Yu Sakai Makes US debut with EP Live from Tokyo

Yū Sakai makes US Debut! Live EP set to be released in Japan and the US!! His first solo tour begins in September!

Equipped with a uniquely translucent and “tear-inducing silky” voice, combined with a wide range of musical influences including soul, R & B, jazz, gospel, and rock which guide his pop music, Yū Sakai has been known for his masterful sound production since his debut.

In October 2009, his debut single Story historically set the most records on FM power play, and his second single Manazashi Daydream was featured as the opening theme of the final episode of the hit TV animation series “Nodame Cantabile”. Additionally, his new single Train was the theme song of the film Permanent Nobara, featuring Kanno Miho's first role in 8 years, and his highly anticipated first album "Yes!!", released in June was welcomed with huge sales.

Yū Sakai's May performance in the Apple Store Ginza launched “Live from Tokyo,” which will be exclusively released on the Japan/US iTunes stores as an EP! “Live from Tokyo” is part of iTunes's original music series where live sessions are recorded at the Apple stores in London, New York, Tokyo, Montreal Sydney, Munich and various cities and Yū Sakai was also nominated to be featured in the highly regarded “iTunes Japan Sound of 2010”.

Yū Sakai collaborates with the iTunes Store that supports the work of countless talents. At 20, Yū Sakai decided to become a musician and at 22, he moved to LA and taught himself the piano. His sense of rhythm and groove deviates from his Japanese roots, and his first digital release in the US mirrors the catchphrase of his album, “this pop music is a worldwide standard!!” The live EP features performances of his original hit songs Ushimitsubito and Train and his very popular covers of Sade's "Kiss of Life" and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

On September 9th, Yū Sakai will launch his solo tour “Yū Sakai Tour 2010 Yes!!” in Nagoya. With a dynamic live show, it would be a shame to miss him and his “tear-inducing silky voice” and his unique sense of rhythm and groove.

-Release Information-

Artist: Yū Sakai
Title: Live from Tokyo
Label: Sony Independent Network (SIN)
Release Date: August 31, 2010 (Digital Release)