Monday, 6 October 2014

Coke Studio Middle East with Diana Yukawa

Coke Studio returns to the Middle East for a third season on MBC and will features artists including, Maya Diab, Jason Derulo, Asala Nasri, Nile Rodgers and Diana Yukawa.


Episode three of Coke Studios’ TV series centres around the collaborative journey between Diana Yukawa, Songwriter and Violinist and Jadal, a Jordanian Arabic Rock band, resulting in a special “fusion” track arranged and performed by both artists.


The TV series, in partnership with Universal Music MENA and MBC Group, is a unique cultural experience where Arab Superstars and major international Artists push boundaries creating original fusion music.

Unlike most other Coke Studio episodes, Diana’s episode was filmed on location in and around Amman, Jordan – the home town of Jadal. - “I'm fortunate enough to have visited many different places in the Middle East, but Jordan is somewhere I've always wanted to go so when this opportunity arose, I was really happy!” comments Diana.

The episode features the fusion track as well as an exclusive performance of one of Diana’s own new solo tracks, destined for her next album.


Diana comments “I feel very strongly about different cultures coming together. Not only cultures but musical genres also. I think that the Coke Studio show represents something very important. It doesn't matter who we are or where we're from, but what we do with different people to come together, be united and create something positive to move forward with. Music is a wonderful and powerful way to do this, because music is a universal language that can be understood and felt by anybody.”

Headed by Mahmoud Radaideh, Jadal are one of the first Arabic rock bands in the region, starting their journey with their cover “Kol Ma Gool Al-Tobah” for the legendary Egyptian artist Abdel Halim Hafez in Jadal’s Arabic Rock style.

“Throwing people in a situation where they have to creatively work together when they've never met is a risky thing! However I think this was a risk worth taking because I'm really happy with what Jadal and I created together. Mahmoud and the rest of Jadal are really lovely” comments Diana.

Season 3 features captivating fusion collaborations between the most diverse group of artists yet; Kool & The Gang and Asala Nasri Tom Novy and Shatha Hassoun;; Diana Yukawa and JadaL Band; Jason Derulo and Maya Diab; Nile Rodgers and Mashrou3 Leila; Sandy Möllin and Black R and David Penn and Balqees Fathi.

All of these chart busting tracks, including Diana and Jadals’ are expertly produced by internationally acclaimed music producer Hadi Sharara, who returns to enable the artists to create excellence. Coke Studio Fusion Series 3 Album is available to pre-order now on Anghami and itunes: www.itunes.com/cokestudio.

“Even though Hadi wasn't in Jordan with us, his input was just as important as ours – he really is a great talent. I really enjoyed myself, meeting and working with new people in a beautiful country” says Diana.

Patrick Boulos, CEO of Universal Music MENA commented that: “It is an honour to once again join forces with Coca-Cola and MBC to bridge cultural barriers and create ground-breaking original songs with so many artists from all over the world joining together. This season has produced some truly breath-taking songs with a level of creativity that is constantly elevated, some of which are utterly inspiring, emotional and surprising.”

Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Middle East said: “We are so pleased with how Coke Studio has developed this Season. It truly epitomizes Coca-Cola values of unity, happiness and refreshing experiences, as various cultures and traditions are celebrated.”

Coke Studio launched in the Middle East in 2011, and this year is presented by Saudi Hamza Iskandar and Lebanese beauty Cynthia Khalifeh.
Diana’s episode, aired on MBC 4 on 26th September 2014.

Diana concludes “I'm so happy a show like this exists because it stands for something beautiful that I really believe in… It was a real pleasure to be a part of this fusion, something I will always look back on with happy memories.”

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Diana Performs at Japan Matsuri 2014


The much-loved Japan Matsuri returned to London on Saturday 27th September at Trafalgar Square in the centre of London.

This dynamic annual event brings people together to enjoy Japanese food, music, dance, family activities and much, much more.


The Matsuri kicked off at 11 am with performance on the main stage at various times throughout the day. Diana was invited to perform as a special guest at 6:30pm, for an 30min set, together with her Producer and music collaborator, Tom Ingleby.


Diana's performance featured the latest music destined for her next album, including the track "Islands" that the day before premiered on the Coke Studio TV show starring Diana in Middle East.
Japan Matsuri is organized by Japan Matsuri Ltd., comprising the Japan Association in the UK, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK, the Japan Society and the Nippon Club, and supported by the Embassy of Japan.

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Wilderness and Latitude 2014 Summer Spectacular

This summer saw Diana Yukawa and her band take the stage at Latitude Festival in July and a few weeks later at Wilderness Festival - receiving great acclaim from both audiences at the highly regarded UK festivals.


