Biography

SPECIAL OTHERS is a mostly instrumental jam band comprised of four talented musicians. Members of SPECIAL OTHERS originally began playing together in November of 1995. Initially six members, the then classmates formed in order to play for a festival at their high school in Yokohama.

In the early 2000s they got serious and began touring the small club circuit. During this time they produced a handful of independent releases that resulted in critical success. With this, SPECIAL OTHERS began to ascend the indie and college charts. From here, SPECIAL OTHERS gained recognition and started being booked for music festivals all over Japan.

On August 18, 2004 SPECIAL OTHERS released their first major mini-album, titled BEN on NMNL Records. BEN quickly shot to the top of both local and national indies charts. Other mini-albums such as Uncle John and Idol subsequently followed in ‘05 and ‘06. With each release, SPEICAL OTHERS gained notoriety. On November 22, 2006 the band released their first full-length album, “Good morning” with Victor Entertainment

SPECIAL OTHERS have played many shows with a variety of popular musicians. The Back Horn, BEAT CRUSADERS, coba, nobodyknows+, ZAZEN BOYS, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and the American punk band Pennywise are merely a few notable acts that SPECIAL OTHERS have performed gigs with. SPECIAL OTHERS are 100% unique in their sound yet their music is encompassing enough to be enjoyed by a diverse array of fans.

SPECIAL OTHERS are pretty much unrivaled as far as sound goes. From Yuya’s stand-up bass technique, to Ryota’s flowing and skillful drumming, to Takeshi’s melodic guitar and distict effects, to Yuma’s catchy and beautiful piano and organ playing, each member’s unique ability combines to make something beyond different. SPECIAL OTHERS offer a fresh aural experience for any listener willing to give mostly instrumental jam rock a try.

by Shay

Featured Articles