Koji [Artist Highlight]

Artist: Koji
Hometown: Harrisburg, PA.
Record Label: Run For Cover
Artists With Similar Fire: Kevin Devine / Matt Pryor / Bright Eyes

Andrew Koji Shiraki is an American artist and activist from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He can be seen advocating with organizations such as Resolve and Invisible Children on behalf of child soldiers in Africa and with Humility Now helping raise awareness about homelessness. His concerts feature a combination of music, storytelling, media and visual art, all aimed at empowering youth to build community and create positive, lasting change.

Since 2010, Koji has released several recordings including full-length 12″ splits with both Into It. Over It. and La Dispute. His split with Into It. Over It. was lauded by the Associated Press as one of 2010’s Most Overlooked Albums, alongside artists like Mumford and Sons and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. His split with La Dispute was released amidst the “Resolve Tour,” where he performed in addition to sharing video and photography, conducting community round table discussions and collecting petition signatures and letters to congress seeking funding for the endangered LRA Strategy (it was eventually funded because of the youth advocacy community).

In 2012 Koji entered Studio 4 with producer Will Yip (Circa Survive, Lauryn Hill) to record his debut full-length. Supported by members of the Lauryn Hill band, La Dispute, Title Fight and Balance & Composure, Koji’s striking LP Crooked In My Mind (Out April 30) delivers on the promise set forth on past recordings and in his inspiring live performances. This collection of songs are his most soulful and tuneful yet. Twanging acoustic guitar chimes with powerfully rhythmic drums and delicate, singing strings in a downright mesmerising and moving way. Emotionally charged, full and folky, Crooked In My Mind is a burning statement of faith in humanity’s potential to harness the good in people.

For more information on Koji visit:
Koji Website
Koji Facebook
Run For Cover Records

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Christopher Anthony

Christopher Anthony, a passionate supporter of new music, managed a record store and produced alternative video shows in the '90s. Transitioning into the 2000s, he became a prolific music blogger, chronicling the scene with a positive view. His mission: to discover the latest indie releases and share them with you!

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