Diana was overwhelmed with the response from the festival goers. “it’s one thing to spend months writing the music that you are passionate about, but to perform it and get a great response as we did at Latitude and Wilderness Festival, makes it all worthwhile as this is all I do it for – to connect with people”.


Attendees of both festivals were treated to a world’s first performance of the new music by Diana, songwriter and violinist. Diana co-wrote a majority of the music with the greatly talented producer Tom Ingleby – who also performed at the festivals with Diana, taking the helm at the Keyboard & laptop.

Diana comments “Tom is exceptionally talented and we both clicked together on the music well over a year ago – we are both extremely proud of what we have created and now simply want to share it with everyone”.


Diana’s next album featuring this new music is anticipated to be released in 2015.

Now in its ninth year and with a capacity of 35,000 people, Latitude Festival hasn't stopped it carving out its own place on the festival timetable. While a handful of music events have stumbled and fallen in the past few years, Latitude continues to develop a healthy reputation as one of Britain's most relaxed festival. It's idyllic England with the added eccentricity of woodland raves, stand-up comedy and multi-coloured sheep.

Wilderness, the festival of musicianship, theatre, talks, panel debates, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and food experiences returned for a fourth year to Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. The 10,000 capacity festival took place from Thursday 7th until Sunday 10th August 2014 and offered inclusive and a wide range of entertainment and activities that make the most of the most beautiful, unique natural setting.

Both are exceptional festivals that truly champion great, innovative music – both perfect stages for Diana to unveil her new music.

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Thursday, 14 August 2014

Wilderness and Latitude 2014 Summer Spectacular

This summer saw Diana Yukawa and her band take the stage at Latitude Festival in July and a few weeks later at Wilderness Festival - receiving great acclaim from both audiences at the highly regarded UK festivals.

Diana was overwhelmed with the response from the festival goers. “it’s one thing to spend months writing the music that you are passionate about, but to perform it and get a great response as we did at Latitude and Wilderness Festival, makes it all worthwhile as this is all I do it for – to connect with people”.

Attendees of both festivals were treated to a world’s first performance of the new music by Diana, songwriter and violinist. Diana co-wrote a majority of the music with the greatly talented producer Tom Ingleby – who also performed at the festivals with Diana, taking the helm at the Keyboard & laptop.

Latitude_Festival_2014
Latitude Festival 2014

Diana comments “Tom is exceptionally talented and we both clicked together on the music well over a year ago – we are both extremely proud of what we have created and now simply want to share it with everyone”.

Latitude_Festive_2014
Latitude Festival 2014

Diana’s next album featuring this new music is anticipated to be released in 2015.

Now in its ninth year and with a capacity of 35,000 people, Latitude Festival hasn't stopped it carving out its own place on the festival timetable. While a handful of music events have stumbled and fallen in the past few years, Latitude continues to develop a healthy reputation as one of Britain's most relaxed festival. It's idyllic England with the added eccentricity of woodland raves, stand-up comedy and multi-coloured sheep.

Wilderness_Festival_2014
Wilderness Festival 2014

Wilderness, the festival of musicianship, theatre, talks, panel debates, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and food experiences returned for a fourth year to Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. The 10,000 capacity festival took place from Thursday 7th until Sunday 10th August 2014 and offered inclusive and a wide range of entertainment and activities that make the most of the most beautiful, unique natural setting.

Wilderness_Festival_2014
Wilderness Festival 2014

Both are exceptional festivals that truly champion great, innovative music – both perfect stages for Diana to unveil her new music.

Latitude Festival 2014
Wilderness Festival 2014

Monday, 23 June 2014

Diana Yukawa to take to stage at Latitude Festival 2014

Diana Yukawa and Latitude are thrilled to announce that the revolutionary solo violinist and songwriter Diana Yukawa will perform in the Film & Music Arena at this year’s Latitude Festival.

Sheltered by woods and circled by romantic waterways; whether it is a tranquil retreat or a wild, venturesome weekend you’re after, Latitude’s line-up and stunning setting never fails to deliver.




Yukawa says that she is thrilled to be part of the fantastic line up - “Latitude Festival’s reputation is known all over the world and I am thrilled to be part of the fantastic 2014 line-up”.
Headliners Two Door Cinema Club will fervidly kick off the ninth consecutive year of Latitude playing the Obelisk Arena on Friday night. Saturday, Britpop luminary Damon Albarn will perform songs from his acclaimed solo debut ‘Everyday Robots’ and Sunday will be brought to a climactic close by award-winning twosome The Black Keys.

