Japanese Breakfast talked new album & more with Arooj Aftab, played National Sawdust (pics, video, setlist)

Japanese Breakfast have a couple of special NYC shows lined up around the release of their new album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), and the first of those happened Wednesday night (3/19) at National Sawdust, for Grammy Museum’s “New York Evening” series. Michelle Zauner spoke with Arooj Aftab, who she first met when they were both nominated for Best New Artist at the 2022 Grammys (they lost to Olivia Rodrigo). They talked about the album’s themes of time and melancholy, working on it with Blake Mills (a friend of Arooj’s), bringing in Jeff Bridges for a duet, and more. The conversation was followed by a stripped down, five-song set. See pictures from the night by Sachyn Mital below, along the setlist and with video of “Orlando in Love.” For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) is out this Friday, and on Saturday Japanese Breakfast will play an intimate release show at East Harlem’s El Museo del Barrio. Their tour begins in earnest with Coachella next month, and includes four NYC shows at Brooklyn Paramount on May 9, 10, 11, and 12. SETLIST: JAPANESE BREAKFAST @ NATIONAL SAWDUST, 3/19/2025 Here is Someone Orlando in Love Leda Mega Circuit Magic Mountain