ART-SCHOOL

J-rock

In 1998, Riki Kinoshita moved from Osaka to Tokyo to start a solo career and after the release of his first and sold out mini-album, TEENAGE LAST in 1999, he decided to start the band ART-SCHOOL in March 2000, with his support musicians at that time Hinata (bass), Sakurai (drums) and later Oyama (guitar). The same month, they gave a concert in the Shimokitazawa Shelter. Their first mini album SONIC DEAD KIDS was released on September 8th, followed by their single-tape and two other releases the following year. Together with the band Straightener they released a split-cassette on March 6th, 2002, which has been long sold out since its release. The band's success continued into summer for two main reasons; first because of their appearance at the Fuji Rock Festival and second because of their contract with the major label Toshiba EMI. ART-SCHOOL released a new single that October and their first full-length album, REQUIEM FOR INNOCENCE, the following November. Their first nationwide tour took place in January 2003, with the gig in the Shibuya Club Quattro being sold out on the first day. EVIL, their second major single, was released in April and again they were part of a big Japanese rock festival, the Japan Circuit in June. The following tour left a great impression and ensured the band's future success. The year continued with more releases and, unfortunately, ended with Oyama and Hinata leaving the band in December. 2004 began with the release of their first live album B...