Japanese breakfast Biography

Japanese Breakfast is the solo musical project of Philadelphia-based artist Michelle Zauner, known for her artfully experimental, deeply intimate style of indie pop. Zauner, born in 1989 in Seoul, South Korea, to a Korean mother and a Jewish-American father, grew up in Eugene, Oregon, where her family moved when she was an infant. She attended Bryn Mawr College and was involved in several indie rock bands before launching Japanese Breakfast as a side project in 2013 while leading the emo group Little Big League.Zauner's musical journey began with the release of the lo-fi cassette June in 2013, a product of a songwriting challenge during which she composed a song each day for a month. This intimate collection of melodies set the stage for her subsequent works, including the critically acclaimed debut album Psychopomp in 2016, which explored themes of grief following her mother's death from cancer. This album marked a significant turning point in her career, leading to her signing with the Dead Oceans label, which re-released Psychopomp to a wider audience.Further developing her sound, Japanese Breakfast continued to evolve with the 2017 album Soft Sounds from Another Planet, blending ambient synths with heartfelt lyrics, and reaching higher critical acclaim. The sound was larger and more expansive than her earlier works, solidifying her place in the indie pop landscape.In 2021, Zauner released Jubilee, which was inspired by themes of joy, contrasting previous albums that dealt with heavier emotions. Jubilee debuted at number seven on the Independent and Alternative albums charts and garnered Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Music Album and Best New Artist. This same year, she released her memoir, Crying in H Mart, which topped the New York Times nonfiction best-seller list and explored her Korean heritage and personal loss.In addition to her music, Zauner composed the soundtrack for the indie video game Sable, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Following successful tours, including opening for major acts like Taylor Swift and Florence and the Machine, Zauner announced her plans for a new album and book, intending to spend a year in Seoul, South Korea, to further develop her creative pursuits.Japanese Breakfast's lineup includes Michelle Zauner as the frontwoman, supported by band members Peter Bradley (guitar), Deven Craige (bass), and Craig Hendrix (drums, keyboards, backing vocals). The project, which began as a personal endeavor, has grown into a celebrated band known for its innovative sound and emotional resonance, captivating audiences worldwide.