LOTinConcert: Rysouke Kiyasu

Ryosuke Kiyasu began his career as a snare drummer in Canada in 2003. A driving force in the avant-garde music scene for over two decades, he has been a prolific solo performer while also contributing to the group SETE STAR SEPT and having served as the drummer for Keiji Haino’s legendary ensemble, Fushitsusha.

In 2018, a video of his live performance in Berlin went viral, garnering over 23 million views and sparking global conversation. This phenomenon led to features in major international media outlets, including BBC News and VICE. More recently, his unique performance style was highlighted in the British fashion magazine i-D, further cementing his influence across both music and contemporary culture.

His work has earned high acclaim within the world of classical percussion, leading to his invitation as a main guest for two consecutive editions of Germany’s Überschlag Festival, one of the world’s largest biennial percussion festivals. In 2025, a dedicated experimental music festival titled „Kiyasu Fest“ was organized by local fans in Bristol, UK, in his honor.

From 2026, Kiyasu has been appointed for a global promotion with Pearl Drums, the world’s leading drum manufacturer, serving as a key figure in the brand’s major international campaigns.

Beyond traditional musical boundaries, he has expanded his reach through collaborations with the fashion label Our Legacy and performances in contemporary art contexts. Performing over 200 shows annually across the globe, Ryosuke Kiyasu continues to redefine the very concept of music.