Mean Machine (band)

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.

Mean Machine
OriginJapan
GenresRock
Years active2001
LabelsEpic
Past membersAyumi Ito, Chara, Chiwaki, Yukari, Yuki
WebsiteOfficial Epic/Sony website (in Japanese)

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.[1]

In 2001, Mean Machine released the single "Suuhaa," named for a kind of breathing exercise Chara learned when she was pregnant.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]

Members

Name Role Profession Notes
Ayumi
伊藤歩
Romaji: Ayumi Ito
Vocalist, lyricistActressCo-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, songwriterMusician, DJDebuted with "Good Morning, I Love You" in 1985.
YUKARIEBassist, songwriterMusicianTenor 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, songwriterSolo artistEx-Judy and Mary vocalist, current successful solo artist. Debuted in 1993 with "POWER OF LOVE".
Chara
佐藤美和
Romaji: Miwa Sato
Drummer, songwriterSolo artistImmensely 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

  1. Martin, Ian. "Mean Machine". All Music Guide. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  2. "Cream". oricon.co.jp. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  3. Hellal, Lilia. "Six of the best underappreciated female fronted JRock bands". Rice Digital. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
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