Coldfeet is a Japanese soul-jazz and electronic duo based in Tokyo, Japan. The group consists of composer and vocalist Lori Fine, who is the daughter of an American clinical psychologist and a Japanese harpist, and Watusi (also known as Atsushi Tsunoda), a co-founder of the renowned drum and bass outfit "Mushroom Head." Watusi has an extensive background in music, having produced and played bass on more than 100 CDs.
The duo is known for its unique sound that blends playful eroticism, sensual vocals, and enchanting melodies with a rich cinematic ambiance. Their lyrics often explore themes of personal strength and vulnerability, infused with positive and provocative undertones, all delivered with an offbeat sense of humor. Influenced by a diverse range of artists including Devo, Massive Attack, Sade, Gershwin, and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as the works of filmmakers David Lynch and Sam Raimi, Coldfeet's eclectic inspirations are integral to their musical identity.
Coldfeet made a significant impact with their debut single, "Pussyfoot," released in 1997, which quickly gained traction among listeners and music critics alike. Following a successful initial tour across major markets in Japan, the duo produced a visually striking video for "Pussyfoot," filmed at night in the mystical forests near Mt. Fuji by the crew behind Shunji Iwai's "Swallowtail." The video showcased Coldfeet's ability to create surrealistic imagery and received extensive airplay on Japanese music programs, including a feature on "Party Zone," a popular show that reaches 60 million households across 41 countries under MTV Europe.
The duo has been prominently featured in over 60 music and fashion magazines and has made numerous guest appearances on radio and MTV Japan. Their visually dynamic and cinematic sound has attracted attention from the fashion industry, leading to collaborations with top designers such as Christian Dior (under John Galliano), Ohya! (inspired by Astro Boy), and Kohshin Satoh (of Arrston Volaju Haute Couture).
Coldfeet's music, including their albums and singles, is available through Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., with several singles achieving top ten rankings in Japan. Their work, which includes remixes by artists such as Francois K., Truby Trio, and Smith & Mighty, has also been released in North America and Europe. They have established themselves as sought-after writers, producers, musicians, and performers in both the Tokyo and national music scenes.
Since 2004, Coldfeet has released four 12" vinyl dance singles that showcase their innovative takes on new wave, disco, and funky house, including titles such as "Pussyfoot" (2004), "Kiss Me" (2004), "Don't Stop" (2005), and "Don't Stop (Remix)" (2005). Their live performances have become favorites in clubs across Japan, and they have toured alongside prominent DJs like Free Tempo, Sugiurumn, and Akakage. In autumn 2005, they released their highly anticipated album "Pussyfoot" (2005), which included the dance single "Kiss Me" featuring Sinichi Osawa of Mondo Grosso.
Their fifth album, "Dance" (2007), released after a year and a half hiatus, included the 12" single "Don't Stop" (2007) and featured a remix by Daishi Dance. The album was a commercial success, selling out quickly and becoming a staple in clubs.
In 2008, Coldfeet transitioned to Columbia Music Entertainment. Lori Fine released a compilation album, "One" (2008), which featured the track "One" with DJ Kawasaki, serving as the theme song for the Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial campaign. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of their debut, they released their sixth album, "Dance" (2008), which reached #1 on the iTunes Dance Album Chart and maintained its position for several weeks. The follow-up album, "One" (2009), also achieved #1 status on the iTunes Dance Album Chart. In a remarkable feat, all three albums were concurrently in the top ten of the iTunes Dance Album Chart.
In November 2009, with official permission from Michael Jackson prior to his passing, Coldfeet released a covers album that generated considerable interest and featured a notable lineup of guest artists.
