UQiYO was established in 2010 by members Yuqi, Phantao, and Sima. Their unique sound combines Electro with organic warmth, creating a style that is both human and shimmering. They draw inspiration from Northern Europe's transparent air and Tokyo's moisture, blending these elements into their music in a playful way. UQiYO experiments with new composing processes and carefully selects every sound, mix, and visual component to create extraordinary performances. Their innovative interface and community with fans and supporters have caught the attention of Japanese TV, Radio, and Internet media outlets including NHK, J-wave, InterFM, Natalie, and Cinra.
UQiYO has toured throughout Japan and internationally, performing at major music festivals such as Summer Sonic 2016, Arabaki Music Fest, Rising Sun Rock Fest, and Shinkiba Sunset 2016. Their latest album "Black Box," released in January 2016, features collaborations with celebrated singer Chitose Hajime and designer/model/singer Kate Sakai.
What sets UQiYO apart is their live performance. They do not use back tracks and instead weave together electro and organic sound to create a unique feel and groove that is both human and gleaming with color. They also incorporate intricate real-time sampling techniques, adding depth to their performances every time they perform.
UQiYO does not limit themselves to performing in clubs but can be found in various spaces such as movie theaters, libraries, temples, churches, share offices, and more. The energy of the space is what inspires them to create music.
In addition to their live performances, UQiYO's distribution methods are also part of their creative field. They have experimented with new ways to release music that have been well-received by creators worldwide, leading to new collaborations. TWOTONE, a design office in Japan, has helped them put out unpredictable products with high quality from the beginning.
UQiYO's philosophy is that popular music is becoming more public and free but lacks personal experiences. They believe one way out of this is to make music personal and allow listeners to have their own unique experiences that will stay in their memory.