Michelle Zauner is on a roll.

She landed her memoir Crying in H Mart on the New York Times bestseller list, with the movie adaptation (allegedly) in the works. Her band Japanese Breakfast swung big with 2021’s Jubilee, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album in the process.

Now, she’s one of the songwriters behind last year’s For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women).

The album feels more narrative-lead, less commercial than Jubilee – whether that’s a good thing or bad thing is open to interpretation. “Orlando in Love” is a string-driven ballad inspired by the 15th-century poem Orlando Innamorato, obviously leaning heavily on the melancholy.

For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) - Japanese Breakfast — For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) – Japanese Breakfast

“Mega Circuit” is maybe the most single-y song on the project, which Zauner describes as a “sort of an examination of contemporary masculinity, and explores a conflicted desire to embrace a generation that in the absence of positive role models has found refuge in violence and bigotry.”

Now, Michelle Zauner and her band are conquering world-renowned music festivals, from Coachella in California to Kilby Block Party in Salt Lake City.

“Heart breaking like a punch card,
Keeps his mouth shut,
Keeps his mind fixed and well hidden.
You dream enough for two, dear
Picture window.
Looking out on somewhere else.”

– “Picture Window,” Japanese Breakfast

During concerts, everyone is there because of a deep love for a specific artist. What makes festivals so special is you can saunter up to a random set and discover your new favorite artist. Everyone there just loves music, so a lot of the pressure is off.

That’s especially helpful if you’re like me and you either want to be barricade or way in the back with plenty of room to dance. Thankfully, Japanese Breakfast is perfect for both experiences.

Japanese Breakfast © James Sakert, Kilby Block Party 2026

The energy is so palpable, and you can tell they all truly enjoy what they do. The music itself is deeply instrument-oriented and live performances are no exception – whether it’s the gong on “Paprika” or the dull, insistent drone during “Diving Woman.”

This set was a surprising mix of fan-favorites oldies instead of just new tracks. Zauner traded her sailor-inspired outfits for something more uniquely her – a frothy spring dress with a pink flower on the front and mismatched ribbons on her shoes. [There was still a nod to For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) with her cutesy earrings of dangling pink ribbon.]

“This might be my favorite lineup all year,” Zauner said to the Kilby Block Party crowd after the band launched into their explosive opening with “Paprika.”

“Thank you guys so much for coming out and showing up to see us, we’re Japanese Breakfast,” she continued. “We’ve played Kilby Court many times, but it’s good to be back.”

Of course, the band included newer songs like “Honey Water” “Mega Circuit” and “Picture Window,” but the set didn’t feel bogged down by a particular era.

There were even some surprises in the set, like a cover of “Black Light” by Bumper. One of the highlights was definitely “Slide Tackle” from Jubilee, which had the whole audience jumping during the saxophone solo.

Obviously any cute moments between Zauner and her husband/the band’s guitarist Peter Bradley are adorable, like when they pressed their foreheads together during “Diving Woman.”

Overall, it was downright fun, airy and all the things you want from a band with an album called Jubilee. Japanese Breakfast are at their best at a sunny outdoor festival.

— —