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Kai (musician, born 1993)

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Kai
海
Kai from Esprit D'Air performing at Electric Ballroom, London in 2025
Kai from Esprit D'Air performing at Electric Ballroom, London in 2025
Background information
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, composer, producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals, bass, piano
Years active2010–present
Member ofEsprit D'Air, The Sisters of Mercy
Websitewww.espritdair.com

Kai (Japanese: 海) is a rock singer, musician, producer, and leader of the Japanese rock and alternative metal group Esprit D'Air as a multi-instrumentalist. He[a] is also one of the current guitarists for English rock band The Sisters of Mercy.[2]

Early life

[edit]

Kai's first guitar was gifted from his mother, but he recounts that his father was not supportive of his musical aspirations. When his father caught Kai skipping school to practise guitar, his father smashed his guitar against a wall in an act of frustration.[3][4][5]

Kai has cited HYDE of L'Arc~en~Ciel as their first major musical influence, stating that seeing HYDE play guitar and sing in the music video for "HELLO" at the age of ten sparked their interest in becoming a musician. Kai began learning guitar at age 15, practicing for up to ten hours a day.[6]

Career

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Esprit D'Air

[edit]

At the age of 17, Kai founded Esprit D'Air in London in 2010 as the lead guitarist. The band shortly went on hiatus in 2013 when most members returned to Japan.[7]

Esprit D'Air later reformed as Kai's solo project in 2016 and has since produced a catalogue of albums and singles as lead vocalist, composer, and producer, regularly entering the Official Charts in various top ten positions. Notably, singles Leviathan and the 2023 re-release of Shizuku reached the top ten.[8]

Since then, the project has released three albums—Constellations (2018), which won Best Metal Album at the Independent Music Awards (judged by Slayer, Sepultura, and Amy Lee from Evanescence), Oceans (2022), which reached the top 10 of the Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart in the UK, and Seasons (2024), which contained unreleased work from the early era of the band, as well as covers and remixes.[9]

Kai also books and promotes tours and concerts for Esprit D'Air without the help of booking agents and promoters.[10] Kai has cited creative freedom and self-determination as the main reasons for avoiding record label contracts, stating, "What I love about what I do is that I don't have to compromise or answer to anyone else’s vision".[11]

In the interview, when asked about possibly adding full-time members to Esprit D'Air, Kai explained that while they have long-term collaborators, he would not be able to run a band at the level they work at if he was not the full-time leader. Kai creates most of the songs, self-funds the project and handles the business side of the band alone.[12]

The Sisters of Mercy

[edit]

In mid-October 2023, Kai joined The Sisters of Mercy, as a guitarist and backing vocalist and is touring extensively in Europe, North America, and South America. After being introduced to the band by Ben Christo, Kai was brought in as the replacement guitarist for Dylan Smith with only a few days' notice.[13]

While touring with his band Esprit D'Air, Kai was contacted by Christo regarding an opportunity to play guitar or bass for an unspecified rock band. Initially told only that a band was urgently looking for a musician in a particular style, Kai expressed interest despite his busy schedule. The following day, Christo revealed that the opportunity was with The Sisters of Mercy, and that the mention of bass was a deliberate red herring to maintain secrecy. Although the band required someone immediately, Kai agreed to join after completing his final Esprit D'Air show on October 12, 2023. With only a few days' notice, he flew to Würzburg, Germany on October 13 to perform with the band for their show on October 14, learning over 20 songs in that short span while touring with Esprit D'Air.[14] After a couple of shows, Andrew Eldritch took Kai to one side and said, "Do you want to make this permanent?", and he said yes.[15]

Despite his background as a progressive metal guitarist, Kai introduced a less heavy metal influence, bringing back a live sound closer to the band's earlier work.[16] Kai also performs female-sounding vocals to The Sisters of Mercy's live performances in songs such as "Dominion", "This Corrosion", "More", and "Temple of Love", which had not been present in live performances for decades.[17]

In 2024, Kai toured in The Sisters of Mercy in Europe and North America and has contributed new guitar parts for unreleased material.[18]

After joining, Kai was credited with improving The Sisters of Mercy's live shows, with BrooklynVegan stating that "no small part of this was due to new guitarist Kai”, Louder noting "the shows had improved", and The Aquarian calling the sound "even more appealing with the addition of Kai's guitar licks".[19][20][21]

As of 2025, Kai is headlining or playing shows and festivals alongside Green Day, The Damned, Iggy Pop, Queens of the Stone Age, Manic Street Preachers, Billy Talent, Palaye Royale, Keanu Reeves' Dogstar, Jane's Addiction, Pulp, The Prodigy, and more.[22][23][24][25]

Relationship with The Sisters of Mercy and Andrew Eldritch

[edit]

Kai has stated that they respect Andrew Eldritch's approach to independence and self-control, although their own methods differ.

