Rize (band)

Rize (stylized as RIZE) is a Japanese alternative metal band formed in 1997, debuting in 2000 and currently signed with Warner Music Japan. The band currently consists of Jesse McFaddin (lead vocals/guitar), KenKen (bass), and Kaneko Nobuaki (drums). Their music style is a mix of nu metal, alternative rock, punk rock, hard rock and even some reggae flavor.^[3] Their song "ZERO" from Experience album has been featured on Coca-Cola commercial in Japan and Asian countries.

History

Jesse's solo project

Jesse’s passion, desire and multi-musical "Gift" forced him to venture away from Rock and start up his Hip-Hop unit E.D.O., a diversity group of rappers and artist made up of some of Jesse’s old high school buddies. E.D.O. has puts out numerous single and their first full album Revolvers was big hit among the Japanese Hip-Hop community. In couple of years, members of E.D.O. have ventured off on their own to start solo projects that have brought much attention to Jesse and his Hip-Hop unit. One project in particular that has received spotlight from underground music critics is Jesse’s own E.D.O solo project THE BONEZ. A mixture of Jesse’s favorite music genres, rock, hip-hop, and electro, THE BONEZ has put out 6 singles, with each having a different music concept from the previous.

Through E.D.O, Jesse was also able to express and expand his talents as a film director with his self-produced music video "Revolvers." His camera work, use of colors and fast-edgy scene changes receive much attention from film and video critics.

Another source of recognition that Jesse has received respect for is his role in introducing the Japanese music community to the well-acclaimed duo, Def Tech. With many major labels turning away their heads to the young and fresh pair, in 2001 Jesse decided to take Micro and Shen under his wings and mold them into the multi-platinum artists that they are today. Not only did Jesse create the road to success for Def Tech but he also played a key role as their producer for their first album and helped Def Tech write the hit song "My Way". In 2005, Jesse has launched his own label Tensaibaka Records, where Def Tech, Rize, and E.D.O. have released a majority of their work.

With much under his belt as a successful musician, artist and producer, Jesse has also become one of Japan's leading icon in fashion with his original clothing line S&Co’s and clothing shop Takenaka Sound Shop located in his hometown of Togoshi. S&Co’s has become a popular brand amongst celebrities, with big names such as Hayato Ichihara being one of its many loyal customers and fans. Starting in May 2010, led by Jesse, Bring the Hope Project was established. This project is a form of Jesse’s manifest to spread the message of "Hope" through music and free live performances. The first Bring the Hope Project Live took place on May 4, 2010, in which many artists and fans gathered to commend in a charity-live to raise hope and awareness for our past, present and future.

Goals / motivation

Their "natural vibe" for world music stage has surely been expanding along their music career, because Jesse & Rize has always been targeting to the glove. And finally, Jesse has just fixed his mind for fully entering into world, due that Rize made 10th anniversary in 2010, heading for next 10 years towards the globe from 2011. But on the top of it, they are highly motivated for trying to become "Interactive Hub" between east and west through "their power of music to activate & encourage Japanese people & world when they faced with Tohoku disaster, navigating Jesse to this decision naturally with his double blood & culture."

Rize Music DNA

Rize, all 3 members are born and raised with "real, professional" music environments on the backgrounds as all of their fathers were in the legendary 3 pieces band called "Pink Cloud" which played from 1979–1994, making a huge impact in Japanese rock scenes and influenced the modern bands.

The singers of Rize are Jesse McFaddin in English and Sorato Takenaka in Japanese. Takenaka's father is Char, a guitarist who pioneered "a musician’s musician type of genuine rock", while having a prominent music career including collaborations with various types of top ranked artists, such as; Steve Lukather, Stevie Salas, Richie Kotzen, Paul Jackson, Jeff Beck, Micky Moody, Brian Setzer, Jeff Porcaro, and David Paich, etc.

Rize rhythm section, N.K on Dr. and KenKen on Bass who are brothers having legendary female rock vocalist, Mari Kaneko = famously known as "Japanese Janis Joplin" as mother + established rock drummer, Johnny as father, so Rize have been cultivating their own unique "Alternative" rock sounds & presence distinctively different from other rock bands in Japanese rock scene from their start.

Band members

Current members

• Jesse McFaddin — vocals, guitar (1997–present)

In addition to singer/rapper, rock guitarist, he is also proven career as music producer/composer, plus as "Fashion Icon" among youngsters appeared on Sony CM + Vans sponsored their 2009 Live Tour, etc.

• KenKen — bass (2006–present)

He is 1st ranked, recognized session bass player in various kind of collaborations with famous artists including performing @ Muzikmesse. Also known as professional level of "Gamer" appeared on PSP CM.

• Kaneko "NK" Nobuaki — drums (1997–present)

He is only signature drummer in Japan by Pearl. Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers has been evaluating his drum performance.

Former members

• Tokie — bass (1997–2001)
• U:zo — bass (2001–2005)
• Nakao Yoshihiro — guitar (2001–2008)

Timeline

Discography

Music videos

Awards and nominations

Japan Gold Disc Award

Space Shower Music Awards

Space Shower Music Awards

References

External links

• Official website