About
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Jiinto Daybreak — a San Francisco-based rock band with an international voice, is fronted by Japanese-born singer songwriter Nao Luka, with Chris Albert on lead guitar, Brandon Voss on bass, and Ivan Perić on drums. Blending alt-rock, psych rock, Japanese/English bilingual lyrics, and edgy flourishes with a cinematic aesthetic, the group is planning a Japan tour to introduce their heartfelt rock to an international audience.
The Japanese word Jiinto (pronounced “jean-toe”) can be translated as heartrending, or an icy electrifying shock. Daybreak represents the edge of night and day, and new beginnings. This juxtaposition between darkness and light is at the core of Jiinto Daybreak.
Jiinto Daybreak formed one week before the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, compelling the group to work remotely on Nao's songs, and to take time to carefully meld the alternative rock + new wave + thrash + ballads influences together. The result is the edgy yet accessible emotional English and Japanese rock you can hear on their 12-track debut LP "Holding Zero", recorded at the renowned Tiny Telephone studios in Oakland. The record was recorded and mixed by Beau Sorenson, and mastered by Matthew Barnhart at Chicago Mastering Service.
Jiinto Daybreak is actively performing throughout California, with plans for a Japan tour and a sophomore record on the horizon.
Band Members
Nao Luka, Songs / Vocals / Guitar
Nao Luka is a singer-songwriter and artist born and raised in rural Akita, in northern Japan. She started playing in rock bands when she was in high school, and learned the joy of sharing music with people from all walks of life through performances at music clubs and busking on city streets. Her earliest music influences include the Beatles and David Bowie – she is also a huge fan of J-rock.
Nao came to the United States to study music production and art. She holds a BFA in Performing Arts Technology, an MFA in Digital Arts, and an MFA in Music Composition and Experimental Sound. Nao has worked in the Hollywood film industry and has had her artwork shown in Los Angeles, New York, Denmark, London, and Baltimore. She has also written scores and designed sound for dance and theatrical productions.
Jiinto Daybreak is a project that blends Nao’s lifelong love of catchy rock tunes with her experimental sound background, resulting in slightly edgy but accessible heartfelt bilingual Japanese and English rock. Nao also takes on the role as creative director and is responsible for the visual design and artwork.
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Chris Albert, Lead Guitar
Chris Albert, guitarist, has maintained a continuous presence in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. Along with his band, NEUROTRASH, Chris toured throughout the United States and in music festivals with Airwalk/SPIN Magazine’s Unsigned Hero, LUCABRAZZI. His acoustic group, these words, showcases the lyrical depth and originality of his songwriting. He has also played guitar and bass for various bands highlighting his versatility and musicianship, as well as performed session work for artists, films, documentaries, and videos.
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Chris' other projects:
NEUROTRASH – YouTube Apple Music Spotify
these words – Reverbnation
LUCABRAZZI – YouTube Reverbnation
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Ivan Perić, Drums / Backing Vocals
Ivan Perić is a multifaceted multi-instrumentalist specializing in drums and vocals. Born in Germany from a family of Croatian heritage, Ivan has been living in the San Francisco Bay Area and is active in several music projects. Jiinto Daybreak is a project where he can explore a mellower, more diverse soundscape of music. While he might be known for his contributions to heavier music, he loves music spanning across all genres from artists like Radiohead to metal bands like Death.
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Ivan's other projects:
Wroht – Death Metal / Vocals
PostHumanX – Deathcore / Vocals
Nuggaet – Alternative Rock / Drums
Forever to the Moon – Alternative Rock / Drums (2024 material)
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Brandon Voss, Bass
Brandon Voss is a versatile electric bassist from Northern California, with a substantial presence in jazz. He has played in musicals, recording sessions, church services, and countless other performances with widely renowned musicians. Aside from jazz, Brandon’s favorite genres are blues, rock, and soul. He’s excited to continue exploring the varying styles and interpretations of music, by enhancing Jiinto Daybreak’s multi-flavored rock landscapes.
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