Big In Japan is a synth-pop cover band delivering timeless ‘80s new wave music to today’s most discerning music fans. Leveraging the latest music production technology and record-quality sonics, Big In Japan is emerging as the top cover band on the scene in Hollywood. Comprised of a backing band of experienced professional musicians and fronted by a trio of sexy vocalists-- Big In Japan is bringing ‘80s synth-pop back to legions of fans who remember the originals and introducing the classics to a new generation.

Big In Japan’s live performances deliver the goods. Equally impressive at Hollywood clubs and Vegas pool parties as they are at big venues and corporate events-- Big In Japan boasts hot dames nailing synchronized dance moves and crooning classic synth-laden hits. The backing band is as awe-inspiring, triggering crisp synth sounds that find their way into every corner of the club and breathe life into the crowd with familiar melodies and tight beats. An LA Weekly columnist caught an early show and claimed it was LA’s best live performance by a female-fronted cover band.

The Music

Synth-pop is a genre of music in which the synthesizer is the dominant musical instrument. It originated as part of the new wave movement of the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, and it has continued to develop ever since. The genre has seen a resurgence in popularity in the late 2000s/early 2010s-- perfect timing for the current rise of Big In Japan.

Big In Japan’s set list pays tribute to the 80’s alternative, new wave movement which saw the ascension of classic bands such as: New Order, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, A-ha, Echo and the Bunnymen, Duran Duran, Falco, Depeche Mode, The Eurythmics, Flock of Seagulls, Alphaville, Human League, Falco, Nena, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Psychadelic Furs, Real Life, Tears for Fears, Erasure, Information Society, and The Cure.

What’s in a name?

The phrase "big in japan" is often used as a reference to Western celebrities who fail to achieve lasting fame in the Western world but subsequently establish notoriety and success in Japan. Over the years, many synth-pop bands followed the same path. "One-hit-wonders" or "flashes in the pan" in Western Europe and the US were sent on a tour of duty in Japan to recoup their label’s investments when their popularity waned at home.

However, the cover band drew it’s name from the 1984 hit single “Big In Japan” by avant-garde German synth-pop group Alphaville. The moniker may also be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the height of it’s trio of 5’9” female vocalist stunners.

The Band

The band was formed in early 2010 by Kourtney Klein who, after years of international touring with prolific DJ’s and electronic bands, wanted to put her synth chops to use on a new project and perform what she (and many) consider the greatest music of all time.

Kourtney spent months in her studio utilizing the very latest technology to develop a stage show that was true to the originals but optimized for memorable mind-blowing live performances. At the same time, Kourtney got to work holding auditions to assemble an all-star cast sure to make a big splash.

After months of preparation and rehearsals Big In Japan launched a series of live shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles beginning in the summer of 2010.