Rize (band)
Rize | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, Japan |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1997–2019 2024–present |
| Labels |
|
| Members | Jesse Nobuaki Kaneko KenKen |
| Past members | Tokie u:zo Yoshihiro Nakao |
| Website | triberize.net |
Rize (Japanese: 雷図, Hepburn: Raizu; stylized as RIZE) is a Japanese rock band formed in 1997, debuting in 2000 and currently signed with Warner Music Japan. The band currently consists of Jesse McFaddin (lead vocals/guitar), Nobuaki Kaneko (drums), and KenKen (bass). Their musical style is a mix of nu metal, alternative rock, punk rock, hard rock and even some reggae flavor. Their song "Zero" from the album Experience has been featured in Coca-Cola commercials in Japan and Asian countries. Their single "Gunshot" has been featured in Resident Evil: Dead Aim. Their song "Muppet" from Experience was featured in the video game Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō as the main theme.
History
1997–2000: Formation and debut
Rize formed in 1997 with members JESSE, Nobuaki Kaneko and TOKIE. They started performing live concerts in the Shimokitazawa. In 2000, they performed at the 10th Kitazawa Music Festival and, after having been signed to Epic Records Japan, released their debut single "Kaminari". They followed up their debut in November with the hit single "Why I'm Me", with an album being released the same month. However, original member TOKIE left after the album's release, with u:zo joining as the new bassist and Nakao Yoshihiro coming in for guitar.
2001–2006: First nationwide tour and tour outside Japan
The following year proved to be a busy one for Rize. In April, JESSE and Nobuaki became radio personalities for the program All Night Nippon until September. They also performed again at the Kitazawa Music Festival in July, as well as the Rock in Japan Festival, Arabaki Rock Fest and Summer Sonic Festival '01 in August. The band's collaboration with Zeebra, "I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY RADIO", became the theme song for FM Festival. They followed it up with a tour in December called 4City (there were four performances).
In May 2002, Rize appeared on the stage @ MTV Japan event with Oasis, Jay-Z, etc., in September Rize participated in the South Korean field festival 2002Etpfes at the Seoul Olympic Stadium. The event was the largest field festival in history, with over 30,000 people in attendance. On February 13 2003, Resident Evil: Dead Aim came out and Rize's single "Gunshot" was featured in the game's credits. In July 2003, they moved to Los Angeles to tour with Kottonmouth Kings and Phunk Junkeez. In 2005, JESSE formed their own label "Tensaibaka Records".
In November 2005, bassist u:zo left, with Nobuaki's brother KenKen replacing him. KenKen was made an official member of the band in April 2006. Their first Oricon appearance happened with a cover of "Pink Spider" in November 2006, debuting at No. 8.
2007–2018
On the top of the successful performance at "Live 8", in 2007 Rize was invited to perform at "Live Earth" appearing on the stage with Linkin Park, etc.
In same year 2007, Rize released their fifth album Alterna. In October 2007, they released their latest single, "LADY LOVE". Rize released KO, their sixth full-length album, in April 2008. The following month saw the band performing at the hide Memorial Summit, at which they performed their rendition of Pink Spider in tribute. On May 20, the band announced through their official site that Yoshihiro Nakao would be parting ways from Rize, citing creative differences as the main factor in his decision. However, the remaining members were determined to carry on activities as a trio. In June Rize went on their 2008 "T.K.O. Tour" that consisted of 29 shows and in November released a live DVD of the tour "T.K.O.".
In 2010, Jesse paved the road for Rize to release their 7th album Experience. A majority of the tracks from this album were masterminded and produced by Jesse, enabling him to get huge attentions as not only an artist and musician, as a music producer. "Zero," the iconic song of this album, was picked up by Coca-Cola and lead to the collaboration commercial with Hidetoshi Nakata / former famous soccer player and Coca-Cola Zero, which is still being aired across a large part of Asia.
Still in 2010, Their song "Muppet" from the album 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 was featured in the videogame Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō as the main theme of the game, and even having an instrumental version as the music that plays in the final boss fight.
