ILU GRACE

ILU GRACE was created in 2010 with Ayane, a singer, songwriter and arranger, and KAZU, a drummer, and rhythm-maker. Both from Miyazaki prefecture, they met each other in Tokyo though they didn’t know each other.

Since then, they have been pursuing their own original musicality, with roots in overseas RnB. Ayane’s voice is delicate and has a high-impact at the same time. Their melodies are emotional. Their sound is beautiful, colorful, and strong.

ILU GRACE is a new-generation JAPAN-R&B duo, such as has never existed in Japan!

Born in Miyazaki prefecture, Ayane has been much influenced by a guitarist father from early childhood and grew up listening to various music genres. At 8, she decided to become a singer and in her teens started making her own songs.

She began performing live when moving to Tokyo for university. She met Clyde WILLIAMS Jr., who became her teacher and introduced her to R&B and soul music, broadening her perspective.

KAZU was born in Las Angeles and grew up in Miyazaki prefecture. As the son of a Protestant Pastor, he was influenced by Gospel music and hymns. From the age of 8, he started learning the piano, oil painting, and sculpture. At 13, he started playing the drums under Cecil MONROE, Scott LATHAM, and Hideo YAMAKI.

He still regularly plays the drums at Faith Christian Fellowship, a church at the US Air Base in Tokyo.

As their latest album, UNREALITY, has been released in late 2014, ILU GRACE is coming to set fire to the Karasu Stage next summer, RnB style. Don’t miss them on Thursday and Sunday, for gigs and signings!