Esprit D'Air

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Esprit D'Air
Kai from Esprit D'Air performing in 2013
Kai from Esprit D'Air performing in 2013
Background information
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active2010–2013 (as a group), 2016–present (as a solo project)
LabelsStarstorm Records
MembersKai
Past membersEllis
Yoshisuke Suga
Daishi
Yuki
Coma
Tatsuya Nashimoto (Hakuren)
Websiteespritdair.com

Esprit D'Air ("Spirit of Air" in French) is a British-Japanese progressive metal band formed in London in 2010 with members from Japan and England. In 2013, the band increased in popularity as their single "Shizuku" became the first playable song in the J-rock category in the video game Rock Band 3 (and now Rock Band 4 since 2023) but disbanded in the same year as members went back to Japan. Since reforming in 2016, Kai appoints session musicians and support members, which included some of the original line-up to perform with him on tour.[1]

Reformed in 2016 as Kai's solo project, their debut album Constellations was released in 2017, to critical acclaim. The album won "Best Metal Album" at the Independent Music Awards, judged by a panel including Amy Lee of Evanescence, Slayer, and Sepultura and entered the Top 40 Rock & Metal Albums Chart.[2]

In 2022, Esprit D'Air released their second album Oceans, which entered the UK Official Charts peaking at #8 in the Rock & Metal Albums Chart, and #5 in the Independent Albums Breakers Charts.[3] The album later re-entered the charts for several weeks following the success of their UK Oceans tour in summer 2022.[4]

History[edit]

Formation and Deai (2010–2011)[edit]

The band met at a concert in London and made their debut in May 2010.[5] At the time, the band had five members – Yosh (lead vocals), Kai (lead guitar and backing vocals), Ellis (bass), Yuki (rhythm guitar) and Daishi (drums).[6] Esprit D'Air first released an EP entitled 'Deai' in October 2010, which loosely translates to 'encounter'. Kai described the name as a 'sort of like the first hello from the band'.[7] They recorded the 3-track EP at Sarm East Studios in Brick Lane, London.

Since forming in 2010, the band performed at numerous shows in the UK and Spain[8] and have been interviewed by Japanese video sharing website, Nico Nico Douga.[9]

In early 2011, rhythm guitarist Yuki left the band due to personal reasons, leaving the band as a four-piece, whilst Yosh organised and performed at charity events in aid of Japan's 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The band also announced news about their second release.[10]

The Hunter and Shizuku (2012)[edit]

In February 2012, Esprit D'Air released The Hunter and performed two headline shows at Nambucca (London, UK) and La Farga (Barcelona, Spain) as part of their single launch.[11][12] Tom Smith, the director of European-based independent record label JPU Records (The Gazette, Polysics, Ling Tosite Sigure), described the single as a release that 'excites them much more than any recent visual kei or J-rock from Japan'.[13]

In June 2012, Esprit D'Air released Shizuku and offered the track free for a limited time.[14]

Rock Band 3, hiatus and Yosh's departure (2012–2013)[edit]

In early 2013, the band rose in popularity as Shizuku became the first playable Japanese-language track on the Xbox 360 video game, Rock Band 3 and the only track to be featured in the J-Rock category.[15]

Due to personal reasons, Yosh was no longer a part of the band in early 2013 and returned to Tokyo six months after the band announced their indefinite hiatus in late 2013.[16][17]

Coma, Hakuren and disbandment (2013)[edit]

Coma and Hakuren joined as the new lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist respectively, in April 2013 making the band a five-piece once again. However, the band performed their last show with this line-up at Brighton Japan Festival in September 2013. A month later, Coma flew back to Tokyo, Japan without a definite plan to return. With the singer in another country, the band could not see a future together and decided to disband, despite having record label interest for their upcoming album.[18]

It was revealed in an interview with Louder Sound that the disbandment was partially due to primary songwriter and composer Kai's depression and personal struggles, which led him to split up the band.[19]

Reunion and comeback single, Rebirth (2016)[edit]

Esprit D'Air in 2013

In March 2016, Esprit D'Air reunited for a one-off show as a three-piece with Kai on vocals to perform at a charity event in London, where all proceeds went to Aoba-gakuen, an orphanage in Fukushima, Japan.[20][21] Through ticket, merchandise, food sales, and donations, the event raised over £1,100 for the orphanage.[22] At this point, it was uncertain whether Esprit D'Air were going to reform. Subsequently, due to interest and demand by fans, in June 2016, Esprit D'Air officially announced their return with original guitarist Kai taking over the role of lead vocalist, Ellis on bass and Daishi on drums (it is later revealed that Ellis and Daishi were not really in the reformation but as session musicians).[23] The band also announced three shows, including a performance at the main stage of Hyper Japan Festival.[24]

