Music
Press
[Up@2] has a very put-together sound, a powerful style. It's hard to believe they're not already touring the country. Tzaddi's voice sends tremors--strong and beautiful...their harmonies are moving and cool.
We were very impressed with the way they pull off Nada SouSou. As a Japanese folk song that [the original artists and cover artists] have done, it was popular, but those other guys are now forgettable. It's an American song now. This can't be called a "copy"--it's a cover with a great, original arrangement. We'd like to see Up@2 take this abroad.
...we often go ahead and comment on how local bands can improve their act, but all we can offer these two is applause. Wow. What a cool sound.
--Yoko Azuma and DJ Mei - Sakura
Discography
Concert ONE: Live (maxi-single)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The two kids in class with all of the talent and none of the gumption get thrown together in a karaoke box and form an explosive chemical reaction. That's Up@2.
Tzaddi Bondi played supporting roles as actor and chorus member with the Western Stage in California as well as through college. Previously too shy to take center stage, now she's all for being the center of attention! An actor's polish and a stadium-sized shining personality.
Joelle Bacic's first musical experience was as the winner of the songwriting competition at the Willamette Valley Folk Festival with "Johnny Will You Wait". Overwhelmed by all the other talent, retired immediately.
Ten years later, both now in Japan, Joelle and Tzaddi were invited to the same karaoke gathering. Tzaddi crooned Whitney Houston and Faith Hill while Joelle sang Elton John and Depeche Mode. Nauseating the others with countless duets ranging from Lionel Richie & Diana Ross and Peabo Bryson & Regina Bell to the Human League's poppy boy & girl vocals, this was UP@2's first performance. Improv one might call it.
Not bad for two people who didn't know each other.
On their third performance as a band, they won the local Battle of the Bands contest by playing 2 original tunes, "Muse" and "So Meet Me There."
They gained the attention of a former Japanese folk singer who opened his bar to them with the words "play here any time you want." All subsequent gigs at Acoustic Bear and all other gigging opportunities have been pitched at Up@2. It just goes to show: Their sound is contagious.
Links
