(IT)
Kumi Cristina Watanabe, in arte KUMI, è una cantante, autrice e sound-designer italo-giapponese cresciuta tra Germania, Messico, Giappone, Francia e Italia e suona il pianoforte e la batteria. Scrive oltrepassando ogni confine linguistico/culturale con brani che spaziano tra inglese, francese, italiano, giapponese e spagnolo. Gli ultimi undici anni trascorsi a Londra hanno contribuito ad accentuarne i colori.
KUMI crea un appassionato alternative pop/soul ritmico, che affonda le sue radici vocali nella sensibilità rock distillata attraverso jazz and blues torch songs. Batteria, violoncello, piano/keyboards, chitarre, basso/contrabbasso combinati con looping, programming e armonie per creare un sound ricco.
Numerosi passaggi radio dagli storici speaker Tom Robinson su BBC Introducing e Gary Crawley su BBC London.
Dal vivo KUMI è una bomba di energia che sprigiona emozioni attraverso una voce potente e sensuale.
Nella sua carriera, tra i numerosi concerti, ha aperto gli spettacoli di: Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Jethro Tull, Ani DiFranco, Deep Purple, Steve Lukather, Vasco Rossi, Bob Geldof, Gotthard.
(EN)
KUMI is a Japanese-Italian singer, songwriter, sound designer, plays piano and drums. She was raised in Germany, Mexico, Japan, Italy. Living in London for the past eleven years has contributed to enhance her colors.
KUMI delivers passionate percussive alternative pop/soul, which takes its vocal roots from a rock sensibility distilled through jazz and blues torch songs. Drums, cello, keyboards, guitars, bass/double bass combined with looping, programming and harmonies to give a rich, layered sound. Overtones of PJ Harvey, Edith Piaf, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone and Janis Joplin.
Aired by Tom Robinson on BBC Introducing and by Gary Crawley on BBC London several times.
On Stage KUMI is an explosion of energy triggering emotions through her powerful and sensual voice.
Multiple live performances with several of her bands include opening for Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Jethro Tull, Ani DiFranco, Deep Purple, Steve Lukather, Vasco Rossi, Bob Geldof.
Releases:
KUMI and the Triumph of Love (album), recorded between London and Milan, 2019. Video on all digital platforms.
Contests:
Bollicine Contest: Vasco Rossi Opening Act at Udine Stadium, winner.
Amnesty International: Voci Per la Libertà, jury prize winner.
FIAT Music Tour Prize 2018 by Red Ronnie e FIAT, winner.
Deejay on Stage 2019 Special Award Prize by Radio Deejay, winner.
The Voice Italy 2019, blind auditions.
Composed and produced music for TV:
Gourmet Gold Purina, TV Commercial
Thom Parfum Paris, Corporate Video
Topo Gigio (animated series, 2020) by MoviMenti and RAI, theme song lyrics.
Topo Gigio (animated series, 2020) by MoviMenti and RAI, episode songs lyrics.
Selected Projects:
Franco Battiato, featured singer in “X Stratagemmi” (Sony Music) on 3 tracks + video clips + European Tour X stratagemmi + Live DVD “Un soffio al cuore di natura elettrica” (Sony Music). And small part in “Musikanten” Feature Film directed by Franco Battiato (presented at 62nd Venice International Film Festival).
The Star Class, 2019, Theme Song Lyrics
“La Vie” by DJ Ross feat. KUMI: lyrics and vocals by Kumi. Reached #1 in France, more than 3.5 Million views on Youtube, Spotify. Enters Belgium/Spain/Poland/Sweden charts 2019/10.
“Le Soleil" by DJ Ross feat. KUMI: lyrics and vocals by Kumi, France 2019/11
“La Vie” remix by Gabry Ponte.
"La Liberté" by DJ Ross feat. KUMI: lyrics and vocals by Kumi, 2020
Piero Manzoni Artist's Shit Scandal short movie by Fondazione Manzoni 2021, 60th anniversary, soundtrack and sound design.
Piero Manzoni Artist's Shit Animated movie by Fondazione Manzoni 2021, 60th anniversary, soundtrack and sound design.