Kai (musician)
Kai | |
|---|---|
 Kai playing with The Sisters of Mercy in Groningen, Netherlands in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 21 February 1993 |
| Genres | Progressive metal, electronicore, alternative metal, gothic rock, power metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, composer, producer |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, vocals, bass, piano |
| Years active | 2010–present |
Kai (Japanese: 海), is a rock singer, musician, and producer. Kai leads the British-Japanese rock and alternative metal group Esprit D'Air as a multi-instrumentalist. Kai is also known for being one of the current guitarists for English rock band The Sisters of Mercy.[1]
Career[edit]
Esprit D'Air[edit]
Kai founded Esprit D'Air in London in 2010 as the lead guitarist. The band shortly split up in 2013 as most members returned to Japan.[2] Esprit D'Air later reformed as Kai's solo project in 2016 and has since produced a prolific catalogue of albums and singles as lead vocalist, composer, and producer.[3]
Kai is also known to book and promote long tours and concerts for Esprit D'Air without the help of booking agents and promoters, and often sells out shows on an international scale.[4]
The Sisters of Mercy[edit]
In mid-October 2023, Kai joined The Sisters of Mercy, as a guitarist and backing vocalist and has since toured extensively in Europe. After being introduced to the band by Ben Christo, Kai was brought in as the replacement guitarist for Dylan Smith. Despite their background as a progressive metal guitarist, Kai introduced a less heavy metal influence, bringing back a live sound closer to their earlier work.[5]
Other projects[edit]
In 2016, Kai played bass for Stereo Juggernaut and went on a UK tour supporting The Birthday Massacre, as well as shows with 3Teeth, Hed PE and Warrior Soul.[6]
Between 2018 and 2019, Kai was a frequent guest vocalist for London-based project Shot Through The Heart, a "monthly night of live hard rock, AOR and glam metal covers" presented by Ben Christo. The live sets are usually enhanced with guest musicians from various rock/glam/metal groups, which included past guests from Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Gun, Marco Mendoza, Jettblack, Lauren Harris & more.
On 15 October 2022, Kai was asked to perform guitar for original Tigertailz vocalist Steevi Jaimz on a one-off show to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Tigertailz debut album Young and Crazy alongside Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and Rachel Stamp drummer Robin Guy and former BulletBoys bass player Rob Lane.[7]
Equipment and endorsements[edit]
Kai uses a white Ibanez S-Series guitar with Seymour Duncan pick-ups, a white Fender American Stratocaster, an Ibanez YY20 (Yvette Young signature model), and a blue Schecter Omen Extreme-6. Kai is also a Vocalzone endorsed artist, using it prior to rehearsals, warm-ups and mid-performance.[8]
Musical influences[edit]
Kai named X Japan, Luna Sea, L'Arc-en-Ciel, and Dead End as some of his favorite bands from Japan in an article for Loudwire.[9]
Philanthropy[edit]
In March 2016, Kai performed at a charity event in London, where all proceeds went to Aoba-gakuen, an orphanage in Fukushima, Japan.[10][11] Through ticket, merchandise, food sales, and donations, the event raised over £1,100 for the orphanage.[12]
Kai supports LGBTQ+ rights and donates a percentage of record sales to Stonewall. Kai has also donated a percentage of record sales to Black Lives Matter, and Razom, a non-profit in Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the ongoing war.[13]
Other work[edit]
Kai Koffee[edit]
Kai created their own coffee brand called Kai Koffee with products named after Esprit D'Air song titles such as 'Leviathan', and 'The Awakening'. Each batch is freshly roasted weekly from a carbon neutral coffee source.[14]
Discography[edit]
Albums[edit]
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Rock & Metal Albums [15] |
UK Independent Albums Breakers [16] |
UK Independent Albums [17] |
UK Album Downloads [18] |
UK Albums Sales |
Scottish Albums [19] |
UK Physical Albums | ||
| Constellations |
|
33 | 16 | 48 | 45 | — | 81 | – |
| Oceans |
|
8 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 25 | 19 | 80 |
References[edit]
- ^ "The Sisters Of Mercy - Interview". Terra Relicta. 26 November 2023.
- ^ Bob Smith (12 December 2020). "Esprit D'Air Unleash The Massive "Leviathan"". Static Dive.
- ^ Peter Dennis (15 February 2023). "AVO Magazine Interview: Kai from Esprit D'Air – Always in motion". AVO Magazine.
- ^ "Esprit D'Air / Exciting 17-date Leviathan Tour announced". MetalTalk. 7 April 2023.
- ^ Von Lars Fischer. "Der Niedergang der Sisters of Mercy". Weser Kurier.
- ^ Metal Temple. "ESPIRIT D'AIR: Support at "The Birthday Massacre" in London". Metal Temple.
- ^ Blabbermouth. "Original TIGERTAILZ Singer STEEVI JAIMZ To Perform Entire 'Young And Crazy' Album At One-Off London Concert". Blabbermouth.
- ^ "Esprit D'Air". Vocalzone.
- ^ "10 Best Rock + Metal Bands From Japan by Esprit D'Air's Kai". Loudwire. 22 June 2021.
- ^ "MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews » Esprit D'Air to headline Origami: A Charity Gig". MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews.
- ^ "Live music and Japanese food for a great cause!". Kakkoii Club. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ edohsama. "Report on Esprit D'Air at the Pipeline, London". SR : JRock News. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ "Esprit D'Air Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights". Virtue. 29 May 2022.
- ^ "Introducing: Kai Koffee by Esprit D'Air". Esprit D'Air. 29 May 2022.
- ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
- ^ "Official Independent Album Breakers Chart: 5 August 2022 - 11 August 2022". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.