Last Updated on 2025-12-24 by a-indie
A four-piece shoegaze band based in Paris, SCHØØL.
Frontman Francis Mallari will make his long-awaited first visit to Japan to perform at the event “SLYMO” held at Shimokitazawa BASEMENTBAR & THREE on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
On the day, Francis will perform not with a full band set, but in an acoustic format, performing SCHØØL songs.
Additionally, on November 29, the participation of three artist groups and two DJ groups was announced, and on December 20, the participation of Tatsuro Aoyama (from Sisters In The Velvet), who just released the new EP “Mother’s Octave,” and BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON was confirmed.
Sisters In The Velvet was scheduled to perform as a band, but due to member circumstances, the performance was cancelled and changed to a solo vocal performance. (Added December 24)
Furthermore, proposed by BELONG Media, a message from Francis and a short video of him performing acoustic were released in connection with his visit to Japan.
Sound Packed with Teenage Purity and Impulse
SCHØØL was formed around Francis Mallari, who is also a member of the Paris post-punk band Rendez-Vous.
Their debut album “I Think My Life Has Been OK” is a work born from a longing for 90s MTV and skateboard culture, and from the initial impulse to reclaim the “purity” of their teenage years.
The sound, which combines noise and sweet melodies reminiscent of 90s shoegaze bands like Swirlies and Drop Nineteens, has been creating buzz among early-adopter indie listeners here in Japan.
Additionally, SCHØØL members are huge Japanophiles, and we want you to pay attention to the Japan-related characters that occasionally appear on their Instagram.
Francis himself has spoken about “Final Fantasy VII” being a favorite work, and shows his affinity for Japanese culture to the extent of recommending “Chrono Trigger.”
A Miraculous Night Made Possible by a DJ’s Love
Francis’s visit to Japan this time is not part of a promotional tour.
It all started when Shota Katayama, who handles booking at Shimokitazawa BASEMENTBAR, the venue for the event, was playing SCHØØL songs in his DJ sets.
Through pure passion of “I love this music,” cooperation from BELONG Media, A-indie staff who conducted an exclusive interview with SCHØØL, and Marilyn crossed the ocean and materialized in the form of Francis’s first visit to Japan.
It can truly be said to be a night born from the organic connections unique to the indie music scene.
Japan Visit Message Video and Creator Collaboration
Proposed by BELONG Media, a short video was released to announce Francis’s first Japan acoustic live performance.
The acoustic performance video and message video to Japanese fans were provided by Francis himself.
This short video was created by Alice Htet(@alixmedit), who connected through BELONG Media’s Discord community, and is published on YouTube Shorts.
Cross-border collaboration between creators is further elevating this special Japan performance.
Domestic Indie Acts Including QPLO and zuni Gather for the Performance
“SLYMO,” where Francis will perform, is an all-night event starting at 23:00.
Performing alongside him are cutting-edge domestic artists including CheChe, Doona, QPLO, and zuni as live acts, while DJs including one of the organizers Shota Katayama, Fumiya Kawase, and hatchcatch will color the floor.
Additionally, in the announcement on Saturday, November 29, the participation of three artist groups—Fried Banana Shop, ozaki＋heshicco＋beja (from Khamai Leon), and Tina Moon—and two DJ groups—taichi&kao and Taira Daisuke—was confirmed.
Furthermore, on December 20, the performance of Tatsuro Aoyama (from Sisters In The Velvet), who just released the new EP “Mother’s Octave,” and BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON was announced, further enriching the lineup.
Don’t miss this special day where the Parisian underground scene and Japanese indie scene intersect.
Event Details
December 28, 2026 (Sun) Shimokitazawa BASEMENTBAR&THREE “SLYMO”
OPEN, START 23:00
TICKET ¥3,000 + 1Drink (¥600)
Performing Artists (LIVE): BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON, CheChe, Doona, Francis (from SCHØØL), Fried Banana Shop, ozaki＋heshicco＋beja (from Khamai Leon), QPLO, Tatsuro Aoyama (from Sisters In The Velvet), Tina Moon, zuni
DJ: Fumiya Kawase, hatchcatch, judgeman, SPOT, taichi&kao, TOMMY(BOY), Shota Katayama, Taira Daisuke
FOOD: zyypsshy
Ticket Purchase: https://t.livepocket.jp/e/slymo2025
SCHØØL Album Release
Debut Album “I think my life has been OK”
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Tracklist:
1. Schøøl Suxx
2. N.S.M.L.Y.D
3. OK ＜3
4. Missed Call
5. 3467200
6. Mouzer’s Quest
7. Gardener
8. Passing Breeze
9. The End
10. Chevalier B
View on bandcamp
SCHØØL Profile
A four-piece alternative rock band formed in Paris, France in autumn 2023. Formed around Francis Mallari, a member of the Paris-based post-punk band Rendez-Vous, together with Erica Ashleson (Ba.), Jack Moase (Gt.), and Alex Battez (Dr.). Born from the desire to create the band they admired in their teenage years, they draw inspiration from 90s shoegaze bands such as Swirlies and Drop Nineteens. Their debut album “I Think My Life Has Been OK” showcases a shoegaze sound that balances the two extremes of nostalgia and purity.
Early listening to pre-release songs🎧, reviews & information sharing✍, music production with domestic and international creators🤝, writing, and more—why not collaborate with your skills? Join here⏩ https://discord.gg/67T5evaBA5
BELONG Media Editorial Team
A music specialty media covering music from Japan, Europe, America, and Asia, centered on indie rock. Published 26 issues of the music magazine “BELONG Magazine” themed around “roots rock.”
In 2021, appeared as a guest on J-WAVE’s SONAR MUSIC. In 2022, opened the English-language sister site A-indie.
The editorial team members’ nutritional source is mainly obtained from shoegaze and dream pop.
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- is a music media platform run by BELONG, a Japanese music organization. We publish music articles with a focus on indie music.