Biography
The visual kei outfit Ayabie helped pioneer the oshare kei approach that later gained wide recognition. Their bright, playful costumes, upbeat summery lyrics, and musical range that stretched from pop through metal into jazz quickly drew attention.
Formed in Tokyo during May 2004, the group brought together guitarists Ryouhei and Takehito plus bassist Intetsu, all previously of Hinawana, with vocalist Aoi, late of Cynical Biscuit. After issuing one self-released single and completing four months of live performances, they joined the Speed Disk roster. Through that influential indie label they delivered multiple singles in 2005, the mini-albums Tetsu no Shima and Equal Prayer 2 All, and a collection of their earlier singles. Drummer Kenzo became a permanent member that October.
A European distribution agreement with Germany’s CLJ Records followed in early 2006, resulting in the compilation Euro Best. Later the same year Ryouhei departed to launch Megamasso, which later secured its own major-label path. With their chief songwriter gone, the remaining members recruited guitarist Yumehito and issued their first full-length album, Virgin Snow Color, simultaneously in Japan and Europe. Steady growth continued through the next two years, culminating in a September 2008 major-label contract with Tokuma Japan Communications. Three softer, pop-oriented singles appeared in 2009, followed by the January 2010 release of their second album, Irodori.
That summer brought abrupt change. After the July single Dramatic, Aoi declared plans for solo work, and August announcements revealed that the other members would exit to start a fresh project. Initial fan reaction turned mocking when the new band’s name was revealed as AYABIE in all capitals, yet the spelling served to separate the two entities and release the departing members from an unsatisfactory management deal. They promptly scheduled Virgin Snow Color: 2nd Season for December, with Yumehito handling vocals.
Aoi then declared the original Ayabie on indefinite hiatus despite remaining its only member, though his solo schedule proceeded without interruption; the single Midara arrived in September and Surrender Love followed in November. In December came another surprise: after issuing his debut solo album One, Aoi would reunite with Ryouhei for the single Monochrome. The pair later released a full-length album before Ryouhei returned to Megamasso and Aoi formed 168. Ayabie’s subsequent album, Answer, appeared on Toy’s Factory, marking what was likely the only instance of a band making two separate major-label debuts. It proved their final release, as the group soon dissolved and its members pursued individual projects.
Formed in Tokyo during May 2004, the group brought together guitarists Ryouhei and Takehito plus bassist Intetsu, all previously of Hinawana, with vocalist Aoi, late of Cynical Biscuit. After issuing one self-released single and completing four months of live performances, they joined the Speed Disk roster. Through that influential indie label they delivered multiple singles in 2005, the mini-albums Tetsu no Shima and Equal Prayer 2 All, and a collection of their earlier singles. Drummer Kenzo became a permanent member that October.
A European distribution agreement with Germany’s CLJ Records followed in early 2006, resulting in the compilation Euro Best. Later the same year Ryouhei departed to launch Megamasso, which later secured its own major-label path. With their chief songwriter gone, the remaining members recruited guitarist Yumehito and issued their first full-length album, Virgin Snow Color, simultaneously in Japan and Europe. Steady growth continued through the next two years, culminating in a September 2008 major-label contract with Tokuma Japan Communications. Three softer, pop-oriented singles appeared in 2009, followed by the January 2010 release of their second album, Irodori.
That summer brought abrupt change. After the July single Dramatic, Aoi declared plans for solo work, and August announcements revealed that the other members would exit to start a fresh project. Initial fan reaction turned mocking when the new band’s name was revealed as AYABIE in all capitals, yet the spelling served to separate the two entities and release the departing members from an unsatisfactory management deal. They promptly scheduled Virgin Snow Color: 2nd Season for December, with Yumehito handling vocals.
Aoi then declared the original Ayabie on indefinite hiatus despite remaining its only member, though his solo schedule proceeded without interruption; the single Midara arrived in September and Surrender Love followed in November. In December came another surprise: after issuing his debut solo album One, Aoi would reunite with Ryouhei for the single Monochrome. The pair later released a full-length album before Ryouhei returned to Megamasso and Aoi formed 168. Ayabie’s subsequent album, Answer, appeared on Toy’s Factory, marking what was likely the only instance of a band making two separate major-label debuts. It proved their final release, as the group soon dissolved and its members pursued individual projects.