In December 2016, Esprit D'Air released "Rebirth", their first single in four years and celebrated the launch of their single at Zigfrid von Underbelly in London and at Le Trianon in Paris.[25][26] According to Kai, the song tells the story of a man who finds his voice and sings under the stars, this leads to him becoming the savior of his town as his voice inspires and refreshes everyone who hears it. The first and second lines allude to the beautiful view of audiences from the stage ("Aoku yureta hoshi wo matoi" – in blurred lights of the blue stars). The middle bridge implies his bright future, and how he's moving forward towards it.[27]

Constellations (2017–2018)[edit]

In March 2017, Esprit D'Air performed a full capacity headline show at the O2 Academy2 Islington.[28][29]

In April 2017, the band released their second comeback single, Guiding Light and premiered their music video exclusively with Teamrock.com,[30] and was later listed as their top 50 best rock songs of 2017 so far.[31]

Esprit D'Air released their album Constellations digitally on 30 June, followed by a physical album on 7 July featuring three bonus tracks under Starstorm Records. Kai described the overarching theme of the album as finding hope and positivity in the darkest and most challenging times.[32]

"For example, Rebirth is a story of a man who regained his voice to sing again among the stars. It reflects my personal story of the reformation of Esprit D'Air, and the strong feelings I have of performing music again after many struggles. Guiding Light is about finding optimism and the will of moving forward in the most bleak of times. Starstorm is an abstract story about fulfilling a promise in the doomed future on a dying planet. Reminisce is about the death of someone really important to you, but you move on as you reminisce about the person, with the last line meaning 'my courage has just started to turn into freedom'. Versus is about chasing your dreams – the 'you' in the Japanese lyrics sounds like it is chasing romance, but the 'you' is actually used as a metaphor for your dreams."

Constellations reached number three in the Amazon.com hard rock & metal sales charts and number eight in the rock charts. The album release was shortly followed by a release of another single, Ignition in August,[33] and the single received airplay on Kerrang! Radio.

Esprit D'Air performed at O2 Academy Islington as a support act for The Birthday Massacre on 24 October 2017,[34] as well as a 7-day headline UK tour in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Carlisle and Glasgow in February 2018 to celebrate the release of Constellations.[35]

In January 2018, Esprit D'Air released their single "Starstorm" from their album Constellations. The single version is remastered by Stuart Hawkes, who is known for his works with Miyavi, Sugizo, and Mika Nakashima. It also contains a remix by Shudan and an instrumental version.[36]

In March 2018, Esprit D'Air won the award for "Best Metal or Hardcore Album" at The Independent Music Awards in New York for their album Constellations. The judging panel featured Amy Lee of Evanescence, Slayer and Sepultura. The band shortly announced that they will extend their Constellations Tour to Europe in September 2018.[37]

In May 2018, the band released the single, "Calling You". The track featured on Louder's Tracks Of The Week alongside Nine Inch Nails, Ghost and Bullet for My Valentine,[38] and also received its first airplay on BBC Radio.[39]

In August 2018, Esprit D'Air released a cover of Dead End's "Serafine".[40]

At the end of 2018, Esprit D'Air was nominated for "Best Musical Act" at the Neo Awards, sponsored by Sega. The band finished fourth place among Crossfaith, The GazettE, and Band-Maid.[41]

Oceans (2018-present)[edit]

Esprit D'Air recorded their second album Oceans from 2018 to the end of 2021. It was finally released in February 2022 and reached #8 in the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. The recording of the album was halted in mid-2019 when producer Kai's laptop was stolen.[42]

At the start of 2019, Esprit D'Air started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to release their new single "Amethyst". The band reached their goal within three days.[43] Midway through the campaign, Ellis left the band due to personal reasons, and the single was released in February 2019.[44][45]

In June 2019, it was announced that the laptop that contained all the contents of their upcoming album was stolen from them, which meant that they would have to start the recording process all over again. It was then that they had also announced that the upcoming album was going to be entitled, Oceans. The release of the new album is now delayed as Esprit D'Air is re-recording it. The stolen work also included backups of their single "Amethyst".[42]

