Andrew Koji Shiraki
Koji (born Andrew Koji Shiraki, February 12, 1987, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States)[1] is an American songwriter and activist.
Andrew Koji Shiraki | |
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Koji live on tour with one man band Into It. Over It. 2011. | |
Background information | |
Also known as | Koji |
Born | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States | February 12, 1987
Genres | Folk, pop punk, indie rock, hardcore punk |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, designer, photographer, activist |
Labels | The Native Sound, Run For Cover Records, No Sleep |
Associated acts | La Dispute, Title Fight, Settle |
Website | kojisaysaloha |
He signed with Run For Cover Records in August 2010[2] where he released a live EP entitled, Spring Song Vol. 1 and his critically acclaimed full band EP, Some Small Way.[3] In October 2010, Koji released his first of two split releases on No Sleep Records, IIOI/KOJI. In 2011, Koji was named one of Alternative Press's "100 Bands to You Need to Know.[4] " Never Come Undone, was released on No Sleep Records.
Since 2010, Koji has toured and performed with a wide range of artists that have included Into It. Over It.,[5] La Dispute,[6] Never Shout Never,[7] Code Orange Kids[8] and also played the entirety of Warped Tour 2012.[9]
Koji was reported to have finished tracking his debut full-length with producer, Will Yip, at Studio 4 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.[10] The album personnel included long time collaborator, Brad Vander Lugt of La Dispute, on drums, as well as Matt Warner of Balance and Composure[11] and Ned Russin of Title Fight on bass.[10]
On December 11, 2012, it was announced that Koji would be performing as part of the Acoustic Basement tour with Geoff Rickly of Thursday, Vinnie Caruana of I Am the Avalanche/The Movielife, A Loss For Words and Brian Marquis in February 2013.[12]
Activism
Koji founded the organization COLORMAKE,[1] as a collaborative effort between artists and activists from all over the country. Colormake began organizing music and gallery shows, skate & bike jams, workshops, festivals, political demonstrations and other events.[13]
He has partnered with both creative and policy advocacy groups such as The Voice Project and RESOLVE[4] on the issue of the LRA in Central Africa. Koji has also performed and spoken at universities in support of NPO's such as Falling Whistles.[14]
Discography
- Keeping Count 7" (February 9, 2016; The Native Sound)
- Fury EP (June 16, 2015; No Sleep)
- Matters EP (November 12, 2013; The Native Sound)
- Crooked in My Mind (April 30, 2013; Run For Cover)[15]
- "Distance/Divide" 7" (February 2013; Run For Cover)[16]
- Never Come Undone (Split 12" w/ La Dispute; May 3, 2011; No Sleep)
- IIOI/KOJI (Split 12" w/ Into It. Over It.; Nov. 23, 2010; No Sleep)
- Some Small Way EP (Nov. 9, 2010; Run For Cover)
- Spring Song Vol. 1 (Sept. 28, 2010; Run For Cover)
References
- Bryan, Beverly (December 10, 2012). "Koji Folks It Up". Mtv Iggy. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "RUN FOR COVER 2013 ยป Run For Cover Welcomes Koji". Runforcoverrecords.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
- "Koji - Some Small Way EP - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Into It. Over It. and Koji announce UK tour - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. June 27, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "La Dispute post fall tour dates - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Tours: Never Shout Never / Koji / Kurt Travis / Renee / The Translators". Punknews.org. February 21, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Koji announces full band and solo shows for October and November - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Warped plans "acoustic" stage with Kris Roe, Vinnie Caruana, Transit, Koji". Punknews.org. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- Zarrillo, Zack (December 7, 2012). "Koji LP Being Mixed; Members Of LD, B&C, TF As Tracking Band". PropertyOfZack. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- Zarrillo, Zack (September 28, 2012). "Koji Recording New Album With B&C, La Dispute Members As Band". PropertyOfZack. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- Zarrillo, Zack (December 11, 2012). "POZ Tour: The Acoustic Basement Tour". PropertyOfZack. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Colormake About". Colormake.tumblr.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "The Aquinas 2010-04-29 :: University of Scranton Aquinas". Digitalservices.scranton.edu. April 29, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Koji's Upcoming Album in Mixing Stages - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- "Koji releases limited edition 7" for Acoustic Basement tour - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved October 7, 2013.