Local band, Japan and I is jetting off to Barcelona Spain, to perform at the Primavera Sound Festival.
One member of the three-girl-band, Mandy Marshall said that they found out just over a week ago that they would be joining fellow SA band, Beatenberg.
“It has been so crazy trying to get everything together in time before we leave. This is a big opportunity for us to showcase our music to the world.”
The Darrenwood resident and her bandmates, Angela and Dee Dee formed the band in high school nine years ago and began playing around Joburg when they were all students at Wits University. She describes their sound as punk/rock and Rock n’ Roll.
“There is a larger market in Spain so we are really looking forward to the exposure. I have an interview lined up with a female drummer magazine, which is really incredible. I don’t even think we have that kind of market in South Africa,” Marshall added.
The band released their debut album in 2008 and were invited to play at music festivals including OppiKoppi.
Amid the showcase in Barcelona, the trio is also getting ready to release their second album, Rise of the Duchess Army. Marshall admits that they are all about girl power and hope to inspire other females. “We see ourselves unifying the female movement in South Africa.”
Upon their return, Japan and I will embark on their national all-female tour, performing in major cities across the country.
