LET ME KNOW is a Japanese rock band that embodies the current alternative rock scene in the country. The band, consisting of vocalist Matty, guitarist Ken, and drummer Lyo (twins), came together in November 2023 after meeting on Instagram in the fall of 2022. Their first release came in February 2024, and their recent photoshoot for “Crash” marked their official foray into fashion.
“Everyone was really into it this time, so we all watched our diets in preparation for the shoot,” says Ken. “This was our first time doing a fashion shoot, and since we already knew the magazine, we were extra excited. We all wanted to make sure we looked good in the clothes, so we cut back on food.” Matty, always quick with a quip, chimes in, “Me too! Come on, guys, are we all saying that?” Their playful banter is a testament to the genuine camaraderie they’ve forged in less than two years.
The band’s name, LET ME KNOW, is a testament to their down-to-earth approach. “We wanted a name that was simple and relatable, not something too fancy. While we were searching for the perfect word, ‘LET ME KNOW’ came up, and it just felt right. It also nicely matched the initials of our band members: Lyo, Matty, and Ken,” explains Ken.
LET ME KNOW describes their music as “Nostalgic Modern.” This aptly captures their style, a fusion of old and new indie rock, new wave, and Britpop influences. They draw inspiration from both Japanese and Western music, creating a hybrid sound that’s both familiar and innovative. Matty’s sweet, husky vocals add another layer to the music, completing the sonic puzzle.
When it comes to songwriting, Matty takes the lead on lyrics and melody, while Ken shapes the sound and Lyo contributes rhythm and drum arrangements. Matty shares, “I’m driven by a desire to do something different. I don’t want to be like anyone else. I put a lot of effort into crafting unique phrases, even down to the smallest detail. However, I’m not someone who just gets inspiration out of the blue. I have to sit down and think hard about words that others might not use. It’s like a traffic jam in my head!” Ken adds, “While I mainly work with a computer, I’m not confined to just one way of making music. Sometimes, inspiration strikes in the shower, and I’ll suddenly have a theme or a phrase in my head.”
Despite their recent debut, LET ME KNOW is already releasing new music at a rapid pace. Their third single, “Gisei Ai to Hai Booru” (False Love and Highball), evokes the vibe of 1980s city pop, a genre experiencing a resurgence, and has captured the hearts of music fans across generations. The band’s songs often revolve around love and frequently feature alcohol, a nod to the themes that resonate with their personal experiences.
Matty elaborates, “The lyrics sometimes draw from my personal experiences, but I also get inspired by dramas, films, and books. I take those as a starting point and build upon them, adding different layers and perspectives. During my student years, I had a lot of failed relationships, and those experiences have found their way into my lyrics.”
Ken’s journey with the guitar began in middle school. “One of my tutors was in a band, and during those impressionable years, I thought being in a band was cool. I didn’t know anything about music, let alone the guitar and its sounds. I got a beginner’s guitar set from my parents, but it didn’t last long. In high school, I saw L’Arc-en-Ciel on TV and was blown away. I bought sheet music and started practicing. That’s when I truly understood what guitar sounds like.”
Lyo’s musical journey mirrored Ken’s. “We were both tutored by the same teacher, who was a drummer. I liked drumming too, but drum sets are expensive, and I couldn’t practice at home. So, I got a guitar with Ken and we started playing together—and quit together. Then, Ken started playing again. I was in high school at the time, so I worked part-time to buy an electronic drum set and got serious about drumming.”
Matty’s entry into the music scene came a bit later than his bandmates. “I was always into soccer. After I quit, I started playing music around the age of 20. I signed with an agency for a while but it didn’t work out. After forming this band, I became seriously committed to music.”
The bond between Ken and Lyo, who have been together since birth, is strengthened by the addition of Matty. The three have formed a unique synergy, creating music that’s never been heard before. When asked to analyze each other, they offer insightful observations. “Both Ken and Lyo seem cool on the surface, but they talk a lot and they’re good guys, everyone knows it!” says Matty. Lyo describes Matty as “a true entertainer at heart, but he’s also sensitive, and I think that balance is reflected in our music.” Ken shares, “Matty’s always bright and cheerful, but if you really talk to him, he’s incredibly deep. As for Kyo, well, I don’t know how else to put it, we’re practically inseparable.”
From the moment they formed the band, they’ve made a pact: “We’re in this for the long haul, so there’s no question of anyone leaving. That’s what makes us strong,” they confidently declare. It’s not a matter of pressure or pandering to their fans, but rather a testament to their unwavering commitment to music. “We want to be one-of-a-kind in Japan, in terms of our lyrics, melody, and sound. We also put a lot of effort into our artwork, so we hope people will pay attention to those aspects too,” Ken expresses. “A band is a team, and we want to strive together. We’re going to be an amazing band, so definitely come check us out live!” Matty adds with enthusiasm.
LET ME KNOW – Q&A:
* Favorite Sounds
Matty: The sound of rain, the departure announcement for Osaka Station Loop Line
Ken: The departure announcement for Sengawa Station on the Yurakucho Line
Lyo: Tingsha (deeply relaxing)
* Favorite Fashion Style
Matty: Leather jackets
Ken: Vintage, but with a modern twist
Lyo: Vintage sportswear
* Most Used Emoji
Matty: 😊!!️
Ken: 🧿
Lyo: 🙂↕️
* Most Memorable Advice
Matty: Don’t give up on giving up!
Ken: Take initiative
Lyo: If it doesn’t work, do it more!
* Favorite Spot to Go With Band Members
All: The ramen shop near our studio!
* Favorite Word
Matty: LOVE
Ken: Friday I’m In Love
Lyo: Garlic, fat, extra soy sauce
Profile:
LET ME KNOW (Let Me Know)
Formed in November 2023 and released their debut in February 2024, LET ME KNOW is a Japanese rock band composed of Matty (Vocals), Ken_M (Guitar), and Lyo (Drums). The band’s music, known for its fusion of old and new indie rock, new wave, and Britpop influences, is best described as “Nostalgic Modern.” Their songs, including their debut single “LAD Roman’s”, “SKY BLUE”, and the hit song “Gisei Ai to Hai Booru” (False Love and Highball), are characterized by Matty’s sweet, husky vocals and catchy melodies, quickly gaining popularity. This year, the band will be performing at major festivals like SUMMER SONIC 2024. They will also embark on their “LET ME KNOW LIVE TOUR 2024 -Nostalgic Modern-II” starting in December in Aichi, followed by stops in Tokyo, Korea, and Osaka.
Talent: LET ME KNOW
Styled by Yuto Inagaki
Hair: Yu Nagatomo
Grooming: Minami Shirado
Tailor: Azuna Saito
Prop Styling: Yuusuke Ishii
Producers: Azusa Nozaki and Taka Arakawa at Babylon
Text: Rieko Shibazaki
Styling Assistant: Maki Sudo
Special thanks to Jiyugakuen Myonichikan
