Kevin Kmetz

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Kevin Kmetz is a guitarist and shamisen master. He is most well-known as the front man of the shamisen-based rock band, God of Shamisen. He has also recently become a full member of Santa Cruz, California eclectic band Estradasphere along with fellow God of Shamisen member Lee Smith. He is the first foreigner in history to win the honorary Daijo Kazuo Award at the Tsugaru Shamisen Championship Competition in Kanagi, Japan on May 5, 2005 and the "Judges Choice" Award at the Hirosaki Championship tournament May 4, 2005. In both 2006 and 2007, Kevin placed Nyusho (runner-up) at Hirosaki and Jyun Yuusho (2nd place) at Kanagi.

He received his BFA Music composition degree from Cal Arts School of Music in 1995. Performed with the J.S. Bach Experience in the late 90s and moved to Santa Cruz in 2003.

Other bands Kevin Kmetz has performed with include Fishtank Ensemble, JS Bach Experience, Carne Cruda and El Douje. He has also performed in Japan with a band called Shirakami.

Background: BFA Music composition degree from Cal Arts School of Music (1995). Performed with the J.S. Bach Experience in the late 90s and moved to Santa Cruz in 2003. after approximately 20 years as a rock guitarist and wacky composer, Kevin was kidnapped in northern Japan where he was forced to learn the local art of Tsugaru Shamisen. Emerging as a shamisen master, Kevin returned to his new home in Santa Cruz, California, where he is currently working intensely with the phenomenal Estradasphere. Kevin's goal is to create a true fusion of cultures by combining traditional Tsugaru Shamisen with modern rock, surf, metal, funk & noise!

Musical Influences & Inspirations: Kinoshita Shinichi, Cryptopsy, J.S. Bach.