In July 2011, Rize released their 10th debut anniversary, band history and live DVD titled PIECE.
In 2012, Rize transferred to Warner Music.
2019–present: Hiatus and return
On July 20, 2019, it was announced that Jesse and KenKen had both been arrested for violation of the Cannabis Control Law. After a month long investigation based on a tip, police raided their homes; Jesse was found in possession of 2.4 grams of marijuana and .09 grams of cocaine, while KenKen had 0.2 grams of marijuana. Both pled guilty and in October 2019 both received prison sentences suspended for three years; KenKen received 6 months, while Jesse received two years. Rize subsequently went on hiatus.
The band returned on June 5, 2024, when they began their sold-out Solu tour at KT Zepp Yokohama. The following year, Rize held the Nolu tour between June 3, 2025, and July 3. On December 26, 2025, it was announced that Jesse would be suspending all activities starting in January 2026 following a series of physical injuries and a medical evaluation requiring "long-term treatment". Rize resumed activities with a performance at the Onagawa Cotteleezun festival on October 31, 2026.
On November 4, 2026, Jesse was arrested for cocaine use after testing positive for the drug following a test conducted by police.
Jesse's solo project
Jesse started the hip hop unit E.D.O., a diverse group of rappers and artists made up of some of his old high school buddies. E.D.O. has puts out numerous single and their first full album Revolvers was big hit among the Japanese Hip-Hop community. In couple of years, members of E.D.O. have ventured off on their own to start solo projects that have brought much attention to Jesse and his Hip-Hop unit. One project in particular that has received spotlight from underground music critics is Jesse's own E.D.O solo project THE BONEZ. A mixture of Jesse's favorite music genres, rock, hip-hop, and electro, THE BONEZ has put out 6 singles, with each having a different music concept from the previous.
Jesse introduced the Japanese music community to the duo, Def Tech. With many major labels turning away their heads to the young pair, in 2001 Jesse decided to take Micro and Shen under his wing and mold them into the multi-platinum artists that they are today. Not only did Jesse create the road to success for Def Tech but he also played a key role as their producer for their first album and helped Def Tech write the hit song "My Way". In 2005, Jesse has launched his own label Tensaibaka Records, where Def Tech, Rize, and E.D.O. have released a majority of their work.
Jesse is a musician, artist and producer who has also established himself as a prominent figure in Japanese fashion. He created the original clothing line S&Co. and operates the clothing shop Takenaka Sound Shop in his hometown of Togoshi. S&Co. has gained popularity among celebrities, with actor Hayato Ichihara noted as one of its loyal customers and fans.
In May 2010, Jesse launched the Bring the Hope Project, an initiative aimed at spreading a message of hope through music and free live performances. The first Bring the Hope Project Live was held on 4 May 2010, featuring various artists and fans in a charity concert intended to raise hope and awareness.
Band members
- Current members
- Jesse McFaddin – vocals, guitar (1997–present)
- In addition to being a singer/rapper, guitarist, he has also proven a career as a music producer/composer, plus as a "Fashion Icon" among the youth and appeared on Sony CM + Vans and sponsored their 2009 Live Tour, etc. His father is the Japanese musician Char.
- Nobuaki "NK" Kaneko — drums (1997–present)
- He is the only signature drummer in Japan by Pearl.
- Kensuke "KenKen" Kaneko – bass (2006–present)
- He is a recognized session bass player in various kind of collaborations with famous artists including performing @ Muzikmesse. He is Nobuaki's younger brother.
