Esprit D'Air is a J-Metal Band known for their fusion of metal, electronic rock and Japanese rock. Not only are they using music as a form of art and expression, but Esprit D'Air also use its music as a tool for good - supporting many fundraisers and charities since its formation in 2010.
Esprit D'Air
Initially formed in London back in 2010, the band saw success both in the UK and Japan - with their single 'Shizuku' being featured in Rock Band 3. While eventually the group parted ways in 2013, Esprit D'Air in a new form reunited for a charity event in London raising funds for an orphanage in Fukushima Japan.
The band was revived as a solo project for founding member Kai in 2016 - when their debut album in Constellations even won Best Metal Album at the Independent Music Awards in 2018.
Q and A with Kai
Tell me about Esprit D'Air + J Metal
I produce electronic metal and making music means everything to me. Esprit D'Air is my independent solo project. I choose to be without a record label or management, so I can be my true self and express the way I want to with my music.
Independently, I have managed to get into the Official UK Charts with both albums, and one of them even won an award in New York for 'Best Metal Album', judged by Slayer, Sepultura, and Amy Lee from Evanescence.
Why are Stonewall/LGBTQ+ rights important to you?
I believe in a future where everyone is free to be themselves and love who they love. We shouldn't have to live in a society where people live in fear of holding hands with their loved ones in public, or even hide their sexual orientation.
Some parts of the world criminalize same-sex relationships or force transgender people to undergo medical treatment.
We still have a lot of work to do as a society.
How are you supporting Stonewall?
Initially, we did a one-week campaign to donate 70% of all our record sales to Stonewall. After the success of the campaign, I have decided to donate 10% of all record sales indefinitely.
Have you supported any other initiatives in the past?
Yes, in 2016, we did a charity concert with some friends to raise money for Aoba-gakuen, an orphanage in Fukushima, Japan, who were affected by the 2011 tsunami, even five years later.
We also donated 50% of our record sales towards Black Lives Matter in 2020, and finally, last year to Razom, a non-profit in Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the ongoing war.
Are you looking to support any other in the future?
Of course. However I can help, I will do my best! I am always looking for ways to give back.
How to get involved?
Supporting Esprit D'Air
If you would like to support Esprit D'Air check out their online store or catch them on their upcoming UK + EU tour.
Give Back as a business
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