Few indie artists, even those at the height of their fame, can claim to have ever had a year quite as good as Japanese Breakfast’s 2021. Last year, it seemed as if the New York-based songwriter and musician, real name Michelle Zauner, had the Midas touch: first, she published, Crying in H Mart, which appeared on the New York Times bestseller chart; weeks later, she released Jubilee, a triumphant and critically acclaimed third record that sought to add some hard-won positivity to her thoughtful, cerebral indie rock. To cap it all, she put out a soundtrack for acclaimed indie video game Sable, and received a coveted best new artist nomination at the Grammys.
When Zauner takes the stage at London’s Hackney Church, then, she’s appropriately jubilant, clad in an ornate all-white outfit that splits the difference between lederhosen and the ribbony garb of Princess Serenity in Sailor Moon. Or, perhaps, she’s just thrilled to see the large turnout on a chilly Wednesday night. “We never did very well over here,” she tells the audience. “I guess we had to cancel three shows to get your attention, but we’re glad you’re here.”