In addition to the exceptional array of music including the revolutionary violinist Diana Yukawa in the Film and Music Arena, festivalgoers can catch side-splitting comedy from Tim Key and Dara Ó Briain, slam-poetry from Kate Tempest and Scroobius Pip and performances from The Royal Shakespeare Company.

It is expected that Diana will perform a host of brand new material, fresh out of the studio, enthralling the audience to an exclusive preview of her next album in addition to some favourites from her EP “Finding the Parallel”.

 

Diana comments “I am currently in the studio working on the brand new material for my next album so I expect the audience of Latitude Festival will be among the first to hear this – it will be an incredible honour to share my music, for the first time on such a highly regarded stage”

"Music, movies, comedy, literature... there's something for everyone at the best fest of the summer, with the warmest vibe."Total Film

"Latitude remains the queen of arts festivals."
Independent

"Latitude has found a sweet spot that keeps new music-delvers, the heritage rock crowd and curious-minded broadsheet readers all happy. Music is the main event, but this festival is all about the other stuff - comedy, poetry, books and political debate."
Q Magazine

 

Confirmed acts for 2014 include: Two Door Cinema Club, Damon Albarn, The Black Keys, Mogwai, The War On Drugs, Röyksopp and Robyn, Lykke Li, Haim, First Aid Kit, Bombay Bicycle Club, Slowdive, Future Islands, Nils Frahm, Clean Bandit, Bondax, Lone, Young Fathers, Teeth Of The Sea, Kwabs, Julia Holter, Esben And The Witch and many more…
Diana Yukawa will take to the stage in the Film and Music Arena on Saturday 19th July at around 5pm for an exclusive 45min set.

Latitude Festival 2014 at Henham Park in Beccles, Suffolk

Doors Open: Thursday 17th July 2014 at 2:00 PM

Weekend adult tickets £182.50 face value + £8.00 booking fee per ticket
Accompanied Teen Ticket (13-15 years) £132.50 face value + £8.00 booking fee per ticket
Weekend Child Ticket (5-12 years) £5.00 (no booking fee)
Campervan Permit £40/£60/£80 (depending on size)

All available to buy here; http://www.latitudefestival.com/tickets

Latitude Festival 2014
Violinist Diana Yukawa

Sunday, 18 May 2014

Diana Yukawa Confirmed for 2014 Wilderness Festival




Diana_Yukawa_Wilderness_2014

The Wilderness Festival and Diana Yukawa are pleased to announce that the revolutionary Violinist and Songwriter will take to the Wilderness Stage this year.

Hailed as one of the most idyllic, eclectic and gloriously paradisiacal events on the festival calendar, the award-winning festival Wilderness returns for its much-anticipated fourth instalment in the dazzling environs of Cornbury Park, nestled deep in the heart of Oxfordshire.

Amongst others, Diana Yukawa will head up the Wilderness stage;
“I am really happy to be involved in such a magical festival. Wilderness know how to captivate people's imaginations and push the audiences senses. Something I strive to do with my music. I'm so excited to be a part of the Wilderness wonder.” comments Diana Yukawa.

The musical program alone is proof that Wilderness is always one step ahead of the curve with ground-breaking music from artists such as Diana Yukawa.


Wilderness_Festival_2014_Diana_Yukawa

It is expected that Diana will perform a host of brand new material, fresh out of the studio, enthralling the audience to an exclusive preview of her next album in addition to some favourites from her EP “Finding the Parallel”.

This year, Wilderness will once again show why it’s one of the most beloved events of the summer by assembling an inimitable program mixing together the absolute cream of the crop in music, food, theatre and the literary arts across four magnificent days in August. Festivalgoers will find themselves treated to a beautifully immersive experience quite unlike anything else.

Ahead of the festival, Diana has a host of upcoming performance in the Middle East, Far East Asia, and America, in the midst of her time in the studio - working on original material for her next album.

Wilderness Festival
August 7 – 10th 2014
Cornbury Park,
Oxfordshire
Weekend Tickets: £143.50 +BF
Children aged 10: £5

Wilderness Festival Tickets
Diana Yukawa at Wilderness Festival

Yukawa Welcomes Premiership Cup Winners to Abu Dhabi

Following Manchester City's 2014 Premier league victory and the day after their open top bus precession around Manchester City centre, the team headed for Abu Dhabi for a special, more private celebration with their club's owner.

Under a full moon at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the team and close VIP partners where welcomed with a spectacular performance by the internationally acclaimed Violinist and Songwriter, Diana Yukawa.

