Check out Candy Bomber’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy Bomber.

Hi Candy Bomber, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Candy Bomber, a dynamic anime cover band hailing from Torrance, CA, took its first musical flight in 2013 under the creative guidance of the teaching artist couple, Mari and Al Pimentel. The band’s lineup features a talented ensemble of musicians, including Mari Pimentel, Al Pimentel, Akinfemi Joseph, Eddy Robles, Jimi Hazen, and Keita Hagiwara, each bringing their unique flair and passion to the group.

Primarily composed of dedicated teaching artists, Candy Bomber combines their shared love for performance with a mission to bring joy and smiles to their audience. Specializing in Japanese rock and ani-songs, the band infuses a distinctive jazz fusion element into their sound, courtesy of the skilled saxophonist, Al Pimentel.

Candy Bomber’s musical journey has taken them beyond the walls of anime conventions, enchanting audiences at various bar venues and outdoor events in locales like Little Tokyo and the Levitt Pavilion. Over the span of more than a decade, the band has captivated numerous listeners and events with their exuberant performances, even making memorable guest appearances at local high schools.

With an electrifying blend of genres and a commitment to spreading musical delight wherever they go, Candy Bomber continues to soar high, delighting fans old and new with their infectious energy and vibrant tunes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While Candy Bomber has cherished every moment of performing for our dedicated community, we have encountered certain challenges along the way. Despite the steady growth of the anime scene over the years, it remains a niche crowd, which has influenced the scale of our reach and recognition. While we may not boast widespread fame, we take pride in being well-known and cherished within our vibrant community.

One of the recurring challenges we face stems from how niche our music is, which can limit the number of performance opportunities we may receive per season. We understand the nuances of operating within a smaller niche and the popularity constraints that may accompany it. However, we are strong advocates for representing the anime culture through its music, especially when it comes to bands like ours that strive for excellence and deliver unforgettable experiences to our audiences.

As we continue on our musical journey, we hope to grace more venues and events as we gain recognition for our live performances while pouring our hearts and souls into our craft. We hope to continue to foster and thrive within the community, benefiting both performers and audiences.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a SoCal-based band of educators and performer who specialize in J-pop, anime, jazz, and electronic music.
Some of us currently work as classroom teachers, private instructors, ensemble directors, music clinicians, and audio engineers. We love the stage but also enjoy assisting young artists on their musical journey to discover their own unique sound. Our member’s personalities range from flamboyant and colorful to serene and collected, but on stage we all share an infectious and upbeat personality. We are most proud of the impact that we have created in the community. What distinguishes us is that music is more than a passion; it is our livelihood and a major part of our identity.

What’s next?
As band, we plan to keep rocking out and continue to inspire future musicians. After all, we are a family, so we plan to stick together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candybomberband/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1111439635873642
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/candybombertv

Image Credits
Photos by Polo Yazaki and Drew