Live Concert Chronicles: I Love Ska!!!

Nice to meet you, I'm Hanagiku.
I feel like I alternate between writing articles about job hunting and articles about my hobby, live concerts, here on note. In this piece, I want to delve into "music," specifically the genre I love called ska-punk, and explore its charm and the reasons why I love it.

What is ska-punk?

Ska-punk is a music genre that combines the upbeat rhythm of ska with the intensity of punk rock. The horn section derived from ska (trumpets, saxophones, etc.) rings out brilliantly, while the fast tempo and energetic guitars of punk break through—I think that fusion of sounds is the biggest appeal of ska-punk.

It is also very popular in Japan, and my favorite bands, HEY-SMITH and FIVE STATE DRIVE, are representative examples. HEY-SMITH's staging, which puts the horn section at the forefront, creates an overwhelming sense of unity as the audience sings along. FIVE STATE DRIVE weaves the bouncing rhythm of ska into melodic tunes, making my body sway naturally just by listening to them.

Why do I love it? Why do I want to dance to ska?

Why do I love ska-punk? It's simple: because dancing to ska is fun.

There is no right way to dance to ska. You can lower your center of gravity and move broadly, or focus on your upper body like in South American ska. Some people move clumsily as if they are running, while others wave their hands above their heads when there is no space in the front. The forms are varied, but the moment you move your body to the sound in any style is the best.

The pleasant guitar sound layered on top is also irresistible. In fact, I have a playlist "exclusively for ska," and no matter where I am, even when I'm out, I unconsciously want to dance to ska when that rhythm plays.

And that scene where everyone is dancing to the same rhythm at a live concert. I think the moment the entire floor becomes one is something you can't easily experience in other genres. The joy of sharing what you "love" with friends. That space where you are not denied, but rather can share it, is truly comfortable and irresistible.

Why ska-punk?

I love the ska elements alone, and there are many bands I start listening to just because they include ska. However, the chemical reaction that occurs when ska and punk are combined is the greatest appeal for me.

I also love punk. That speed, the intensity of the guitars and drums, and the heat that pierces your heart. I think the reason I love "Aburina Town," which I wrote about in a recent article, ultimately lies in this "heat." The moment that intensity overlaps with the ska rhythm that is pleasant to both the ears and the body, the best sound called ska-punk is born.

Furthermore, the atmosphere of the live house is exceptional. Dancing, being moved by passionate words, and thrusting your fists into the air in time with the intense music—that sense of unity across the entire floor is irreplaceable. I can confidently say that ska-punk, which rings out in a place filled with all the elements I love, is truly the "best music" for me.

I want to dance to ska!

Right now, I'm just itching to dance to ska. I want to dance to ska!

I wrote in a recent article that "the place where I can feel that I am alive is always a live house," but there is actually more to it.
"The place where I can feel that I am alive is always a live house. And I dance to ska there!"—this is the real answer.

About a week ago, I went to a certain festival. I was really happy to be able to dance to ska during my favorite band SHANK's "620" there. Looking back, the last time I was able to dance to ska to my heart's content was in August, when I heard "Waratte Okureyo" at a G-Empty concert. Since then, my body has been itching. Even now, it's still itching.

That is why there is only one thing I want to do right now. To dance to ska as much as I want. I feel like that alone is enough to make me happy from the bottom of my heart.

Finally

Thank you so much for reading to the end of this article where I'm just shouting, "I just want to dance to ska!" Honestly, I don't get much empathy when I talk about ska to my friends around me, so I had a desire to vent it somewhere (lol).

But since you've read this far, you must surely resonate with the joy of ska. No, you definitely love ska now, right!👊
Let's spread this joy and goodness together!