As featured on Billboard, HuffPost, Loudwire, BBC Radio, Kerrang! & Louder, their sound is unique and fresh, bringing together hard-hitting aggression with melodic vocals and electronic synthesizers.

In 2018, Esprit D'Air won Best Metal Album at The Independent Music Awards taking place at the prestigious Lincoln Center of Performing Arts in New York City, for the release of their debut album, Constellations, judged by an esteemed panel featuring Slayer, Amy Lee (Evanescence), Sepultura & more.

In 2019, Esprit D'Air was nominated Best Musical Act by NEO Magazine (sponsored by SEGA) finishing in the top five alongside the likes of Crossfaith, BAND-MAID, The GazettE and Mutant Monster.

In 2021, Esprit D'Air released their 10th Anniversary Live album and committed to releasing a new song every six weeks via their Patreon page.

In 2022, Esprit D'Air released their 2nd album Oceans, which entered six Official UK Charts, including #8 in the Top 40 Rock & Metal Albums, and #5 in Top 20 Independent Albums Breakers. The new album featured members of both The Sisters of Mercy, and Crystal Lake, as well as remixes by HEAVYGRINDER and Shirobon.

Kai is not seeking a major record label but instead, follows a strong DIY ethos and produces everything himself to be as self-sufficient as possible. Consequently, Kai records and produces his own releases in his own home recording studio.

Currently, Kai is the only official member of Esprit D'Air, and appoints session musicians for live shows and tours.

After a successful 7-day UK tour in February 2023 supported by the Help Musicians charity, Esprit D'Air is now embarking on a 22-date European tour of Poland, Hungary, Spain, United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

2012: JpopAsia – "Best J-Rock Single" (Nominee) – Shizuku
2017: Neo Awards – "Best Musical Act" (Nominee)
2018: Independent Music Awards – "Best Metal Album" (Winner) – Constellations
2019: Neo Awards (sponsored by SEGA) – "Best Musical Act" (4th place)
2022: Official Charts Company – #8 in Rock and Metal Albums

In 2010, Esprit D'Air met in London and started out as a band. Due to members returning to Japan, they disbanded in 2013. They received recognition for having the first song in the J-Rock category to be playable in the video game, Rock Band 3.

In 2016, Esprit D'Air reformed as Kai's solo project, and released their comeback single, 'Rebirth', which exclusively featured on JROCK NEWS. Esprit D'Air did their first comeback show at HYPER JAPAN Festival, and followed up with one-off shows in UK and France.

In 2017, the band closely followed up with single, ‘Guiding Light’, which later premiered on TeamRock (now known as Louder, the home of Classic Rock and Metal Hammer) and featured as one of the 50 best rock songs of 2017 by TeamRock. In the summer of 2017, Esprit D'Air released their studio album, Constellations, peaking at #3 on Amazon’s best-seller in the hard rock/metal category and secured features on Kerrang! Radio, Louder, HuffPost, and PowerPlay, and Neo Magazine.

In February 2018, Esprit D’Air embarked on a self-promoted 11-day headline UK & Europe tour, selling out six of the shows, including dates at the world-famous The Underworld Camden in London, and La Nau in Barcelona.

In 2022, Esprit D'Air released their 2nd album Oceans, which entered six Official UK Charts, including #8 in the Top 40 Rock & Metal Albums, and #5 in Top 20 Independent Albums Breakers. The new album featured members of both The Sisters of Mercy, and Crystal Lake, as well as remixes by HEAVYGRINDER and Shirobon.