Guide to Cibo Matto
Cibo Matto stands out for their genre-defying music blending hip-hop, jazz, and eclectic influences. Delve into their story, understand the allure of tracks like ‘Sugar Water’, and discover their role in shaping 90s music and culture. Unpack Cibo Matto’s unique sound and their resonance among fans in this article.
Key Takeaways
Cibo Matto mixed genres like hip-hop and Brazilian rhythms into a unique sound with food-themed songs, gaining international acclaim and contributing to the ‘90s music scene.
Their music videos combined creativity with innovation, like the split-screen concept by Michel Gondry in ‘Sugar Water’, enhancing their songs’ storytelling and visual appeal.
Beyond music, Cibo Matto influenced pop culture, appearing in movies and video games, worked with artists like the Beastie Boys, and translated their love for food into their own Cibo Matto Caffe.
Exploring Cibo Matto's Musical Menu
Cibo Matto’s music is a feast for the senses. Defying simple classification, their music interwove hip-hop, Brazilian rhythms, and inspiration from New York’s jazz scene to create a distinctive auditory palette. With their unique sampler approach, they managed to blend these diverse influences seamlessly.
This eclectic blend of genres gave birth to some of the most unique music pieces that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
The Origins of Cibo Matto
Cibo Matto’s story begins in the bustling city of New York, where Japanese expatriates Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori decided to form a band. The duo, who had previously collaborated in the New York-based noise rock band Leitoh Lychee, named their new project ‘Cibo Matto’, which translates to ‘crazy food’ in Italian.
Their self-titled EP, released in 1995, was a pivotal early release that captured the attention of Warner Bros. Records. This led to their major record deal and the subsequent release of their debut album, ‘Viva! La Woman’.
Signature Albums & Tracks
The release of ‘Viva! La Woman’ marked the beginning of a new music era where food-related themes took center stage. The album, produced by Mitchell Froom, featured tracks such as ‘Know Your Chicken’, ‘Apple’, and ‘Birthday Cake’, which contributed to the unique culinary concept that would become Cibo Matto’s signature. The album was well received, earning a spot in Spin’s ‘100 Best Albums of the ‘90s’ and Time Magazine’s ‘Best Hip Hop Albums of All Time’.
Their second album, ‘Stereo Type A’, marked an expansion in their musical style and welcomed new members Sean Lennon, Timo Ellis, and Duma Love.
"Hotel Valentine" - A Closer Look
In 2014, after a nearly decade-long hiatus, Cibo Matto made a triumphant return with the release of their third and final studio album, ‘Hotel Valentine’. Released on Valentine’s Day, the album was a labor of love that spanned over two years of production helmed by band members Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda, with guest musicians such as Nels Cline of Wilco and Mauro Refosco from Atoms for Peace.
‘Hotel Valentine’ showcased a varied soundscape, featuring elements of trip-hop, lo-fi funk, and synth-pop. The ethereal and atmospheric tracks that dominated the second half of the album received a score of 74/100 on Metacritic, further cementing Cibo Matto’s place in the music industry.
A Taste of Visual Flair: Cibo Matto Music Videos
Cibo Matto’s music videos were as creative and innovative as their music. The video for ‘Sugar Water’, a track from their first album, is a perfect example of this. Directed by Michel Gondry, the video showcases an inventive split-screen concept where two narratives are displayed simultaneously.
On one side of the split screen, we see Miho Hatori’s journey playing forward, while on the other side, we witness Yuka Honda’s journey in reverse. This revolutionary approach not only showcases Gondry’s directorial vision but also adds a mesmerizing layer to the visual storytelling of the ‘Sugar Water’ music video, capturing the essence of a moonchild. As the scenes unfold like the turning of a page, the music continues to propel the story forward.
Cibo Matto's Influence on Pop Culture
Cibo Matto’s influence extends far beyond the music scene. Their track ‘Sugar Water’ became a college radio and dance hit, and ‘Birthday Cake’ was prominently featured in the video game Jet Set Radio Future. The ‘Sugar Water’ music video also gained significant recognition on MTV, leading to increased television appearances for the band.
The band’s music has been featured in films such as Lady in the Water, Half Baked, and Down to You, signifying their influence in the movie industry. Furthermore, Miho Hatori’s collaboration with the Beastie Boys on their album Hello Nasty and her partnership with Yuka Honda on Sean Lennon’s debut album, Into the Sun, highlight the interconnectivity between Cibo Matto and other artists.