In May 2020, Esprit D'Air announced their 10th anniversary show to take place at The Dome in London on 24 October 2020.[46][47] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the live show was replaced by a livestream on the same date,[48][49] and instead took place at KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton.[citation needed]

In December 2020, Esprit D'Air released their single, "Leviathan" accompanied by a music video directed by Andy Mihov, which premiered on Loudwire. Kai tells Loudwire:

"We interpreted 'Leviathan' as a huge power or impact beyond human power or knowledge. When we wrote this, we were thinking about how significantly our world has changed with the pandemic and how we can think positively and have hopes in tough times. Through our composition and songwriting, we tried to express lights of despair, human weakness and stupidity, and human wisdom to build a new world."[50]

The release of "Leviathan" garnered some praise from peers with The Sisters of Mercy's Ben Christo stating of the song, "It's a really unique blend of djent, industrial, electro, goth, emo, metal and much more. I love the dramatics and cinematic quality it has, with haunting, melancholy colors swooping betwixt the cruel, relentless jaws of the machine."[51] Michael Falcore of The Birthday Massacre stated that "Leviathan" is a "wonderful song, feels like a modern day opera with heavy guitars set on fire! Melancholic and haunting, the vocals cut deep. A truly inspired song."[52] Accompanied with the release were two remixes, one in the style of drum and bass by Los Angeles-based Heavygrinder, and one in the style of eurobeat by London-based producer Shirobon. Matthew Kiichi Heafy of Trivium also played 'Leviathan' as an opening track on his Chaos Hour show on SiriusXM.[53]

In February 2021, Esprit D'Air released their 10th Anniversary Live album with recordings from their online concert in October 2020. The physical CD version contains the full twelve tracks, whilst the digital version contains ten recordings from the show.[54]

In March 2021, Esprit D'Air released a cover of X Japan's Kurenai, with the guitars, bass, and vocals recorded by Kai, and drums by Jan-Vincent Velazco. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this is the first release by Esprit D'Air without a full performance music video and instead was released with a motion graphics video.[55]

In April 2021, Esprit D'Air released their single, 'Nebulae'. The single is described as a song about moving forward and taking the wheel of your own life. Kai commented, "We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge of our destiny. This is our anthem of motivation and inventing our own future.". It was announced that Esprit D'Air will continue to release new music every six weeks via the Patreon platform.[56]

In June 2021, Esprit D'Air released their single, 'Glaciers'. The single went towards having a post-rock ballad direction, which Kai has said was inspired by bands such as Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky.[57]

In July 2021, Esprit D'Air released a re-recorded version of their 2017 single 'Guiding Light' containing a different ending and arrangement.[58]

In September 2021, Esprit D'Air announced their return to performing a concert in London at the O2 Academy Islington in February 2022 and released their single, 'Tsunami', which is performed in a heavier djent and electronicore style. The video features touring members Jan-Vincent, Yusuke, and Takeshi.[59]

In October 2021, Esprit D'Air released the single Souhou Raiā in collaboration with Tokyo-based Vocaloid producer UmiKazeTaiyou.[60]

In November 2021, Esprit D'Air released a new orchestra mix and re-recording of their debut song Deai.[61]

In January 2021, it was announced that the new album Oceans would finally be released on 18 February 2022. The album includes songs ('Dead Zone' and 'The Abyss') that feature The Sisters of Mercy member Ben Christo, and Ryo Kinoshita from Japanese metalcore band Crystal Lake as special guest vocalists, respectively.[62]

In February 2022, the second album Oceans was finally released. The album entered four UK Official Charts positions, including #13 in the Top 40 Rock and Metal Albums in that week,[4] and peaked at #3 on Top Metal Albums on iTunes in the UK.[63] The album was also listed on Loudwire, Metal Injection, and the Knotfest news website and received favorable reviews by critics.[64][65][66] Simultaneously, Esprit D'Air released an enhanced edition of the 'Leviathan' music video called 'Leviathan 2.0', featuring new visual effects created by Andy Mihov and a team across the UK, France, and Taiwan. The music video went on to win a few cinematography and music video awards.[67]

The Oceans album was followed up by a launch party at the O2 Academy Islington on 20 February, and a summer UK tour, which includes a headline festival slot at Amplified Festival.[68]

In March 2022, Esprit D'Air released a video and single for 'Dead Zone' featuring Ben Christo from The Sisters of Mercy. About the song itself, Cradle of Filth guitarist Richard Shaw stated, "Catchy and atmospheric, with incredible vocals and an otherworldly guitar solo. What a song!".[69]

