Shinto | ru

Munich, 1998:
In the Nomiya-bar, where Japanese emmigrants meet Bavarian traditions, the collaboration of Tokyo native artist/singer CaMi Tokujiro and Hans Platzgumer set off.
Platzgumer is fascinated of Tokujiro's guttural voice and classy appearance and soon they produce their first track ‘Hora Goran’.
Combining a relentless sense for raw breakbeats and elaborate electronica with Tokujiro's poppy melodies and mysterious lyrics, a new mixture of East Asian-European pop music is created. Digital Austrian melancholy being inspired by Japanese clarity.

The first ep 'Ai To Kakumei' was followed by the album 'Liberal Bullshit ' in fall 99. Both available on Disko B’s Seperator Series.
After live performances in Europe and Japan SHINTO went back into the studio to record their second longplayer ‘Shonen A’ for ‘Intermedium Records’, released in june 01. This conceptual album about a 14-year old japanese series killer leads the band more towards crime-fiction soundtracks with eerie atmospheres while still maintaining Tokujiro’s pop-appeal. The cd features german and english translations.

In october 2002 they released their 12" 'Kibou EP' on the German house-label 'PLAYHOUSE' with surprising instant success.
Their third full lenght CD 'KIBOU' (='Hope') (released on Hoppy Kamiyamas cult-label GOD MOUNTAIN RECORDS in august 2003) deals with more positive topics and even funkier house-electronica.

On german label Echokammer they release two remix 12"s:
The KEIREN remix EP with Yoshihiro Sawasaki, Lepauldon, Koneko&Electronicat, e.stonji and Diska in 2003.
The KIKUZAKARI EP with remixes by Yoshihiro Sawasaki, Lepauldon, Suzie Trio and others in 2004.

In 2005 they pick up work on their fourth studio album 'SEKAI'. It features more ethnic sounds and instruments as well as two guestmusicians Saam Schlamminger and the band's new drummer Thomas Wuehr.
The album will be released in may 2006 on Echokammer (Europe) and Sausage/Star Boze (Japan).

SHINTO is annually touring Japan and performing on various European occasions. .