They established the project in their hometown of Osaka and later relocated to Tokyo.
Persistent sales of their exceptional debut “Blues of Colors” (2000) built nationwide recognition, representing their unique artistry through cabaret music and Showa popular songs, which was inspired by Jazz of the pre-war years.
EGO-WRAPPIN’ is a unique and rare artist. Each work constructed with novel and fascinating musicianship, draws the attention of the Japanese music scene. The EGO-sound reflects free atmosphere and hot emotion, which Jazz and Rock music had prior to becoming just titles of genres, and draws from the spirit of our living world.
Facing music sincerely, jumping the walls of genres easily, they will tell you how to enjoy music with their pop sense. You feel their song vibrations directly. EGO-WRAPPIN’s thrilling performances of their exciting material have become romantic miracles of today.
Biography
1996
Ego-Wrappin’ was formed in Osaka in 1996.
1998
They released their first full album “Blue Speaker” in June 1998, propelling them to the forefront of the Osaka indies charts.
1998
At the end of 1998 one of their songs was selected for use on the TV drama series “Kirakira Hikaru”. The song was also included on the soundtrack CD of the same series.
1999
In February 1999, they released mini album “His Choice of Shoes Is Ill”, which for the first time included lyrics penned by Yoshie in Japanese.
1999
They released the mini album “Swing for Joy” in November 1999.
“A Love Song” featured DETERMINATIONS gained popularity amongst many local radio stations.
1999
In December 1999 they made their live debut in Tokyo with an acoustic set at Aoyama CAY.
2000
In January 2000, they held a release party for “Swing for Joy” at Shibuya’s Club Quattro, of the most famous live venues in Tokyo, following which they conducted a tour of many of Japan’s major cities.
2000
In February 2000, Yoshie launched her solo project JuJu Kneipp with a number of prominent Japanese famous musicians, releasing the mini album “Algolagnia”.
2000
In August 2000 Ego-Wrappin’ released the mini album “Shikisai no Blues”, which went on to become one of their most successful albums, following which they conducted a national tour. More than 800 fans flocked to a small nightclub in Tokyo to see Ego-Wrappin’s gig.
2000
In November 2000 they joined a number of prominent bands such as Kazufumi Kodama, The Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Dry & Heavy and Little Tempo in contributing to “Ska Stock”, a tribute album for The Skatalites.
2000
Their 7 inch analogue release “Flowers” from the mini album “Shikisai no Blues” sold out almost immediately.
2001
In January 2001, Yoshie took part in “Beautiful Days” by Fantastic Plastic Machine.
At the same time, “Shikisai no Blues” was chosen as the theme song for the film “Sadistic & Masochistic” by director Hideo Nakano.
2001
In addition to establishing their own label “Minor Swing” in May 2001, they also released their full length major label debut “Michishio no Romance” through Universal Music, which featured contributions from a range of other musicians.
“Psychoanalysis” from this album was selected as a recommended track by a number of TV and radio stations including MTV Japan, Space Shower and Viewsic, earning its video considerable airtime.
2001
In July 2001 they conducted another national tour from Hokkaido to Okinawa, during which they were joined on stage by a range of musical collaborators. The same month they also made their debut appearance at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL (Japan’s biggest and the most famous live music festival).
2001
In August 2001 they took part in the SUNSET LIVE 2001 music festival in Fukuoka.
The festival was held on the beach and its atmosphere was incredible.
2001
In October 2001, “Noraneko no theme”, a collaboration with Kazuhumi Kodama, one of the greatest trumpet players in Japan, was chosen as the theme song for the film “Pistol Opera”.
Masaki also appeared on the Mama! Milk CD album “Lamb and Mutton”.
2001
In November 2001, “Teennesee Waltz”, a collaboration between Yoshie and the guitar duo Gontiti was included on a TV drama.
Aremixed and re-mastered version of “Shikisai no Blues” was also released as “Midnight Dejavu - Shikisai no Blues”.
2001
In December 2002 Yoshie took part in “So Much To Learn, So Little We Know”, a charity album for Afghan refugees.
2002
In January 2002 Ego-Wrappin’ staged an audacious live show at IMP Hall.
2002
In March 2002 they again defied convention by conducting a special concert at an historic shrine in Kyoto.
2002
Their 3rd full-length album “Night Food” was released in July 2002. “Kuchibashi ni Cherry” from that album was chosen as the theme song for a popular TV drama. “Night Food” has gone on to become their most successful album to date.
2002
In the summer of 2002 they took part in a number of music festivals including the RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL.
2002
In September they launched another national tour with a show at the Liquid Room in Shinjuku.
2002
On New Years Eve in December 2002 they held a count down show at the Ebisu Garden Hal in Tokyo in front of more than 2,000 fans.