After their UK summer tour in July and August 2022, the Oceans album re-entered the Official Charts in six categories including #8 in the Top 40 Rock and Metal Albums and #5 in Independent Albums Breakers. The album re-entered a few more times and stayed in the charts for weeks.[70]

Esprit D'Air announced several tour dates across the UK performing in Cardiff, York, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and London in February 2023, selling out a couple of dates months in advance.[71]

Shizuku re-release (2023-present)[edit]

In January 2023, 'Shizuku' was released on Rock Band 4 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, ten years after its release on its predecessor Rock Band 3. The song remains as the only song within the 'J-Rock' genre tag.[72]

It was announced that Esprit D'Air is working on a re-recording and re-release of 'Shizuku' due to be released in February 2023 to commemorate its 10th anniversary.[73]

In collaboration with Australian producer Misstiq, Esprit D'Air released 'Shizuku' on 10 February with an animated music video. The new version contained new synthesizers and keyboard parts provided by Misstiq and guitars, vocals, bass, and drums recorded by Kai.[74]

After selling out their entire UK tour in 2023, they announced new dates in Poland, Hungary and Spain in 2023, and the UK and Ireland in 2024.[75]

On 29 September 2023, Esprit D'Air collaborated with ex-Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens on an Iron Maiden cover of The Trooper, also featuring Ben Christo from The Sisters of Mercy. The track peaked at #1 in the iTunes UK Metal Charts.[76]

Musical style and influences[edit]

Like many Japanese rock bands, Esprit D'Air has been categorized in many genres such as electronicore, gothic metal, power metal, and industrial metal. In various interviews, Kai has said his favorite bands are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, X Japan, Mötley Crüe, W.A.S.P., and Anthrax, although the music of Esprit D'Air does not reflect this. Kai says:

"How I approach music is to try and evolve from what is already done in rock and metal music. I do not find it inspiring to copy music that is already done, but at the same time, I also do not want to follow a current trend."[77]

In an article about Japanese rock and metal bands on Loudwire, Kai cites X Japan, Dead End, and L'Arc~en~Ciel (particularly HYDE) to be some of his main influences.[78]

Collaborations and other projects[edit]

Official releases[edit]

Esprit D'Air has so far collaborated with artists Ben Christo of The Sisters of Mercy, Tim "Ripper" Owens formerly of Judas Priest, Ryo Kinoshita formerly of Crystal Lake, Heavygrinder, Shirobon, Shudan, UmiKazeTaiyou, and Misstiq in official releases.

Shot Through The Heart[edit]

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.

Stereo Juggernaut[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.[79]

Steevi Jaimz (Tigertailz)[edit]

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.[80]

The Sisters of Mercy[edit]

In October 2023, Kai became one of the guitarists for The Sisters of Mercy one third of the way into their European tour, starting in Würzburg, Germany on 14 October with members Andrew Eldritch, Ben Christo and Chris Catalyst.[81]

Personnel[edit]

During their brief 2010–2013 line-up, Esprit D'Air was a group where all members contributed to the songwriting and production. Since their reformation in 2016, Esprit D'Air is now considered to be a one-man band, with Kai being the sole official member, playing and recording all instruments on the releases, and having complete creative control. In a recent interview with Heavy Magazine, it is confirmed that Esprit D'Air is Kai's solo project since 2016.[23]

In a live setting, Kai appoints a backing group of musicians to perform the songs, including long-time previous official members Ellis on bass (until 2019) and Daishi on drums (until 2018), as well as Pendragon's Jan-Vincent Velazco on drums. Esprit D'Air takes a DIY approach by purposely not seeking a label, management, or booking agent, but instead manage everything themselves to be as self-sufficient as possible.[82]

Band members[edit]

Current members[edit]

Official members

  • Kai – guitar (2010–2013, 2016–present), lead vocals, bass guitar, drums, composer (2016–present)

Session/touring members

  • Jan-Vincent Velazco – drums, percussion (2016–present)
  • Yusuke Okamoto – guitar (2019–present)
  • Takeshi Tokunaga – bass (2019–present)

Past members[edit]

Official members

  • Yuki – guitar (2010–2011)
  • Tatsuya "Hakuren" Nashimoto – guitar (2013)
  • Ellis – bass (2010–2013, 2016–2018 live only)
  • Daishi – drums, percussion (2010–2013, 2016–2017 live only)
  • Yoshisuke "Yosh" Suga – lead vocals (2010–2013)
  • Coma – lead vocals (2013)

