An indie-pop artist from Naarm/ Melbourne, Madi Leeds first release of 2022 is the boppy-delicious single '0-100'.
A song that traverses the highs and lows of self-doubt, despite Madi's confessional lyrics the joyful, zesty rhythm spark the song's bubbly inner spirit leaving a care-free after-glow for listeners to bask in."'0-100' is about the feeling of comparing yourself to others, putting yourself very low on a pedestal, feeling that you are never good enough for someone."
Madi also took the DIY path to create the music video for '0-100'; filming on a mini DV camcorder, the lo-fi clip was filmed in one take at Melbourne's Parliament Gardens at night.
The film clip has a '90s aesthetic, and puts viewers up close and personal with Madi as she shares her story against a backdrop of water fountains and purple lights.
Here, Madi shares the things she does when she misses Japan.
1: Listen
There are so many incredible Japanese artists including the cutest rock band called CHAI. I first discovered this band when I saw their ASMR-like Tiny Desk and it was nothing like anything I'd ever seen before.I was lucky enough to see them at Carriageworks for Vivid Sydney earlier this year; and let me just say they know how to put on a SHOW. CHAI came out in elaborate costumes that looked very similar to 'Sesame Street' characters and their polished choreography contrasted with them running around on stage while shredding guitar solos. They're just so cool?!
My fave track of theirs would have to be 'N.E.O' from their album 'PINK'. The drums are incredible and there's nothing like blasting the track with the lyrics: “You are so cute! Nice face oh yeah!" Just listen and you'll see what I mean!
I got to play a show in Japan back in 2019 and the music culture there is just so special, so playing Japanese artists like CHAI can help you imagine that you're attending Fuji Rock Festival or a small underground show with electric local music.
2: Shop
There's nothing like walking into a Japanese grocery/ convenience store to fulfil any ache for Japanese nostalgia. It reminds me of being in a Don Quijote – and if you don't know what Don Quijote is, it's this budget convenience store with a blue penguin wearing a Santa hat as the mascot. Need I say more?There's actually a massive ferris wheel outside the multi-level Osaka store and as fun as it was observing the city views, it was terrifying. They also have their own theme song they play loudly and on repeat, and it's just a very unique experience. . . but anyway!
One of my favourite stores to get Japanese snacks and drinks is TANG – The Asian Food Emporium on Russell St, Melbourne for the best variety and then Hinoki Japanese Pantry in Fitzroy where you can get make-at-home miso and ramen packs, mochi and even fresh sushi there.
3. Watch
Okay, if you haven't seen 'Old Enough!' on Netflix yet, there's your plans sorted for tonight. It's a Japanese reality TV show where parents get their toddler to go and run an errand by themselves and with very little assistance from people such as the film crew who follow them around on their heroic journey.The loyalty these kids have for their parents and family at such a young age is the sweetest and it's very heartwarming.
Another show you can watch on Netflix is 'Terrace House', a different kind of reality TV show where it documents groups of people living in a house together. There's different seasons based in different cities and let me tell you, in some seasons there is so much DRAMA.
What's entertaining is they also have a group of studio commentators who watch the show and provide real time commentary – it's a super interesting set-up and once again let me tell you there is 'drama'.
4. Eat
In Melbourne there are so many cool Japanese restaurants and here are some of my favourites.Sushi Hotaru is kind of hidden – just off of Bourke St you need to go up the escalators of the complex and walk over to what is hopefully a short line to get in. I'd recommend getting there early for a dinner session because it's quite popular and the line can be lengthy sometimes. It's BYO and is just really cozy. There's a sushi train but you can also order specific items from a menu.
For ramen, Shujinko is pretty good. There's two locations in the city so if you can't get in to the Flinders St restaurant you can always walk over to Russell St.
Lastly for Teppanyaki, Miyako on Southbank is your go to. Other than the shouting and cheering if someone is getting freshly cooked Teppanyaki thrown onto their plate, it's super peaceful and you can see the views of the Yarra/ City from the balcony or indoors. Make sure to book online before you go and don't go on Wednesdays because they’re closed.
5. Follow
Alright, I don't even know how I end up following so many pet accounts on Instagram but there's some Japanese cat accounts I followed a while ago and I've unintentionally being following these cats' lives through posts over the years?Some posts are just so random and what was crazy was when I was first in Japan I saw a lot of these cats in particular magazines or some even had their own book!
I purchased a book that said how to make an Instagram for your cat – it's just so detailed and hilarious because people really go to lengths to make their pet a social media celebrity or be consistent with daily posts in an online community.
I love my cat Nico too much that if I started an account for her it would be too obsessive (and also post enough of her on my main account as it is) but one account I still follow and love is @kachimo! I think these cats are actually in a book, so you know it's gotta be good.