“Both of us have built something on our own terms... The difference is that I push Esprit D’Air forward, actively engaging with fans and growing the project, whereas Andrew seems more content keeping things elusive.”[26]

Eldritch later commented positively on Kai's addition to the band, stating that “the whole Kai thing worked out for us” and expressing enthusiasm about bringing them to the United States.[27]

Session and other work

[edit]

In 2016, Kai played bass for Stereo Juggernaut and went on a UK tour supporting The Birthday Massacre, as well as shows with 3Teeth, Hed PE and Warrior Soul.[28]

Between 2018 and 2019, Kai was a frequent guest vocalist for London-based project Shot Through The Heart, a "monthly night of live hard rock, AOR and glam metal covers" presented by Ben Christo. The live sets featured guest musicians from various rock/glam/metal groups, including Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Gun, Marco Mendoza, Jettblack, and Lauren Harris.

On 15 October 2022, Kai was asked to perform guitar for original Tigertailz vocalist Steevi Jaimz on a one-off show to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Tigertailz debut album Young and Crazy alongside Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and Rachel Stamp drummer Robin Guy and former BulletBoys bass player Rob Lane.[29]

Equipment and endorsements

[edit]
Kai performing with a white Fender American Stratocaster

Kai uses a white Ibanez S-Series electric guitar equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups, including a SCR-1n Cool Rails in the middle position and the Hot Rodded Humbucker set (JB in the bridge and Jazz in the neck). He also uses a white Fender American Stratocaster, an Ibanez YY20 (Yvette Young signature model), a Hagström Siljan II Grand Auditorium CE 12-string acoustic-electric guitar, a white Schecter Stargazer, and a blue Schecter Omen Extreme-6.

For live performances, Kai uses a Line 6 HX Stomp multi-effects processor. Their live setup includes Shure wireless systems for vocals, guitar, and in-ear monitoring. For guitar strings, Kai uses Ernie Ball products and is an endorsed artist.[6]

Kai is also a Vocalzone endorsed artist, using the product before rehearsals, performances, and during warm-ups.[30]

Kai using an Ibanez YY20 (Yvette Young Signature)

Musical influences

[edit]

As well as HYDE from L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kai has also cited Iron Maiden and other artists with "larger-than-life" presence as key inspirations during their formative years. They have expressed admiration for musicians and artists who explore creative boundaries, including Yvette Young, for her prolific output and multidisciplinary creativity.[6]

In terms of musical taste, Kai frequently listens to post-rock bands such as Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky, as well as new wave and post-punk bands like Joy Division, and The Cure. They also list The Smashing Pumpkins, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Alice in Chains among their favourite artists. While these influences differ from the sound of Esprit D’Air, Kai credits them for shaping their approach to mood, texture, and atmosphere in songwriting.[6]

Though not an active listener of visual kei, Kai has acknowledged the influence of bands during his upbringing.[6] Kai named X Japan, Luna Sea, L'Arc-en-Ciel, and Dead End as some of his favorite bands from Japan in an article for Loudwire.[31]

Kai is also inspired by the games of Final Fantasy, specifically Final Fantasy VII, and wanted to create music that sounds like it is from another world.[32]

Personal life

[edit]

Kai follows a vegan diet and does not drink alcohol.[33] He has two cats, named Zack (named after Final Fantasy VII's Zack Fair) and Pan (named after the Japanese word for bread).[34]

Kai uses both he/him and they/them pronouns and has an androgynous appearance.[1]

Kai currently splits his time between the United Kingdom and Japan.[6]

Philanthropy

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In March 2016, Kai performed at a charity event in London, where all proceeds went to Aoba-gakuen, an orphanage in Fukushima, Japan.[35][36] Through ticket, merchandise, food sales, and donations, the event raised over £1,100 for the orphanage.[37]

Kai supports LGBTQ+ rights and donates a percentage of record sales to Stonewall. Kai has also donated a percentage of record sales to Black Lives Matter, and Razom, a non-profit in Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the ongoing war.[38]

In 2024, Kai donated over $1,200 to Palestine Children's Relief Fund to aid humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youths.[39]

Other work

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Kai Koffee

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Kai created his own coffee brand called Kai Koffee with products named after Esprit D'Air song titles such as "Leviathan", and "The Awakening". Each batch is freshly roasted weekly from a carbon-neutral coffee source.[40]

Discography

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Main article: Esprit D'Air discography

Albums

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List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
Sales
[41] 		UK
Down.
[42] 		UK
Rock
[43] 		UK
Ind. Breakers
[41] 		UK
Ind.
[44] 		UK
Physical
[41] 		SCO
[45]
Constellations
  • Released: 7 July 2017
  • Label: Starstorm
 — 45 33 16 48 — 81
Oceans
  • Released: 18 February 2022
  • Label: Starstorm
 25 5 8 5 12 80 19
Seasons
  • Released: 8 November 2024
  • Label: Starstorm
 — 13 20 5 45 — —

Notes

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  1. ^ Kai uses he/him and they/them pronouns.[1] This article uses he/him for consistency.