Session/touring members

  • Jimmy Pallagrosi – percussion, drums (2016)
  • Chris Allan-Whyte – percussion, drums (2016–2017)
  • Ryoma "Ryo" Takahashi – guitar (2016–present)
  • Juri Uchishiba – violin (2016-2017), acoustic sessions
  • Yutaka Kaneko – percussion (2016-2017), acoustic sessions
  • Taku Miyamoto – percussion, drums (2018–2019)
  • Yuri Shibuichi – bass (2019)
  • Andre Joyzi – percussion, drums (2020)
  • Kazuki Nishigaki – bass (2020)

Timeline[edit]

Line-ups[edit]

2010–2011 2011–2013 2013
  • Yoshisuke "Yosh" Suga – lead vocals
  • Kai – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ellis – bass, backing vocals
  • Yuki – rhythm guitar
  • Daishi – drums
  • Yoshisuke "Yosh" Suga – lead vocals
  • Kai – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ellis – bass, backing vocals
  • Daishi – drums
  • Coma – lead vocals
  • Kai – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Ellis – bass, backing vocals
  • Tasuya "Hakuren" Nashimoto – rhythm guitar
  • Daishi – drums
2013–2016 2016–present

Disbanded

  • Kai – lead vocals, guitars and various instrumentation

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
Rock & Metal Albums

[83]
UK
Independent Albums Breakers

[4]
UK
Independent Albums

[84]
UK
Album Downloads

[85]
UK
Albums Sales

[4]
Scottish Albums
[86]
UK
Physical Albums

[4]
Constellations
  • Released: 7 July 2017
  • Label: Starstorm
33 16 48 45 81
Oceans
  • Released: 18 February 2022
  • Label: Starstorm
8 5 12 5 25 19 80

Live albums[edit]

Year Album details
2021 10th Anniversary Live
  • Released: 5 February 2021
  • Label: Starstorm

Singles[edit]

Year Single details
2012 Shizuku (雫; Teardrop)
  • Released: 29 June 2012
  • Label: Independent
2016 Rebirth
  • Released: 14 December 2016
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2017 Guiding Light
  • Released: 14 April 2017
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2017 Ignition
  • Released: 18 August 2017
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2018 Starstorm
  • Released: 26 January 2018
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2018 Calling You
  • Released: 11 May 2018
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2018 Serafine
  • Released: 31 August 2018
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2019 Amethyst
  • Released: 22 February 2019
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2020 Leviathan
  • Released: 4 December 2020
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Kurenai (紅; Crimson)
  • Released: 19 March 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Nebulae
  • Released: 30 April 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Glaciers
  • Released: 11 June 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Guiding Light (Reimagined)
  • Released: 23 July 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Tsunami (津波)
  • Released: 3 September 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Souhou Raiā (双方ライアー) (feat. UmiKazeTaiyou)
  • Released: 15 October 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2021 Deai - Orchestra Mix (出逢い - オーケストラ・ミックス)
  • Released: 26 November 2021
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2022 The Abyss (feat. Ryo Kinoshita)
  • Released: 11 February 2022
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2022 Dead Zone (feat. Ben Christo)
  • Released: 11 March 2022
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2023 Shizuku (雫; Teardrop) (feat. Misstiq)
  • Released: 10 February 2023
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2023 Guiding Light (SlYder Remix)
  • Released: 1 September 2023
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2023 The Trooper (feat. Tim "Ripper" Owens & Ben Christo)
  • Released: 29 September 2023
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2023 Grudge
  • Released: 27 October 2023
  • Label: Starstorm Records

Extended plays[edit]

Year Album details
2010 Deai (出逢い; Encounter)
  • Released: 29 October 2010
  • Label: Independent
2012 The Hunter
  • Released: 29 February 2012
  • Label: Independent
2020 Amethyst
  • Released: 5 June 2020
  • Label: Starstorm Records
2020 Leviathan
  • Released: 4 December 2020
  • Label: Starstorm Records

Other appearances[edit]

  • Various artists – Now Hear This! The Winners of The 16th Independent Music Awards (2018)

Music videos[edit]

  • The Hunter (2012)
  • 雫 ('Shizuku') (2012)
  • Rebirth (2016)
  • Guiding Light (2017)
  • Ignition (2017)
  • Starstorm (2018)
  • Calling You (2018)
  • Serafine (2018)
  • Amethyst (2019)
  • Leviathan (2020)
  • Kurenai (2021)
  • Nebulae (2021)
  • Glaciers (2021)
  • Guiding Light (Reimagined) (2021)
  • 津波 ('Tsunami') (2021)
  • 双方ライアー ('Souhou Raiā') (2021)
  • 出逢い ('Deai') (2021)
  • Leviathan 2.0 (Enhanced Edition) (2022)
  • The Abyss (2022)
  • Dead Zone (2022)
  • 雫 ('Shizuku') (2023)