Moreover, Cibo Matto’s engagement with the fashion world is evident from their performance at high-profile events such as Friday Nights at Jean Paul Gaultier and the artistic expression found in their album covers. Despite disbanding in 2017, Cibo Matto’s legacy endures as they continue to influence new musicians and maintain a presence in the collective memory of the music industry.
Discography Deep Dive
Cibo Matto’s discography is a testament to their enduring appeal and musical creativity. From their early EPs to their final album ‘Hotel Valentine’, each release marked a new milestone in their musical journey.
The album ‘Hotel Valentine’ is particularly notable as it reached number 168 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing its impact and audience reach.
The Early EPs and Singles
Before their major record deal, Cibo Matto made waves with their self-titled EP released in 1995 on El Diablo Records. This pivotal early release played a significant role in their signing with Warner Bros. Records, marking the start of a fruitful relationship that would see the release of multiple acclaimed albums.
From their self-titled EP to their subsequent single releases, these early singles helped establish Cibo Matto’s unique sound and solidified their position in the music industry. They not only showcased the band’s musical versatility but also highlighted their potential for greatness, which they would later fully realize.
From Debut to "Hotel Valentine"
Cibo Matto’s debut album ‘Viva! La Woman’, released in 1996, was a testament to the band’s unique sound. The album, with its strong focus on food-related themes, was a breath of fresh air in the music scene and quickly garnered critical acclaim.
Their discography includes:
Their debut album, ‘Fantastic Planet’, released in 1996
Their second album, ‘Stereo Type A’, released in 1999
A break of nearly a decade
Rejuvenation of their career with live performances and the eventual release of new material
In 2014, the release of ‘Hotel Valentine’ marked their return and reached number 168 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it a significant date for the band.
Collector's Corner
For music collectors, Cibo Matto’s discography is a goldmine of special contributions and rare releases. One such contribution is their rendition of ‘Águas De Março (Waters of March)’, which was included in an AIDS benefit album by the Red Hot Organization.
This track, along with other special releases, provides a unique perspective into Cibo Matto’s discography and showcases the band’s commitment to using their music for a greater cause. It’s these special contributions that make Cibo Matto’s discography a treasure trove for music collectors.
Cibo Matto Beyond the Music
Cibo Matto’s passion for food extends beyond their music. Their establishment, the Cibo Matto Caffe, located just minutes from I-95, is a testament to their love for food and their desire to create a unique culinary experience.
The Cibo Matto Caffe, enriched with their artistic background, offers a unique culinary experience that reflects the band’s eclectic taste and creativity. It’s a testament to the band’s passion for food and the extension of their creative expression beyond music into the culinary arts, where even a simple spoon can become a tool for artistry.
Fan Engagement and Legacy
Cibo Matto’s fan engagement initiatives were as unique as their music. For instance, they offered personalized Valentine’s Day cards with special pre-orders for their album ‘Hotel Valentine’, creating a direct connection with their fans.
Despite their disbandment, Cibo Matto’s influence continues to thrive in the digital age. Fans can interact with their discography through IMDb user polls and keep track of their work, ensuring that their music and legacy live on.
Summary
From their unique blend of musical genres to their culinary-themed approach to songwriting, Cibo Matto has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their innovative music videos, their influence on pop culture, and their discography are testaments to their creativity and enduring appeal.
Cibo Matto’s journey, from their formation in New York City to their venture into the culinary world with the Cibo Matto Caffe, showcase their passion for creativity and their ability to transcend boundaries. Their music, influence, and legacy continue to resonate with fans worldwide, cementing their place in the annals of alternative rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cibo Matto mean?
Cibo Matto means "crazy food" in Italian. It's a fitting name for a unique band!
What genres does Cibo Matto's music encompass?
Cibo Matto's music encompasses a blend of genres, including trip hop, art pop, and Shibuya-kei, offering a diverse and eclectic sound.
What is the concept of Cibo Matto's debut album 'Viva! La Woman'?
Cibo Matto's debut album 'Viva! La Woman' revolves around food-related themes, featuring tracks like 'Know Your Chicken', 'Apple', and 'Birthday Cake'. Enjoy!
What is unique about the 'Sugar Water' music video?
The 'Sugar Water' music video is unique because it features a split-screen concept with two narratives displayed simultaneously, directed by Michel Gondry.
What is the Cibo Matto Caffe?
Cibo Matto Caffe is a culinary establishment created by the band, showcasing their passion for food and creativity beyond music.