Holidays Of Seventeen (a.k.a. HO17) are a Japanese Power Pop band formed in October, 2004, in Fukuoka well known as the Rock City of Japan. HO17 have recently opened up for Weezer Japan Tour in Fukuoka and also played for CMJ Music Marathon 2008 in NY. HO17 originally consists of Taro Miura(Vo&Gt), Kota Nakahara(Gt&Cho), YO-PEI Ikari(Ba&Cho), and Munetoshi Nakayama(Dr&Cho) and later Yomogi Yamashita(Key&Cho) joined in.
Each Member has been influenced by various different kinds of music starting from Power Pop and Punk/Emo to J-Pop and Heavy Metal. However, the sound created by four characters totally differing from each other has come together so tight. The reason is their common favorite of all time, Weezer.
In February, 2005, HO17 released their first demo and toured in Kyushu for the first time. They dedicated themselves to gigging around in Kyushu, especially in their hometown, Jonan area in Fukuoka. While gigging around, they improved their Power Pop sound, catchy melodies, and skills even more.
In March, 2006, HO17 released their demo CD “dum e.p.” and it was ranked #1 in the indiesmusic.com chart, which in turn led them to the frontline of the music scene in Kyushu. Two months later, the new member, Yomogi Yamashita(Key&Cho), joined the band, and then they started touring nationwide including “@United Vol. 2” at the club, Milk in Ebisu, in which they played with big names such as The Swellers and Better Luck Next Time. Furthermore, HO17 played an opening act for Waking Ashland at Club Quattro in Shibuya and their fame naturally spread out. Some even regarded them as Weezer of Japan.
In January 2008, their first official recording "Miles Away", a split EP with LOCAL SOUND STYLE, was released. It was produced by CHRIS SHAW, a three-time Grammy Winner (formerly worked with the big names such as Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, WILCO, Super Furry Animals, WEEZER、Motion City Soundtrack, Panic At The Disco!,SUM41, and many more). They started getting even more attentions and people are now waiting for their 1st full album, which will be released in this year and also produced by CHRIS SHAW. With their experience, working with CHRIS SHAW, and playing not only with top Japanese indie artists such as ala, Local Sound Style, Starboard, and Unchain, but also with top artists from overseas such as Dream State and Waking Ashland, and with their long-awaited new recording, it is no doubt that HO17 will be successful!!
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