San Francisco-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tanukichan is known for combining pop and indie rock with a dreamy shoegaze sensibility. Harkening back to shoegaze legends like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, Tanukichen's soft and melodic vocals have helped her garner a loyal fanbase.

The artist (born Hannah van Loon) is signed to the record label Company Records, which was founded by Toro Y Moi's Chaz Bear, who is also a regular collaborator, co-songwriter and producer. Bear co-wrote and produced Tanukichan's 2018 debut full-length album, Sundays, as well as her critically acclaimed debut 2016 EP Radiolove.

Most recently, Tanukichan's 2023 album GIZMO saw her go in a grittier direction, recalling a '90s grunge sound that proves the artist isn't afraid to take risks.

Tanukichan Live in Concert

Born and raised in Northern California, Tanukichan grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She began performing classical music at a young age, studying violin, guitar, keyboards, and bass.

Tanukichan ended up playing fiddle in bluegrass bands while still in school, and later joined the San Francisco indie pop band Trails and Ways when she was a college student at UC Berkeley. She played lead guitar and keyboards, but after four years she decided to leave the group to pursue a solo career. She soon adopted the moniker Tanukichan, a combination of "tanuki" (a mischievous, shapeshifting animal in Japanese mythology) and "chan," the Japanese honorific and term of endearment.

Tanukichan began recording her own demos and released the song "Bitter Medicine" in 2016. After being introduced to Chaz Bear by a friend, they went on to collaborate and created the four tracks that ended up becoming Tanukichan's Radiolove EP, released on Bear's Company Records label later that year.

Two full-length albums later, Tanukichan has maintained momentum within the genre, and has become known for her mesmerizing and captivating live shows.

Tanukichan FAQ

Where was Tanukichan born and raised?

Tanukichan was born and raised in Northern California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What is Tanukichan known for?

Tanukichan is known for combining pop and indie rock with a dreamy shoegaze sensibility.

What was the name of Tanukichan's 2018 debut full-length album?

Tanukichan's 2018 debut full-length album was called "Sundays."

What band did Tanukichan play lead guitar and keyboards for?

Tanukichan played lead guitar and keyboards for the San Francisco indie pop band Trails and Ways.

How did Tanukichan come up with her stage name?

Tanukichan's stage name is a combination of "tanuki" (a mischievous, shapeshifting animal in Japanese mythology) and "chan," the Japanese honorific and term of endearment.