kyoka & Ami Kusakabe^JP

Kyoka became the first female artist to join Raster-Noton, the experimental German label founded by Alva Noto. As an electronic music producer, DJ, installation artist, and field recorder, she explores sound across a wide spectrum, focusing on frequencies and sonic textures.

Her performances have taken place worldwide, including Manchester’s Warehouse Project curated by Aphex Twin, multiple editions of MUTEK, Centre Pompidou in Paris, CTM Festival in Berlin, and Sonar. Actively engaged in education and lectures, Kyoka has participated in institutions such as Brown University (USA), Rhythmic Music Conservatory (Denmark), University of Gothenburg (Sweden), University of Zaragoza (Spain), and Southern University of Science and Technology (China), as well as events like Ableton Loop. In 2023, she served as an instructor for the young artist development program of the Venice Biennale’s music section, and since that autumn, she has been based at an institution in Switzerland, focusing on the intersection of neuroscience, music theory, and composition.

Ami Kusakari, bassist of the Japanese rock band Sakanaction, debuted in 2007. Over 18 years, she has contributed to eight original albums and remains a central figure in the contemporary music scene. Known for her groovy technique, she skillfully switches between synth bass and electric bass. In April 2025, she released her first ambient solo album, Garden Studies.

Kyoka and Ami Kusakari, long-time friends since their early careers, have collaborated on music production in Ableton Studio and debuted their first duo multichannel live performance at P.O. Minami Aoyama Hall in 2024. Following the April 2025 release of Kusakari’s solo album Garden Studies, composed entirely from material created for that live show, the duo returns for another live performance at MUTEK.JP.