Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Shiina Ringo was involved musically at a very early age. As a child, she studied piano and ballet. By age 15, she was playing both solo and in various musical groups.
In 1995, as a member of an all-girl group called the "Marvelous Marbles", Shiina was recognized at a Teens Music Festival. The following year, she walked away with the Award of Excellence in the finals of the Music Quest Annual Competition.
After touring with semi-professional bands for the next two years, Shiina Ringo released her first pro single, "Kofukuron". Response to the release was good, and she gained popularity with every single leading up to her first album, "Muzai Moratorium".
Not necessarily Visual Kei in her approach to music, she brings nonetheless a riveting manner and visual style to her performances. Her image, like her music, is a hybrid of styles ranging from traditional Enka music to Cyndi Lauper to the Sex Pistols. Above all, however, is Ringo's unique manner, passion, and flair. As one Japanese friend of mine observed, "She scares people... I think she's the greatest." |