- Former members
- Tokie – bass (1997–2001)
- u:zo – bass (2001–2005)
- Yoshihiro Nakao – guitar (2001–2008)
- Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Album details | Oricon chart |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Rookey
|
8 |
| 2001 | Foreplay
|
11 |
| 2002 | Natural Vibes
|
14 |
| 2005 | Spit & Yell
|
18 |
| 2007 | Alterna
|
14 |
| 2008 | KO
|
16 |
| 2010 | Experience
|
16 |
| 2017 | THUNDERBOLT
|
10 |
Singles
| Year | Title | Oricon chart |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | "Project from the East Tokyo" | — |
| 2000 | "Kaminari" | — |
| "Why I'm Me" | 10 | |
| "Music" | — | |
| 2001 | "Name" | — |
| "Light Your Fire" | — | |
| "Dream Catcher" | — | |
| 2002 | "02/One" | — |
| 2003 | "Vibration" (introducing Def Tech) | — |
| "Gun Shot" | — | |
| 2006 | "Pink Spider" | 8 |
| 2007 | "Kami/Heiwa" | — |
| "Lady Love" | 22 | |
| 2008 | "Live or Die" | 32 |
| 2009 | "Zero" | 25 |
| 2010 | "Laugh It Out" | 14 |
| 2012 | "Local Defense Organization" | 37 |
| 2017 | "Silver" | 15 |
Internet/ Digital releases
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2007 | "Heiwa"
|
"Kami"
| |
| 2014 | "Lovehate"
|
| 2015 | "Party House"
|
| 2016 | "One Shot"
|
Compilation albums
| Year | Album details | Oricon chart |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Kakumei (YamaArashi vs. Rize)
|
— |
Fuck'n Best
|
— | |
| 2013 | Fet Best
|
70 |
DVDs
| Year | Information | Oricon chart |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Fresh Blend
|
— |
| 2002 | Fuck'n Live
|
— |
| 2005 | Lost Clips
|
70 |
| 2007 | Alterna Live
|
10 |
| 2008 | T.K.O.
|
24 |
| 2011 | Piece
|
30 |
| 2018 | RIZE Tour 2017 "RIZE IS BACK" Live in Budokan (2017.12.20)
|
Music videos
| Year | Song | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | "Kaminari" | Epic Visual |
| "Why I'm Me" | ||
| "Music" | James Leung | |
| 2001 | "Name" | Takimoto Noborukoi |
| "Light Your Fire" | Usuihiroshi | |
| "Dream Catcher" | Takahashi Eiki | |
| "Nihontou" | Unknown | |
| 2002 | "One" | Higuchinsky |
| "02" | Inoue Yasuo | |
| 2003 | "Vibration" (introducing Def Tech) | |
| "Gun Shot" | Masaaki Uchino | |
| "G・I・C・O・D・E" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'GICODE']) | Unknown | |
| 2005 | "ALL STAR" | Unknown |
| "Youth II Youth" | Nishigōri Isao | |
| "Owtkast" | Shiga Takumi | |
| "Stand Up" | Takashi Inoue & Yukiko Ichimura | |
| 2006 | "Pink Spider" | Shuichi Tan |
| "Blacklist" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'E.D.O.']) | Unknown | |
| 2007 | "Kami" | Electronik |
| "Heiwa" | Hiroki Tange | |
| "Lady Love" | Sudō Kanji | |
| "You Don't Know" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'E.D.O.']) | Unknown | |
| "Revolvers" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'E.D.O.']) | Unknown | |
| 2008 | "Live or Die" | Electronik |
| "カミヒコウキ meets Char" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'E.D.O.']) | Unknown | |
| 2009 | "Zero" | Josh Taft |
| "Home Sweet Home" (feat. AI & JAMOSA) (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'GICODE']) | Unknown | |
| "Tell Me Why" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'Kaikigesshoku']) | Unknown | |
| "ALLCLEAR" (Jesse [from 'RIZE' with 'Kaikigesshoku']) | Unknown | |
| "Lies & Monkey" (Kaneko [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| "Orca" (Kaneko [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| 2010 | "Laugh It Out" (feat. Yamato) | Ugichin |
| "Muppet" | Yoshinari Fuse | |
| 2012 | "Local Defense Organization" | Ugichin |
| "Access Violation" (Jesse [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| "Bossman" (feat. DOGMA) (Jesse [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| 2013 | "Thread & Needle" (Jesse & Nakao [from 'RIZE' with 'The BONEZ']) | Unknown |
