Yuko Araki & JACKSON kakiJP
Yuko Araki, a Tokyo-based multi-instrumentalist and composer, explores a broad range of musical styles. Initially drawn to the piano as a child, she later became captivated by hardcore and metal during her teenage years. Her musical journey expanded further as she became the drummer for Kuunatic, a band known for its tribal and dreamy soundscapes.
Araki’s solo work is where her creativity truly shines. Utilizing modular synthesis, she crafts abstract rhythms and dissonant harmonies, seamlessly blending noise and industrial elements. Her exceptional skill in processing heavy, dense sounds results in a unique sonic landscape—evoking imagery of thousands of oscillating leaves. While rooted in Japanese noise, her music transports listeners into intergalactic soundscapes, distinctly her own.
In 2019, Araki released the EP I under the Indonesian label Gerpfast Records, followed by II on Italy’s Commando Vanessa. Her debut full-length album, End of Trilogy, came out in 2021, and her 2023 album, Ⅳ (Room40), focused on crafting noise music free of unnecessary clutter. It also featured a collaboration with Taichi Nagura of the band Endon.
She later curated the remix EP IV X VI (Re:visions), collaborating with artists like Jonathan Snipes (clipping.), Portal, Lawrence English, Nick Klein, Scotch Rolex, and Golpe Mortal. Her upcoming album, Zenjitsutan - 前日譚, releases via Room40 on August 30, 2024, drawing inspiration from the Japanese noise scene.
JACKSON kaki is born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1996 and a graduate of the Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences (IAMAS). He is an artist, DJ, VJ, filmmaker, and graphic designer. His work spans various multimedia forms, including VR/AR, 3DCG, video, performance, installation, and sound. Domestically, he has produced music videos for artists like MONDO GROSSO and D.A.N. and served as a VJ and live performer for acts such as Fake Creators and (sic)boy. He also work as a VJ for platforms like AVYSS and FORESTLIMIT.
In the past, He has created artwork and collaborated with numerous international artists and labels, including Two Shell, caro♡ (PC Music), Dirty K, Vincenzo Pizzi, Eastern Margins, Daisy Maybe, and Visioni Parallele. He also performed at MUTEK in 2021.