2003
In May, Masaki selected songs for the CD “Rock a shake vol.3 ~Move! Baby Move~”.
The band also held their first gig after a half year break.
2003
In the summer of 2003 they again took part in various summer music festivals including FUJI ROCK、LIVE STOCK 2003、the RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL、and the KOIWAI ROCK FESTIVAL.
2003
In August 2003 Yoshie’s solo project JuJu KNEIPP made a guest performance at the final show of CLAM’s tour, their first time on stage together for 2 years.
2003
After again hosting a New Year’s countdown gig in Ebisu, Tokyo, they conducted their first live show of 2004.
Kind of You
EGO-WRAPPIN' Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nightmare which fall into
election would go dumb
Anytime will be passing joy
I touch leaves
Slip off my finger like tears
This story a kind of you
We walk on sand every time
We walk on concrete
Locked up insecure
try not to wonder
Dying to let you know
Just a balance has not taken
Charm your arms
make my mouth water
Waiting day dream
shoes in my mouth
This story a kind of you
We walk on sand every time
This story a kind of me
We walk on concrete
Just This story a kind of you
We walk on concrete
every time
This story a kind of me
We walk on concrete
Four steps root to the spot
Four steps in the shape of love
Four steps root to the spot
Four steps in the shape of love
Your hand is cold
but the sunshine
within your hold
The world looks
so much sweetness
What comes to my mind
is the face of changing you
I wish we faded into one
Me and view of the sky
The sky is light grey
into Me and view of the sky
The sky is light grey
into Me and view of the sky
The sky is light grey
into Me and view of the sky
The lyrics of EGO-WRAPPIN's song "Kind of You" convey a sense of longing and yearning for connection. The opening lines, "Long ago and far away, Nightmare which fall into, Election would go dumb," suggest a distant memory or time when the singer experienced fear and silence. The following lines, "Anytime will be passing joy, I touch leaves, Slip off my finger like tears," evoke a fragile and transient nature of happiness, comparing it to delicate leaves slipping through one's fingers.
The chorus, "This story a kind of you, We walk on sand every time, This story a kind of me, We walk on concrete," highlights a contrast between two individuals and their respective experiences. It could symbolize the difference between a carefree and organic life (walking on sand) versus a rigid, structured existence (walking on concrete).
Throughout the song, there is a sense of insecurity and a desire for connection. The line "Locked up insecure, try not to wonder, Dying to let you know," suggests a feeling of being trapped in one's own insecurities, while desperately wanting to express oneself to someone. The lyrics also touch upon physical attraction with the lines "Charm your arms, make my mouth water," hinting at a desire for intimacy and passion.
The song ends with a reflection on the changing nature of the world and the longing for unity and oneness with another person. The repeated lines of "Four steps root to the spot, Four steps in the shape of love" evoke a sense of searching for stability and connection. The final lines, "The sky is light grey, into Me and view of the sky," could suggest a resignation to the changing world and a longing for solace in the vastness of the sky.
Overall, "Kind of You" explores themes of longing, insecurity, and the desire for connection amidst the complexities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago and far away
This story takes place in a distant time and place
Nightmare which fall into
A frightening experience that consumes and overwhelms
election would go dumb
The process of choosing becomes silent and ineffective
Anytime will be passing joy
Every moment brings transient happiness
I touch leaves
I reach out to nature's beauty
Slip off my finger like tears
Disappear like drops of sorrow
This story a kind of you
This tale embodies a part of you
We walk on sand every time
We tread upon the shifting sand with each step we take
This story a kind of me
This narrative reflects a part of me
We walk on concrete
We move forward on rigid paths
Locked up insecure
Confined and full of doubt
try not to wonder
Attempt to suppress curiosity
Dying to let you know
Longing to express feelings
Just a balance has not taken
Only equilibrium remains elusive
Charm your arms
Enchanting embrace
make my mouth water
Exciting and enticing me
Waiting day dream
Anticipating a dreamlike state
shoes in my mouth
Embarrassment preventing speech
This story a kind of you
This tale encompasses a part of you
Just This story a kind of you
Simply put, this story embodies you
We walk on concrete
We continue on the solid path
every time
With every passing moment
Four steps root to the spot
Four movements anchoring us in place
Four steps in the shape of love
Four actions symbolizing affection
Your hand is cold
Your touch feels distant
but the sunshine
Yet your warmth shines through
within your hold
In your grasp
The world looks
The surroundings appear
so much sweetness
Overflowing with tenderness
What comes to my mind
My thoughts are filled with
is the face of changing you
Observing the transformation in your expression
I wish we faded into one
Desiring unification
Me and view of the sky
Myself and the sight above
The sky is light grey
The atmosphere holds a pale hue
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: 良恵 中納
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind