Picture it. West Hollywood, 2022 – the middle of July at the tail end of a worldwide pandemic.
A spunky journalist stuck in a rut – looking for inspiration was introduced to a whole new genre of entertainment through a Japanese talent agency called Johnny & Associates. Within this wide and wonderful world of idols, one of the groups he was introduced to charmed millions on a little television series called America’s Got Talent. They performed at the closing ceremonies of Anime Expo, took part in the Rising Japan Music Festival, and placed in the top ten internationally at the World of Dance (in addition to taking home the Ultimate Crowd Favorite Award). Oh! And, they made history as the first Japanese act to break into the Billboard Top 5 Global Excl. U.S.Billboard Charts! I was that journalist, and that group, well, you may know them as the dashing and talented Travis Japan!
Now, the golden boys of JPOP are back with their third single, the synth-pop sugar sweet summer love song “Candy Kiss!”
For me, it was love at first listen. “Candy Kiss” is one of those songs that lifts your spirits and brightens even the darkest mood. Channeling the best of 1980s bubble gum, it has everything: a danceable beat (choreographed by the world-renown Nicky Andersen), and catchy lyrics; but when the powers of their individual voices combine, it’s something truly outrageous. Vocally gifted, these seven guys know how to straddle that emotional vocal line between innocently sweet and unabashedly sexy in a way very few artists can. They give a new definition to the term “music is magic” and with the hypnotic way they seem to move in perfect unison – they have got to be magicians.
After speaking with them exclusively about the track, I have completely fallen under their spell.
What was your first impression of Candy Kiss?
Chaka: We were so excited! We had a lot of energy when we heard the song. All of us thought it was a really good one. My first impression of Candy Kiss was that it sounded like a Michael Jackson song – like an homage. It’s a fun song, and we are glad we got to record it.
What do you hope the fans take away from the song?
Shime: Enjoy! Smile!
Shizu: Fans can take our big love!
What was your favorite part of filming the music video?
Machu: My favorite part is when we dance together with all the aliens! It was really exciting.
Noel (laughs): 7 guys from Travis Japan and some aliens!
Machu: We taught them to move and when we danced together, it’s the most exciting part of the music video.
I don’t know if it’s the song, the fact that I got to speak to them personally, or a mix of the two, but this sugar rush is going to be enough to keep me moving for a while.
More Travis Japan soon so…
Stay Tuned!
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Life In Cartoon Motion 