About

SLUGGER PUNCH is a dynamic international collective, with members hailing from across Europe and Asia. Renowned as pioneers of the "AsianBeats" genre, the group was invigorated in 2018 by the talented Japanese singer AI HISANO. With her powerful and professional voice, they launched a project that merges eclectic styles into a distinct and original genre. SLUGGER PUNCH stems from a concept conceived in the 1990s by USHIO and brought to fruition with producer TheHATE. Their debut EP, released in 2013, received acclaim from notable global producers like Rob Smith/RSD and DJ Kato. Their singles have been featured in various EDM label compilations across Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. SLUGGER PUNCH is celebrated for their exclusive collaborations and diverse musical productions. They blend Japanese partnerships, live music and DJ-Live sets that incorporate J-pop, K-pop, dubstep, DnB, and more genres, frequently showcasing esteemed guests. The group has produced for YouTubers, artists, and notable figures from festivals, and gigs standing out with original songs, remixes, soundtracks, official trailers and sound design. As underground trailblazers of a popular sub-genre at Comicons, Expo and alternative events, SLUGGER PUNCH is often sought after as session musicians by renowned international singers, artists and agencies.

Following numerous successful gigs and milestones, TheHATE transitioned to an advisory role and became the team’s official mascot, passing the creative reins to Ushio. SLUGGER PUNCH expands with a dynamic roster of 8 to 13 artists and professionals, alongside a variety of collaborators and sound engineers.

They also serve as “Sidemen” or session musicians for agencies in Japan and well-known pop artists. Interestingly, long before American EDM producers began collaborating with Asian artists, SLUGGER PUNCH was already thriving in underground scenes at Comicons and alternative events. Their concerts, collaborations, and numerous projects have included partnerships with renowned names and agencies such as Avex, Warner Japan, and NHK.

Looking ahead, SLUGGER PUNCH is set to release a monograph in 2024 on the Italian version of "Hokuto No Ken," in collaboration with "Maestro" Claudio Maioli and Michele Broglia. Additionally, they will launch the "Witch Division," featuring artists inspired by ancient and supernatural traditions, presenting an arcane concept that promises to captivate audiences. SLUGGER PUNCH continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity and collaboration, setting new trends in the fusion of electronic and Asian musical influences.

Divisions

SLUGGER PUNCH is divided into four international divisions:  The Japanese Division, The Italian Division, The Witch Division, and The Or0-KUS4K1 Division.

The Japanese Division
AI HISANO: Singer, Main Voice
SASORI: Seasoned Session Musician, Composer, Professional Guitarist, Leading the Japanese Division
RYU: Musician, Guitarist, Keyboards, Producer
AENIMA: Professional Guitarist, Composer, Sound Engineer, Producer

The Italian Division
USHIO: Founder, Leader, Producer, Rapper, Sampling, Concept Creator
KIYAKO: Producer, DJ, Video Creator
G-CHAN: Illustrator, Social Manager, Stage Assistant
THEHATE: Co-Founder, Composer, Producer, Musician, Official Mascotte

The Witch Division
MÓNU CHAN: Rapper, Singer, Witch, Astrologist, Leading the Witch Division
EOGHAN THE BARD: Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Musician, Bard
MAEL: Black Cat

The Or0-KUS4K1 Division
RYU: Producer, Vocalist, Composer, Songwriter, Sampling
USHIO: Vocalist, Sampling
MÓNU CHAN: Vocalist, Narrator

Questions & Answers

What's the difference between the Italian/Japanese Division, the Witch Division, and Or0-KUS4K1?

The Italian/Japanese Division has the main concept of Slugger Punch. The focus will be on Asianbeats genre with Ai Hisano as the main singer. The Witch Division and Or0-KUS4K1 are two sub-units of Slugger Punch and have thier own concept. Witch Division focus on witchy and spiritual music. Or0-KUS4K1 focus on EBM and electronic music.

Are there any differences between the Italian Division and the Japanese Division?

Technically speaking, the various musicians, artists and singers work as in a production chain, the difference is given by the requests and skills, experience and type of requests or artistic flair required (or which member and its style is necessary).

Do all those parallel universes met each other?

Yes, there will be a way for those universes to meet each other through the existence of parallel universes. For example, you can describe a multiversal universe in which several dimensions exist, each with its own culture and artists.