Tapeworms, a trio from Lille, France, blends the charm of electronic music and indie-pop.
In this column, two unique characters, music expert Dr. Aria and music novice Slime Punipon,
will unravel their music, new album “Grand Voyage,” and cultural background, from France to their current stay in Tokyo.
Dr.Aria
Aria’s Introduction: A scientist and music maniac. Actively introduces indie rock artists.
Punipon
Punipon’s Introduction: A slime that shines in seven colors with zero music knowledge. Enjoys unique jokes.
This article is a new attempt to explain the charm of Tapeworms, who create their unique world influenced by various sources from Daft Punk to Shibuya-kei, in a fun and easy-to-understand column format.
Hmm!? Punipon, you’re singing a nostalgic song. Why that song?
Punipon
Well, Aria said we’re talking about “Tapeworms” this time, right? For me, the one that sticks in my head is “Tarako, Tarako, Tarako.” That commercial with lots of Tarako Kewpie-chan was so impactful!
Dr.Aria
Umm… Punipon, that’s not “Tapeworm,” it’s “Earworm.” The Tapeworms we’re introducing today are an indie band from France…
Punipon
Ehhh, I thought it was about music that you can’t get out of your head! Aria, what kind of band are Tapeworms?
What is Tapeworms?
Credit: Julien Cornuel
Dr.Aria
First, I’ll introduce a comment from Tapeworms about the band’s history and distinctive name.
“1) Could you tell us about Tapeworms’ profile? Also, please tell us about the unique origin of the name ‘Tapeworms’.
We are a French indie band now living in Tokyo. We are 3 people : Goo, Elio & Timilk. The name ‘Tapeworms’ was originally a silly word play, because we often listened to cassette mixtapes in Margot’s car. But don’t look too much into it, those tapeworms creatures are a bit disgusting.”
Dr.Aria
Tapeworms are a three-member indie band from France, currently living in Tokyo. The members are Goo, Elio, and Timilk. The band name comes from a joke that was born from listening to cassette tapes in member Margot’s car.
Punipon
They came to Tokyo from France? Why did they come to Japan?
Dr.Aria
They seem to have been strongly attracted to Japanese culture and music and decided to move to Tokyo. They are particularly influenced by Japanese pop culture, anime, and manga.
Punipon
Hee, they like Japanese anime and manga! Me too! But what’s a cassette tape? I don’t know how to listen to old music.
Dr.Aria
A cassette tape is a medium used to record music in the past. It’s a small plastic case with magnetic tape inside, which is played on a dedicated player. Now it’s mostly been replaced by digital music, but it’s still loved today.
Punipon
I see! Now we listen to music on our smartphones. Aria, what’s their music like?
Dr.Aria
Their music is characterized by a colorful and pop sound that spans various genres such as shoegaze, indie-pop, and electronica. They fuse experimental elements with accessible melodies. I’ll introduce it in detail later.
About Lille, France, the Hometown of Tapeworms
Dr.Aria
Next, I will introduce the answer to the question about their hometown, Lille, France.
“2) Please tell us about your hometown, Lille, France. I recently watched a Japanese TV show called ‘Document 72 Hours’ that featured a manga café in Paris. While Japanese manga culture seems to have taken root in Paris, how is it in Lille? I’ve heard that Lille has France’s second-largest art museum – is manga considered an art form there?
Lille is a middle-sized city with many students, it’s easy to feel good living there. Manga and anime culture is huge in France, (we are the world’s largest manga importers). Manga slowly find its way in museums here, but it is yet to be consider as a true and esteemed art form. It is mostly happening in popular culture, but people like Junji Ito or Katsuhiro Otomo are considered like complete artists nonetheless.”
Dr.Aria
Tapeworms are from Lille, a city in northern France. Lille is the second largest city in France after Paris, and a region with a rich cultural background. According to them, it’s an easy-to-live city with many students.
Punipon
Aria, do French people like manga? Is it related to Japan?
Dr.Aria
That’s right. Actually, France is the world’s largest importer of manga, and Japanese manga and anime culture is very popular. They are also interested in Japanese culture and are now staying in Tokyo.
Punipon
Wow! French people read manga! But it’s amazing that Japanese manga is popular overseas. Aria, what kind of city is Lille? Is it as famous as Paris?
Dr.Aria
It’s not as famous as Paris, but Lille is an important cultural center in northern France. It also has the second largest art museum in France. The diversity and creativity of this region seem to have influenced Tapeworms’ musicality. According to their interview, Japanese manga culture is also prevalent in Lille, and Japanese manga artists such as Junji Ito and Katsuhiro Otomo are recognized as artists.
A-indie - Good indie music in Asia - is a music media platform run by BELONG, a Japanese music organization. We publish music articles with a focus on indie music.
- is a music media platform run by BELONG, a Japanese music organization. We publish music articles with a focus on indie music.