Songwriters Hall of Fame
Bob Leone, National Projects Director

“i’ve showcased literally hundreds of artists for the songwriters hall of fame new writers program over the past 13 years...they say no one’s perfect. well, i disagree...emiko’s perfect!”

MTV
Lisa Farsadi
"I got sucked in! Emiko totally sucks you in! Incredible live!"

Washington Post
Mark Jenkins/Eric Brace
" Cathartic and catchy...RAW ROCK!!!"

FM Sound Magazine
Kim Chase
Emiko has a funky, fresh sound that combines sensitive, interesting lyrics with cultivated musical skill and strong energy. Her songs are honest and interesting while remaining catchy and accessible.

Emiko’s rare blend of talent and fresh creativity has its origins in a strong musical background. She was considered a musical child prodigy, and was performing classical music by age six. She released her first album at age sixteen in 1997, and her latest album, Here Lies Tinkerbell, was released by OA Entertainment in 2001. Among her long list of accomplishments, Emiko´s song ”Brand New Man” was incuded in the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame compilation CD, and the artist was named number 7 of Radio Crystal Blue’s Top 25 Artists of Spring 2003.

My favorite song on the album is “The Tongue,” which is about the complicated meaning of a kiss. The melody is haunting, deepening the emotional dimensions of the simple and poignant lyrics. The clean piano-vocal combination leaves room for the emotion that the song has to offer.

The lyrics of “Emergency Man” are the words of a girl keeping her distance in order to protect herself from another run-around: “Don’t taste me then decide that you don´t like it...Don´t make me love you and then break me in half.” “Temper¨”is a narrative of a power struggle where anger takes the forefront, hearkening back to the storytelling of Alanis Morisette. The chorus lifts each verse into the next, making a song about a difficult situation feel more hopeful and forward-moving.

The lyrics of “Speak” are simple and poignant: “Speak and I will listen, touch me and I will feel.” The song combines a straightforward vocal melody with piano, guitar, drums, and layered vocals to produce a fuller sound than some of her other tracks. The piano comes in over the other instruments to build tension and feeling.

Emiko’s songs are catchy and memorable without sacrificing content. The choruses always add emotion and movement, making the different elements of each song come together in an interesting and enjoyable way. Emiko has a fresh, energetic musical talent, and her honest, creative lyrics combined with superior skills make her a diamond in the dust of female pop/rock. Here Lies Tinkerbell is an excellent album that is sure to bring this artist closer to her dreams.

Full Frontal Recordings:
Emiko is a wicked Japanese-American songwriter with the talent to write some amazing lyrics and tunes. This album I´m holding captures Emiko at her best and believe you me this album is well worth hearing. There is a lot of talent to be heard on this album and given the right promotion this lady could go very far. What makes Emiko´s music fresh and urgent is her music is driven by piano/keys rather than guitars. The guitars take a back seat and compliment the sound of the piano/keys more than anything.

´Here Lies Tinkerbell´ kicks off with ´Emergency Man´ and you can feel the emotion from the moment it starts. This carries on through eleven other tracks such as ´Lay´, ´Weird´, ´Trust In Us´, ´Heroine´ and the closing track ´Brand New Man´. When you listen to this album you quickly discover there are no fillers. I like the way the sounds have been constructed which gives Emiko the edge over many female artists out there. Every song has been given the same love and attention as the next.

Lyrically and musically this album has so much to offer and this is just the beginning for this young artist. I believe there will be so much more to come from her and in time she will prove this. So come on give Emiko a chance - She is fresh and her lyrics and music rock! It would be lazy journalism to try and compare Emiko to some one else but I have to be honest and say it would be totally unfair too! Emiko has so many ideas that she is probably one of few artists with so much imagination and originality.

Just pick up ´Here Lies Tinkerbell´ and find out for yourself! (6412/OA) 9.5/10

Soul Tree Records
Eddie Territo, President
“when I came across [her], I was blown away. [Emiko’s] music is awesome!! Both the content and quality are superb!!!”  

"A fantastic journey of infinite sonic adventures and emotional explosions"
Dot-Bands.com (UK #1 Unsigned Artist Site)
Emiko is a young Japanese-American songwriter who gives "rock and roll" a fresh, new meaning. She entices the listener with her viceral piano playing, bright harmonies, and "naughty-girl" lyrics (not to mention all that leather!) while leading them through a fantastic journey of infinite sonic adventures and emotional explosions. Currently promoting her newest record, "Here Lies Tinkerbell" Emiko encourages you to "clap your hands if you believe!"

UK Review
Overplay
"Peter Pan's addicted to LSD," declares Emiko on "Stuck in Neverland". Well how else do explain a liking for green tights and pixie boots? But it's boy trouble of all kinds that features big on most of 'Here Lies Tinkerbell'. Indecisive boys on "Emergency Man", stroppy boys on "Temper", noncommittal boys on "The Tongue" and Napoleon Bonaparte on "Mal Maison".

But there's no twee Britney-style "Does he really like me?" musings here; this is raw, articulate, confessional stuff. "You seriously expect me to relax if you're holding back so much?" Emiko asks on "Lay". The lyrics are direct and evocative in a way that Alanis Morissette seems to have forgotten about.

Intense as it is, 'Here Lies Tinkerbell' opens its heart against a rich and varied musical background. There's the spiky blues of "Emergency Man", the haunting slow-grind of "Speak" and the simple piano-led "Heroine". "Lay" gives us meandering Marlene Deitrich cool before exploding into a killer chorus, while Emiko even finds time to bring the funk on "Knitting Factory". But I suppose if you've been playing music since the age of two and a half, you're bound to put on a pretty good spread.

There's even a little sampled porn on the closing "Brand New Man". But it's this track's subtle storytelling that stands out. A man tries to eradicate every trace of the woman he shouldn't have let get away: "You see your mother every weekend, because it's better than being alone." Peter Pan may be whacked up on glow sticks, but this is where we meet the new Lost Boy. And it's typical of the album; arena-sized tunes have never felt so up-close and personal.

Emiko Rocks College Campuses!!!
University of Maine/Machias
My students really enjoyed your show. I have been doing student activities at UMM for 27 years and last Friday night was the first time my audience asked for an encore. Best wishes to you and your band members. It was a pleasure to work with you!

Peder K. Moe
Coordinator of Student Activities
University of Maine at Machias

Sensation, deep and Penetrating
Black Cat Media
Emiko is a young Japanese-American songwriter who gives "rock and roll" a fresh, new meaning.

Her unique type of rock music embraces and mesmerizes you, totally involves you and leaves you a slave forever. The music is sensational and the text of her songs deep and penetrating.