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Miyavi, born September 14, 1981 in Nishikujo, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Japan,[1] is a Japanese solo rock artist and former guitarist (under the name ) for the visual kei indies band Dué le quartz, which disbanded in 2002. In the same year, Miyabi announced that he was going solo, changed his name to Miyavi, and released his debut album "【雅楽】-gagaku-" He soon signed a contract with PS Company along with other artists such as Alice Nine, Kagrra,, Gazette, and Kra.
In October 2004, Miyavi released his first major single "" (under Universal Records Japan) and began to credit himself in the songwriting credits in his liner notes as "MYV". His first major album, "【雅-miyavizm-主義】", was released in June 2005.
Miyavi was born in Nishikujo, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Japan. His mother is Japanese and his father is a second generation Zainichi Korean[2][3] whose parents immigrated to Japan from the Korean island of Jeju. His family's Korean surname was Lee(李) before changing it after moving to Japan. Miyavi has stated that though he has never been to Jeju he would like to do so when he has the opportunity.[4] Although Miyavi does not speak Korean he has expressed interest in learning the language sometime in the future.[5] Miyavi's parents divorced when he was young. Soon after he moved with his mother to Hyogo prefecture (specifically, the city of Kawanishi) to live near his maternal grandparents, where he grew up.
In 1999, at the age of 18, Miyavi joined the visual kei band, Dué le quartz. The band broke up in September of 2002, and soon after Miyavi released his first solo album 【雅楽】-gagaku- under the indie label PS Company. Miyavi's significant change in music and visual styles since leaving Dué le quartz caused many of his original audience to disperse, but attracted a new audience. Since embarking on his solo career Miyavi has enjoyed great success not only in Japan but around the world as well. Following his signing with Universal Records Japan in late 2004, he changed his name to "MYV", an apparent shortening of "Miyavi", although magazines and his website still refer to him as "Miyavi" presently.
As a solo artist, he maintains the appearance of a pop singer, but his sound is much harder, veering more toward Industrial Metal, including distorted vocals and screams and fast-paced, down-tuned guitar riffs (often, also distorted).
In addition to his musical career, Miyavi also starred as himself in the 2004 film "" and is regularly featured in various J-Rock magazines such as Fools Mate, Arena 37c, and Shoxx magazine. In the past he has modeled in the Gothic & Lolita Bible and for various brands such as the clothing line Fotus.
In 2004 Miyavi was scheduled to perform at various conventions in the United States, but was forced to cancel last minute due to staff issues. One of the planned events had been a show at Pacific Media Expo, where the Japanese band Psycho le Cému acted as a substitute, while another was at Anime Central, where the then-indies band SID (band) was booked as a replacement.
On February 8, 2007, Miyavi announced via his online diary that he would be performing live in Las Vegas. [6] [7] Due to short notice, only a number of fans were able to attend, but the event marked his musical debut in the United States. The mini-live took place at the TABU Ultra Lounge in the MGM Grand on the night of February 17, 2007. [8] [9]
In May 2007, Miyavi announced his fourth major album--as well as his first mini-album-- to be released in July. The album will feature re-arrangements of his past songs and will feature a variety of instruments such as a turntable, various drums and tap dancing. The limited edition of the album will include a DVD with bonus studio recording footage. [10] Miyavi's 7th major single (and 14th overall), a double A-side entitled "Sakihokoru Hana no You Ni -Neo Visualizm-/Kabuki BOIZ", will be released on June 20, 2007. Similar to his other major singles, "Sakihokoru Hana no You Ni -Neo Visualizm-/Kabuki BOIZ" will be released in three formats: Type A and B limited editions with DVDs, and a regular, CD-only edition. [11]
On December 30, 2006 Miyavi put out a message that he would be joining a band. [12] At the time, he did not disclose the people he would be working with, but it was rumored that he would be joining the Gackt, Sugizo (LUNA SEA) and Yoshiki (X Japan) project. [13] On May 25, 2007 at the J-rock Revolution concert organized by Yoshiki in Los Angeles, it was officially announced that Miyavi would indeed be a part of the "superband", named SKIN.[14][15] SKIN, so far consisting of Yoshiki, Gackt, Sugizo and now Miyavi himself, will be performing live at the 2007 Anime Expo convention in Long Beach, California on June 29,2007. [16][17]