Here’s what went down when FeelsClub headed to Japan for a couple of shows and a holiday in April.

For many bands, recording is something of a love/hate relationship. Sure you get to experiment and let the creative juices flow, boil, steam (or whatever), but you are also spending late nights at the studio, managing artistic differences, and putting a lot of yourself on the line. It’s no wonder that sometimes bands need a bit of a break after recording, and for Brisbane indie-pop outfit FeelsClub, that break meant getting the hell out of Australia.

“Japan was a much needed getaway and a massive reset button for us,” guitarist/vocalist St Jonnie says. “After working so hard on the EP, we really needed an excuse to let go. It was a lowkey reward for ourselves, and a chance to take-in new life experiences that weren’t our bedrooms, or recording on an old red rug in a room somewhere. Though to be plain and honest we had no idea what to expect, and that was amazing.”

Their latest single ‘So Done’, sees the sextet further explore darker melodies whilst maintaining that danceable funk we’ve heard on previous releases. It’s a sound that hits makes you want to move your body but also hits you emotionally as well, which is undoubtedly the reason they’re in red hot demand at the moment.

The group is currently on tour in support of the single at the moment with a bunch of East Coast shows going down over July/August (info here). By the sounds of things and the photos below, however, it appears they left their hearts in Japan.

“We can’t wait to head back, and really wish to one day call it a second home because it really captures our feelings of being stuck in the past whilst racing toward the future. It fucks with us in the right way, the fashion, the food, the anime, the people, we are in love. Kanpai till you die!” St Jonnie says.

Cheeky little snap of MKA and St. Jonnie, Totoro Style, outside of the only decent NY style pizza and beer joint we found in Shibuya.

St. Jonnie burning the midnight oil in one of the countless Tokyo Karaoke Bars.

MKA trying her first ever toasted marshmallow in Neo Sujin, Kyoto. (It’s like a tiny east street markets made of shipping containers with a michelin star recommended hotdog stall, would go again).

MKA and St. Jonnie in Kitchen Disco with now good friend Tama Viawatt, of the amazing high energy clown punk band Viawatt.

DJLJ and Tama Viawatt at Kitchen Disco bonding over “bassist stuff”.

MKA smashing the pads at Shibuya Nob.

St. Jonnie having “a moment” mid set at Shibuya Nob.

DJLJ at Shibuya Nob deep in concentration/holding down ginger highballs.

The gang realising they left the other half of the band in Brisbane (AKA playing their first gig in Shibuya Nob).

Kenzo and St Jonnie in Kenzo’s Bar in Golden Gai (check out his music video).

St. Jonnie getting a light from local Brissy boy and friend Jack, of Baskavillian fame, because even 7000km away from home you can still count on a mate to chuck ya a light.