Awards and nominations[edit]

Boden International Film Festival[edit]

The Boden International Film Festival showcases documentaries and shorts from around the world.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Leviathan 2.0 Best Music Video Won [87]

Experimental Film and Music Video Festival[edit]

The Experimental Film and Music Video Festival runs every three months at the Carlton Cinemas in downtown Toronto, Canada.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Leviathan 2.0 Best Cinematography Won [88]

JpopAsia Music Awards[edit]

JpopAsia Music Awards is the largest online Asian music awards with its nominees picked by an online community.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2012 Shizuku Best J-Rock Single Nominated [89]

Music Video Awards[edit]

A competition festival exclusively focused on music videos, music, dance films, and animated music videos.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Leviathan 2.0 (Enhanced Edition) Best Low Budget Nominated [90]

Music Video Underground[edit]

A competition festival exclusively focused on music videos, music, dance films, and animated music videos.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Leviathan 2.0 Best Music Video Nominated [91]

NEO Awards[edit]

NEO has run an annual UK-based industry awards since 2005. Readers are encouraged to vote for the best in Asian pop culture, from anime, manga, film and music. Eligible titles must have been released in the UK in the past 12 months, and the winners are announced at MCM London Comic Con.[92]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2017 Esprit D'Air Best Musical Act (Sponsored by MVM Entertainment) Nominated [93]
2019 Esprit D'Air Best Musical Act (Sponsored by SEGA) Nominated [94]

Paris Film Awards[edit]

IMDb qualifier's Paris Film Awards is a monthly international film festival. A selection of short films are screened every month in Paris.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Leviathan 2.0 (Enhanced Edition) Best Music Video Won [95]
2022 Leviathan 2.0 (Enhanced Edition) Best Director Won [96]

The Independent Music Awards (IMAs)[edit]

