Guitar Vader

Guitar Vader are a Japanese underground indie rock band. Formed in 1998, the band is probably most well known in the west for their participation in the soundtracks of Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future. Until 2002, they were signed to Berry Records, a subsidiary of Sony. They then left to create their own record label, Plugs House. They have released two albums under that label, and have also formed a partnership with YesJapan.com to sell these albums to Western customers, as well as individual tracks, videos, and live performances via JapanFiles.com.

The band classifies them self as "indie rock", with predominantly western influences. Guitarist Miki has, on numerous occasions, cited The Beatles as a primary influence. Bassist Ujuan has said Nirvana and Talking Heads are among his favorite inspirations. Others have likened elements of their sound to The B-52's and Smashing Pumpkins.

Their music is usually very playful, mixing humor and abruptly oscillating between poppy melodies and crunching guitar riffs. While their sound is not easily classified, it could probably be likened to post-punk. More recent albums have delved into electronica in certain tracks, as well, with electronica programming sequenced by Ujuan.

Members
Ujuan Shozo: Vocals/Bass, born 28 November 1974 in Kagoshima, Japan
Miki Tanabe: Vocals/Guitar, born 2 December 1974 in Yokohama, Japan
Suzuki Yoshifumi: Drums, born 22 August 1977 in Shizuoka, Japan
Steve Laity: Live Keyboards, born 11 March 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada · close