Some might think that female drummers have a disadvantage when it comes to strength. But Yuko Araki’s performance makes us abandon that preoccupation, as it has a unique sense of rhythm with a fusion of digital and analog. Her techniques and tight drumming attracts the attention of many musicians.
When in high school, Yuko became interested in drums. After graduation, she moved to Tokyo to further her study in percussion and started playing seriously while attending a college of music. Her talent soon blossomed. Shortly after, her performance with an amateur band attracted other musicians and led her to start her professional career.
In November 2002, she left the band Smorgas, which she help start in 1997.
Yuko Araki..s love for music, especially percussion, has taken her all over the world. Yuko has toured with Cornelius, Mike Watt & Kramer, Salyu, Suga Shikao, Kyoko, Polaris, and recorded for Quruli, CHARA, Chocolat & Akito, Suneohair, COIL, Grapevine, Liv, Anamu & Maki, Harco plus many more.
Currently she is a regular member of "ash-ray" led by Hirotaka Shimizu (shimmy) with Yukio Nagoshi (nago). While playing and recording with many talented artists, Yuko felt she needed to step out on her own.
Thus, "mi-gu"(pronounced "me-goo") was born in order to create her own sound. Supported by members of "ash-ray" and other musicians, she has now released two albums [migu] released in April 2003 (available in U.K. through Ochre Records ) and [from space] released in September 2006 through Atsugua Records.
Yuko spent most of 2007 on the road playing drums for THE CORNELIUS GROUP "SENSUOUS SYNCHRONIZED SHOW" along with Shimmy on bass.
mi-gu is recording a new album that should be released sometime in 2008!
THIS PAGE IS RUN BY d WITH PERMISSION FROM
YUKO ARAKI & OFFICE AUGUSTA.
yuko’s blogs are translated by a & d
mi-gu soap
by
Yuko Araki has donated clothes for children from underprivileged homes.
Part of the sales from "mi-gu soap" will be used to buy CD players for children who can’t live with their parents.
** ORDER IN ENGLISH ** ********** ** ORDER IN JAPANESE **
mi-gu illustrations are by hiraco/scale.
Japanese Links
Hirotaka Shimizu - www.hirotaka-shimizu.com
Office Augusta - www.office-augusta.com
Astugua Records - www.office-augusta.com/astugua/
hiraco/scale - www.hiraco-sc.com