| "Place of Fire" (Jesse & Nakao [from 'RIZE' with 'The BONEZ']) | Unknown | |
| "Zenith" (Jesse & Nakao [from 'RIZE' with 'The BONEZ']) | Unknown | |
| 2014 | "Lovehate" | Unknown |
| "Historia" (Kaneko [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| 2015 | "Ray" (Jesse & Nakao [from 'RIZE' with 'The BONEZ']) | Unknown |
| "Party House" | Unknown | |
| 2016 | "To a person that may save someone" (Jesse & Nakao [from 'RIZE' with 'The BONEZ']) | Unknown |
| "Take Me Home" (Kaneko [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| "Firebird – Special Exhibition with enra -" (Kaneko [from 'RIZE']) | Unknown | |
| 2017 | "Silver" | Unknown |
| "One Shot" | Unknown | |
| "Good Day" | Unknown | |
| "TKC" | Unknown | |
| "Thunderbolt Came Back" | Unknown |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | RIZE | New Artist of the Year | Won |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "02" | Best Directive Shooting Video | Won |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | RIZE | Best Punk/Loud Rock Artist | Nominee |
References
- ↑ Eremenko, Alexey. "Rize – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
- ↑ Hernon, Matthew (October 2, 2015). "Nobuaki Kaneko heads in darker direction on 'Lobo' and rises to the occasion". Japan Times. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
- 1 2 Cage & Christine (January 1, 2014). "RIZE Biography". JaME USA. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
- ↑ "RIZE Biography". Sync Music Japan. January 1, 2011. Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
- ↑ Rize at AllMusic
- ↑ RIZE on Warner Music Japan.
- ↑ "NEWS｜RIZE Official Site". July 20, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
- ↑ "Dragon Ash bassist KenKen and son of Char both arrested in marijuana bust". Japan Times. July 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ↑ "ＲＩＺＥのメンバー２人を大麻取締法違反などで起訴". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). August 9, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ↑ "大麻所持で起訴のRIZE・JESSE、謝罪コメント発表「迷惑と心配を掛けてしまい心底反省」". Oricon (in Japanese). August 19, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ↑ "KenKen被告に懲役6月を求刑 30日に判決". Oricon (in Japanese). October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- ↑ "Charの長男 JESSE被告に判決 懲役2年、執行猶予3年". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). October 29, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
- ↑ "KenKen被告に執行猶予判決 裁判官の問いかけに「わかりました」 母・金子マリと退廷". Oricon (in Japanese). October 30, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
- ↑ "RIZE再始動、7年ぶり全国ツアー＜SOLU＞を6月より開催". Barks (in Japanese). April 9, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ "【速レポ】＜京都大作戦2024＞ RIZE「帰ってきたぜ、Are you ready？」". Barks (in Japanese). July 7, 2026. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ "RIZE、Zepp 4会場に加えて熊本、金沢、宮城のライブハウスを巡るツアーを初夏開催". Barks (in Japanese). March 10, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ "金子ノブアキ、RIZE・JESSEの一時活動休止に言及「30年共に走ってきたが、人生まだまだこれから!」". Oricon (in Japanese). December 26, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ "RIZEのJESSE、1月から活動休止を発表「首からの神経圧迫」で右手まひ→長期療養必要と診断". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). December 26, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ "RIZE、JESSE療養から復帰後初ライブ決定 マキシマム ザ ホルモンがアンバサダー務める女川フェス出演へ". Oricon (in Japanese). September 4, 2026. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ "JESSE コカイン使用の疑いで逮捕 ロックバンドRIZEのボーカル". NHK One (in Japanese). November 7, 2026. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
- ↑ Char、息子JESSEと親子セッション披露 – Oricon Style
- 1 2 Oricon. RIZEのランキング
- ↑ Oricon. RIZEのランキング
- ↑ Oricon. RIZEのランキング
External links
| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
