ASP News

“Miyavi”. You might have seen this name before while surfing the net, or when you stumbled over a picture of a beautiful and freaky looking… man? Or maybe you have heard and seen some crazy fan-girls crying out his name while hugging a poster of this guy? Anyway, this guy is something quite special. He has managed to break through with his solo career and become one of the biggest idols in the scene of visual kei and Japanese rock. So I just want to say… “Miyavi desu!”

Miyavi is a Japanese recording artist and entertainer. He has been seen many places within the entertainment world, but his trademark is his funky guitar-playing and his special visual style. Through his career it is very noticeable how his style in sense of music slowly changed. He has been experimenting with a lot of different styles, sometimes a bit more pop than rock, and  has also  mixed some hip-hop into his music. Now his characteristics is his special way to play the acoustic guitar.

There is a whole lot to say about this guy, but to be honest I think you should just listen to him. As mentioned, a lot of his music is not that “polished” because he is experimenting a lot, but it is still very interesting to listen to, and you will quickly notice his use of the guitar. Furthermore, he has been experimenting with the old Japanese instrument, the shamisen.

Sakihokoru Hana no You ni (咲き誇る華の様に) is from his single “Sakihokoru Hana no You Ni”/”Kabuki Boiz” from 2007. A very characteristic song of his. It is very common that it switches from the funky verse and bridge to a more pop-like chorus. The guitar playing/drumming is also very characteristic.

Miyavi is currently the guitarist in the supergroup S.K.I.N. (which Gackt is also part of). He has also announced that he will be launching his own company called J-Glam, Inc, with himself as the president.

Hi no Hikari Sae Todokanai Kono Basho de (陽の光さえ届かないこの場所で) is his newest single, from 2008. The number features Sugizo, who is a part of S.K.I.N. too, as a guest gutarist. The song starts out a bit slow and quiet, but in the middle it switches and becomes more funky like the previous number.

Miyavi has as mentioned become an icon for the j-rock and visual scene in Japan. Most people who are just a little interested in Japanese music and scene have usually heard of him. Although different opinions may exist about him, he is there, he is visual, and he is (not to forget) Miyavi (desu)!