The Independent Music Awards (IMAs) is an international awards program created by Music Resource Group (MRG) in 2000[97] to recognize self-distributed recordings and releases from independent record labels.[98]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 Constellations Best Metal/Hardcore Album Won [99]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Biography". Esprit D'Air. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Esprit D'Air Wins Best Metal/Hardcore Album at The Independent Music Awards". Original Rock. 4 April 2018.
  3. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  5. ^ "MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews » Two Years Of Esprit D'Air". MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews. Archived from the original on 28 April 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  6. ^ "Members". Esprit D'Air. Archived from the original on 26 October 2015. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  7. ^ "Kaito, Guitarist of Esprit D'Air (London, UK) – The City I See". The City I See. 23 November 2011.
  8. ^ "Visual Kei". Neo (80). January 2011.
  9. ^ "Esprit D'Air". Nippon Project. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  10. ^ "MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews » Interview with Esprit D'Air". MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews. Archived from the original on 3 May 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  11. ^ "MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews » Esprit D'Air Launch New Single". MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews.
  12. ^ "Esprit D'Air: 'The Hunter' Launch Party – Japan Underground – JPU Records Ltd". Japan Underground – JPU Records Ltd. 5 March 2012.
  13. ^ "Esprit D'Air — Official Website - エスプリ デア". Esprit D'Air.
  14. ^ "Esprit D'Air Offer Free Download of Upcoming Single – Japan Underground – JPU Records Ltd". Japan Underground – JPU Records Ltd. 21 June 2012.
  15. ^ "Esprit D'Air: First Japanese Language Track to Feature in Rock Band 3 – Japan Underground – JPU Records Ltd". Japan Underground – JPU Records Ltd. 24 July 2012.
  16. ^ "Important Announcement: Indefinite Hiatus". Esprit D'Air. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  17. ^ edohsama. "Vocalist Yosh Departs from Esprit D'Air – New Lineup to be Announced Soon — SR : JRock News". SR : JRock News.[permanent dead link]
  18. ^ "History". Esprit D'Air. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  19. ^ TeamRock (28 June 2017). "Esprit D'Air reveal uplifting new album Constellations". Louder.
  20. ^ "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. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  21. ^ "Live music and Japanese food for a great cause!". Kakkoii Club. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ a b Heavy (23 July 2021). "Esprit D'Air Shines A Beacon Of Light With New Single". Heavy Magazine. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  24. ^ edohsama. "Esprit D'Air Returns: Revealing New Line-up and Shows". SR : JROCK NEWS. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  25. ^ Shalimar Sahota. "Esprit D'Air Releases Comeback Single "Rebirth"". MyM Buzz. Archived from the original on 18 July 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  26. ^ "NEO's Top Ten". Neo (157). November 2016.
  27. ^ Elizabeth Birt. "Esprit D'Air have revealed their rebirth!". AltCorner.
  28. ^ Noradila Nordin. "Esprit D'Air + Bexatron + Lightscape + and These Thousand Hills @ o2 Islington, London – 31 March 2017". Gig Junkies.
  29. ^ Electric Bloom Webzine. "Photos: Esprit D'Air, O2 Academy 2 Islington, London, 31/03/2017". Electric Bloom Webzine. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  30. ^ TeamRock (12 April 2017). "Esprit D'Air premiere video for new single Guiding Light". TeamRock.
  31. ^ TeamRock (7 July 2017). "The best rock songs of 2017 so far". TeamRock.
  32. ^ TeamRock (28 June 2017). "Esprit D'Air reveal uplifting new album Constellations". TeamRock.
  33. ^ MyM Magazine. "Esprit D'Air's new music video for Ignition". MyM Buzz. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  34. ^ "Esprit D'Air to support The Birthday Massacre in London". J-Generation. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  35. ^ Jon Stickler. "Esprit D'Air Announce 2018 'Constellations' Tour". Stereoboard.
  36. ^ edohsama. "Esprit D'Air share details for upcoming intergalactic single "Starstorm"". JROCK NEWS. Archived from the original on 27 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  37. ^ Francisca Hagen. "Esprit D'Air extend Constellations Tour with European Tour". AVO Magazine.
  38. ^ Briony Edwards. "Tracks Of The Week: New music from Nine Inch Nails, Bullet for My Valentine and more – Louder". Louder.
  39. ^ BBC Music. "Esprit D'Air – New Songs, Playlists & Latest News – BBC Music". BBC Music.
  40. ^ Briony Edwards. "Esprit D'Air launch video for moody new single Serafine". Louder.
  41. ^ "Neo Awards 2018". Neo (184). January 2019.
  42. ^ a b Francisca Hagen. "Esprit D'Air to re-record new album after theft". AVO Magazine.
  43. ^ Francisca Hagen. "Esprit D'Air fund new single Amethyst in 3 days". AVO Magazine.
  44. ^ Esprit D'Air. "Esprit D'Air announce departure of bassist". Esprit D'Air Official Website. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  45. ^ Briony Edwards. "Louder's Tracks Of The Week: new rock music from Motley Crue, Tom Petty and more". Louder.