As a regular performer all over the Middle East, the violinist’s revolutionary sound captivated the VIP audience, who had been only too familiar to celebration over the previous few days.

Hosted by his Excellency, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the owner of Manchester City and the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, attendees included the Manchester City team as well the Etihad Airways executive team as the club's main sponsor.

In collaboration with the superb production team, Diana’s performance was supported by fireworks and jet fire timed to her music, all of which formed the perfect, striking celebration for the victorious Manchester City FC and their close partners.

Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions for the second time in three years by beating West Ham United on the final day of a dramatic season. Needing only a point to finish ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, a 2-0 win gave boss Manuel Pellegrini the title in his first season in charge.

In amongst a host of upcoming performance in the Middle East, Far East Asia, and America, the violinist and songwriter is hard at work in the studio, working on original material for her next album.

Violinist Diana Yukawa
2014 Premier league

Monday, 31 March 2014

Independent Music Award nomination for Diana Yukawa

Independent Music Award nomination for Diana Yukawa

Solo Violinist and Songwriter, Diana Yukawa joins a host of exceptional self-released and independent label artists, as well as other former major label acts nomineed in The 13th Independent Music Awards (The IMAs), the influential awards program for independent bands and fans.

Diana has been nominated for best Instrumental EP for Finding the Parallel, released on her own label, Longbody Music.

Yukawa comments “it's been a long musical journey I have been on to create the music I've been so passionate to make. I have been combining different sounds that I love and finding the right balance of electronic and acoustic.”

“My goal is to create music that connects with listeners and to also reach people who perhaps wouldn't ordinarily listen to my kind of music, or more "classical" and instrumental music. I want my music to evoke emotions… it's really as simple as that.”

Representing the broad spectrum of today’s global independent music scene, the Nominees in over 80 Album, Song, Music Video and Design categories were culled from thousands of submissions from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Greenland and Europe.

Winners will be determined by a panel of influential artist and industry judges including Ann Wilson & Nancy Wilson, Sharon Jones, Laurie Anderson, Suzanne Vega, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chiddy Bang, Shelby Lynne, Joshua Redman, G. Love, Aoife O’Donovan, Jim Lauderdale, Chris Wood & Oliver Wood, Band Of Skulls, Judy Collins, Raul Midon, Bernie Worrell, Dennis Diken, Arturo Sandoval, Alan Light (Live From The Artists Den), Terry McBride (Nettwerk Music Group), Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour), Jason Olaine (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Anthony DeCurtis (Rolling Stone), Hillary McAndrew Plate (Lincoln Center) Bob Ludwig (Gateway Mastering), Bruce Iglauer (Alligator Records), Evan Schlansky (American Songwriter), Delphine Robertson (Playtone Productions), Benji Rogers (PledgeMusic), Megan West (SoundCloud) and others.

The results will be announced in May, 2014.
In addition to industry-determined Winners, music fans from around the world have until Friday, July 18, 2014 to cast their votes. The Independent Music Award Winners will be promoted to nearly 1 billion music fans worldwide.

Please take a moment and nominate for Diana here http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/13th/EP/Instrumental  

Violinist Diana Yukawa website
Independent Music Awards

Saturday, 15 February 2014


Meridian Audio has celebrated the formal opening of its latest boutique store – and its first in London. Located in the heart of the Chelsea Design Quarter, the Meridian West London Boutique opened its doors with a week of celebratory occasions including VIP and media events and the launch of the new Meridian Special Edition DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers.

In addition, world–renowned violinist Diana Yukawa performed at both the VIP and media event. The award-winning solo artist, who is known for her revolutionary interpretation of classical music, played in harmony with her own compositions - courtesy of the breath-taking sounds of the new Meridian Special Edition DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers. With a seamless marriage of old with the new, Diana Yukawa’s inspirational repertoire was brought to life by today’s loudspeakers whose technology and design is the result of four decades of highly coveted and ground-breaking innovation.


The Boutique, which will feature the complete range of Meridian Audio's systems, is set across dedicated zones housing the multi award-winning line up including DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers, Meridian Reference Series, Meridian Streaming Systems and the newly introduced Personal Audio range. A technical and design consultation area and a state-of-the-art home cinema theatre for one-to-one demonstrations complete the Boutique layout.

 
Meridian West London

One of the keystones of the launch event programme was the UK unveiling of the new Special Edition DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers. Marking the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the world’s first digital loudspeaker, 2014 sees Meridian launch this Special Edition series of DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers, which provide the most revealing, lifelike and powerful performance of any Meridian loudspeaker to date.

