Japan | Artist

Japan was an English new-wave artrock band formed 1974 in Catford, South London by David Sylvian (vocals, guitar), Steve Jansen (drums), Richard Barbieri (keyboards), Mick Karn (bass, woodwind) and Rob Dean (guitar). Having all met at Catford Boys' school, the formative band made their first public performance at the Karn brothers' wedding reception in June 1974. Influenced initially by by glam rock, Japan's sound would take on electronic and eastern music influences, and they became one of the forerunners of the New Romantic movement. After winning a label-sponsored talent contest the band signed a recording contract with the German disco label Handa-Ariola in 1977, becoming an alternative glam rock outfit in the mould of Lou Reed, David Bowie, T-Rex, Roxy Music and New York Dolls. Between 1978-1981 they released five studio albums. The first two, Adolescent Sex and Obscure Alternative, were moderately successful, while the third, Quiet Life was a definite step-up in quality. However the band hit its creative peak with the excellent fourth and fifth albums; Gentlemen Take Polaroids and Tin Drum. After splitting in 1982, the band released a final salvo in the form of the superb live album Oil on Canvas in 1983. After disbanding, the members drifted to seperate projects but reformed for a few years in the early nineties under the name Rain Tree Crow, releasing one eponymous album in 1993. David Sylvian has carried on a successful solo career, releasing many superb albums and working with names such as Robert Fripp, Hoger Czukay of Can, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Karn became a sought-after session musician, working with artists such as Gary Numan, Kate Bush and Joan Armatrading. He also had the Top 40 hit "After a Fashion" with Midge Ure in 1983, and collaborated with Bauhaus' Peter Murphy as the duo Dalis Car. Jansen and Barbieri worked together as the Dolphin Brothers, and Rob Dean went on to work with Gary Numan and Sinead O'Connor.

Artist Website: davidsylvian.com

Featured Albums: Japan

Related Artists: David Sylvian

Video Clips: Ghosts, Quiet Life, Art of Parties