References

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  1. ^ a b "What is the gender of Kai from Esprit D'Air?". Esprit D'Air. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  2. ^ "The Sisters Of Mercy - Interview". Terra Relicta. 26 November 2023. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  3. ^ " "TokyoNoise intervista Kai degli Esprit D'Air: l'importanza della musica eterea nella vita". TokyoNoise.
  4. ^ Daniel Leigh (18 February 2022). "Daniel Leigh Podcast with Kai from Esprit D'Air". youtube.com (Podcast). Daniel Leigh.
  5. ^ "Kai". SoundBetter. 12 December 2023. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Interview: Esprit D’Air Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer Kai". Tokyo Noizu. Retrieved May 2025 from [1]
  7. ^ Bob Smith (12 December 2020). "Esprit D'Air Unleash The Massive "Leviathan"". Static Dive. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  8. ^ "ESPRIT D'AIR songs and albums". Official Charts. 7 March 2024. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  9. ^ Peter Dennis (15 February 2023). "AVO Magazine Interview: Kai from Esprit D'Air – Always in motion". AVO Magazine.
  10. ^ "Esprit D'Air / Exciting 17-date Leviathan Tour announced". MetalTalk. 7 April 2023.
  11. ^ Wolfgrief, Klara (22 March 2025). "An exclusive interview with the leader of the alternative metal band Esprit D'Air about the upcoming European tour and creative freedom – what can visitors to the Prague concert look forward to?". AsianStyle.cz. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  12. ^ Clement, Keith (23 March 2025). "Interview With Kai Of Progressive Metal Band Esprit D'Air". Metalheads Forever Magazine. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  13. ^ Kirky (9 February 2024). "Interview with Kai from Esprit D'Air". spotify.com (Podcast). Gigs Up North. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Kai Interview – The Sisters of Mercy / Esprit D'Air". Music-News.com. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  15. ^ Andrews, Mark (11 September 2024). ""When I'm onstage my job is to be God. And I'm pretty good at it." An epic, exclusive, revealing and sporadically very amusing interview with The Sisters of Mercy's iconic frontman Andrew Eldritch". LouderSound. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  16. ^ Von Lars Fischer (15 January 2024). "Der Niedergang der Sisters of Mercy". Weser Kurier.
  17. ^ Maartje Kunnen (14 June 2024). "Sisters of Mercy Reloaded: zanger is bijwerkingen rode pil te boven". Eindhoven Rockcity. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  18. ^ Gregory Adams (6 May 2024). "THE SISTERS OF MERCY announce fall North American tour". Revolver.
  19. ^ "A rejuvenated Sisters of Mercy were terrific at Brooklyn Paramount with Blaqk Audio". BrooklynVegan. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  20. ^ Andrews, Mark. "An epic exclusive interview with Sisters of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch". Louder. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  21. ^ "The Sisters of Mercy at the Brooklyn Paramount, September 20, 2024". The Aquarian. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  22. ^ "QOTSA, Refused, Sisters of Mercy, Joey Valence & Brae and loads more for 24-Hour-A-Day Fest at Electric Castle". Kerrang!. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  23. ^ "Bearded Theory 2025 announce lineup including Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers, and The Sisters of Mercy". NME. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  24. ^ "Music festivals with Pulp, The Prodigy, Human League, Manic Street Preachers, and The Sisters of Mercy to attract Derbyshire fans in 2025". Derbyshire Times. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  25. ^ "Nova Rock 2024: We'll be there!". Moshville Times. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  26. ^ Andrews, Mark (15 May 2025). "SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES: The Sisters of Mercy band members’ thriving music careers". Louder Than War. louderthanwar.com
  27. ^ "An epic exclusive interview with The Sisters Of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch". Louder Sound. Retrieved May 2025 from [2]
  28. ^ Metal Temple. "ESPIRIT D'AIR: Support at "The Birthday Massacre" in London". Metal Temple. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  29. ^ Blabbermouth (9 June 2022). "Original TIGERTAILZ Singer STEEVI JAIMZ To Perform Entire 'Young And Crazy' Album At One-Off London Concert". Blabbermouth. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  30. ^ "Esprit D'Air". Vocalzone. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  31. ^ "10 Best Rock + Metal Bands From Japan by Esprit D'Air's Kai". Loudwire. 22 June 2021. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  32. ^ "From Glaciers to Oceans: An Interview with Esprit D'Air". Beyond Senpai. 14 June 2021. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Kai Interview". Music-News.com. 15 June 2024. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  34. ^ "A chat with Kai – lead singer and founding member of Esprit D'Air". McGig Music. 26 February 2024. Archived from the original on 11 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  35. ^ "MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews » Esprit D'Air to headline Origami: A Charity Gig". MCM BUZZ – Movies, TV, Comics, Gaming, Anime, Cosplay News & Reviews. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Live music and Japanese food for a great cause!". Kakkoii Club. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  37. ^ edohsama. "Report on Esprit D'Air at the Pipeline, London". SR : JRock News. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  38. ^ "Esprit D'Air Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights". Virtue. 29 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  39. ^ "Kai from Esprit D'Air and The Sisters of Mercy donate to support Palestinian youths". 3 June 2024. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  40. ^ "Introducing: Kai Koffee by Esprit D'Air". Esprit D'Air. 29 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  41. ^ a b c "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  42. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  43. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  44. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  45. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart: 24 February 2023 – 02 March 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
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