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OTHER2024.10.23

Official Liner Notes for 1st Album “For Teen”

Six years have passed since she was hailed as the “8-year-old genius girl drummer” and became a sensation worldwide. Now, at the age of 14, drummer YOYOKA has released her first album.

Born in Ishikari, Hokkaido, Yoyoka Soma was introduced to drums at the tender age of 1.5, thanks to her musically experienced parents. By the age of 4, she had already begun performing live with her family band, “KANEAIYOYOKA.” In 2018, she won the weekly championship in the under-18 category of the international contest for female drummers, “Hit Like A Girl.” Her drum cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times,” published on Vimeo, was featured by numerous major media outlets around the world, leading to an overwhelming response from fans globally overnight. The powerful and technical drumming that emanated from her small frame garnered praise from hard rock enthusiasts worldwide, including the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant.

Her extraordinary talent and age-defying drumming skills have attracted attention both domestically and internationally, leading to appearances in commercials, magazines, music festivals, and fashion events, including two appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She signed an endorsement deal with Pearl at the youngest age in history and also secured agreements with Zildjian and VIC FIRTH, showcasing her remarkable trajectory. To further her global endeavors, she made the bold decision to move to the US. Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, she obtained the coveted artist visa at just 12 years old in August 2022 and relocated to US.

Undeterred by the unfamiliar land, YOYOKA actively performed live, honing her skills as a musician. Her primary goal in this new environment was to produce her first full album in collaboration with American artists. Without being tied to an agent or label, she began the production based on the experiences and connections she had cultivated through her diligent efforts, culminating in the completion of her album, “For Teen.”

Upon listening to this work, one might easily forget that the drummer is just a 14-year-old girl. The intersection of her hard rock roots and the jazz and fusion influences she discovered while attending an art school in US has undeniably broadened her playing style. From the jazzy drumming that maintains the driving force of tracks like “Origin” to the powerful rock performance reminiscent of John Bonham in songs like “Sky Blue,” she masterfully showcases her versatility. The phrasing that sings like a melody, akin to a vocal or guitar solo, along with the meticulously crafted fills that elevate the mood, reveal her potential as a professional drummer, free from the confines of age.

Supporting her remarkable performance is a stellar production team. The world-renowned producer Narada Michael Walden, who has worked with icons like Jeff Beck and Whitney Houston, and who is also a drummer himself, joins forces with legendary rock bassist Marco Mendoza, Jamiroquai’s Derrick McKenzie, Paul Turner, and Matt Johnson, as well as former Dream Theater member Derek Sherinian, alongside talented young musicians like Roman Morello, son of Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine. This borderless ensemble creates an exquisite groove that pays homage to the hard rock and jazz fusion of the ’60s and ’70s, while also venturing into genre-defying tracks that encompass pop, prog, funk, and even tropical sounds with a West Coast flair.

Among the standout tracks is “Changes,” a collaboration with jazz pianist Ai Furusato, who made headlines by enrolling at Berklee College of Music at the age of 12, and the duo version of her solo debut track “Sparkling.” The high-tempo, intricately intertwined performances of these two genius girls create a passionate session of love for making music together, infused with the intensity of a battle to bring out each other’s best.

YOYOKA contributed to the composition of most of the tracks, with her brother Shido singing on “Home Beastie,” where she also played bass and guitar, showcasing their sibling collaboration. In “Keychain,” she takes on vocal duties herself. The electronic beats combined with her innocent, youthful voice, laced with effects, present a downbeat taste that offers a glimpse into a new facet of her artistry, distinct from any other track.

The musical experiences she cultivated in US, her collaborations with diverse artists, and her unwavering determination to challenge herself globally are all encapsulated in these 14 tracks. This debut album stands as a testament to the undeniable talent of the genius girl YOYOKA while unveiling further potential that lies within her. From here, this prodigious talent is poised to soar into the world once again.

Text/ Ikumi Miyatani

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