| Mean Machine | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 2001 |
| Labels | Epic |
| Past members | Ayumi Ito, Chara, Chiwaki, Yukari, Yuki |
| Website | Official Epic/Sony website (in Japanese) |
Mean Machine is an all-girl Japanese rock band. Mean Machine starred in the Tower Records "No Music, No Life" advertising campaign, and debuted in 2001.
History
Mean Machine was founded in 1998 by J-pop vocalist Chara, musician/DJ Chiwaki Mayumi, vocalist Yuki of Judy and Mary, saxophonist Yukarie of The Thrill, and actress Ayumi Ito. The group was conceived as a lighthearted side project, and the band members deliberately chose instruments new to them: Yuki and Chara played drums in the band, Mayumi played guitars, Yukarie played bass, and Ayumi was the vocalist.
In 2001, Mean Machine released the single "Suuhaa," named for a kind of breathing exercise Chara learned when she was pregnant. It reached #18 on the Oricon singles chart. Later that year, their debut album Cream was released. The album reached #7 on the Oricon chart and remained on the charts for five weeks. A second single was released later that year, "Knock on You," reaching #38 on the Oricon chart.
The group was dissolved shortly afterward because of complications with the band members' solo careers.
Members
| Name | Role | Profession | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayumi 伊藤歩 Romaji: Ayumi Ito |
Vocalist, lyricist | Actress | Co-starred with Chara in Shunji Iwai's "Swallowtail Butterfly" as Ageha, winning her the Japanese Academy Award for best new actress and best supporting actress. |
| CHIWAKI ちわきまゆみ Romaji: Mayumi Chiwaki |
Guitarist, songwriter | Musician, DJ | Debuted with "Good Morning, I Love You" in 1985. |
| YUKARIE | Bassist, songwriter | Musician | Tenor sax for The Thrill. Debuted with "A MILLION DOLLAR BAND THE THRILL" in 1992. |
| Yuki (有希) 磯谷有希 Romaji: Yuki Isoya |
Drummer, songwriter | Solo artist | Ex-Judy and Mary vocalist, current successful solo artist. Debuted in 1993 with "POWER OF LOVE". |
| Chara 佐藤美和 Romaji: Miwa Sato |
Drummer, songwriter | Solo artist | Immensely popular pop artist. Debuted with "Heaven" 1991. |
Discography
Albums
| Year | Album Information | Chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Cream
|
7 |
Singles
| Release | Title | Oricon singles charts |
CDTV music video charts |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Sūhā (スーハー) | 18 | 18 | Cream |
| Knock on You | 38 | 41 |
References
- ^ Martin, Ian. "Mean Machine". All Music Guide. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- "Cream". oricon.co.jp. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- Hellal, Lilia. "Six of the best underappreciated female fronted JRock bands". Rice Digital. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
External links
- Ayumi Ito's official website (in Japanese)
- Mayumi Chiwaki's official website (in Japanese)
- Yukarie's official website (in Japanese)
- YUKI's official website (in Japanese)
- Chara's official website (in Japanese and English)
- No Turning Back | Mean Machine (in English)
- YUKI | Girly Rock (in English)