The strange part of band competitions is that the best entry usually doesn’t win. Take De Nieuwe Lichting, Belgian radio station Studio Brussel’s talent show. As I wrote last December, I would have put my money on Aili x Transistorcake’s Dansu to win. But I would have lost. However, that didn’t stop the pair from being lauded by fellow musicians, added to many playlists and scoring a minor hit.

Now, it’s time for the next chapter. Once again, Belgian-Japanese artist Aili Maruyama joins forces with one of Belgium’s most exciting new electronica acts: Transistorcake (Orson Wouters). Their new single Pari Pari continues where Dansu left off, but more up-tempo and funkier. It’s another intriguing synth-pop song, built around one of their trademark squelchy bass lines. Another trademark, Aili’s Japanese lyrics, is present as well, adding a layer of mystery to the funky beats.

Talking about mysteries: what does that title come from? Pari Pari was the term Aili’s father used for tonkatsu, a kind of Japanese schnitzel, that crackle when you eat them. ‘Pari’ is Japanese for the sound that produces.

11 June, Aili x Transistorcake release their 5-track debut EP Dansu.

Follow Aili on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Follow Transistorcake on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.