AK Akemi Kakihara
AK Akemi Kakihara
Genres: j-pop, japanese, female vocalists, rnb, j-urban
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為岡そのみ
About AK Akemi Kakihara
AK Akemi Kakihara, Universal Music Recording Artist, singer-songwriter, producer, musician. Born and raised in Japan. Living in New York City since 2001, where she has worked with Grammy winner Mastering Engineer Tom Coyne, Mix Engineer Kevin “KD” Davis (Rihanna, Beyonce), and legendary DJs, such as Danny Krivit and Francois K. She has released over 200 songs across her 15 original albums, those of which she has written and produced for herself as well as for various artists. Many of her songs have hit the top of the charts, becoming million-sellers. With her dreamy vocals, her beautiful and sensual melody & lyrics with sensitivity and emotional love, the Japan-born Diva continues to keep the music coming out of New York City to the rest of the world. AK grew up listening to various styles of music predominantly centered around jazz, film scores and crossover jazz. At the age of 8, having been inspired by Eumir Deodato, she began writing her own songs. In 1986, AK released her debut album “MOI” on Polystar Records under her given name "Akemi Kakihara", and released 8 original albums, including “Face to Face”, “Living Together”, “Wish”, “Refile”, “Taiyo no Shita De”, “Mermaid Kiss”, “Peace of Heaven”, and “Friends in Love”, while also writing songs for other Japanese artists, such as Miki Imai and Tomoyo Harada, among others, many of which have hit the top of the charts. She then signed to EMI Music Japan in 1998 under the artist name "AK". In addition to writing songs, she also began producing her own albums and releasing self produced albums, such as “YES” in 1998 (recorded in London), “DREAMIN’ in 1999 (recorded in LA), and “LOVE” in 2000 - 2001 (recorded in NY) with mixing engineer Kevin “KD” Davis (Rihanna, Usher, Beyonce, etc.), which includes her U.S. debut single, “Say That You Love Me”, which went on to rank No. 1 on the charts worldwide, ultimately determining her decision to move to NYC. In 2001, AK relocated to NYC where she marked her U.S. debut on King Street Sounds with the single, "Say That You Love Me", remixed by Francois K & Eric Kupper. The single was soon picked up by the renowned DJs at Body & Soul, including Francois K & Danny Krivit, Little "Louie" Vega, Kim Lightfoot, Frankie Feliciano, to name a few. It was on the heavy playlist on the UK’s BBC Radio & Galaxy FM, as well as various radio stations in Italy and Norway, becoming a major hit in Japan and Europe, consequently hitting the top of the charts worldwide. In 2002, the album “AK Trilogy” was released, becoming not only a big hit in Japan, but also reaching No. 1 on the album charts in Taiwan. In 2003, "No One Else" Remixed by Jon Cutler was released as the second single in the U.S., and in 2007, "Shining Your Way" was released as the third single in the U.S. in collaboration with Jephte Guillaume. In the same year, "Beautiful Sunrise" was released in collaboration with STUDIO APARTMENT. In 2008, she went on to release "I'll Be There" in collaboration with Sound Around and her first-ever cover song with Stevie Wonder's masterpiece "Golden Lady". Each went on to become major hits, ranking in the charts worldwide. In September 2008, AK married world-renowned, legendary DJ Danny Krivit (718 Sessions, Body & Soul). They have collaborated on numerous projects, and are often found on tour together. In March of 2010, AK further collaborated with Anan Ryoko on "All Day, All Night, Always", which hit No. 1 on the iTunes Dance Charts. “Heaven Is Right Here” marked AK’s first collaboration with Ananda Project and was released in 2011 as her fourth single in the U.S. “SAY THAT YOU LOVE ME – Best of NY Sweet Electro”, AK’s first dance/house/electro collection album released on EMI Japan in the summer of 2010, ranked impressively at the top of both Single & Album Charts on iTunes Japan. AK has also dedicated her life to philanthropy activities, such as the MY DREAM song project, which fosters the dreams of children around the world through the power of music. In 2013, AK wrote “KISEKIWA KOKONI ARU”, which went on to become the theme song for the television program “Kitchen Goes” on Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK. Many of AK’s songs can be found on compilation albums all over the world, such as in 2014, when "Shining Your Way" (Blaze With Jihad Muhammad Vox) was included in “House Legends” by New York’s legendary DJ-Producer, Blaze, and in 2015, “Ananda Project feat. AK / Heaven Is Right Here” (Danny Krivit & Dazzle Drums Mix) was included on the album “A Long Hot Summer: Mixed & Selected By Julius Papp”. In April of 2018, “Heaven Is Right Here” (remixed by Kiko Navarro and Fuminori Kagajo) was released as her eighth single in the U.S. Followed by the release of "Shining Your Way" (remixed by Masaki Morii, DJ Spen, The MuthaFunkaz) on King Street Sounds as the ninth single in the U.S. in October of the same year. In 2020, "Sign Of Love" was released globally as her second collaboration with STUDIO APARTMENT. "Only You" composed, written and produced by AK for Miyu Sakihi was released as a single and ranked at 11th on ORICON, Japan's national pop chart. In April 2022, Thrilling new single “Beautiful You” written & produced by AK was released. It's the birth of an empowering song embraced as an anthem for all women. Sure to be uplifting with its dreamy, pop dance sound, ethereal vocals soaring amidst the synth layers and catchy rhythms. Mixed by world-renowned Grammy engineer, Ken Lewis (Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, EMINEM, and more.) Japanese songstress AK and her dreamy vocals... With beautifully sensual melodies and lyrics overflowing with love, AK’s world has gained the hearts of many-a-fan the world over. Having released over 200 songs across her 15 original albums, including those she has written and produced for various artists, the Japan-born Diva once spread her wings from Japan to New York City, and continues to keep the music coming out of New York City towards the rest of the world. AK Official Label Site: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/ak AK Official Site: https://aknyc.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5apbo7p8o1eX4x94TBHUGh Apple Music US: https://music.apple.com/.../ak-akemi-kakihara/1445903726 Apple Music JP: https://music.apple.com/.../ak-akemi-kakihara/1445903726 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akakemikakihara Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKakemikakihara YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AKAkemiKakiharaCH Twitter: https://twitter.com/AK_akemiK TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akakemikakihara
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