Guitar Vader
| Company type | Independent (after leaving Berry Records) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
was a Japanese underground indie rock group established in 1998, best known for their involvement in the soundtracks of Sega's Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future video games. The band ceased activities in 2007.
Guitar Vader consisted of two primary vocalists and songwriters: guitarist Miki Tanabe and bassist Ujuan Shozo.[1] Tanabe’s voice, noted for its youthful tone, often harmonized or engaged in call-and-response with Shozo’s tenor, while some tracks showcased solo vocals. Their style blended catchy pop melodies with powerful power chords and hard rock elements, frequently incorporating genre shifts within individual songs. They cited influences such as Nirvana, The Beatles, The Pixies, and the Ramones, alongside more niche inspirations like Air and Guitar Wolf. Their sound has drawn comparisons to a range of bands including The B-52's and Smashing Pumpkins.[2]
History
Tanabe and Shozo first crossed paths in Kawasaki, Kanagawa while playing in separate bands. After both groups disbanded, they joined forces with drummer Yuki Takumiya. Recording sessions took place at Berry Records, culminating in the October 1998 release of their debut cassette tape, Guitar Vader Vol. 1, which sold over 1,000 copies at Tokyo’s High-Line store. A subsequent release matched this success with another 1,000 copies sold. These initial volumes, along with new tracks and a remix, were compiled into a two-cassette set titled Die Happy!, which found distribution through Tower Records and HMV outlets, although it was never officially issued on CD. The band performed live sporadically, gradually expanding their audience. Later that year, they issued another tape featuring three fresh songs, including the exclusive track "Generation Revolution".
Following Die Happy!, Guitar Vader provided ten tracks for the Dreamcast title RoomMania No. 203,[1] which increased their recognition and underscored the demand for an official CD release.
Moving away from their initial lo-fi approach, their sophomore album Wild at Honey—a nod to the Beach Boys’ Wild Honey—incorporated selections from Guitar Vader Vol. 3 alongside new compositions. The single Beach Panic was also released during this period. Shortly thereafter, Takumiya departed from the group.
Video game composer Hideki Naganuma discovered Guitar Vader through the Die Happy! tapes and prominently featured their music in the critically acclaimed title Jet Set Radio, including tracks like "Magical Girl" and "Super Brothers", significantly raising their profile.
In 2000, with drummer Suzuki Yoshifumi joining the lineup, Guitar Vader produced their third album, From Dusk. This release marked a notable progression featuring extensive keyboard arrangements by producer Taichi Ohira and a refined melodic style. Launched in early 2001, it represented their highest commercial achievement despite modest sales figures. The 2002 game Jet Set Radio Future included "Baby-T" as well as a Naganuma remix of "I Love Love You" from the remix compilation Remixes GVR.
After Sony Music acquired Berry Records, Guitar Vader grew increasingly dissatisfied with contractual conditions—such as lack of control over their music rights, insufficient royalties, and delayed album releases. Both members continued holding part-time employment. In 2003, they exited Berry to establish their own independent label, Plugs House, constructed a personal studio, and issued their fourth album, Dawn, which showcased Shozo’s synths and programming contributions. That year also saw them perform two concerts in England, organized by Pixelsurgeon—marking their only live appearances outside Japan.
To faithfully reproduce studio arrangements during live shows, American keyboardist Steve Laity joined as a touring member. In October 2004,[3] they released what would become their final album, Happy East, further developing the sonic expansion introduced on Dawn with an eclectic range that included the electronica instrumental "Suspense", unique within their discography.
In 2006, while nearing completion of another album, Shozo was hospitalized for an extended period due to a severe heart infection. Consequently, the band canceled its first planned U.S. performance at that year’s FanimeCon. Despite the album being nearly finished, internal conflict between Tanabe and Shozo prevented its release. In 2007, Laity confirmed on Guitar Vader’s message board that the group had dissolved amid a significant dispute between key members.[1] No formal announcement was ever issued.
Past members
- Ujuan Shozo – bass, vocals, programming
- Miki Tanabe – guitar, vocals
- Suzuki Yoshifumi – drums (2000–2007)
- Yuki Takumiya – drums (1998–2000)
Session musicians
- Steve Laity – keyboards, backing vocals (2004–2007)
EPs
- Guitar Vader Vol. 1 (1998)
- Guitar Vader Vol. 2 (1998)
- Guitar Vader Vol. 3 (1999)
Studio albums
- Die Happy! (1999)
- Wild at Honey (2000)
- From Dusk (2001)
- Dawn (2003)
- Happy East (2004)
Singles
- Beach Panic! (2000)
- Baby-T/GVTV/Shimanagashi (2001)
Remix collections
- REMIXES_GVR (2001)
Additional contributions
- Makoto Kawamoto, "Gimmeshelter" (2001; production, instrumentation, backing vocals)
External links
- Official Guitar Vader MySpace
- Keikaku – Interviews and features in English with Guitar Vader and Steve Laity