Diana Yukawa at Meridian Audio West London
Violinist and Songwriter Diana Yukawa Website

Diana Writes two Original Pieces for West One Music


Diana Writes two Original Pieces for West One Music
Songwriter Diana Yukawa has completed two pieces of music for West One Music for their latest album release, Inspiring Minimalism

The album is described as minimalism inspired, elegant and uplifting themes with piano and orchestra and it was released on the West One Music label in February 2014.



Diana wrote two tracks for the album. The first, “Life Sanctuary” is a sparse, futuristic and atmospheric soundscape evolving into luxurious flowing string lines. The second piece “Dream Weaving” is a tender and elegant classical piano piece with string textures, building throughout to an uplifting orchestral climax.

There is no doubt that there will be many more pieces to follow.


Diana Yukawa on West One
Violinist and Songwriter Diana Yukawa Website

Monday, 13 January 2014

Diana Interview on InterFM London Hit Radio

 

Diana talked to DJs Guy Perryman and Madoka Kato about her recent performance at the BCCJ British Business Awards, about how and why she became a violinist and songwriter, her favourite part of being a violinist as well as talking about her upcoming projects.

The interview also featured a live performance by Diana of City of Shadows, a piece written by Diana from her latest EP, Finding the Parallel which was released last year in Europe and the US.
The 30min interview also featured Sukiyaki Song from Diana’s debut album as well as Magnolia, a piece written by Diana Yukawa from The Butterfly Effect the was released in 2009 with Sony Music.


Listen to the London Hit Radio show here.


London Hit Radio is Japan’s only programme dedicated all UK and European music, entertainment and guest interview.

The show has on air since April 2012 hosted by Guy Perryman and Madoka “Maddie” Kato.

Broadcast in Tokyo 76.1 InterFM
Monday – Thursday 2:00-4:00pm

Violinist Diana Yukawa
London Hit Radio

Diana Yukawa Dazzles Audience at British Business Awards




The Violinist and Songwriter took to the stage, performing a number of pieces from her latest EP release “Finding the Parallel” – the first live performance of these tracks in Japan following their release in the Europe and US earlier last year.

Furthermore, Diana lit things up with her illuminated dress which was custom made specifically for the performance fusing perfectly with the 360 degree projection at the venue – a truly dazzling affair.

The event, on 1st November 2013 was the seventh year that the British Business Awards (BBA) has recognised excellence - promoting success and innovation across all industries orgonised by the British Chamber of Commerce.

The event welcomed over 220 guests at the luxurious surroundings of the Mandarin Oriental on the evening of November 1 2013, supported by a number of prolific British companies including British Airways, Royal Bank of Scotland, The Financial Times, Virgin Atlantic, Burberry and Penhaligons.

Inter FM's London Hit Radio (LHR) DJs Guy Perryman and Madoka Kato, were the bi-lingual Masters of Ceremony for the second consecutive year. You can listen to Diana’s post awards interview on London Hit Radio here.

The 2013 BBA trophies, were presented to winners by the British Ambassador to Japan, Tim Hitchens. Nominees and winners included British Airways, Guy Perryman, Bentley Motors, Rolls Royce and Lush.

The event was part of Diana’s month long schedule in the region ahead of a number of upcoming projects due for release this year, including her next album.
Violinist Diana Yukawa
British Business Awards

Diana Yukawa Performs at British Embassy Japan for UK Music Industry

 

The event which took place on 28th October, was scheduled as part of Diana’s month long trip to the region ahead of a number of upcoming projects due for release this year, including her next album.

As part of the British Government’s GREAT campaign, showcasing the best of what Britain has to offer, Tim Hitchens, British Ambassador to Japan, hosted the reception at the British Embassy Tokyo to launch a ‘GREAT Creative Week in Japan’, promoting British companies with creative and innovative expertise in the design, fashion and music sectors.

Sponsored by MINI Japan and Bombay Sapphire, the event brought together British companies from the creative sector with stakeholders and potential partners in Japan. Entertainment was provided by the British-Japanese violinist Diana Yukawa before a series of Pecha Kucha inspired mini-presentations.

The 2013 GREAT Week Japan featured bespoke programmes for UK Fashion, Design and Digital Music companies. 60 representatives from 44 UK companies participated to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese market and discover opportunities for their business.
As is often the case, Diana’s performance and original music is used as to bridge for organisations with invested interest in UK and Japan (and vice versa), given the violinists shared heritage.

The Violinist and Songwriter considers both the UK and Japan as her home so long may the association continue…
Violinist Diana Yukawa
Great Week Japan