Ike Kawaguchi

Ike Kawaguchi is an LA-based Japanese American independent “emo funk” solo artist. Coming from humble beginnings, Ike ran away from home at fifteen to couch surf, skate, and perform in local metal bands. Music was his solace away from life’s everyday struggles and he soon found himself recording and mixing hip-hop records among some of the music industry’s most revered names and attending audio engineering school. Early on Ike found a tremendous passion for guitar that soon gave way to him touring nationally throughout China as the lead guitarist performing on a custom eight-string guitar in the Chinese band “ Voodoo Kungfu.” In 2015, the band performed in front of thousands and that won the Chinese MIDI Award for best live performance. 

Growing restless from performing in metal bands, Ike soon began experimenting with various genres, forming a pop electronic duo. As Ike continued to play around with various sounds combining his guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocal skills, he created a new genre he calls “emo funk.” His solo work is a reflection of his unique musical background and experience that masterfully places his poetic and soulful vocals in the center.