avant-garde
I honestly had a tough time deciding if her music is more suitable for the sweet or the classic lolita (or even the country lolita) because Joanna Newsom is a classically trained harpist and pianist, but her lyrics and singing style is keen to Appalachia ballads (fair warning - if you're unfamiliar with her music, her voice might take some getting used to).
In the end, I figured that it would be up to the individual's discretion and it might depend on what album you're listening to.
(Waiting for Juliette et Justine to make a print of this)
Sufjan Stevens & Osso - Run Rabbit Run
I love Sufjan Stevens. His music is typically experimental and often includes Christian spiritual imagery and references, however, the reason why I mentioned him in this post is to share this lesser-known, chamber music album that he collaborated with the string quartet, Osso.
Ólafur Arnalds - neoclassical
Have a box of tissues on hand before you listen to his music.
Other suggestions: Kenmochi Hidefumi, Teebs, Tycho, Toe, Yann Tiersen, Hayley Westenra (also good for gothic lolitas), The Polar Dream , Dj Okawari
Sweet
I tend to associate sweet lolita with youthfulness, energy, and a kind of girlish coyness. I also associate this style with the dreamy, Alice-in-Wonderland-like sounds of lo-fi music and shoegaze.
Aivi and Surasshu - chiptunes, jazz
A&S is a husband-wife duo who compose jazz piano music with chiptune sounds. It's a lovely blend of the old and the new, the organic and inorganic, and gosh-darn-it, it's kawaii as fuck. If you love Katamari Demacy and Anamanaguchi, you'll love Aivi and Surasshu.
It's not terribly kawaii suggestion, but if you found that combination interesting, you should try The Depreciation Guild's In Her Gentle Jaws (shoegaze + chiptunes).
Elephant Gym
I actually stumbled upon this recently and did not expect to put this on the list! Elephant Gym is a math-rock band from Taiwan, and the reason why I wanted to mention it is because their way of approaching math-rock is quite elegant and at times cutesy (maybe it's because they sound more jazzy than experimental like Tricot, whom I love, but feel like it's better for the punk-lolita). I haven't listened to their other album, but I imagine it being just as cute as this one - something to go perfectly with a sweet lolita's daily adventures.
Doesn't the intro remind you of Kuricorder Quartet/Pops Orchestra?
Talulah Gosh - twee
I definitely get the sugary sweet and naive image of sweet lolita from twee pop music. If you like Wes Anderson films, you should give iconic and up-in-coming twee bands a listen - here's one of them:
Talulah Gosh was a princess for a day ♥
If you liked that, listen to: Seapony, Cocteau Twins, Sugar Plant, Plastic Girl in Closet , Alvvays
Bonus! Inspirational music for fans of other J-fashions.
Fairy-kei
I wish that pastels and my skin tone got along because I adore the style and 80s music - both from the decade and inspired by the decade (as well as the early 90s). Here are some music inspired from the time that'll surely transport you to the era of bulky computers, shoulder pads, perms, and Kenny G.
Groovy Godzilla (soundcloud)
Tanuki
architecture in tokyo
Macross 82-99
Yung Bae
Saint Pepsi (Skylar Spence)
Miami Nights 1984
Timecop 1983
I tend to associate sweet lolita with youthfulness, energy, and a kind of girlish coyness. I also associate this style with the dreamy, Alice-in-Wonderland-like sounds of lo-fi music and shoegaze.
Aivi and Surasshu - chiptunes, jazz
A&S is a husband-wife duo who compose jazz piano music with chiptune sounds. It's a lovely blend of the old and the new, the organic and inorganic, and gosh-darn-it, it's kawaii as fuck. If you love Katamari Demacy and Anamanaguchi, you'll love Aivi and Surasshu.
It's not terribly kawaii suggestion, but if you found that combination interesting, you should try The Depreciation Guild's In Her Gentle Jaws (shoegaze + chiptunes).
Elephant Gym
Doesn't the intro remind you of Kuricorder Quartet/Pops Orchestra?
Talulah Gosh - twee
I definitely get the sugary sweet and naive image of sweet lolita from twee pop music. If you like Wes Anderson films, you should give iconic and up-in-coming twee bands a listen - here's one of them:
Talulah Gosh was a princess for a day ♥
If you liked that, listen to: Seapony, Cocteau Twins, Sugar Plant, Plastic Girl in Closet , Alvvays
Other kawaii suggestions: (early) Capsule, Pizzicato 5, Fantastic Plastic Machine, Coltemönikha, tofubeats, Towa Tei, YMCK, Spazzkid, humming urban stereo, Plus Tech Squeeze Box, Serani Poji
Bonus! Inspirational music for fans of other J-fashions.
Fairy-kei
I wish that pastels and my skin tone got along because I adore the style and 80s music - both from the decade and inspired by the decade (as well as the early 90s). Here are some music inspired from the time that'll surely transport you to the era of bulky computers, shoulder pads, perms, and Kenny G.
Groovy Godzilla (soundcloud)
Tanuki
architecture in tokyo
Macross 82-99
Yung Bae
Saint Pepsi (Skylar Spence)
Miami Nights 1984
Timecop 1983
Com Truise
Mori-Kei
When I was creating the list for the gothic lolita, I had a tough time placing iamamiwhoami and Bjork because of their themes and sounds, however, I think it's appropriate to mention them here again because much of their imagery (and music videos) deal a lot with nature (I mean, Bjork made a song about leaving civilization for good - you can't get more mori-kei than that). The list below are mostly instrumental, but I chose these because of their ethereal quality, and I thought they'd be good songs to "take a hike" in. ;)
The White Birch (also good for Gothic Lolitas)
Gregory and the Hawk
Pinkshinyultrablast
Emancipator
Tycho
Stars of the Lid
Kenmochi Hidefumi
Imogen Heap - Sparks
I'm sure I'll have more suggestions in the future, either from you readers or from future stumbling-upons, but for now, I hope that you've enjoyed listening to these musicians! Let me know what you think about them or if you have any suggestions you'd like to share, and just for poops and giggles, if you were a famous musician who happens to wear lolita (or other J-fashion for that matter), what kind of music would you make?
Until next time....
Listening to: Goldlink - Spectrum
Mori-Kei
When I was creating the list for the gothic lolita, I had a tough time placing iamamiwhoami and Bjork because of their themes and sounds, however, I think it's appropriate to mention them here again because much of their imagery (and music videos) deal a lot with nature (I mean, Bjork made a song about leaving civilization for good - you can't get more mori-kei than that). The list below are mostly instrumental, but I chose these because of their ethereal quality, and I thought they'd be good songs to "take a hike" in. ;)
The White Birch (also good for Gothic Lolitas)
Gregory and the Hawk
Pinkshinyultrablast
Emancipator
Tycho
Stars of the Lid
Kenmochi Hidefumi
Imogen Heap - Sparks
I'm sure I'll have more suggestions in the future, either from you readers or from future stumbling-upons, but for now, I hope that you've enjoyed listening to these musicians! Let me know what you think about them or if you have any suggestions you'd like to share, and just for poops and giggles, if you were a famous musician who happens to wear lolita (or other J-fashion for that matter), what kind of music would you make?
 |
| Sayaka Kanda and Billy - performing in their band "Trusttrick". |
Until next time....
Listening to: Goldlink - Spectrum
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