K.A.Z

K.A.Z
300x200px K.A.Z with Vamps in New York City, 2013
Background information
Birth name	Kazuhito Iwaike (岩池 一仁)
Also known as	KAZ
Genres	Alternative rock, hard rock, post-grunge
Occupation(s)	Musician, guitarist, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1996–present
Associated acts	Oblivion Dust, Vamps, hide with Spread Beaver, Hyde, Spin Aqua
Website	www.kaz1011.com

Kazuhito Iwaike (岩池 一仁, Iwaike Kazuhito), known exclusively by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.

Career

K.A.Z was first guitarist of the bands Gemmy Rockets and The Lovers, before forming Oblivion Dust in 1996. In January 1998, he joined hide's backing band, Spread Beaver. However this did not last long due to hide's death on May 2, with K.A.Z only appearing on two songs on his final album Ja, Zoo. Although, Spread Beaver did go through with the 1998 tour, with K.A.Z joining them. He and his Spread Beaver bandmates I.N.A. and D.I.E. remixed a song for Zilch's Bastard Eyes in 1999.

In 2001, the year Oblivion Dust disbanded, he co-arranged the song "Tightrope" on the debut double A-side single of L'Arc~en~Ciel bassist Tetsu.

In 2002, K.A.Z formed the short-lived rock unit Spin Aqua with singer, actress, and former model Anna Tsuchiya. After producing three singles and one album, they dispersed in mid-2004.

He started to work with L'Arc~en~Ciel vocalist Hyde in 2003, co-arranging all the songs on 666. He co-arranged and co-produced Hyde's third solo album Faith, and composed five of the songs, including the single "Season's Call". He also served as support guitarist on Hyde's tours.

In late 2004, K.A.Z created the band Sonic Storage with his former Spread Beaver bandmate I.N.A.. He also participated in, influential Korean musician, Seo Taiji's album 7th Issue.

On June 28, 2007, it was announced that Oblivion Dust would reunite, and in early 2008 K.A.Z and Hyde formed Vamps.

Equipment

K.A.Z signature guitars:

• ESP VP-K350
• ESP KZ.V-ONE-W
• ESP KZ.P-ONE-W&Fire
• ESP Potbelly K.A.Z Custom
• ESP K.A.Z Model
• ESP TE-K300
• ESP SG Type
• PRS with P-90'

External links

• Official website (Japanese)