Mean Machine is an all-girl Japanese rock band. Mean Machine starred in the Tower Records "No Music, No Life" advertising campaign, and debuted in 2001.
History Mean Machine was founded in 1998 by J-pop vocalist Chara, musician/DJ Chiwaki Mayumi, vocalist Yuki of Judy and Mary, saxophonist Yukarie of The Thrill, and actress Ayumi Ito. The group was conceived as a lighthearted side project, and the band members deliberately chose instruments new to them: Yuki and Chara played drums in the band, Mayumi played guitars, Yukarie played bass, and Ayumi was the vocalist.
In 2001, Mean Machine released the single "Suuhaa," named for a kind of breathing exercise Chara learned when she was pregnant. It reached #18 on the Oricon singles chart. Later that year, their debut album Cream was released. The album reached #7 on the Oricon chart and remained on the charts for five weeks. A second single was released later that year, "Knock on You," reaching #38 on the Oricon chart.
The group was dissolved shortly afterward because of complications with the band members' solo careers.
Members NameRoleProfessionNotes Ayumi伊藤歩Romaji: Ayumi Ito Vocalist, lyricist Actress Co-starred with Chara in Shunji Iwai's "Swallowtail Butterfly" as Ageha, winning her the Japanese Academy Award for best new actress and best supporting actress. CHIWAKIちわきまゆみ Romaji: Mayumi Chiwaki Guitarist, songwriter Musician, DJ Debuted with "Good Morning, I Love You" in 1985. YUKARIE Bassist, songwriter Musician Tenor sax for The Thrill. Debuted with "A MILLION DOLLAR BAND THE THRILL" in 1992. Yuki (有希)磯谷有希Romaji: Yuki Isoya Drummer, songwriter Solo artist Ex-Judy and Mary vocalist, current successful solo artist. Debuted in 1993 with "POWER OF LOVE". Chara佐藤美和Romaji: Miwa Sato Drummer, songwriter Solo artist Immensely popular pop artist. Debuted with "Heaven" 1991.
Discography Albums
Year Album Information Chart positions2001Cream7
Singles
Release Title Oriconsinglescharts CDTV musicvideo charts Album2001 18 18CreamKnock on You 38 41
References
External links Ayumi Ito's official website Mayumi Chiwaki's official website Yukarie's official website YUKI's official website Chara's official website No Turning Back | Mean Machine YUKI | Girly Rock