  46. ^ Katy Castillo. "Esprit D'Air announce 10th anniversary show in London". Yatta-Tachi.
  47. ^ Marija Buljeta. "Esprit D'Air special 10th anniversary show at The Dome in London". Altvenger Magazine.
  48. ^ Chris Betros. "Esprit D'Air to perform livestream concert worldwide on Oct 24". Japan Today.
  49. ^ Anna Chan. "Here Are All the Livestreams & Virtual Concerts to Watch During the Coronavirus Crisis: Week of Oct. 19". Billboard.
  50. ^ Chad Childers. "Esprit D'Air Seek Resilience in 'Leviathan' Video". Loudwire.
  51. ^ Chad Childers. "Esprit D'Air Seek Resilience in 'Leviathan' Video". Noise Creep.
  52. ^ Dave Bruce. "Esprit D'Air releases their 10th Anniversary Live Album". AMNplify.
  53. ^ @matthewkheafy (12 July 2023). "How about this lineup!? Episode 34 of #chaoshour on #siriusxm #liquidmetal is live at 6pm est only on Sirius xm!" – via Instagram.
  54. ^ Francisca Hagen. "Esprit D'Air to release live album of 10th-anniversary show". AVO Magazine.
  55. ^ Staff Writer. "Esprit D'Air Return With Cover Of X Japan Hit "'紅' (Kurenai)"". Heavy Magazine.
  56. ^ Tokyo Hive Staff. "London-based J-rock band Esprit D'Air releases new single, 'Nebulae'". TokyoHive.
  57. ^ Kris Peters. "Esprit D'Air Release New Single". Heavy Magazine.
  58. ^ Adam McDonald. "Esprit D'Air – Guiding Light (Reimagined) | Stream, Lyrics & Review". Justrandomthings.
  59. ^ Francisca Hagen. "First live show of 2022 confirmed for Esprit D'Air". AVO Magazine.
  60. ^ "Esprit D'Air: Souhou Liar (双方ライアー)". jmusicitalia.com.
  61. ^ "Esprit D'Air Releases Re-recording of Debut Song 出遭い (Deai)". uniteasia.org.
  62. ^ "Esprit D'Air to collaborate with members of The Sisters of Mercy and Crystal Lake in new album Oceans". Metal Planet Music.
  63. ^ "Oceans". Chartmetric. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  64. ^ Loudwire Staff. "2022 Hard Rock + Metal Album Release Calendar". Loudwire.
  65. ^ Daniel Cordova. "The Weekly Injection: New Releases From Immolation, Matt Pike & More Out Today 2/18". Metal Injection.
  66. ^ Corinne Westbrook. "New Flesh: New Releases from Brick by Brick, Immolation and more!". Knotfest. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  67. ^ Rob Ulitski. "Esprit D'Air 'Leviathan 2.0: Enhanced Edition' by Andy Mihov". Promonews.
  68. ^ Natalie Kaitano. "Esprit D'Air releases their 2nd album Oceans With tracks featuring members of Crystal Lake and The Sisters of Mercy". Music Crowns.
  69. ^ "Esprit D'Air Release New Single and Lyric Video "Dead Zone"". S.L.R. Magazine.
  70. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40: 05 August 2022 - 11 August 2022". Official Charts Company.
  71. ^ "Esprit D'Air announce 2023 UK headlining tour". The Moshville Times.
  72. ^ "DLC Week of 1/5: Riffing in the New Year 2023". Harmonix.
  73. ^ "Esprit D'Air on Rock Band™ 4 for PlayStation 4 & Xbox One". Esprit D'Air.
  74. ^ Kris Peters. "Taking The Mystique Out Of Music With KAI From ESPRIT D'AIR". HEAVY Magazine.
  75. ^ John Deaux. "Esprit D'Air announce huge 17-date tour in UK and Europe". All About The Rock.
  76. ^ Paul H Birch. "Esprit D'Air Celebrate 40th Anniversary of The Trooper with Special Guests". Ramzine.
  77. ^ beyondsenpai. "From Glaciers to Oceans: An Interview with Esprit D'Air". Beyond Senpai.
  78. ^ Loudwire. "10 Best Rock + Metal Bands From Japan by Esprit D'Air's Kai". Loudwire.
  79. ^ Metal Temple. "ESPIRIT D'AIR: Support at "The Birthday Massacre" in London". Metal Temple. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  80. ^ Blabbermouth. "Original TIGERTAILZ Singer STEEVI JAIMZ To Perform Entire 'Young And Crazy' Album At One-Off London Concert". Blabbermouth.
  81. ^ Gunther Reinhardt. "So war's bei The Sisters of Mercy in Stuttgart". Stuttgarter Nachrichten.
  82. ^ "Esprit D'Air – Biography". Esprit D'Air.
  83. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  84. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  85. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  86. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  87. ^ "Leviathan 2.0". Boden International Film Festival.
  88. ^ "HIGHLIGHTS: October 2022 MUSIC Film Festival". Experimental, Dance & Music Film Festival.
  89. ^ jpopasia. "Esprit D'Air". JpopAsia.
  90. ^ "Fall 2022 Catalog". Music Video Awards.
  91. ^ "September 2022". Music Video Underground.
  92. ^ "Neo Magazine - Article". 7 February 2006. Archived from the original on 7 February 2006. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  93. ^ Esprit D'Air. "Esprit D'Air nominated Best Musical Act for NEO Awards 2017". Esprit D'Air. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  94. ^ "Neo Awards 2018". Neo (184). January 2019.
  95. ^ "Winners - September 2022". Paris Film Awards.
  96. ^ "Winners - September 2022". Paris Film Awards.
  97. ^ Cool, Dave. "Competitions for Musicians: Are They Worth it? An Interview with the Independent Music Awards". bandzoogle.com. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  98. ^ Daniels, Melissa. "8th Annual Independent Music Awards Announced—JazzTimes Editor Among Judges". JazzTimes. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  99. ^ edoh. "Esprit D'Air crowned winners at The Independent Music Awards". JROCK NEWS. Archived from the original on 17 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.

External links[edit]