CHAI Brings the Wink Together North America Tour to Brooklyn

by Victoria Huerta || photographed on Feb 15, 2022

We’re all freezing here in New York on the night of February 15, but CHAI is turning up the heat in Elsewhere, Brooklyn’s hotspot location for all things music and rave. Headliner No. 1: BIGYUKI, a Japanese keyboardist and songwriter who amalgamates jazz, classical, hip-hop, electronica, and more into expansive compositions. His flavorful insight into the musical landscape has the already packed interior of Elsewhere up and moving, with the end of his set leaving our blood racing and bodies anxious to dance to the next tune.

Soon after, South Korean artist Su Lee gets intimate with us, performing with only her keyboard, laptop, and self-advertised snot tissue. She is remarkably charming, encapsulating all of her endearing awkwardness and honesty within chill bedroom/DIY pop beats and melodies. Making her breakout on social forum Reddit, Su Lee has already evolved from a kid grooving in her room to a young pop ingenue grooving as the headliner for beloved electro-rock band CHAI.

Put simply, CHAI sweeps us all off of our feet and into the boisterous, brazen world of vocalist-keyboardist-guitarist twins Mana and Kana, vocalist-bassist Yuuki, and vocalist-drummer Yuna. There is no limit to the sheer energy and magnetism from the four hyper-talented women on stage; honestly, it’s tough to keep my camera still! They’re all adorned in lustrous, iridescent hooded capes that, once removed, reveal flouncy pink layered tulle dresses that sit atop pink floral spandex bodysuits. Tonight is my ultimate dream: it’s fashion, it’s rave, and it’s vibrant techno-rock-pop, all within the gleaming smiles and unequivocal youth bursting from the stage. Each song is flourishing with passion and sparkle that can only be found in the minds of the women of CHAI, and I am lucky to be front and center to photograph it all.

Mana, Kana, Yuuki, and Yuna are continuing their Winx Together North America tour, as well as joining Mitski on her 2022 North America tour. More info can be found on chai-band.com or @chaiofficialjpn on Instagram.

Pictured: Twins Mana and Kana of CHAI

Pictured: Vocalist-drummer Yuna of CHAI

Pictured: Su Lee

Pictured: BIGYUKI